University of Mississippi awarded $12.7M for missile and space systems R&D, with a 2,963-day duration

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,702,989 ($12.7M)

Contractor: THE University of Mississippi

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 1999-02-16

End Date: 2007-03-29

Contract Duration: 2,963 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.3K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: 199905!2100!0485!SG60 !USA SPACE AND STRATEGIC DEF CDR !DASG6099C0018 !A!*!* !19990216!19990615!067713560!067713560!067713560!N!4B836!UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI !303 MARTINDALE STUDENT !UNIVERSITY !MS!38677!75520!071!28!UNIVERSITY !LAFAYETTE !MISS !0001!+000000100000!N!N!000000000000!AC23!RDTE/MISSILE AND SPACE SYSTEMS-ADV TECH DEV !A2 !MISSILE AND SPACE SYSTEMS !1CAA!BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE SYS !8731!3!*!*!*!B!A!*!D !U!S!1!001!N!1C!Z!Y!Z!* !* !N!V!*!*!*!A!A!A!*!* !*!N!A!C!N!*!*!*!*!*!

Place of Performance

Location: UNIVERSITY, LAFAYETTE County, MISSISSIPPI, 38677

State: Mississippi Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $12.7 million to THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI for work described as: 199905!2100!0485!SG60 !USA SPACE AND STRATEGIC DEF CDR !DASG6099C0018 !A!*!* !19990216!19990615!067713560!067713560!067713560!N!4B836!UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI !303 MARTINDALE STUDENT !UNIVERSITY !MS!38677!75520!071!28!UNIVERSITY !LAFAYE… Key points: 1. Contract awarded for advanced technology development in missile and space systems. 2. Long contract duration suggests a complex, multi-year research and development effort. 3. Sole-source award indicates potential lack of market competition or specialized expertise. 4. Focus on ballistic missile defense systems highlights a critical national security area. 5. University's involvement suggests a focus on academic research and innovation in defense technology.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $12.7 million over nearly 8 years (2,963 days) averages to approximately $1,400 per day. Without specific deliverables or comparable projects, it's difficult to definitively assess value for money. However, the long duration for R&D could indicate significant foundational work or a phased approach to complex problem-solving. The 'COST NO FEE' contract type suggests the government is reimbursing the university for incurred costs, which can sometimes lead to less stringent cost control compared to fixed-price contracts.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed. This could be due to the unique capabilities or specialized research environment offered by the University of Mississippi, or it might indicate a lack of other qualified bidders for this specific advanced technology development. The absence of competition means there was no direct price comparison or incentive for multiple entities to offer their best pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards can potentially lead to higher costs for taxpayers if competitive pressures are not present to drive down prices or encourage innovation.

Public Impact

The University of Mississippi benefits through research funding and potential advancements in its academic programs. Services delivered include advanced research and development in missile and space systems, specifically ballistic missile defense. The geographic impact is primarily within Mississippi, supporting local research institutions and potentially the regional economy. Workforce implications include opportunities for researchers, scientists, and students at the university to engage in cutting-edge defense projects.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may have resulted in a higher price than a competed contract.
The 'COST NO FEE' structure might reduce the contractor's incentive for cost efficiency.
Long contract duration increases the risk of scope creep or evolving technological requirements.

Positive Signals

University's involvement suggests a focus on fundamental research and innovation.
The contract addresses a critical national security area (ballistic missile defense).
Long duration allows for in-depth, potentially groundbreaking research.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on advanced technology development for missile and space systems. The market for such specialized R&D is often characterized by a limited number of highly qualified research institutions and contractors. Spending in this area is critical for maintaining national security and technological superiority, with significant government investment directed towards innovation in defense capabilities.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside. As a sole-source award to a university, it is unlikely that subcontracting opportunities for small businesses were a primary consideration or requirement within the contract's structure. The focus is on the prime contractor's research capabilities rather than broad industrial participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Defense's contracting and research oversight mechanisms. Given it's a sole-source award to a university, oversight might focus on research progress, adherence to grant terms, and responsible use of funds. Transparency may be limited due to the nature of R&D and sole-source procurement, but periodic reporting and reviews are standard.

Related Government Programs

Missile Defense Systems
Space Systems Development
Advanced Technology Research
Department of Defense R&D Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks competitive pricing pressure.
Cost-reimbursement contract type may reduce contractor's incentive for cost control.
Long contract duration increases risk of scope changes and obsolescence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $12.7 million to THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI. 199905!2100!0485!SG60 !USA SPACE AND STRATEGIC DEF CDR !DASG6099C0018 !A!*!* !19990216!19990615!067713560!067713560!067713560!N!4B836!UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI !303 MARTINDALE STUDENT !UNIVERSITY !MS!38677!75520!071!28!UNIVERSITY !LAFAYETTE !MISS !0001!+000000100000!N!N!000000000000!AC23!RDTE/MISSILE AND SPACE SYSTEMS-ADV TECH DEV !A2 !MISSILE AND SPACE SYSTEMS !1CAA!BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE SYS !8731!3!*!*!*!B!A!*!D !U!S!1!0

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $12.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 1999-02-16. End: 2007-03-29.

What specific research milestones or deliverables were expected under this contract for the University of Mississippi?

The provided data does not detail the specific research milestones or deliverables. However, given the contract's focus on 'RDTE/MISSILE AND SPACE SYSTEMS-ADV TECH DEV' and 'BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE SYS', it is highly probable that the expected outcomes included advancements in theoretical understanding, experimental validation, prototype development, or feasibility studies related to enhancing ballistic missile defense capabilities. The long duration (2,963 days) suggests a phased approach, potentially involving literature reviews, theoretical modeling, simulation, laboratory experiments, and possibly small-scale testing of components or concepts. The 'COST NO FEE' contract type implies that the university was reimbursed for its direct and indirect costs incurred in pursuing these research objectives, with the government bearing the financial risk.

How does the $12.7 million contract value compare to other R&D contracts in missile and space systems?

The $12.7 million contract value for the University of Mississippi, spread over nearly eight years, represents a moderate investment for advanced R&D in a specialized field like missile and space systems. While some large-scale defense R&D programs can reach hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars, this amount is typical for focused research projects at academic institutions or smaller research entities. Comparable contracts might involve specific component development, feasibility studies for new technologies, or foundational research in areas like materials science, propulsion, or guidance systems. The value is less about the total dollar amount and more about the specific research scope and the potential impact of the findings within the broader missile defense architecture.

What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source, cost-reimbursement contract for advanced R&D?

Sole-source, cost-reimbursement contracts for advanced R&D carry several inherent risks. For the government, the primary risk is the potential for inflated costs due to the lack of competitive bidding, meaning taxpayers might pay more than necessary. The cost-reimbursement structure, especially 'COST NO FEE', can reduce the contractor's incentive to control expenses, as costs are passed through. For R&D, there's also the risk that the research may not yield the desired results or technological breakthroughs, despite the expenditure. The long duration increases the risk of project scope creep, changing technological landscapes rendering the research obsolete, or difficulties in managing and overseeing the project effectively over an extended period.

What is the significance of the 'AC23' contract action type and 'RDTE/MISSILE AND SPACE SYSTEMS-ADV TECH DEV' program element?

The contract action type 'AC23' typically signifies a 'Definitive Contract' awarded on a 'Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee' or 'Cost-No-Fee' basis, often used for research and development efforts where the scope is not fully defined at the outset. The program element 'RDTE/MISSILE AND SPACE SYSTEMS-ADV TECH DEV' clearly indicates that the contract's purpose is Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDTE) focused on advancing technology within the missile and space systems domain. This suggests the contract supports projects aimed at exploring new concepts, improving existing technologies, or developing novel solutions for challenges related to space-based assets and missile defense, aligning with strategic national security objectives.

What does the 'UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI' designation imply about the nature of this contract?

The designation of the 'UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI' as the contractor strongly implies that this contract is focused on academic research and development rather than large-scale production or system integration. Universities are typically awarded contracts for their expertise in fundamental research, scientific inquiry, and the development of new knowledge or technologies. This suggests the work likely involved theoretical analysis, laboratory experiments, simulation, and potentially the creation of prototypes or proof-of-concept studies. The university setting also implies a focus on training future scientists and engineers, contributing to the academic and research ecosystem within the institution and potentially the broader scientific community.

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 303 MARTINDALE STUDENT, UNIVERSITY, MS, 38677

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Not Designated a Small Business

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline