Navy Awards $107M for R&D Manufacturing Tech, Full & Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $10,738,750 ($10.7M)
Contractor: South Carolina Research Authority
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2007-12-06
End Date: 2014-06-30
Contract Duration: 2,398 days
Daily Burn Rate: $4.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: R&D-MANUFACTURING TECH-COMERCLIZ
Place of Performance
Location: NORTH CHARLESTON, CHARLESTON County, SOUTH CAROLINA, 29418
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $10.7 million to SOUTH CAROLINA RESEARCH AUTHORITY for work described as: R&D-MANUFACTURING TECH-COMERCLIZ Key points: 1. Significant investment in advanced manufacturing R&D. 2. Full and open competition after exclusion of sources suggests a structured procurement process. 3. Cost Plus Award Fee contract type can incentivize performance but requires careful oversight. 4. Focus on commercialization indicates a goal of market viability for developed technologies.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $107M over approximately 7 years is substantial for R&D. Benchmarking against similar large-scale manufacturing R&D contracts would be necessary for a precise value assessment, but the competitive nature suggests a reasonable price discovery.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' method indicates that initial solicitations may have been limited, but the final award was made through a broad competitive process. This approach aims to maximize competition while potentially addressing specific technological needs.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process is intended to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for R&D with commercialization potential.
Public Impact
Advancement of critical manufacturing technologies for defense applications. Potential for new commercial products and economic growth in South Carolina. Creation of high-skill jobs in research and development sectors. Increased national competitiveness in advanced manufacturing.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contracts can lead to cost overruns if not managed strictly.
- The 'exclusion of sources' clause warrants scrutiny to ensure it did not unduly limit competition.
- Performance metrics and award fee criteria need to be robust to ensure desired outcomes.
Positive Signals
- Significant investment in a strategic technology area.
- Competitive award process suggests a focus on value for money.
- Emphasis on commercialization aligns with economic development goals.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector (NAICS 541710). Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement, with significant government investment aimed at fostering innovation and future capabilities.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates the prime contractor is SOUTH CAROLINA RESEARCH AUTHORITY, which is not explicitly identified as a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business subcontracting goals were established and met.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Navy, is responsible for oversight. The use of a Cost Plus Award Fee contract necessitates rigorous monitoring of performance and costs to ensure accountability and effective use of funds.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Navy Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns with CPAF contract type.
- Need for clear and measurable performance metrics.
- Ensuring the exclusion of sources did not limit competition unnecessarily.
- Tracking commercialization success and return on investment.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, sc, do, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $10.7 million to SOUTH CAROLINA RESEARCH AUTHORITY. R&D-MANUFACTURING TECH-COMERCLIZ
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SOUTH CAROLINA RESEARCH AUTHORITY.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $10.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2007-12-06. End: 2014-06-30.
What specific manufacturing technologies are being developed, and what is their projected impact on defense capabilities?
The contract focuses on 'R&D-MANUFACTURING TECH-COMERCLIZ'. While specific technologies are not detailed, the objective is to advance manufacturing processes and capabilities relevant to defense needs, potentially including areas like advanced materials, additive manufacturing, or robotics. The impact is expected to be enhanced production efficiency, improved weapon system performance, and greater supply chain resilience.
How effectively were potential competitors identified and excluded prior to the full and open competition phase?
The 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' clause suggests a deliberate process. Agencies typically exclude sources when specific capabilities, intellectual property, or unique circumstances necessitate it. A review of the justification for exclusion would reveal if it was well-founded and if the subsequent full and open competition truly maximized the bidder pool.
What are the key performance indicators and award fee criteria used to assess contractor performance and ensure value for money?
For a Cost Plus Award Fee contract, key performance indicators (KPIs) are critical. These likely relate to technical milestones, project completion timelines, budget adherence, and the successful demonstration of developed technologies. The award fee criteria would directly link contractor performance against these KPIs, incentivizing the achievement of superior results and ensuring taxpayer value.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › ECONOMIC GROWTH/PRODUCTIVITY R&D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 5300 INTERNATIONAL BLVD, NORTH CHARLEST, SC
Business Categories: Category Business, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $13,161,126
Exercised Options: $13,041,126
Current Obligation: $10,738,750
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: N0001406D0045
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2007-12-06
Current End Date: 2014-06-30
Potential End Date: 2014-06-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2014-02-28
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