DOE's $18.7M R&D Contract for Gaseous Contaminant Tech Awarded to RTI
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $18,685,198 ($18.7M)
Contractor: Research Triangle Institute
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Start Date: 2000-01-15
End Date: 2008-04-30
Contract Duration: 3,028 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: NOVEL TECHNOLOGIES FOR GASEOUS CONTAMINENTS
Place of Performance
Location: DURHAM, DURHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27709
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Energy obligated $18.7 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE for work described as: NOVEL TECHNOLOGIES FOR GASEOUS CONTAMINENTS Key points: 1. Contract focuses on R&D for gaseous contaminants, a critical area for environmental and safety applications. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a robust market for this technology. 3. The contract's duration (over 8 years) indicates a long-term research objective. 4. Small business participation was not a stated factor in this award.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult due to the specialized nature of the research.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The award was made under full and open competition, indicating multiple interested parties. The price discovery mechanism relies on the competitive bidding process and subsequent negotiation of costs.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting advanced research, with the potential for significant long-term benefits in environmental protection and technological advancement.
Public Impact
Advancement in technologies to detect and mitigate gaseous contaminants. Potential for improved environmental monitoring and public health. Supports scientific innovation within the Department of Energy's mission.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 60 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type may incentivize higher costs.
- Long contract duration could pose management challenges.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition suggests market viability.
- Focus on critical R&D area.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation but can be subject to long development cycles and uncertain outcomes.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small businesses were not a primary focus for this particular contract, as the 'sb' field is false. Opportunities for small businesses in R&D are often through subcontracting or smaller, targeted awards.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Energy is responsible for overseeing this contract. Robust oversight is necessary to ensure research objectives are met and costs are managed effectively, especially given the CPFF structure.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Department of Energy Contracting
- Department of Energy Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Long contract duration.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
- No explicit small business participation noted.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-energy, nc, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Energy awarded $18.7 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE. NOVEL TECHNOLOGIES FOR GASEOUS CONTAMINENTS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Energy (Department of Energy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $18.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2000-01-15. End: 2008-04-30.
What specific gaseous contaminants are targeted by this research, and what are the potential applications of the developed technologies?
The specific gaseous contaminants are not detailed in the provided data. However, R&D in this area typically targets pollutants, industrial emissions, or hazardous airborne substances. Potential applications include environmental monitoring systems, industrial safety equipment, and advanced air purification technologies, contributing to public health and regulatory compliance.
How will the Department of Energy ensure cost control and accountability with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract over an 8-year period?
The DOE will likely employ rigorous oversight mechanisms, including regular progress reviews, audits of incurred costs, and performance metrics tied to research milestones. Fixed fee components provide some cost certainty, but continuous monitoring of direct costs and adherence to the contract's scope are crucial to prevent overruns and ensure efficient use of taxpayer funds.
What is the expected return on investment or long-term value proposition for the taxpayer from this R&D investment?
The long-term value proposition lies in the potential for groundbreaking technological advancements that could lead to significant cost savings in environmental remediation, improved public health outcomes reducing healthcare burdens, and the creation of new industries or intellectual property. While R&D inherently carries risk, successful outcomes can yield substantial economic and societal benefits far exceeding the initial investment.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Energy R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Contractor Details
Address: 3040 CORNWALLIS ROAD, RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, 27709
Business Categories: Category Business, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $24,334,829
Exercised Options: $24,334,829
Current Obligation: $18,685,198
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2000-01-15
Current End Date: 2008-04-30
Potential End Date: 2008-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2017-08-30
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