Navy awards $127.7M for Electronics & Communication Equip R&D to University of Texas at Austin

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,333,000 ($10.3M)

Contractor: University of Texas AT Austin

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2005-04-28

End Date: 2010-03-31

Contract Duration: 1,798 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.7K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: 200512!052697!1700!N00024!NAVAL SEA SYSTEMS COMMAND !N0002401D6600 !A!N! !Y!0348 ! !20050428!20090427!127688380!170230239!042000273!N!UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN !10000 BURNET RD !AUSTIN !TX!78758!05000!453!48!AUSTIN !TRAVIS !TEXAS !+000003710000!N!N!000000000000!AC63!RDTE/ELECTRONICS & COMMUNICATION EQ-ADV TECH DEV !A7 !ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION EQUIP !000 !* !541710!E! !5!B!S! ! !B!20060101!B! ! !N!B!D!N!U!1!001!N!3A!Z!Y!Z! ! !N!Z!N! ! ! ! ! !A!A!000!A!C!N! ! ! ! !1700!N00024!0001! !

Place of Performance

Location: AUSTIN, TRAVIS County, TEXAS, 78758

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $10.3 million to UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN for work described as: 200512!052697!1700!N00024!NAVAL SEA SYSTEMS COMMAND !N0002401D6600 !A!N! !Y!0348 ! !20050428!20090427!127688380!170230239!042000273!N!UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN !10000 BURNET RD !AUSTIN !TX!78758!05000!453!48!AUSTIN !TRAV… Key points: 1. The contract focuses on advanced technology development in electronics and communication. 2. This is a sole-source award, raising questions about competition and price discovery. 3. The University of Texas at Austin is the sole awardee, indicating specialized capabilities. 4. The sector is Research and Development, crucial for future technological advancements.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value is $127.7 million. Without comparable contracts for similar R&D services, a precise pricing assessment is difficult. However, the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure can sometimes lead to higher costs if not managed tightly.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning competition was not sought. This limits the government's ability to ensure the best possible price through market forces and may result in a higher cost to taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition for this sole-source award could lead to a higher expenditure of taxpayer funds than if multiple vendors had been allowed to bid.

Public Impact

Advancement in critical electronics and communication technologies benefits national security. Potential for technological breakthroughs that could have broader civilian applications. Investment in academic research institutions fosters innovation and a skilled workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competition.
Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type.
Lack of clear performance metrics in provided data.

Positive Signals

Award to a reputable university.
Focus on advanced technology development.
Potential for significant technological advancement.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on electronics and communication equipment. Spending in this area is vital for maintaining technological superiority but can be subject to cost overruns due to the inherent uncertainties of R&D.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this sole-source award. The focus appears to be on a specific research institution's capabilities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically involve monitoring the progress of research, adherence to the fixed fee, and ensuring the university meets the contract's technical objectives. The effectiveness of oversight is not detailed in the provided data.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Navy Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract
Potential for cost overruns in R&D
Lack of transparency in competition justification

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $10.3 million to UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN. 200512!052697!1700!N00024!NAVAL SEA SYSTEMS COMMAND !N0002401D6600 !A!N! !Y!0348 ! !20050428!20090427!127688380!170230239!042000273!N!UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN !10000 BURNET RD !AUSTIN !TX!78758!05000!453!48!AUSTIN !TRAVIS !TEXAS !+000003710000!N!N!000000000000!AC63!RDTE/ELECTRONICS & COMMUNICATION EQ-ADV TECH DEV !A7 !ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION EQUIP !000 !* !541710!E! !5!B!S! ! !B!200

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $10.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2005-04-28. End: 2010-03-31.

What specific technological advancements are expected from this R&D effort, and how do they align with current defense needs?

The contract specifies 'ELECTRONICS & COMMUNICATION EQ-ADV TECH DEV.' While the exact advancements are not detailed, the focus suggests development in areas like advanced signal processing, secure communication systems, or novel electronic warfare capabilities. These are critical for maintaining a technological edge in defense.

What is the justification for the sole-source award, and were any market research efforts conducted to identify potential competitors?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, specialized knowledge, or a critical need that only one entity can fulfill. Without further documentation, it's unclear if market research was performed or if the University of Texas at Austin possesses truly unique, indispensable expertise for this specific R&D.

How will the effectiveness of the R&D be measured, and what are the key performance indicators for this contract?

Effectiveness in R&D contracts is often measured by milestones, prototypes, technical reports, and the successful demonstration of new technologies. Specific KPIs for this contract are not provided, but would likely include achieving defined research objectives and delivering functional prototypes or advanced designs within the project timeline.

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: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: University of Texas System (UEI: 042000273)

Address: 10000 BURNET RD, AUSTIN, TX, 90

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Government, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public), U.S. Regional/State Government

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0002401D6600

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline