DoD's $50M R&D Contract for Planning Support Awarded to Applied Research Associates, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $50,187,841 ($50.2M)
Contractor: Applied Research Associates, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2016-07-01
End Date: 2021-06-30
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $27.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF BASE- PLANNING SUPPORT&ANALYSIS -RDTE
Place of Performance
Location: FORT BELVOIR, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22060
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $50.2 million to APPLIED RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF BASE- PLANNING SUPPORT&ANALYSIS -RDTE Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Applied Research Associates, Inc. for R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration is 5 years, ending June 30, 2021. 4. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. 5. The NAICS code 541712 indicates a focus on research and development services.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can be less predictable in final cost compared to fixed-price contracts. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult without more specific cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for research and development, with the expectation of future technological advancements or strategic advantages.
Public Impact
Supports Department of Defense research and development initiatives. Contracting for specialized R&D services in physical, engineering, and life sciences. Potential for advancements in defense technologies and strategies. Long-term contract (5 years) indicates ongoing need for these services.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost uncertainty.
- Limited insight into specific deliverables and their value.
- No indication of small business participation.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Supports critical defense research and development.
- Long contract duration suggests sustained need and potential for deep expertise development.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for technological advancement but can be subject to cost overruns due to the inherent uncertainties in R&D.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further investigation would be needed to confirm the extent of small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the Department of Defense's Defense Threat Reduction Agency. Oversight would focus on ensuring research objectives are met within the agreed-upon cost structure and timeline.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Lack of specific performance metrics or deliverables in provided data.
- No apparent small business participation.
- Long contract duration without clear phase gates.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $50.2 million to APPLIED RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF BASE- PLANNING SUPPORT&ANALYSIS -RDTE
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 (Defense Threat Reduction Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $50.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2016-07-01. End: 2021-06-30.
What specific R&D outcomes are expected from this contract, and how will their value be measured?
The specific R&D outcomes are not detailed in the provided data. Value measurement would typically involve milestones, prototypes, reports, or successful testing of developed technologies. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency would establish key performance indicators and deliverables to assess the contract's success and the value derived from the research.
What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for R&D, and how are they mitigated?
The primary risk is cost overrun, as the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee. Mitigation involves robust oversight, clear definition of allowable costs, performance metrics, and potentially incentive clauses. The agency must actively monitor expenditures and progress to ensure costs remain reasonable and aligned with research goals.
How does this contract contribute to the overall mission effectiveness of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency?
This contract likely supports the agency's mission by funding research into advanced technologies or methodologies that enhance threat reduction capabilities. The R&D could lead to improved intelligence, detection, or response mechanisms against specific threats, thereby directly contributing to national security objectives and the agency's strategic goals.
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: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: HDTRA112R0016
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 4300 SAN MATEO BLVD NE STE A220, ALBUQUERQUE, NM, 87110
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $51,295,859
Exercised Options: $51,295,859
Current Obligation: $50,187,841
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 16
Total Subaward Amount: $10,062,157
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HDTRA114D0003
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2016-07-01
Current End Date: 2021-06-30
Potential End Date: 2021-06-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-22
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