DoD's $33M Advanced Threats R&D Contract Awarded to Battelle Memorial Institute

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $32,979,809 ($33.0M)

Contractor: Battelle Memorial Institute

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2019-04-26

End Date: 2023-01-28

Contract Duration: 1,373 days

Daily Burn Rate: $24.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: ADVANCED THREATS RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST AND EVALUATION, EDGEWOOD CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL CENTER (ECBC) HT-18-1748

Place of Performance

Location: COLUMBUS, FRANKLIN County, OHIO, 43201

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $33.0 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE for work described as: ADVANCED THREATS RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST AND EVALUATION, EDGEWOOD CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL CENTER (ECBC) HT-18-1748 Key points: 1. Battelle Memorial Institute secured a significant $32.98M contract for advanced threats research. 2. The contract falls under the R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences NAICS code. 3. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type, while allowing flexibility for R&D, carries inherent risks of cost escalation. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult without more specific cost breakdowns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple bidders likely participated. This method generally promotes competitive pricing, though the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires close monitoring to ensure value.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for critical research into advanced threats, with the expectation of developing countermeasures and enhancing national security.

Public Impact

Enhances national security by funding research into advanced threats. Supports scientific and technological advancement in the defense sector. Potential for new technologies and methodologies to emerge from this research.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to higher costs.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes value assessment challenging.
No small business participation noted.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition suggests a fair process.
Addresses critical national security research needs.
Long-term contract duration allows for in-depth research.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Defense sector, specifically focusing on research and development. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining a technological edge against evolving threats. Benchmarks for similar R&D contracts can vary widely based on scope and complexity.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates no small business participation in this contract. This suggests that the prime contractor, Battelle Memorial Institute, is handling the entirety of the work, potentially missing opportunities for small business subcontracting.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Defense, through the Defense Contract Management Agency, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Robust oversight is crucial for a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract to manage costs and ensure research objectives are met effectively.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Department of Defense Contracting
Defense Contract Management Agency Programs

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
No small business participation.
Limited public information on specific research objectives.
Long contract duration without clear interim deliverables.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $33.0 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE. ADVANCED THREATS RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST AND EVALUATION, EDGEWOOD CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL CENTER (ECBC) HT-18-1748

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $33.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-04-26. End: 2023-01-28.

What specific advanced threats is this research focused on, and how do the projected outcomes align with current and future defense needs?

The specific advanced threats are not detailed in the provided data. However, given the context of defense R&D, it likely encompasses areas such as chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) threats, as well as emerging cyber and AI-driven dangers. The alignment with defense needs would depend on the strategic priorities of the Department of Defense at the time of contract award and ongoing threat assessments.

How will the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure be managed to mitigate the risk of cost overruns and ensure efficient use of taxpayer funds?

Effective management of a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract requires stringent oversight, detailed cost tracking, and regular performance reviews by the contracting agency. Milestones and deliverables should be clearly defined, with payments tied to their successful completion. Independent cost analysis and audits can further help in controlling expenditures and ensuring that the fixed fee remains appropriate for the work performed.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will the success of the advanced threats research be measured?

Key performance indicators for this contract are not explicitly provided. Typically, for R&D contracts, success is measured by the achievement of specific research objectives, the development of prototypes or technologies, successful testing and evaluation, and the potential for transition to operational use. The contracting agency would establish these KPIs, likely focusing on scientific rigor, innovation, and the practical application of research findings.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 505 KING AVENUE, COLUMBUS, OH, 43201

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $39,194,297

Exercised Options: $39,194,297

Current Obligation: $32,979,809

Actual Outlays: $1,142,860

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 20

Total Subaward Amount: $10,858,868

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA807514D0003

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline