DoD's $21.8M Chemical Threat Analysis Contract Awarded to Battelle Memorial Institute
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $21,802,452 ($21.8M)
Contractor: Battelle Memorial Institute
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2022-01-02
End Date: 2027-01-02
Contract Duration: 1,826 days
Daily Burn Rate: $11.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: CHEMICAL THREATS AND THREAT MATERIALS HAZARD AND RISK ANALYSIS FOR THE UNITED STATES ARMY COMBAT CAPABILITIES DEVELOPMENT COMMAND CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL CENTER
Place of Performance
Location: NATICK, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01760
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $21.8 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE for work described as: CHEMICAL THREATS AND THREAT MATERIALS HAZARD AND RISK ANALYSIS FOR THE UNITED STATES ARMY COMBAT CAPABILITIES DEVELOPMENT COMMAND CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL CENTER Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical R&D for chemical and biological defense. 2. Battelle Memorial Institute, a known entity in R&D, is the awardee. 3. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a robust price discovery process. 4. The contract spans five years, indicating a long-term need for these services.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), which can lead to higher costs if not managed carefully. However, the fixed fee provides some cost control. Benchmarking CPFF contracts in R&D is complex due to varying scope and risk.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The use of full and open competition is positive, allowing multiple vendors to bid and potentially driving down costs through market forces. This method generally leads to better price discovery compared to sole-source or limited competition.
Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment for this critical R&D.
Public Impact
Enhances national security by addressing chemical and biological threats. Supports the Army's Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center's mission. Potential for technological advancements in threat detection and mitigation. Long-term contract may indicate ongoing and evolving threats.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- CPFF contract type requires diligent oversight to manage costs.
- Long duration (5 years) may not adapt quickly to rapidly changing threat landscapes.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition utilized.
- Awardee has relevant R&D expertise.
- Contract addresses a critical national security need.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation and national security, with significant government investment typically seen in areas like defense and advanced materials.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates the awardee is Battelle Memorial Institute, a large research organization. There is no specific indication of small business participation in this award, which is common for large, specialized R&D contracts.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract's duration and CPFF structure necessitate robust oversight from the Department of Defense to ensure cost control, adherence to scope, and effective delivery of research outcomes.
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
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type.
- Long contract duration (5 years).
- Potential for scope creep in R&D projects.
- Reliance on a single large contractor for critical analysis.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ma, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $21.8 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE. CHEMICAL THREATS AND THREAT MATERIALS HAZARD AND RISK ANALYSIS FOR THE UNITED STATES ARMY COMBAT CAPABILITIES DEVELOPMENT COMMAND CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL CENTER
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 $21.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-01-02. End: 2027-01-02.
What is the estimated total value of the fixed fee component within the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, and how does it compare to industry standards for similar R&D efforts?
The provided data does not specify the fixed fee amount, only the overall contract value. Determining the fixed fee requires a detailed breakdown of the contract's financial structure. Benchmarking this fee against industry standards for similar R&D contracts would necessitate access to proprietary cost data and a thorough analysis of the contract's scope, risk, and duration.
How will the effectiveness of the chemical threat analysis be measured, and what are the key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure the research directly contributes to mitigating identified risks?
Effectiveness is typically measured through deliverables such as comprehensive risk assessments, validated analytical methodologies, and actionable intelligence reports. Key performance indicators would likely include the accuracy and timeliness of threat identification, the robustness of risk mitigation strategies proposed, and the successful integration of findings into Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center's operational plans and future research directions.
Given the evolving nature of chemical threats, what mechanisms are in place to ensure the research remains relevant and adaptable throughout the five-year contract period?
Mechanisms for adaptability likely include built-in review periods, phased research objectives, and clauses allowing for contract modifications based on emerging intelligence or technological advancements. Regular consultations between the government and Battelle Memorial Institute are crucial to pivot research focus as needed, ensuring the analysis stays current with the dynamic landscape of chemical threats and materials.
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: 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: $32,791,937
Exercised Options: $32,791,937
Current Obligation: $21,802,452
Actual Outlays: $1,323,786
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 11
Total Subaward Amount: $3,628,747
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
Start Date: 2022-01-02
Current End Date: 2027-01-02
Potential End Date: 2027-01-02 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-29
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