GSA's $2.0M R&D Contract with APTIMA INC Faces Competition Concerns

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,019,231 ($2.0M)

Contractor: Aptima Inc

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2024-04-15

End Date: 2026-03-16

Contract Duration: 700 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.9K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: TO 14 MISSION FUSED INTELLIGENCE TIMELINE MISFIT

Place of Performance

Location: DAYTON, GREENE County, OHIO, 45433

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $2.0 million to APTIMA INC for work described as: TO 14 MISSION FUSED INTELLIGENCE TIMELINE MISFIT Key points: 1. The contract is for Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 2. APTIMA INC is the sole awardee, raising questions about competition. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns. 4. The sector is R&D, a critical area for innovation and national security.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $2.0M is not benchmarked against similar R&D contracts. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires careful monitoring to ensure value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not available for competition, indicating a limited approach. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for the R&D services.

Public Impact

Taxpayers may not be receiving the best value due to limited competition. The R&D outcomes could be impacted if alternative solutions were not explored. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates robust oversight to control costs.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
Lack of available benchmark data

Positive Signals

Supports critical R&D efforts
Potential for innovative solutions

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 requires careful management due to its inherent uncertainties and potential for cost escalation.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this procurement, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis is needed to determine if small business participation was considered or required.

Oversight & Accountability

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires stringent oversight to ensure that costs are reasonable and that the contractor is performing effectively. The General Services Administration (GSA) should provide detailed reporting on cost performance and progress towards R&D objectives.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
General Services Administration Contracting
Federal Acquisition Service Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of competitive bidding
Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure
Potential for cost overruns
Limited transparency on R&D outcomes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $2.0 million to APTIMA INC. TO 14 MISSION FUSED INTELLIGENCE TIMELINE MISFIT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is APTIMA INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-04-15. End: 2026-03-16.

What specific R&D objectives does this contract aim to achieve, and how will their successful completion be measured?

The contract aims to advance research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. Success will be measured by the delivery of specific research outcomes, prototypes, or scientific findings as outlined in the contract's statement of work. Performance metrics should track progress against milestones and the quality of deliverables.

What are the potential risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract in an R&D context, and how are they being mitigated?

Risks include potential cost overruns if R&D efforts prove more complex or time-consuming than anticipated, and contractor incentives to increase costs to maximize profit. Mitigation strategies involve rigorous cost monitoring, clear performance milestones, and strong government oversight to ensure efficiency and prevent unnecessary expenditures.

How does the limited competition impact the government's ability to ensure the most effective and cost-efficient R&D solutions are pursued?

Limited competition restricts the government's exposure to a wider range of innovative approaches and potentially lower pricing from multiple vendors. This necessitates a robust internal review process to validate the chosen approach and ensure the selected contractor's proposed solution is indeed the most effective and cost-efficient available.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 47QFLA24Q0054

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Aptima, Inc.

Address: 8 CABOT RD, WOBURN, MA, 01801

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,865,965

Exercised Options: $3,461,938

Current Obligation: $2,019,231

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QFLA19D0012

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline