DHS awards $2.18M R&D contract for less-lethal crowd control options to Cornerstone Research Group Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,181,062 ($2.2M)

Contractor: Cornerstone Research Group Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2022-09-30

End Date: 2026-06-28

Contract Duration: 1,367 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: TO INITIATE A NEW CONTRACT FOR LESS LETHAL OPTIONS FOR CROWD ENVIRONMENTS

Place of Performance

Location: MIAMISBURG, MONTGOMERY County, OHIO, 45342

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $2.2 million to CORNERSTONE RESEARCH GROUP INC for work described as: TO INITIATE A NEW CONTRACT FOR LESS LETHAL OPTIONS FOR CROWD ENVIRONMENTS Key points: 1. Contract focuses on innovative solutions for crowd management, potentially enhancing public safety. 2. Research and Development in physical and engineering sciences is a critical area for technological advancement. 3. The contract's fixed-price nature provides cost certainty for the government. 4. A single award suggests a focused approach to a specific R&D need. 5. The duration of the contract indicates a commitment to thorough research and development. 6. Geographic focus on Ohio may indicate regional R&D capabilities or needs.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $2.18 million for R&D in less-lethal options appears moderate for a multi-year research effort. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts in crowd control or less-lethal technologies would be necessary for a definitive value assessment. The fixed-price contract type helps manage cost risks for the government, but the ultimate value will depend on the successful development of effective and safe technologies.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This competitive process is generally expected to yield fair market prices and encourage innovation. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the full and open nature suggests a robust competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is favorable for taxpayers as it typically leads to better pricing and a wider range of innovative solutions being considered.

Public Impact

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is the primary beneficiary, seeking to enhance its capabilities in managing public order. The contract aims to deliver research and development for new less-lethal technologies. The geographic impact is primarily within Ohio, where the contractor is located, suggesting potential for local economic benefits. Workforce implications may include specialized R&D roles for scientists and engineers.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The effectiveness and safety of 'less-lethal' technologies can be a complex and sensitive issue, requiring rigorous testing and validation.
The long-term viability and widespread applicability of the developed technologies remain to be seen.
Reliance on a single contractor for this specific R&D may limit alternative solutions if challenges arise.

Positive Signals

The contract supports innovation in a critical area of public safety and law enforcement.
The use of full and open competition suggests a commitment to finding the best possible solutions.
The fixed-price contract structure provides budget predictability for the government.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical and engineering sciences. The market for less-lethal technologies is driven by government demand for public safety and law enforcement applications. Comparable spending benchmarks would likely be found within defense and homeland security R&D budgets for non-lethal or crowd control systems.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (ss and sb fields) was not a specific set-aside for this contract. Therefore, there are no direct small business set-aside implications. However, the prime contractor may engage small businesses as subcontractors, contributing to the broader small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Homeland Security's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the contract's performance requirements and deliverables. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though specific R&D progress reports may be sensitive.

Related Government Programs

Department of Homeland Security R&D Programs
Less-Lethal Weapons Research
Crowd Control Technology Development
Public Safety Technology Procurement

Risk Flags

Technology Development Risk
Effectiveness and Safety Validation
Potential for Misuse
Long-term Health Effects Uncertainty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $2.2 million to CORNERSTONE RESEARCH GROUP INC. TO INITIATE A NEW CONTRACT FOR LESS LETHAL OPTIONS FOR CROWD ENVIRONMENTS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CORNERSTONE RESEARCH GROUP 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 $2.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-09-30. End: 2026-06-28.

What is the specific technological focus of the 'less lethal options for crowd environments' research?

The provided data indicates the contract's purpose is 'TO INITIATE A NEW CONTRACT FOR LESS LETHAL OPTIONS FOR CROWD ENVIRONMENTS'. While the specific technological focus is not detailed, it implies research into non-lethal or less-lethal devices and methodologies designed to manage and disperse crowds safely. This could encompass a range of technologies such as advanced chemical irritants, acoustic devices, directed energy systems, or kinetic impact projectiles, all aimed at incapacitating or deterring individuals without causing fatalities or severe permanent injury. The R&D nature of the contract suggests exploration of novel approaches or significant improvements to existing technologies within the physical, engineering, and life sciences domain (NAICS 541715).

How does the $2.18 million contract value compare to similar R&D efforts in less-lethal technologies?

Benchmarking the $2.18 million contract value against similar R&D efforts in less-lethal technologies requires access to detailed market data and historical contract awards. However, for a multi-year research and development initiative (contract duration is over 1.5 years), this value appears moderate. Larger, more complex R&D programs, especially those involving extensive field testing or advanced materials, can easily reach tens or hundreds of millions of dollars. Conversely, smaller, more focused feasibility studies or early-stage research might be in the hundreds of thousands. Without specific comparable contract details (e.g., scope, duration, specific technology), it's difficult to definitively state if $2.18 million represents excellent, fair, or questionable value. It suggests a focused research objective rather than a broad program.

What are the potential risks associated with developing 'less lethal' technologies for crowd control?

Developing 'less lethal' technologies carries several significant risks. Firstly, there's the inherent risk of unintended escalation or failure to incapacitate targets effectively, potentially leading to situations where lethal force might be considered, negating the purpose of the technology. Conversely, there's the risk of excessive force or misuse, resulting in severe injuries or fatalities, which can lead to public outcry, legal challenges, and damage to the reputation of the deploying agency and the technology developers. Technical risks include the difficulty in achieving consistent performance across diverse environmental conditions and individual physiological responses. Furthermore, ethical considerations surrounding the use of such technologies and potential for misuse against peaceful protestors are significant concerns. Finally, the long-term health effects of exposure to some less-lethal agents or devices may not be fully understood, posing a latent risk.

What is Cornerstone Research Group Inc.'s track record in government contracting, particularly in R&D?

Information regarding Cornerstone Research Group Inc.'s specific track record in government contracting, particularly within the R&D sector for less-lethal technologies, is not detailed in the provided data. To assess their capabilities and past performance, a review of their contract history with federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, would be necessary. This would involve examining previous awards, contract values, performance reviews, and any reported issues or successes. Their designation under NAICS code 541715 suggests they operate in the physical, engineering, and life sciences R&D space, which is relevant. However, without specific historical data, it's impossible to provide a detailed assessment of their track record for this particular type of contract.

How might the success of this contract influence future DHS spending on crowd control technologies?

The success of this contract could significantly influence future Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spending on crowd control technologies. If Cornerstone Research Group Inc. successfully develops innovative, effective, and safe less-lethal options, it could lead to follow-on contracts for production, further development, or broader deployment. DHS might then allocate increased budget towards similar R&D initiatives, potentially expanding the scope to include different types of crowd scenarios or enhanced capabilities. Conversely, if the research yields limited results, proves too costly, or faces significant safety concerns, DHS might scale back future investments in this specific area or shift focus to alternative technologies or strategies. Positive outcomes could also encourage other agencies facing similar challenges to explore comparable solutions.

What is the significance of the contract being a 'Definitive Contract' awarded under 'Full and Open Competition'?

The contract being a 'Definitive Contract' signifies that it is a finalized agreement with fixed or determined pricing, outlining the rights and responsibilities of both the government and the contractor. This contrasts with other contract types like indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts, which may involve future orders. Awarding it under 'Full and Open Competition' is a crucial aspect, indicating that the government solicited proposals from all responsible sources and awarded the contract to the responsible offeror submitting the lowest price technically acceptable or best value proposal. This process is designed to maximize competition, ensure fair pricing, and foster innovation by allowing any qualified company to compete, thereby providing the best value for taxpayer dollars and promoting transparency in government procurement.

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 70RSAT21RB00000006

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 510 EARL BLVD, MIAMISBURG, OH, 45342

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,566,510

Exercised Options: $2,181,062

Current Obligation: $2,181,062

Actual Outlays: $1,951,144

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline