DoD Awards $392M CBRN Testing Contract to Battelle Memorial Institute for 5 Years
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $39,217,210 ($39.2M)
Contractor: Battelle Memorial Institute
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-09-30
End Date: 2029-09-29
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $21.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICAL, AND NUCLEAR DEFENSE TESTING, ANALYTICS, AND SUSTAINMENT FOR CIISD
Place of Performance
Location: COLUMBUS, FRANKLIN County, OHIO, 43201
State: Ohio Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $39.2 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE for work described as: CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICAL, AND NUCLEAR DEFENSE TESTING, ANALYTICS, AND SUSTAINMENT FOR CIISD Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical CBRN defense capabilities. 2. Battelle Memorial Institute is a significant player in R&D. 3. Full and open competition suggests potential for competitive pricing. 4. The sector is vital for national security and preparedness.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $392.2 million over five years appears reasonable for specialized R&D services in a critical defense area. Benchmarking against similar large-scale R&D contracts would provide further context.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing and allows a broad range of qualified contractors to bid. This method is expected to yield fair market value.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for essential defense capabilities.
Public Impact
Enhances national security through advanced CBRN defense capabilities. Supports critical research and development in a specialized scientific field. Ensures readiness and response capabilities for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. Potential for technological advancements in defense and public safety.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in complex R&D projects.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical sustainment.
- Scope creep in research and development activities.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Long-term contract ensures continuity of essential services.
- Focus on a high-priority national security area.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences related to CBRN defense. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority and national security.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the prime contractor is a large entity. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist but are not explicitly detailed in this award information.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Air Force, under the Department of Defense, is responsible for oversight. The contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) requires careful monitoring of costs and performance to ensure value for money.
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
- Contract awarded under full and open competition.
- Long-term contract (5 years) provides stability.
- Focus on a critical national security area (CBRN Defense).
- Contractor has demonstrated expertise in R&D.
- Potential for significant technological advancements.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, oh, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $39.2 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE. CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICAL, AND NUCLEAR DEFENSE TESTING, ANALYTICS, AND SUSTAINMENT FOR CIISD
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 $39.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-09-30. End: 2029-09-29.
What specific technological advancements are anticipated from this contract, and how will they translate into improved defense capabilities?
This contract is expected to yield advancements in areas such as early detection systems, rapid decontamination technologies, and improved protective equipment against CBRN threats. These advancements will directly enhance military readiness and civilian response capabilities by providing more effective tools and strategies to mitigate the impact of hazardous agents, thereby bolstering national security.
What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type in this R&D context, and how are they being mitigated?
The primary risk with CPFF is that the contractor may not be sufficiently incentivized to control costs, as the government covers allowable costs plus a fixed fee. Mitigation strategies include rigorous oversight, detailed cost tracking, performance metrics, and clear definition of work scope to prevent uncontrolled expansion. The fixed fee provides some incentive for efficiency.
How does the sustained investment in CBRN defense testing and analytics contribute to overall national preparedness and resilience against emerging threats?
Sustained investment ensures continuous improvement and adaptation of defense mechanisms against evolving CBRN threats. It funds vital research, development, and testing of new technologies and strategies, maintaining a high level of readiness. This proactive approach enhances national resilience by equipping agencies with the necessary tools and expertise to effectively respond to and recover from potential attacks or accidents.
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: $125,020,765
Exercised Options: $125,020,765
Current Obligation: $39,217,210
Actual Outlays: $2,635,481
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 6
Total Subaward Amount: $10,484,943
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: 2024-09-30
Current End Date: 2029-09-29
Potential End Date: 2029-09-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-29
More Contracts from Battelle Memorial Institute
- Battelle Memorial Institute/Pacific Northwest Laboratory Operating and Managing Contract — $30.2B (Department of Energy)
- Fox/Bio Requirement — $387.6M (Department of Defense)
- Arctic Research Support and Logistics Services (arsls) — $249.0M (National Science Foundation)
- OF the Research Effort to Evaluate the Toxic and Carcinogenic Potential of Test Agents in Laboratory Animals for the NTP — $150.1M (Department of Health and Human Services)
- IAC MAC 2080 Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Defense Testing and Analytics for Joint Enterprise Fielding and Surveillance — $104.9M (Department of Defense)
Other Department of Defense Contracts
- Federal Contract — $51.3B (Humana Government Business Inc)
- Lrip LOT 12 Advance Acquisition Contract — $35.1B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- SSN 802 and 803 Long Lead Time Material — $34.7B (Electric Boat Corporation)
- 200204!008532!1700!AF600 !naval AIR Systems Command !N0001902C3002 !A!N! !N! !20011026!20120430!008016958!008016958!834951691!n!lockheed Martin Corporation !lockheed Blvd !fort Worth !tx!76108!27000!439!48!fort Worth !tarrant !texas !+000026000000!n!n!018981928201!ac15!rdte/Aircraft-Eng/Manuf Develop !a1a!airframes and Spares !2ama!jast/Jsf !336411!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !a!n!r!2!002!n!1a!a!n!z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! !Y! !N00019!0001! — $34.2B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- KC-X Modernization Program — $32.0B (THE Boeing Company)