DoD's $22.1M Atomic Navigation R&D Contract Awarded to Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $22,141,602 ($22.1M)
Contractor: Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2016-03-15
End Date: 2023-03-15
Contract Duration: 2,556 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.7K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF ATOMIC NAVIGATION AND TIMING
Place of Performance
Location: LOGAN, CACHE County, UTAH, 84341
State: Utah Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $22.1 million to UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY SPACE DYNAMICS LABORATORY for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF ATOMIC NAVIGATION AND TIMING Key points: 1. Significant investment in advanced R&D for navigation and timing. 2. Sole-source award to a university research lab suggests specialized capabilities. 3. Long contract duration (2016-2023) indicates ongoing project needs. 4. Potential for innovation in critical defense technologies.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's cost-plus-fixed-fee structure can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns, but the $22.1M total award over seven years suggests a moderate annual spend for specialized R&D.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially increases costs compared to a competitive process. The justification for sole-source likely relates to unique research capabilities of the Space Dynamics Laboratory.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed towards a specific research entity without exploring potentially more cost-effective alternatives through competition.
Public Impact
Advancement of critical atomic navigation and timing technologies for national security. Support for academic research institutions contributing to defense innovation. Potential for spin-off technologies benefiting civilian applications. Long-term investment in specialized scientific expertise.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition may lead to higher costs.
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts can incentivize spending.
- Long duration may not reflect current market rates.
Positive Signals
- Supports critical R&D in a specialized field.
- Leverages unique university research capabilities.
- Potential for technological breakthroughs.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for technological advancement but can be high-risk due to the inherent uncertainties of research. Benchmarks vary widely based on the specific R&D area.
Small Business Impact
The award went to Utah State University, a large research institution, not a small business. There is no indication of small business subcontracting in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract's long duration and sole-source nature warrant close oversight to ensure efficient use of funds and alignment with evolving research objectives. Regular reviews of progress and costs are essential.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits competitive pricing.
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee structure can lead to cost overruns.
- Lack of detailed performance metrics in summary data.
- Long contract duration may not reflect current market conditions.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ut, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $22.1 million to UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY SPACE DYNAMICS LABORATORY. IGF::OT::IGF ATOMIC NAVIGATION AND TIMING
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY SPACE DYNAMICS LABORATORY.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Air Force).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $22.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2016-03-15. End: 2023-03-15.
What specific technological advancements were achieved through this $22.1M investment in atomic navigation and timing R&D?
The provided data does not detail the specific technological advancements. Further analysis would require reviewing project reports, technical documentation, and performance metrics associated with the contract to assess the tangible outcomes and their impact on DoD capabilities. Understanding the deliverables is key to evaluating the value.
Given the sole-source nature, how was the fixed fee determined to ensure it was reasonable for the R&D effort?
Determining the reasonableness of the fixed fee without proprietary cost data is challenging. Typically, agencies use historical data from similar sole-source contracts, independent cost estimates, or benchmark rates for specialized research personnel and facilities. The contracting officer would have had to justify the fee based on available information and negotiation.
What is the long-term strategic value of this R&D investment for the Department of Defense's future navigation and timing capabilities?
The long-term value lies in potentially developing next-generation navigation and timing systems that are more resilient, accurate, and secure than current technologies. This could reduce reliance on vulnerable GPS signals and enhance operational effectiveness in contested environments. The research may also lead to breakthroughs applicable across multiple defense platforms.
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 › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Utah State University (UEI: 072983455)
Address: 1695 N RESEARCH PKWY, NORTH LOGAN, UT, 84341
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Foundation, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $22,808,753
Exercised Options: $22,808,753
Current Obligation: $22,141,602
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 2
Total Subaward Amount: $1,840,000
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA945316D0004
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2016-03-15
Current End Date: 2023-03-15
Potential End Date: 2023-03-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-11-15
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