DoD Awards $13.8M for Technical Areas (TAS) Software Development to Applied Research Associates
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $13,837,659 ($13.8M)
Contractor: Applied Research Associates, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2007-05-02
End Date: 2010-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,247 days
Daily Burn Rate: $11.1K/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: NEW DELIVERY ORDER FOR TECHNICAL AREAS (TAS) TO INCLUDE SSGS 7.0.19 AND 7.0.20
Place of Performance
Location: PANAMA CITY, BAY County, FLORIDA, 32403
State: Florida Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $13.8 million to APPLIED RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC. for work described as: NEW DELIVERY ORDER FOR TECHNICAL AREAS (TAS) TO INCLUDE SSGS 7.0.19 AND 7.0.20 Key points: 1. Spending focuses on R&D for advanced software, specifically SSGS 7.0.19 and 7.0.20. 2. Contract awarded to Applied Research Associates, Inc., a single entity. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Award Fee, indicating performance-based incentives. 4. This falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically NAICS 541710.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Award Fee structure can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. Benchmarking is difficult without specific deliverables and performance metrics.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' suggesting a limited competition. This method may not yield the most competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced R&D, with potential for innovation but also risk of inefficient spending due to limited competition.
Public Impact
Investment in advanced software development for potential defense applications. Supports technological advancement within the Department of the Air Force. Potential for long-term benefits if the software proves effective and critical.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition raises concerns about price optimization.
- Cost Plus Award Fee contracts require diligent oversight to control costs.
Positive Signals
- Focus on critical R&D for the Air Force.
- Potential for significant technological advancement.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, characterized by high innovation potential but also inherent risks. Spending benchmarks for specific software development projects like this can vary widely based on complexity and novelty.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific allocation or consideration for small businesses in this contract award. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The 'Department of the Air Force' is the awarding agency, implying internal oversight mechanisms. However, the 'Cost Plus Award Fee' structure necessitates robust program management and financial oversight to ensure value for money.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition may lead to higher costs.
- Cost Plus Award Fee contracts require stringent oversight.
- Lack of detailed technical scope makes value assessment difficult.
- Potential for cost overruns if performance metrics are not well-defined.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, fl, do, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $13.8 million to APPLIED RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC.. NEW DELIVERY ORDER FOR TECHNICAL AREAS (TAS) TO INCLUDE SSGS 7.0.19 AND 7.0.20
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is APPLIED RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC..
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 $13.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2007-05-02. End: 2010-09-30.
What specific technical areas (TAS) and functionalities do SSGS 7.0.19 and 7.0.20 encompass, and how do they align with current Air Force needs?
The specific functionalities of SSGS 7.0.19 and 7.0.20 are not detailed in the provided data. Understanding the precise technical areas and their alignment with Air Force strategic objectives is crucial for assessing the value and necessity of this $13.8 million investment. Without this context, it's difficult to determine if the spending directly addresses critical operational or developmental requirements.
What was the rationale for excluding other sources, and how was the 'limited competition' justified to ensure fair pricing?
The justification for 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' is key to understanding the competitive landscape. Typically, this implies that only one or a few sources were deemed capable of meeting the requirement. The agency must have documented why other sources were excluded. Assessing whether this exclusion was valid and if the resulting price reflects fair market value requires reviewing the agency's justification and potentially comparing it to similar R&D contracts.
How will the 'Award Fee' component be assessed, and what metrics will determine contractor performance and bonus payouts?
The 'Cost Plus Award Fee' (CPAF) structure means the contractor receives cost reimbursement plus a fee that can be adjusted based on performance. Understanding the specific performance standards, evaluation criteria, and the range of potential award fees is essential for assessing effectiveness. Without these details, it's impossible to gauge how well contractor performance will be incentivized and whether the government will achieve optimal outcomes for its investment.
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 › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
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: 4300 SAN MATEO BLVD NE STE A220, ALBUQUERQUE, NM, 01
Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $14,443,735
Exercised Options: $14,443,735
Current Obligation: $13,837,659
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA481907D0001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2007-05-02
Current End Date: 2010-09-30
Potential End Date: 2010-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2010-09-27
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