DoD's $10.9M REBASE contract to Stellar Science Ltd. Co. for R&D in physical sciences

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,927,907 ($10.9M)

Contractor: Stellar Science Ltd. CO.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-03-08

End Date: 2026-02-20

Contract Duration: 714 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: REDEFINING THE BASIC ANALYTICAL AND SIMULATION ENVIRONMENT (REBASE) FOUNDATION AND EXPANSION III

Place of Performance

Location: ALBUQUERQUE, BERNALILLO County, NEW MEXICO, 87110

State: New Mexico Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $10.9 million to STELLAR SCIENCE LTD. CO. for work described as: REDEFINING THE BASIC ANALYTICAL AND SIMULATION ENVIRONMENT (REBASE) FOUNDATION AND EXPANSION III Key points: 1. Contract awarded for research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. Stellar Science Ltd. Co. is the sole awardee for this specific delivery order. 3. The contract has a duration of 714 days, ending in February 2026. 4. This award falls under the broad category of Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 5. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, indicating potential for cost overruns. 6. The contract was awarded via Full and Open Competition, suggesting a competitive process.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this specific $10.9 million contract is challenging without detailed task orders and deliverables. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can sometimes lead to higher costs compared to fixed-price contracts if not managed carefully. The duration of nearly two years suggests a substantial research effort. Further analysis would require comparing the specific research objectives and outcomes against industry standards and similar R&D investments.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition,' indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The number of bidders is not specified, but this method generally promotes a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and innovation. The Air Force's adherence to full and open competition suggests an effort to secure the best value through a broad solicitation.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the most advantageous terms and pricing for the government's research and development investment.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and potentially the scientific community through advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences. The contract supports research and development activities, aiming to advance scientific knowledge and technological capabilities. The geographic impact is primarily associated with the contractor's location in New Mexico, where the research activities will likely be conducted. Workforce implications include employment opportunities for scientists, engineers, and support staff at Stellar Science Ltd. Co.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can incentivize cost overruns if not rigorously monitored.
Limited public information on specific deliverables makes it difficult to assess performance against cost.
The broad nature of R&D contracts can sometimes lead to scope creep if not clearly defined.

Positive Signals

Awarded under Full and Open Competition, suggesting a robust bidding process.
Contract duration of nearly two years allows for substantial research and development.
The contract supports critical research and development for the Department of Defense.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The R&D market is characterized by innovation, long development cycles, and significant government investment. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other DoD R&D contracts in similar scientific domains, considering the specific technological advancements sought.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications or specific impacts on the small business ecosystem stemming from a set-aside. The primary focus remains on the prime contractor, Stellar Science Ltd. Co.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program managers within the Department of the Air Force. Accountability measures would be tied to the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, requiring detailed cost reporting and performance reviews. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though specific research progress details may be sensitive.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Research and Development Programs
Air Force Science and Technology Investments
Physical Sciences Research Contracts
Engineering Research and Development
Life Sciences Research Contracts

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type carries inherent risk of cost overruns.
Lack of specific performance metrics in summary data hinders detailed value assessment.
Broad R&D scope may present challenges in defining and controlling project scope.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $10.9 million to STELLAR SCIENCE LTD. CO.. REDEFINING THE BASIC ANALYTICAL AND SIMULATION ENVIRONMENT (REBASE) FOUNDATION AND EXPANSION III

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is STELLAR SCIENCE LTD. CO..

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 $10.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-03-08. End: 2026-02-20.

What is the track record of Stellar Science Ltd. Co. with government contracts, particularly in R&D?

Stellar Science Ltd. Co. has a history of receiving government contracts, primarily within the R&D domain. While specific details on past performance for this exact type of research are not provided in the summary data, their continued awards suggest a level of competence and capability valued by federal agencies. A deeper dive into their contract history, including past performance evaluations and any reported issues, would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment of their track record. Analyzing the types of agencies they have served and the complexity of previous R&D projects would offer further insights into their suitability for this REBASE contract.

How does the $10.9 million value compare to similar R&D contracts in physical sciences?

The $10.9 million value for this R&D contract is moderate within the broader landscape of federal R&D spending. Contracts in physical, engineering, and life sciences can range from a few million to hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the scope, duration, and technological complexity. To benchmark this specific contract, one would need to compare it against other 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' contracts (NAICS 541715) awarded by the Department of Defense or other agencies over a similar timeframe. Factors such as the number of bidders, contract type (e.g., CPFF vs. FFP), and the specific research objectives would be crucial for a meaningful comparison of value for money.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for R&D?

The primary risk associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for R&D is the potential for cost overruns. In a CPFF structure, the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. If the contractor's costs exceed initial estimates, the government bears the burden of these increased expenses. This can incentivize less cost-conscious behavior from the contractor, as their profit (the fixed fee) remains constant regardless of the actual costs incurred. Effective oversight, detailed cost tracking, and clear performance metrics are essential to mitigate these risks and ensure the government receives good value.

How effective is 'Full and Open Competition' in ensuring competitive pricing for R&D services?

Full and Open Competition is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring competitive pricing for R&D services, as it allows all responsible sources to participate. This broad participation increases the likelihood of receiving multiple proposals, fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages innovation. The government can then select the offer that provides the best overall value, considering both technical merit and cost. However, the effectiveness is contingent on the clarity of the solicitation, the number of qualified bidders, and the government's ability to evaluate proposals rigorously.

What is the historical spending trend for R&D in physical sciences by the Department of Defense?

The Department of Defense consistently allocates significant funding towards Research and Development across various scientific disciplines, including physical, engineering, and life sciences. Historical spending trends show a sustained commitment to advancing technological capabilities to maintain military superiority. While specific year-over-year figures for NAICS code 541715 are not provided here, overall DoD R&D budgets have generally seen increases, driven by evolving threats and the need for technological innovation. Analyzing aggregated DoD R&D spending data over the past decade would reveal trends and priorities within this sector.

What are the potential implications of the 'REBASE' program's objectives on future defense capabilities?

The 'REBASE' (REDEFINING THE BASIC ANALYTICAL AND SIMULATION ENVIRONMENT) Foundation and Expansion III program, as indicated by its name, likely aims to enhance the analytical and simulation capabilities crucial for defense planning, wargaming, and system development. Improvements in these environments can lead to more accurate predictions, better-informed decision-making, and more efficient development of new defense technologies and strategies. The success of this R&D effort could significantly impact the speed and effectiveness with which the DoD can adapt to new challenges and develop next-generation capabilities, ultimately bolstering national security.

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: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6565 AMERICAS PKWY NE STE 925, ALBUQUERQUE, NM, 87110

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $11,368,806

Exercised Options: $11,368,806

Current Obligation: $10,927,907

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA865021D2621

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline