DoD's $30.7M R&D Contract with Odyssey Systems: Full & Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $30,670,429 ($30.7M)

Contractor: Odyssey Systems Consulting Group, Ltd.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2015-10-16

End Date: 2018-11-17

Contract Duration: 1,128 days

Daily Burn Rate: $27.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::CT::IGF PROFESSIONAL ACQUISITION SUPPORT SERVICES TASK ORDER

Place of Performance

Location: WAKEFIELD, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01880

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $30.7 million to ODYSSEY SYSTEMS CONSULTING GROUP, LTD. for work described as: IGF::CT::IGF PROFESSIONAL ACQUISITION SUPPORT SERVICES TASK ORDER Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Odyssey Systems Consulting Group, Ltd. for R&D services. 2. Utilized full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating a competitive process. 3. The contract value is $30.7 million over a period of 1128 days. 4. The NAICS code 541712 suggests research in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 5. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs for the government.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's fixed-price nature provides cost certainty. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts in the physical sciences would be necessary for a definitive value assessment, but the competitive award suggests a reasonable price was sought.

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 method implies that while some sources may have been initially excluded, the final award was made through a competitive process, likely ensuring fair market price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by securing services at a fair price.

Public Impact

Supports advanced research and development initiatives within the Department of the Air Force. Potential for technological advancements stemming from the contracted R&D efforts. The competitive nature of the award suggests a focus on obtaining best value for the government. Long-term contract duration indicates a sustained need for specialized R&D expertise.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in R&D contracts.
Reliance on a single contractor for a significant duration.
Need to monitor performance closely to ensure R&D objectives are met.

Positive Signals

Competitive award process.
Firm fixed-price contract type.
Clear NAICS code indicating specific R&D focus.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is critical for innovation and national security, with significant government investment typically seen in areas like aerospace, defense technology, and advanced materials.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved in this specific contract award. Further analysis would be needed to determine subcontracting opportunities or prime awards to small businesses within this R&D domain.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract's duration and value suggest it would be subject to standard oversight mechanisms within the Department of the Air Force to ensure progress and adherence to contract terms. Performance reviews and milestone tracking are likely in place.

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

Potential for R&D project delays.
Risk of cost overruns if not managed tightly (though mitigated by FFP).
Dependence on contractor's technical expertise.
Need for robust government oversight to ensure deliverables meet R&D goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $30.7 million to ODYSSEY SYSTEMS CONSULTING GROUP, LTD.. IGF::CT::IGF PROFESSIONAL ACQUISITION SUPPORT SERVICES TASK ORDER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ODYSSEY SYSTEMS CONSULTING GROUP, LTD..

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 $30.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2015-10-16. End: 2018-11-17.

What specific R&D advancements were achieved under this contract, and did they meet the projected outcomes?

Assessing the specific R&D advancements requires access to performance reports and technical documentation. Without these, it's difficult to quantify the direct impact. However, the contract's completion suggests that the Air Force deemed the outcomes satisfactory enough to fulfill the contract's objectives, contributing to the broader R&D goals within the specified scientific domain.

How did the 'exclusion of sources' in the competition process potentially affect the final price and innovation?

The 'exclusion of sources' clause suggests that certain vendors were not considered for reasons outlined in the solicitation. While the subsequent 'full and open competition' aimed for broad participation among eligible entities, the initial exclusion could have limited the pool of potential bidders. This might have influenced the final price and the range of innovative approaches considered, depending on the justification for the exclusion.

What is the long-term strategic value of this R&D investment for the Department of Defense?

The long-term strategic value hinges on the nature of the R&D conducted. If it led to breakthroughs in critical defense technologies, enhanced operational capabilities, or cost-saving innovations, its value is substantial. R&D investments are inherently forward-looking, aiming to maintain a technological edge and address future security challenges, making their strategic importance often realized over extended periods.

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: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 201 EDGEWATER DR STE 270, WAKEFIELD, MA, 01880

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $43,916,562

Exercised Options: $37,731,953

Current Obligation: $30,670,429

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA872113D0002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline