Air Force Awards $5.9M R&D Contract to University of Dayton for Proactive Research Enabling Supportable System (press)

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,936,283 ($5.9M)

Contractor: University of Dayton

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-11-27

End Date: 2027-04-24

Contract Duration: 1,244 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: PROACTIVE RESEARCH ENABLING SUPPORTABLE SYSTEM (PRESS)

Place of Performance

Location: DAYTON, MONTGOMERY County, OHIO, 45469

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $5.9 million to UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON for work described as: PROACTIVE RESEARCH ENABLING SUPPORTABLE SYSTEM (PRESS) Key points: 1. The contract is for Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 2. Awarded via full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. 3. The University of Dayton, a known research institution, is the contractor. 4. This award falls under the Department of the Air Force's R&D spending.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The award amount of $5.9M is moderate for R&D, but the final cost will depend on the project's progression.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method allows multiple bidders to compete, potentially driving down costs and ensuring fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is generally positive for taxpayers as it promotes efficiency and cost-effectiveness in government spending.

Public Impact

Supports advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences research. Potential for technological innovation and development by the Air Force. Investment in academic-industry partnerships for research.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize contractor to increase costs.
  • Long duration (1244 days) may present challenges in scope management.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded via full and open competition.
  • Contractor is a reputable university research institution.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the R&D sector, specifically NAICS code 541715. Spending in this sector is crucial for technological advancement and national security, with benchmarks varying widely based on research scope and complexity.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded via full and open competition and does not indicate any specific set-aside for small businesses. The contractor, University of Dayton, is a large institution, suggesting limited direct impact on small businesses through this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Air Force is responsible for oversight. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates diligent monitoring to ensure costs remain within reasonable bounds and objectives are met effectively.

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.
  • Potential for cost overruns.
  • Lack of specific performance metrics in award data.
  • Long contract duration.

Tags

research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, oh, delivery-order, 1m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $5.9 million to UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON. PROACTIVE RESEARCH ENABLING SUPPORTABLE SYSTEM (PRESS)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON.

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 $5.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-11-27. End: 2027-04-24.

What specific research outcomes are expected from the PROACTIVE RESEARCH ENABLING SUPPORTABLE SYSTEM (PRESS) project, and how will their achievement be measured?

The specific research outcomes are not detailed in the provided data. However, as a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, the Air Force will likely define key performance indicators and milestones related to the system's development and supportability. Success will be measured against these predefined technical and operational objectives, with regular progress reports and reviews ensuring alignment with the project's goals.

What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type for this R&D project, and how are they being mitigated?

The primary risk with CPFF is the potential for cost overruns, as the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs plus a fixed fee. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust government oversight, detailed cost tracking, clearly defined project scope, and regular performance reviews to ensure efficient resource utilization and prevent scope creep.

How does this $5.9M R&D investment align with the Air Force's broader strategic objectives in the physical, engineering, and life sciences domains?

This investment likely supports the Air Force's strategic goals by fostering innovation in critical scientific and engineering fields. The 'PROACTIVE RESEARCH ENABLING SUPPORTABLE SYSTEM' suggests a focus on developing next-generation capabilities or improving existing systems' longevity and efficiency, crucial for maintaining technological superiority and operational readiness.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesScientific Research and Development ServicesResearch and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENTDEFENSE (OTHER) R&D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 300 COLLEGE PARK, DAYTON, OH, 45469

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Private), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,649,997

Exercised Options: $6,649,997

Current Obligation: $5,936,283

Actual Outlays: $139,959

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 5

Total Subaward Amount: $2,581,849

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA865019D5630

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2023-11-27

Current End Date: 2027-04-24

Potential End Date: 2027-04-24 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2026-01-07

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