Air Force R&D contract for materials science awarded to Iowa State University for over $15.1 million

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,137,923 ($15.1M)

Contractor: Iowa State University of Science and Technology

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2004-04-30

End Date: 2013-12-31

Contract Duration: 3,532 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: 200407!000353!5700!GR07 !AFRL/MLKM METALS CONTRACTING BRN!FA865004C5228 !A!N! !Y! ! !20040430!20070830!005309844!005309844!005309844!N!IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIEN!2207 PEARSON HALL, ROOM 15!AMES !IA!50011!01855!169!19!AMES !STORY !IOWA !+000002788000!N!N!000006499939!AD93!RDTE/OTHER DEFENSE-ADV TECH DEV !C9E!ALL OTHER SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT !000 !* !541710!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !A!N!S!2!002!E! !Z!N!Z! ! !N!V!N! ! ! ! ! !A!A!000!A!B!N! ! ! !Y! ! !0001! !

Place of Performance

Location: AMES, STORY County, IOWA, 50011

State: Iowa Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $15.1 million to IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY for work described as: 200407!000353!5700!GR07 !AFRL/MLKM METALS CONTRACTING BRN!FA865004C5228 !A!N! !Y! ! !20040430!20070830!005309844!005309844!005309844!N!IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIEN!2207 PEARSON HALL, ROOM 15!AMES !IA!50011!01855!169!19!AMES !STOR… Key points: 1. Contract focuses on advanced materials research and development, aligning with Air Force innovation goals. 2. Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration is substantial, indicating a long-term research objective. 4. Performance is in Iowa, potentially impacting the local economy and research ecosystem. 5. The specific NAICS code points to a specialized area within R&D. 6. The contract type 'Cost No Fee' implies reimbursement of costs without an additional fee for the contractor.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $15.1 million for a multi-year R&D effort appears within a reasonable range for specialized materials science research. However, without specific benchmarks for comparable Air Force R&D contracts in this niche area, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. The 'Cost No Fee' contract type suggests the government is primarily covering direct and indirect costs associated with the research, which can be efficient for exploratory work but may lack the cost-control incentives of fixed-price contracts. Further analysis would require comparing the scope of work and deliverables to similar research grants or contracts.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'full and open competition,' indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The presence of multiple bidders, though not explicitly stated in the provided data, is implied by this competition type. A competitive process generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more innovative solutions as contractors vie for the award. The specific number of bidders would provide further insight into the intensity of the competition.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining the best value through a robust bidding process, potentially driving down costs or improving the quality of research outcomes.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the U.S. Air Force, which gains access to advanced materials research critical for future defense technologies. Iowa State University, as the contractor, benefits from significant research funding, enabling further scientific inquiry and potentially enhancing its reputation in materials science. The contract supports scientific and engineering workforce development within the university and potentially in the Ames, Iowa region. The research outcomes could lead to advancements in aerospace, defense systems, and other high-tech industries.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The 'Cost No Fee' contract type might offer less incentive for strict cost control by the contractor compared to fixed-price arrangements.
The long duration of the contract (initial period plus potential extensions) could lead to scope creep or evolving research priorities that may not align perfectly with initial objectives.
Limited transparency on specific research milestones and deliverables could make it difficult to track progress and ensure accountability.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust and fair selection process.
The contract is with a reputable university known for its research capabilities in science and engineering.
The focus on R&D aligns with strategic investments in future technological capabilities for the Air Force.
The substantial funding indicates a significant commitment to advancing materials science.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on materials science. The market for defense-related R&D is characterized by long-term investments, specialized expertise, and often involves partnerships between government agencies and academic institutions or private firms. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve looking at other large-scale R&D grants or contracts awarded by agencies like the Department of Defense, NSF, or DOE for advanced materials research, often measured in the millions to tens of millions of dollars over several years.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside. Given the nature of advanced materials research, it is likely that the primary awardee, a university, would not typically subcontract to small businesses for core research activities. However, there might be opportunities for small businesses to provide specialized materials, equipment, or analytical services if required by the research scope, though this is not explicitly indicated.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of the Air Force, likely through the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) program managers. Accountability measures would be tied to the research milestones and deliverables outlined in the contract. Transparency is generally moderate for R&D contracts, with periodic reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Contracts
Department of Defense Research and Development Programs
University Research Grants
Advanced Materials Science Initiatives
National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering Grants

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to 'Cost No Fee' structure.
Scope creep risk given the long contract duration and R&D nature.
Dependence on university research output for critical defense applications.
Limited visibility into specific research progress without detailed reporting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $15.1 million to IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY. 200407!000353!5700!GR07 !AFRL/MLKM METALS CONTRACTING BRN!FA865004C5228 !A!N! !Y! ! !20040430!20070830!005309844!005309844!005309844!N!IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIEN!2207 PEARSON HALL, ROOM 15!AMES !IA!50011!01855!169!19!AMES !STORY !IOWA !+000002788000!N!N!000006499939!AD93!RDTE/OTHER DEFENSE-ADV TECH DEV !C9E!ALL OTHER SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT !000 !* !541710!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !999

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.

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 $15.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2004-04-30. End: 2013-12-31.

What is the specific research focus within materials science for this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract falls under NAICS code 541710, which covers 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.' While the specific sub-focus within materials science is not detailed, the agency (Department of the Air Force) suggests the research likely pertains to materials relevant for aerospace applications, defense systems, or advanced manufacturing. This could include areas like high-temperature alloys, composites, nanomaterials, or materials with unique electromagnetic properties. Further details would typically be found in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) or technical exhibits, which are not included in the provided summary data.

How does the $15.1 million award compare to typical funding for similar materials science R&D projects at universities?

An award of $15.1 million for a multi-year R&D project at a university is substantial and indicates a significant investment. While many university research grants are smaller, large, multi-year federal contracts, particularly those from agencies like the Department of Defense, can reach these figures, especially for projects with broad strategic importance or requiring extensive facilities and personnel. For instance, major federal R&D initiatives or center grants can often exceed $10 million over their lifespan. Comparing this to specific benchmarks would require analyzing the scope, duration, and specific research area against other large federal awards to universities in materials science.

What are the key risks associated with this 'Cost No Fee' contract type for the government?

The primary risk with a 'Cost No Fee' (Cost) contract type is the potential for the contractor to incur costs without a direct financial incentive to control them, as they are reimbursed for allowable costs. This can lead to less stringent cost management compared to fixed-price contracts. For the government, this means a greater reliance on robust oversight and auditing to ensure costs are reasonable, allocable, and allowable. There's also a risk that the research objectives might be pursued less efficiently if cost savings are not a primary driver for the contractor. However, for highly exploratory R&D where the scope is uncertain, Cost contracts can be appropriate for ensuring the research progresses without being prematurely halted due to cost overruns.

What is the track record of Iowa State University in securing large federal R&D contracts, particularly with the Department of Defense?

Iowa State University has a well-established track record as a major research institution and frequently secures significant federal funding across various scientific disciplines. It is a leading institution in materials science and engineering, with numerous research centers and a history of collaborating with federal agencies, including the Department of Defense. While specific contract values and numbers fluctuate annually, ISU consistently ranks among top universities for federal R&D expenditures. This particular $15.1 million contract aligns with their known strengths and historical success in obtaining large-scale research grants and contracts from agencies like the DoD, NSF, and DOE.

How might the geographic location in Ames, Iowa, influence the contract's impact?

The contract's performance location in Ames, Iowa, means that the majority of the awarded funds will likely be spent within that region. This can provide a significant economic stimulus through employment opportunities for researchers, technicians, and support staff at Iowa State University. It also supports the local economy through procurement of goods and services. Furthermore, it strengthens the research ecosystem in Iowa, potentially fostering collaborations with other local institutions or businesses and contributing to the development of a skilled scientific workforce in the state. The presence of such a large federal R&D contract can enhance the university's and the region's reputation in advanced research.

What are the potential long-term implications of this materials science R&D for the Air Force?

This contract represents an investment in the future capabilities of the U.S. Air Force. Advancements in materials science can lead to the development of lighter, stronger, and more resilient aircraft and weapon systems, potentially improving performance, reducing maintenance costs, and enhancing survivability. Innovations could also enable new technologies, such as advanced sensors, energy storage solutions, or materials for extreme environments. The long-term implications are strategic, aiming to maintain technological superiority and address future operational challenges through cutting-edge scientific discovery and application.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2207 PEARSON HALL, ROOM 15, AMES, IA, 04

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline