DoD's $11.7M R&D Contract with BLUEHALO LABS, LLC Awarded via Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $11,724,953 ($11.7M)
Contractor: Bluehalo Labs, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2003-04-07
End Date: 2007-07-30
Contract Duration: 1,575 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Place of Performance
Location: ALBUQUERQUE, BERNALILLO County, NEW MEXICO, 87123
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $11.7 million to BLUEHALO LABS, LLC for work described as: Key points: 1. Significant investment in Research and Development within the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. 2. Full and open competition suggests a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. Contract duration of 1575 days indicates a long-term project. 4. The contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $11.7 million for a 1575-day duration needs further context. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts for specialized research is crucial to assess if the pricing is competitive.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, which typically allows for a broad range of potential bidders. This method aims to foster price discovery and potentially achieve better value.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for advanced research and development, with the expectation of technological advancements or solutions.
Public Impact
Supports innovation in critical scientific and engineering fields. Potential for advancements that could benefit national security or civilian applications. Long-term commitment of resources for research purposes.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize contractor to increase costs.
- Lack of specific performance metrics or deliverables mentioned.
- Limited information on the specific R&D outcomes.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Significant investment in a key R&D area.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (NAICS 541710). Spending in this sector is vital for technological advancement but can be subject to long development cycles and uncertain outcomes.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business (sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses had opportunities to participate as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically involve the Department of the Air Force, ensuring adherence to the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure and monitoring research progress. The effectiveness of oversight is critical for managing R&D expenditures.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Long contract duration.
- Lack of specific R&D outcome details.
- No indication of small business subcontracting opportunities.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, nm, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $11.7 million to BLUEHALO LABS, LLC. See the official description on USAspending.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BLUEHALO LABS, LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Air Force).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $11.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2003-04-07. End: 2007-07-30.
What specific research objectives does this $11.7 million contract aim to achieve, and how do they align with the Department of Defense's strategic priorities?
The contract's primary objective is Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. While the specific research aims are not detailed, such contracts typically support the development of new technologies, materials, or scientific understanding relevant to defense capabilities, potentially including areas like advanced materials, sensor technology, or biotechnologies aligned with strategic defense needs.
What are the key risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for this R&D project, and what mitigation strategies are in place?
The primary risk of CPFF is that the contractor may have less incentive to control costs, as the government agrees to cover all allowable costs plus a fixed fee. This can lead to cost overruns. Mitigation strategies should include robust government oversight, clear definition of allowable costs, and potentially performance incentives tied to the fixed fee to encourage efficiency and timely completion.
How will the effectiveness and impact of the R&D conducted under this contract be measured and evaluated to ensure a return on the $11.7 million investment?
Effectiveness is typically measured through milestones, deliverables, technical reports, and demonstrations of prototypes or developed technologies. The Department of the Air Force should have a plan to assess whether the R&D outcomes meet the initial objectives, contribute to technological advancement, and provide a tangible benefit or solution for defense applications.
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 › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1300 BRITT ST SE, ALBUQUERQUE, NM, 01
Business Categories: Category Business, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $11,814,139
Exercised Options: $11,814,139
Current Obligation: $11,724,953
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2003-04-07
Current End Date: 2007-07-30
Potential End Date: 2007-07-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2010-11-24
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