Air Force awards substantial task order to MIT for non-severable new start programs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $384,969,756 ($385.0M)

Contractor: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2016-07-14

End Date: 2029-12-31

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF MIT LL NON-SEVERABLE TASK ORDER CREATION FOR NEW START PROGRAMS

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $385.0 million to MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF MIT LL NON-SEVERABLE TASK ORDER CREATION FOR NEW START PROGRAMS Key points: 1. Significant funding allocated for long-term program development. 2. Sole-source award to a leading research institution. 3. Potential for innovation in critical defense technologies. 4. Long contract duration suggests complex, ongoing requirements.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award of over $384 million to MIT indicates a substantial investment in research and development. The non-severable nature of the task order suggests a commitment to a specific, long-term project.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This appears to be a sole-source award, likely due to MIT's unique expertise and established role in specific research areas. Justification for sole-source procurement should be thoroughly documented.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed to a single, highly specialized entity for critical program advancement.

Public Impact

Advancements in technology could have broad societal benefits. Potential for highly skilled job creation within the research sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Risk of cost overruns on long-term R&D projects.
Ensuring continued alignment with evolving defense needs.
Monitoring progress on non-severable contract requirements.

Positive Signals

Leveraging world-class research capabilities.
Potential for groundbreaking technological advancements.
Long-term strategic investment in national security.

Sector Analysis

This award falls within the advanced research and development sector, specifically supporting the Department of Defense's technological modernization efforts. MIT's involvement suggests a focus on cutting-edge science and engineering.

Small Business Impact

The sole-source nature of this award to a large research institution means small businesses are unlikely to be direct prime contractors. Subcontracting opportunities may exist, but are not guaranteed.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be critical to ensure the effective use of funds and the successful completion of program objectives. Regular reporting and milestone reviews are essential for accountability.

Related Government Programs

New Start Programs
Non-Severable Task Orders
Research and Development Contracts

Risk Flags

Sole-source justification
Long-term R&D cost management
Program scope creep

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $385.0 million to MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. IGF::OT::IGF MIT LL NON-SEVERABLE TASK ORDER CREATION FOR NEW START PROGRAMS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY.

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 $385.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2016-07-14. End: 2029-12-31.

Analysis insight 1

The non-severable nature of the task order implies that the work cannot be broken down into smaller, independently usable components.

Analysis insight 2

Understanding the specific 'new start programs' is key to assessing the strategic importance and potential impact of this funding.

Analysis insight 3

The long duration (2016-2029) suggests a phased approach to development and integration of new technologies.