DHS awards $19.5M R&D contract to MITRE for HSARPA Phase 3 effort
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $19,485,819 ($19.5M)
Contractor: THE Mitre Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2018-01-10
End Date: 2020-07-17
Contract Duration: 919 days
Daily Burn Rate: $21.2K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF THE PURPOSE OF THIS NEW TASK ORDER IS FOR THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY HSARPA DAE PHASE 3 EFFORT.
Place of Performance
Location: MCLEAN, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22102
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $19.5 million to THE MITRE CORPORATION for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF THE PURPOSE OF THIS NEW TASK ORDER IS FOR THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY HSARPA DAE PHASE 3 EFFORT. Key points: 1. The contract focuses on Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 2. MITRE Corporation, a well-known entity, is the sole awardee. 3. The award was not competed, raising potential concerns about price discovery. 4. The sector is R&D, a critical area for technological advancement.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to higher costs if not managed carefully. Without a competitive process, it's difficult to benchmark pricing against similar R&D efforts.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and may result in a higher cost to the government compared to a competitive scenario.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition for a significant award like this could mean taxpayers are not receiving the best possible value.
Public Impact
Research and Development funding is crucial for national security and technological innovation. The specific HSARPA Phase 3 effort's impact on public safety or technology is not detailed. MITRE's role in government contracting warrants scrutiny, especially in non-competed awards.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award
- Cost-plus contract type
- Lack of transparency in price discovery
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable contractor (MITRE)
- Focus on critical R&D area
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically for physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is vital for innovation, but requires careful oversight to ensure value.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this sole-source award, which is common for specialized R&D efforts awarded to established organizations.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award suggests limited initial oversight on competition. Ongoing oversight should focus on cost control and performance verification for the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure.
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
- Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher costs.
- Lack of detail on specific R&D outcomes and justification for sole-source.
- Potential for reduced taxpayer value due to non-competitive award.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-homeland-security, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $19.5 million to THE MITRE CORPORATION. IGF::CL::IGF THE PURPOSE OF THIS NEW TASK ORDER IS FOR THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY HSARPA DAE PHASE 3 EFFORT.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THE MITRE CORPORATION.
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 $19.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2018-01-10. End: 2020-07-17.
What specific scientific advancements or technological capabilities are expected from this HSARPA Phase 3 effort, and how do they justify the sole-source award?
The specific advancements are not detailed in the provided data. Justification for a sole-source award typically relies on unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or urgent needs that only a specific contractor can meet. Without further information on HSARPA Phase 3's objectives and MITRE's unique qualifications, it's difficult to assess the justification.
What mechanisms are in place to ensure cost control and prevent overruns in this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, given the lack of competition?
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require robust government oversight to manage costs effectively. This includes detailed audits, performance monitoring, and strict adherence to the fixed fee component. The agency should ensure that all expenditures are reasonable, allocable, and allowable according to contract terms.
How does the government plan to measure the effectiveness and return on investment for this R&D contract, especially considering it was not competed?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through defined milestones, deliverables, and technical performance metrics outlined in the contract. The government should establish clear criteria for success and conduct regular reviews to assess progress. The lack of competition means the ROI assessment must be particularly rigorous to demonstrate value.
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: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 7515 COLSHIRE DR, MC LEAN, VA, 22102
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $19,485,819
Exercised Options: $19,485,819
Current Obligation: $19,485,819
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HSHQDC14D00006
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2018-01-10
Current End Date: 2020-07-17
Potential End Date: 2027-09-05 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-05
More Contracts from THE Mitre Corporation
- Center for Advanced Aviation Development (caasd) Ffrdc Mitre — $1.7B (Department of Transportation)
- FY25 Task Order 7 - to Provide Systems Engineering Research and Development Services for the Department of Defense (DOD) and Other Federal Government Agencies — $753.9M (Department of Defense)
- FY24 Task Order 6 - Initial Funding and Updating PWS & DD254 — $735.3M (Department of Defense)
- Caasd Must Provide Essential Engineering, Research, and Analysis Capabilities to Support the FAA in the Performance of ITS Mission Through a Systems Approach That Addresses ALL Dimensions (E.G. Political, Operational, Economic, Technical) Required to — $700.5M (Department of Transportation)
- Initial Modification on Task Order 5 Nsec, Ffrdc to Incrementally Fund, Update PWS & DD254 — $687.3M (Department of Defense)
Other Department of Homeland Security Contracts
- THE United States Coast Guard HAS a Requirement to Procure UP to Twenty-Six (26) Fast Response Cutters (frcs) on a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Basis With an Economic Price Adjustment (EPA). Phase II of the FRC Program Will Complete the Fleet for a Total of 58 Cutters — $2.1B (Bollinger Shipyards Lockport, L.L.C.)
- Design and Construct NEW Vertical Barrier and Power Distribution, Lighting, Cameras, Equipment Shelters and Linear Ground Detection System (lgds) in Hildago County, NM — $1.8B (Fisher Sand & Gravel CO)
- Production&delivery of National Security Cutter (NSC) 6 — $1.7B (Huntington Ingalls Incorporated)
- YUM-2 Vertical Border and Waterborne Barrier Construction — $1.7B (Fisher Sand & Gravel CO)
- Construct Vertical Border Barrier — $1.6B (Fisher Sand & Gravel CO)