DoD's $20.8M R&D Contract with SYNDETIX INC awarded via Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $20,849,165 ($20.8M)
Contractor: Syndetix Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2004-04-26
End Date: 2008-10-24
Contract Duration: 1,642 days
Daily Burn Rate: $12.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Place of Performance
Location: LAS CRUCES, DOÑA ANA County, NEW MEXICO, 88001
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $20.8 million to SYNDETIX INC for work described as: Key points: 1. Contract value of $20.8 million for Research and Development. 2. Awarded by the Department of the Army, part of the Department of Defense. 3. Utilized Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources, indicating a competitive process. 4. Contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, common for R&D projects. 5. Performance period spans over 4 years.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed closely. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult without more specific project details.
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,' suggesting a competitive process was initiated but specific sources were excluded. This method aims for fair pricing but exclusion could limit the competitive pool.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are utilized for R&D, with the effectiveness and ultimate value dependent on the project's success and innovation.
Public Impact
Supports technological advancement within the Department of Defense. Potential for new discoveries or innovations in physical, engineering, or life sciences. Contract duration of over 4 years suggests a significant, long-term research effort. Funding allocated for research and development, a key area for national security.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can incentivize higher costs.
- Exclusion of sources may limit competition and potentially impact price discovery.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes value assessment challenging.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through a competitive process.
- Focus on R&D aligns with strategic defense goals.
- Long contract duration indicates a substantial project.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically for Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining a technological edge, with benchmarks varying widely based on the specific research domain and agency.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further investigation would be needed to assess small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by the Department of the Army, part of the Department of Defense. Standard oversight mechanisms for federal contracts would apply, focusing on performance, cost, and compliance.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure.
- Limited competition due to source exclusion.
- Lack of specific project details hinders in-depth value assessment.
- Contract performance data not readily available.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, nm, do, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $20.8 million to SYNDETIX INC. See the official description on USAspending.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SYNDETIX INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $20.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2004-04-26. End: 2008-10-24.
What specific R&D objectives were pursued under this contract, and how do they align with current defense priorities?
The contract focused on 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.' Without further details on the specific project scope, it's challenging to definitively link it to current defense priorities. However, R&D in these broad scientific fields is generally aligned with enhancing military capabilities, improving operational effectiveness, and developing next-generation technologies for national security.
What were the key factors that led to the exclusion of certain sources in this 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources' award?
The exclusion of sources typically occurs when specific capabilities, technologies, or proprietary information are required that only a limited number of vendors possess. This could be due to unique expertise, existing intellectual property, or specialized facilities. While aiming for competition, such exclusions can sometimes limit the breadth of innovative solutions and potentially impact the final negotiated price.
How was the 'Fixed Fee' component determined in this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, and what mechanisms were in place to ensure it represented fair value?
The fixed fee in a CPFF contract is negotiated at the outset and represents the contractor's profit. It's typically based on the estimated cost of the work, the complexity of the project, and the perceived risk. Fair value is assessed through negotiation, comparison to similar contracts, and potentially independent cost analysis by the government. However, the CPFF structure itself can incentivize cost growth, making close government oversight crucial.
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 › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Contractor Details
Address: 2820 N TELSHOR BOULEVARD, LAS CRUCES, NM, 02
Business Categories: Category Business, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: DASG6297D0113
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2004-04-26
Current End Date: 2008-10-24
Potential End Date: 2008-10-24 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2013-03-12
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