DoD invests $15.8M in R&D for CBRN defense technology, with Battelle Memorial Institute leading

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,858,819 ($15.9M)

Contractor: Battelle Memorial Institute

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2021-06-07

End Date: 2026-06-06

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF EMERGING TECHNOLOGY FOR JOINT PROJECT LEAD CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICAL, AND NUCLEAR DEFENSE SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES AND JOINT PROGRAM MANAGER PROTECTION

Place of Performance

Location: COLUMBUS, FRANKLIN County, OHIO, 43201

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $15.9 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE for work described as: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF EMERGING TECHNOLOGY FOR JOINT PROJECT LEAD CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICAL, AND NUCLEAR DEFENSE SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES AND JOINT PROGRAM MANAGER PROTECTION Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical CBRN defense capabilities for special operations forces. 2. Battelle Memorial Institute, a research and development powerhouse, is the prime contractor. 3. The contract duration of five years suggests a long-term commitment to technology maturation. 4. The award falls under R&D for Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences, excluding nano/biotech. 5. This investment aligns with national security priorities in countering chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. 6. The contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) is common for R&D where scope may evolve.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $15.8 million for a five-year R&D effort appears reasonable given the specialized nature of CBRN defense technology. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts for advanced defense systems would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure allows for flexibility in research but requires careful oversight to manage costs effectively.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. This competitive process is expected to drive innovation and ensure fair pricing. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a robust competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to better pricing and more innovative solutions, maximizing the return on investment for defense research.

Public Impact

Special Operations Forces will benefit from advanced CBRN defense technologies, enhancing their operational safety and effectiveness. The research aims to develop and mature technologies to protect against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. The primary geographic impact is within the Department of Defense's operational theaters and research facilities. This contract supports a highly specialized scientific and technical workforce engaged in cutting-edge defense R&D.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns inherent in R&D contracts, especially with evolving technological requirements.
Ensuring timely delivery of effective and reliable CBRN defense technologies is critical for operational readiness.
Managing intellectual property rights and data sharing agreements within the R&D process.

Positive Signals

Award to a reputable research institution (Battelle Memorial Institute) with a strong track record in defense R&D.
The use of full and open competition suggests a commitment to achieving best value and technological superiority.
The five-year duration allows for thorough research, development, and testing phases.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader defense R&D sector, specifically focusing on emerging technologies for CBRN defense. The market for such specialized R&D is typically dominated by a few key research institutions and defense contractors with proven expertise. Spending in this niche is driven by evolving threat landscapes and the need for technological superiority in protecting military personnel.

Small Business Impact

While this contract is not specifically set aside for small businesses, the prime contractor, Battelle Memorial Institute, may engage small businesses as subcontractors for specialized services or components. The overall impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on the extent of subcontracting opportunities created.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be managed by the Department of the Air Force, overseeing Battelle Memorial Institute's performance. Accountability measures will be tied to contract milestones, deliverables, and adherence to the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure. Transparency is typically maintained through regular reporting requirements and program reviews, with potential oversight from the Department of Defense's Inspector General for significant R&D investments.

Related Government Programs

Joint Project Lead Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense
Joint Program Manager Protection
Department of Defense Research and Development Programs
Special Operations Forces Equipment Modernization

Risk Flags

R&D Cost Overruns
Technology Obsolescence
Schedule Delays in Development

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $15.9 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF EMERGING TECHNOLOGY FOR JOINT PROJECT LEAD CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICAL, AND NUCLEAR DEFENSE SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES AND JOINT PROGRAM MANAGER PROTECTION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE.

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 $15.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-06-07. End: 2026-06-06.

What is Battelle Memorial Institute's track record in CBRN defense R&D?

Battelle Memorial Institute has a long-standing and extensive track record in defense research and development, including significant contributions to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) defense. They have been involved in developing protective equipment, detection systems, decontamination technologies, and medical countermeasures against CBRN threats for various government agencies, including the Department of Defense. Their expertise spans materials science, engineering, toxicology, and operational analysis, making them a well-qualified entity for this type of advanced research. Past performance on similar contracts would be a key factor in their selection for this award, suggesting a history of successful project execution and technological innovation in the CBRN domain.

How does the $15.8 million value compare to similar CBRN defense R&D contracts?

The $15.8 million contract value for a five-year R&D effort in CBRN defense technology is within a typical range for specialized research projects of this nature. However, direct comparisons are challenging without knowing the specific technological advancements sought and the scope of work. Larger, more complex programs involving system integration or large-scale testing could easily exceed this amount, while smaller, more focused research tasks might be valued lower. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type also influences how funds are allocated and managed, differing from fixed-price contracts. A comprehensive benchmark would require analyzing contracts with similar technical objectives, contract types, and durations awarded to comparable research institutions within the defense sector.

What are the primary risks associated with this R&D contract?

The primary risks associated with this R&D contract are inherent to the nature of developing emerging technologies. Technical risk is significant, as the research may not yield the desired outcomes or may encounter unforeseen scientific or engineering challenges. Schedule risk exists, as R&D timelines can be unpredictable, potentially leading to delays in delivering critical capabilities. Cost risk is also a factor, particularly with a CPFF contract, where costs can escalate if not managed diligently, although the fixed fee provides some cost certainty for the contractor's effort. Furthermore, there's a risk that the developed technology might become obsolete before deployment due to rapid advancements in threat or counter-technology landscapes. Ensuring effective project management and continuous stakeholder communication is crucial to mitigate these risks.

How effective is the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for this type of R&D?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type is often considered suitable for research and development efforts where the scope of work is not precisely defined at the outset and is expected to evolve. It allows the government to benefit from the contractor's expertise in exploring innovative solutions while providing the contractor with an incentive to control costs, as their profit (the fixed fee) is predetermined. This structure encourages innovation and flexibility, which are crucial for R&D. However, it requires robust government oversight to ensure that costs are reasonable and allocable to the contract. For CBRN defense R&D, where scientific discovery and adaptation are key, CPFF can be an effective mechanism, balancing the need for exploration with cost management.

What are the historical spending patterns for CBRN defense R&D within the Department of Defense?

Historical spending patterns for CBRN defense R&D within the Department of Defense have generally shown a consistent, albeit fluctuating, commitment driven by perceived threats and geopolitical events. Significant investments are often made following major international incidents or the emergence of new CBRN capabilities by adversaries. Funding typically supports a range of activities, from basic research into threat detection and mitigation to the development and testing of advanced protective gear, medical countermeasures, and decontamination technologies. The DoD's budget allocates substantial resources to programs aimed at maintaining technological superiority in this critical area, often involving multiple service branches and specialized research commands. This $15.8 million award represents a specific allocation within this broader, ongoing investment strategy.

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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

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: $40,887,929

Exercised Options: $40,887,929

Current Obligation: $15,858,819

Actual Outlays: $246,011

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 8

Total Subaward Amount: $1,126,978

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA807518D0016

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline