DHS Awards $17.5M for Explosives Characterization to Applied Research Associates

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,495,535 ($17.5M)

Contractor: Applied Research Associates, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2017-12-01

End Date: 2022-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,764 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::CT::IGF EXPLOSIVES AND EQUIPMENT CHARACTERIZATION

Place of Performance

Location: PANAMA CITY, BAY County, FLORIDA, 32403

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $17.5 million to APPLIED RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC. for work described as: IGF::CT::IGF EXPLOSIVES AND EQUIPMENT CHARACTERIZATION Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Applied Research Associates, Inc. for $17.5M. 2. Focuses on Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 3. Full and open competition was utilized. 4. Contract duration spans from December 2017 to September 2022.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking CPFF contracts in R&D is challenging due to unique project scopes.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

Full and open competition was employed, suggesting a robust price discovery process. However, the CPFF pricing structure requires diligent oversight to ensure value.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are utilized for critical research and development in homeland security, aiming to enhance safety and security.

Public Impact

Enhances national security through advanced explosives characterization. Supports technological advancements in threat detection and mitigation. Potential for improved public safety and emergency response capabilities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) pricing can incentivize higher costs.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes value assessment difficult.
Limited information on specific deliverables and outcomes.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition promotes market fairness.
Focus on critical R&D for homeland security.
Long-term contract allows for sustained research efforts.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical and engineering sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for innovation but can be subject to cost variability.

Small Business Impact

The contract data does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses, suggesting larger firms were likely the primary competitors.

Oversight & Accountability

The use of a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract necessitates strong oversight from the Department of Homeland Security to manage costs and ensure deliverables meet objectives.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
Office of Procurement Operations Programs

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) pricing model.
Limited public information on specific deliverables and outcomes.
Potential for cost overruns without stringent oversight.
R&D contracts can have uncertain ROI.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $17.5 million to APPLIED RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC.. IGF::CT::IGF EXPLOSIVES AND EQUIPMENT CHARACTERIZATION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is APPLIED RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Office of Procurement Operations).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $17.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-12-01. End: 2022-09-30.

What specific technological advancements or capabilities were achieved through this $17.5M investment in explosives characterization?

The provided data lacks specific details on the technological advancements or capabilities achieved. Further analysis would require reviewing contract performance reports, final deliverables, and any published research stemming from this award to ascertain the tangible outcomes and their impact on homeland security.

How effectively did the full and open competition process ensure competitive pricing for a complex R&D project under a CPFF structure?

While full and open competition is a positive indicator for price discovery, the CPFF structure inherently introduces cost uncertainty. The effectiveness in ensuring competitive pricing would depend on the rigor of the initial proposal evaluations and ongoing cost monitoring by the agency to prevent contractor inefficiencies from inflating the final cost.

What is the long-term strategic value of this explosives characterization research for the Department of Homeland Security's mission?

The long-term strategic value lies in enhancing the understanding of explosive materials, which is fundamental for developing more effective detection, interdiction, and response strategies. This research can lead to improved safety protocols, better training for first responders, and the development of advanced technologies to counter evolving threats.

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: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: HSHQDC-17-Q-00240

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: $17,495,535

Exercised Options: $17,495,535

Current Obligation: $17,495,535

Actual Outlays: $109,215

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 10

Total Subaward Amount: $554,793

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