DoD Awards $26.4M R&D Contract to Astrion Group for Research in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $26,359,806 ($26.4M)
Contractor: Astrion Group, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2012-03-30
End Date: 2030-09-30
Contract Duration: 6,758 days
Daily Burn Rate: $3.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: TASK ORDER 0003 INITIALIZED
Place of Performance
Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35898
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $26.4 million to ASTRION GROUP, LLC for work described as: TASK ORDER 0003 INITIALIZED Key points: 1. Significant R&D investment in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. Contract awarded via full and open competition after exclusion of sources. 3. Long performance period (2012-2030) suggests a substantial, ongoing project. 4. Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type may incentivize cost overruns. 5. No explicit small business set-aside noted.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $26.4 million over an 18-year period (2012-2030) is substantial. Benchmarking is difficult without specific deliverables, but the long duration suggests significant scope. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure warrants scrutiny for potential cost escalation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources.' This indicates an initial competitive process, but the 'exclusion of sources' clause suggests specific criteria were applied, potentially limiting the pool of bidders. The pricing discovery relies on the initial competitive bids.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are allocated for advanced research and development, aiming for technological advancements. The long-term nature and cost-plus structure necessitate careful oversight to ensure value for money.
Public Impact
Advancement of critical R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. Potential for new technologies and scientific breakthroughs. Long-term government commitment to research initiatives. Economic impact through contract with Astrion Group.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee structure
- Long contract duration
- Potential for scope creep
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition
- Focus on critical R&D areas
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology), a sector crucial for national security and technological advancement. Spending in this area is typically high and driven by innovation needs.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small business participation was not a primary set-aside consideration for this specific contract (ss: false, sb: false). Efforts to ensure small businesses benefit from subcontracting opportunities would be important for broader economic impact.
Oversight & Accountability
The long duration and cost-plus-fixed-fee nature of this contract necessitate robust oversight from the Department of the Army to ensure efficient use of funds and adherence to research objectives. Regular performance reviews and cost audits are critical.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee structure may lead to cost overruns.
- Long contract duration increases risk of scope creep and changing requirements.
- Lack of explicit small business set-aside.
- Limited detail on specific research objectives and expected outcomes.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, al, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $26.4 million to ASTRION GROUP, LLC. TASK ORDER 0003 INITIALIZED
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ASTRION GROUP, LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $26.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2012-03-30. End: 2030-09-30.
What specific research objectives does this contract aim to achieve, and how do they align with current DoD priorities?
The contract's broad NAICS code (541712) covers extensive R&D. Specific objectives are not detailed here, but they likely align with the Department of Defense's strategic goals for technological superiority in areas like advanced materials, engineering solutions, or life sciences relevant to defense applications. Further documentation would clarify the precise research scope and its strategic importance.
How will the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure be managed to prevent excessive spending over the contract's long duration?
Effective management of a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract requires stringent oversight, detailed cost tracking, and regular audits. The Army must establish clear performance metrics and milestones, ensuring that Astrion Group justifies all incurred costs. Fixed fee adjustments should be tied to performance and adherence to budget, with penalties for inefficiencies or cost overruns beyond reasonable justification.
What is the expected return on investment or technological advancement anticipated from this $26.4 million R&D expenditure?
The return on investment for R&D is inherently uncertain and long-term. The anticipated outcome is the development of novel technologies or scientific understanding that enhances DoD capabilities, provides a strategic advantage, or leads to cost savings in future applications. The success will be measured by the successful transition of research findings into practical defense solutions or improved operational effectiveness.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 4901 CORPORATE DR STE E, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35805
Business Categories: Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $26,359,806
Exercised Options: $26,359,806
Current Obligation: $26,359,806
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: W31P4Q10D0009
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2012-03-30
Current End Date: 2030-09-30
Potential End Date: 2030-09-30 12:09:00
Last Modified: 2024-11-04
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