Airfield pavement R&D contract awarded to Applied Research Associates for $16.6M, spanning 5 years

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,619,925 ($16.6M)

Contractor: Applied Research Associates, Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2020-06-01

End Date: 2025-05-31

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: AIRBASE TECHNOLOGIES III AIRFIELD PAVEMENT AND TECHNOLOGIES IGF OT IGF

Place of Performance

Location: PANAMA CITY, BAY County, FLORIDA, 32403

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $16.6 million to APPLIED RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC. for work described as: AIRBASE TECHNOLOGIES III AIRFIELD PAVEMENT AND TECHNOLOGIES IGF OT IGF Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the specialized R&D nature and duration. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process. 3. Potential risks include R&D project scope creep and performance variability. 4. Contract performance context is R&D for airfield pavement technologies. 5. Sector positioning is within Research and Development, specifically physical and engineering sciences. 6. The contract is a delivery order under a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) vehicle.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $16.6 million over five years for specialized R&D in airfield pavement technologies appears reasonable. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts in physical and engineering sciences is challenging without more specific data on the scope of work. However, the fixed fee component suggests a degree of cost control. The General Services Administration (GSA) is generally adept at managing contract values within established parameters.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of two bidders suggests a moderate level of competition for this specialized R&D requirement. While not a large number of bidders, it provides a basis for price discovery and ensures that the government is not limited to a single source.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to more favorable pricing and innovative solutions.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the U.S. Air Force and other entities requiring advanced airfield pavement solutions. Services delivered include research and development into new materials, designs, and maintenance techniques for airfields. The geographic impact is primarily Florida, where the contract is being performed, but the research findings could have nationwide application. Workforce implications include employment for scientists, engineers, and technicians involved in the R&D process.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

R&D projects can be subject to unforeseen technical challenges leading to cost overruns.
The effectiveness of the developed technologies will depend on successful testing and implementation.
Reliance on a single delivery order under a larger IDIQ could limit flexibility if needs change significantly.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a fair and transparent process.
The contract has a defined period of performance, providing a clear timeline for deliverables.
The use of a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can incentivize the contractor to control costs while allowing for flexibility in research.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for airfield pavement technologies is specialized, driven by defense, aviation, and infrastructure needs. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within defense R&D budgets or infrastructure improvement programs. The total addressable market for such specialized R&D can be significant, though often project-specific.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside. There is no indication of specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses within the provided data. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless Applied Research Associates engages small businesses as subcontractors for specialized support.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is likely managed by the contracting officers and program managers within the General Services Administration's Federal Acquisition Service. Accountability measures are tied to the delivery of research outcomes and adherence to the contract terms. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed R&D progress reports may be considered sensitive. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Airfield Pavement Research
Materials Science R&D
Defense Infrastructure Modernization
Federal R&D Contracts
General Services Administration Contracts

Risk Flags

R&D project scope uncertainty
Potential for cost overruns in research phases
Dependence on contractor's technical expertise
Effectiveness of developed technologies post-research

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $16.6 million to APPLIED RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC.. AIRBASE TECHNOLOGIES III AIRFIELD PAVEMENT AND TECHNOLOGIES IGF OT IGF

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is APPLIED RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $16.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-06-01. End: 2025-05-31.

What is the track record of Applied Research Associates, Inc. with federal R&D contracts, particularly in airfield technologies?

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) has a significant history of performing research and development for various government agencies, including the Department of Defense and the Department of Transportation. Their expertise often lies in areas such as materials science, structural engineering, and advanced simulation. While specific details on their performance for airfield pavement R&D under this particular IDIQ vehicle (AIRBASE TECHNOLOGIES III) would require deeper analysis of past performance reviews and delivery orders, ARA is generally recognized as a capable contractor in these technical domains. Their past performance on similar contracts would be a key factor in the government's decision-making process for awarding this delivery order.

How does the $16.6 million contract value compare to similar R&D efforts in airfield pavement technologies?

Benchmarking the $16.6 million contract value for airfield pavement R&D requires comparing it to similar specialized research efforts. Given that this is a five-year contract, the annual value is approximately $3.32 million. This figure is within a reasonable range for complex R&D projects that involve advanced materials, testing, and analysis. However, without knowing the precise scope of work, the number of research phases, or the specific technologies being investigated, a direct comparison is difficult. Contracts for basic research might be lower, while those involving extensive prototype development and testing could be higher. The fact that it's a delivery order under an IDIQ suggests it's part of a broader framework, and its value is relative to the overall ceiling and scope of that IDIQ.

What are the primary risks associated with this specific R&D contract, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) R&D contract include technical risks (unforeseen challenges in developing new pavement technologies), schedule risks (delays in research milestones), and cost risks (potential for cost overruns if R&D proves more complex than anticipated, though the fixed fee component aims to cap the government's liability). Mitigation strategies likely include robust project management by both the contractor and the GSA, clear definition of research objectives and deliverables, regular progress reviews, and potentially performance incentives. The CPFF structure itself is a risk mitigation tool, providing flexibility for R&D while setting a target fee for the contractor.

What is the expected program effectiveness or impact of the research funded by this contract?

The expected program effectiveness hinges on the successful development and implementation of advanced airfield pavement technologies. This could lead to pavements that are more durable, require less maintenance, can withstand heavier loads or extreme weather conditions, and potentially reduce lifecycle costs for airfields. The research could result in new materials, construction techniques, or diagnostic tools. The ultimate impact would be enhanced operational readiness for military airfields, improved safety and efficiency for civilian airports, and potentially reduced environmental impact through more sustainable pavement solutions. The specific impact will be determined by the outcomes of the R&D activities conducted over the contract period.

How has federal spending on airfield pavement R&D evolved over the past five years, and where does this contract fit in?

Federal spending on airfield pavement R&D is often integrated within broader military infrastructure modernization and aviation research programs. While specific aggregate spending figures for 'airfield pavement R&D' are not readily available as a distinct category, it's understood that agencies like the Department of Defense (through the Air Force and Army Corps of Engineers) and the Department of Transportation (through the FAA) invest significantly in maintaining and improving airfield infrastructure. This contract, valued at $16.6 million over five years, represents a targeted investment within this domain. Its placement within the AIRBASE TECHNOLOGIES III IDIQ suggests a strategic approach to procuring such specialized R&D services, allowing for flexibility and potentially consolidating requirements across multiple future needs.

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 › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4300 SAN MATEO BLVD NE STE A-220, ALBUQUERQUE, NM, 87110

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $25,602,253

Exercised Options: $22,431,684

Current Obligation: $16,619,925

Actual Outlays: $298,805

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 26

Total Subaward Amount: $1,936,765

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00Q14OADU404

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline