DoD's $9.8M Contract for Joint Munitions Effectiveness Manuals Awarded to Applied Research Associates
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $9,825,118 ($9.8M)
Contractor: Applied Research Associates, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-04-01
End Date: 2025-01-31
Contract Duration: 671 days
Daily Burn Rate: $14.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: JOINT MUNITIONS EFFECTIVENESS MANUALS
Place of Performance
Location: EGLIN AFB, OKALOOSA County, FLORIDA, 32542
State: Florida Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $9.8 million to APPLIED RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC. for work described as: JOINT MUNITIONS EFFECTIVENESS MANUALS Key points: 1. Contract focuses on R&D in physical and engineering sciences, a critical area for defense. 2. Applied Research Associates, Inc. is the sole awardee, raising questions about competition. 3. The contract's duration of 671 days suggests a significant, ongoing need. 4. Spending falls within the R&D sector, which often involves high upfront investment and potential for innovation.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $9.8M for a 671-day period appears reasonable for specialized R&D services. Benchmarking against similar complex research contracts is difficult without more specific service details.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating a limited competition. This method may restrict price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs compared to full and open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for specialized research and development, aiming to improve munitions effectiveness. The impact depends on the successful outcomes and application of the research.
Public Impact
Enhances military readiness through improved munitions. Supports technological advancement in defense capabilities. Potential for spin-off technologies benefiting civilian sectors. Ensures accuracy and efficiency in defense operations.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition raises cost concerns.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
Positive Signals
- Addresses critical defense need.
- Supports specialized R&D expertise.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically NAICS code 541715. Spending in this sector is crucial for maintaining a technological edge but can be prone to cost overruns due to the inherent uncertainties of research.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small businesses were not involved in this contract (ss: false, sb: false). Efforts should be made to ensure small businesses have opportunities in future related procurements, fostering innovation and economic growth.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Air Force is the awarding agency. Oversight will be critical to ensure the contractor meets performance milestones and manages costs effectively throughout the contract duration.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition may inflate costs.
- No small business participation.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can incentivize spending.
- Long contract duration increases risk exposure.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, fl, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $9.8 million to APPLIED RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC.. JOINT MUNITIONS EFFECTIVENESS MANUALS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is APPLIED RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC..
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 $9.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-04-01. End: 2025-01-31.
What specific metrics will be used to evaluate the 'effectiveness' of the munitions manuals developed under this contract?
The effectiveness of the munitions manuals will likely be evaluated based on their ability to accurately reflect current munitions capabilities, provide clear operational guidance, and be readily integrated into existing military training and deployment protocols. Performance metrics may include user feedback from training exercises, validation against live-fire tests, and adherence to established military standards for technical documentation.
Given the limited competition, what steps are being taken to ensure cost reasonableness and prevent potential overspending?
While the contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), which allows for cost reimbursement plus a fixed fee, the agency should employ robust oversight. This includes regular audits of incurred costs, detailed reviews of contractor progress reports, and benchmarking against industry standards for similar R&D efforts. Negotiation of the fixed fee should also reflect market rates and contractor performance expectations.
How will the knowledge gained from this contract be disseminated to ensure broader benefits and prevent knowledge silos within the DoD?
Dissemination strategies should include mandatory knowledge transfer sessions, comprehensive documentation, and potentially classified briefings for relevant units. The contractor may be required to provide training to DoD personnel. Furthermore, findings could be incorporated into updated joint doctrine or training circulars, ensuring the knowledge is institutionalized and accessible across different branches and commands.
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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 4300 SAN MATEO BLVD NE STE A-220, ALBUQUERQUE, NM, 87110
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $10,601,273
Exercised Options: $10,601,273
Current Obligation: $9,825,118
Actual Outlays: $3,251,284
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 17
Total Subaward Amount: $1,322,199
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA248718D0129
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-04-01
Current End Date: 2025-01-31
Potential End Date: 2025-01-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-22
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