DoD's $923M SLAKE R&D Contract Awarded to Applied Research Solutions, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $92,337,420 ($92.3M)
Contractor: Applied Research Solutions, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2018-11-06
End Date: 2024-08-16
Contract Duration: 2,110 days
Daily Burn Rate: $43.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SENSING, LEARNING, AUTONOMY, AND KNOWLEDGE ENGINEERING (SLAKE)
Place of Performance
Location: BEAVERCREEK, MONTGOMERY County, OHIO, 45440
State: Ohio Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $92.3 million to APPLIED RESEARCH SOLUTIONS, INC. for work described as: SENSING, LEARNING, AUTONOMY, AND KNOWLEDGE ENGINEERING (SLAKE) Key points: 1. Significant investment in advanced R&D for sensing, learning, and autonomy. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Potential risks include cost overruns in complex research projects. 4. The sector is R&D, focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to higher costs if not managed tightly. Benchmarking is difficult due to the specialized nature of the R&D.
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. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure may still allow for cost growth.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting advanced research, with potential long-term benefits but also the risk of inefficient spending if costs escalate.
Public Impact
Advancement in AI and autonomous systems could have significant defense applications. Investment in R&D is crucial for maintaining technological superiority. The long duration of the contract suggests a complex, multi-phase research effort.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure
- Long contract duration (2110 days)
- No small business participation noted
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition
- Focus on critical R&D areas
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is critical for innovation but can be prone to cost overruns due to the inherent uncertainties of research.
Small Business Impact
The contract data indicates no specific set-aside for small businesses, and the prime contractor is not listed as a small business. This suggests limited direct opportunities for small businesses on this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Air Force is the contracting agency. Oversight will be critical to manage the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure and ensure research objectives are met efficiently.
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 structure
- Long contract duration
- Lack of small business participation
- Potential for scope creep in R&D
- Difficulty in defining and measuring R&D success upfront
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, oh, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $92.3 million to APPLIED RESEARCH SOLUTIONS, INC.. SENSING, LEARNING, AUTONOMY, AND KNOWLEDGE ENGINEERING (SLAKE)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is APPLIED RESEARCH SOLUTIONS, 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 $92.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2018-11-06. End: 2024-08-16.
What are the specific performance metrics and milestones for this R&D contract to ensure value for money?
Detailed performance metrics and phased milestones are crucial for a Cost Plus Fixed Fee R&D contract. These should outline expected deliverables, research progress, and quality standards at each stage. Effective oversight by the Department of the Air Force is necessary to track adherence to these metrics and ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently towards achieving the program's objectives.
How will the Department of Defense mitigate the risks associated with cost overruns in this long-term, complex R&D effort?
Mitigation strategies for cost overruns in this CPFF contract should include rigorous independent cost reviews, strict change order management, and regular performance reviews against defined milestones. The agency should also ensure clear communication channels with the contractor to identify potential issues early and implement corrective actions proactively to maintain cost control.
What is the expected long-term impact of the SLAKE program's advancements on national security and technological competitiveness?
The SLAKE program aims to enhance capabilities in sensing, learning, and autonomy, which are critical for future defense systems. Successful advancements could lead to more effective intelligence gathering, improved autonomous operations, and a stronger technological edge against adversaries, thereby bolstering national security and maintaining U.S. competitiveness in key technological domains.
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: BASIC RESEARCH
Solicitation ID: FA865018S1692
Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 51 PLUM ST STE 240, BEAVERCREEK, OH, 45440
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $93,754,494
Exercised Options: $93,754,494
Current Obligation: $92,337,420
Actual Outlays: $7,525,635
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 1785
Total Subaward Amount: $418,800,722
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2018-11-06
Current End Date: 2024-08-16
Potential End Date: 2024-08-16 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-22
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