DoD's $6.5M Chemical and Biological Defense R&D contract awarded to Booz Allen Hamilton
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $6,489,380 ($6.5M)
Contractor: Booz Allen Hamilton Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-01-02
End Date: 2030-01-01
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $3.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL DEFENSE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR THE UNITED STATES ARMY COMBAT CAPABILITIES DEVELOPMENT COMMAND CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL CENTER
Place of Performance
Location: GUNPOWDER, HARFORD County, MARYLAND, 21010
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $6.5 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC for work described as: CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL DEFENSE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR THE UNITED STATES ARMY COMBAT CAPABILITIES DEVELOPMENT COMMAND CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL CENTER Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical R&D for Army's Chemical Biological Center. 2. Booz Allen Hamilton, a large established firm, is the awardee. 3. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive process. 4. The contract spans 5 years, indicating a long-term need for these services.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to higher costs if not managed carefully. However, the fixed fee component provides some cost control.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust price discovery process. This method typically yields competitive pricing by allowing all eligible sources to submit proposals.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it aims to secure the best value and price.
Public Impact
Enhances national security through advanced chemical and biological defense capabilities. Supports the Army's readiness and response to emerging threats. Invests in scientific research and development within the US.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize cost overruns if not closely monitored.
- No small business participation noted, potentially missing opportunities for smaller innovative firms.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
- Long-term contract (5 years) indicates sustained investment in a critical area.
- Focus on R&D for defense is a high-priority national security objective.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the R&D sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining a technological edge in defense.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates no small business participation in this contract. While the awardee is a large business, opportunities for subcontracting with small businesses were not explicitly mentioned, which could be a missed avenue for innovation and economic inclusion.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is a delivery order under a larger award, suggesting it has undergone initial review. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates ongoing oversight to ensure cost efficiency and prevent scope creep.
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 contract type.
- No small business participation identified.
- Potential for cost overruns if not managed diligently.
- Long contract duration requires sustained oversight.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, md, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $6.5 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC. CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL DEFENSE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR THE UNITED STATES ARMY COMBAT CAPABILITIES DEVELOPMENT COMMAND CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL CENTER
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON 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 $6.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-01-02. End: 2030-01-01.
What is the projected impact of this R&D on future defense capabilities against chemical and biological threats?
This R&D is expected to yield advancements in detection, protection, and decontamination technologies. The focus on the Army's Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center suggests direct application to soldier safety and battlefield effectiveness, potentially leading to new protocols and equipment that significantly enhance the military's ability to operate in contaminated environments and mitigate the effects of WMD attacks.
What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for this R&D effort?
The primary risk with CPFF is that the contractor may have less incentive to control costs compared to fixed-price contracts, as costs are reimbursed. While a fixed fee provides some ceiling, potential for scope creep or less efficient resource utilization exists. This necessitates robust government oversight to ensure the fixed fee remains appropriate and that the contractor exercises due diligence in managing expenses throughout the R&D lifecycle.
How effectively does this contract leverage competition to ensure optimal value for taxpayer investment in defense R&D?
The contract's award under 'full and open competition' is a strong indicator of effective value seeking. This process allows a wide range of qualified vendors to compete, driving down prices and encouraging innovation. The government's ability to secure proposals from multiple sources suggests a competitive environment that likely resulted in a fair price and a technically sound solution, maximizing the return on taxpayer investment for this critical defense R&D.
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
Parent Company: Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation
Address: 8283 GREENSBORO DR, MCLEAN, VA, 22102
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $28,197,476
Exercised Options: $28,197,476
Current Obligation: $6,489,380
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA807518D0004
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-01-02
Current End Date: 2030-01-01
Potential End Date: 2030-01-01 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-29
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