Air Force's $9.36M R&D Contract for Proactive Research Enabling Supportable System (press) Awarded to University of Dayton

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $9,361,298 ($9.4M)

Contractor: University of Dayton

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2019-12-20

End Date: 2027-04-24

Contract Duration: 2,682 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.5K/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 $9.4 million to UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON for work described as: PROACTIVE RESEARCH ENABLING SUPPORTABLE SYSTEM (PRESS) Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), which can incentivize cost control but also carries inherent risk. 3. Performance period extends over 8 years, indicating a long-term research and development effort. 4. The NAICS code 541715 points to significant R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 5. The contract is a delivery order, implying it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or a similar framework. 6. No small business set-aside was utilized, meaning the competition was open to all eligible offerors.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure requires careful monitoring to ensure value for money, as it allows for cost reimbursement plus a fixed fee. Benchmarking this specific R&D effort against similar contracts is challenging due to the specialized nature of the work. However, the duration of the contract (over 8 years) suggests a substantial investment in research, and the fixed fee component should provide some predictability in contractor profit.

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 specific number of bidders is not provided, but the open competition suggests a potentially robust selection process. This approach is generally favored for ensuring fair pricing and access to a wide range of capabilities.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition typically benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to more favorable pricing and innovative solutions, reducing the risk of overpayment.

Public Impact

The University of Dayton, a research institution, is the primary beneficiary, likely advancing its research capabilities and expertise. The contract supports research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences, potentially leading to advancements in defense technologies. The geographic impact is centered in Ohio, where the University of Dayton is located, potentially boosting local research and development ecosystem. The contract may indirectly impact the scientific and engineering workforce by providing research opportunities and funding.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently.
Long contract duration (over 8 years) increases the risk of scope creep or changing research priorities.
Lack of specific details on performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the effectiveness of the R&D.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process that should yield fair pricing.
University of Dayton has a strong track record in research, potentially indicating a capable contractor.
The contract focuses on R&D, which is crucial for technological advancement and future capabilities.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences (excluding nanotechnology and biotechnology). The R&D sector is critical for innovation and maintaining technological superiority. Comparable spending benchmarks for specialized R&D contracts can vary widely based on the specific scientific domain and project scope. The University of Dayton's involvement suggests a focus on academic-led research, often characterized by deep scientific inquiry and potential for groundbreaking discoveries.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses mentioned in the provided data. This means the primary focus was on securing the best research capabilities without specific set-aside goals. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless the University of Dayton voluntarily engages small businesses as subcontractors for specialized support.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Department of the Air Force, under the broader Department of Defense. Accountability measures would be tied to the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure, requiring detailed reporting on costs and progress. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific R&D project details might be sensitive. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Research and Development Programs
Air Force Science and Technology Investments
University Research Partnerships
Basic and Applied Research Contracts

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type requires diligent oversight to manage costs.
Long contract duration (over 8 years) increases risk of scope changes or obsolescence.
Lack of specific performance metrics in summary data hinders effectiveness assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $9.4 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 $9.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-12-20. End: 2027-04-24.

What is the University of Dayton's track record with federal R&D contracts, particularly with the Department of Defense?

The University of Dayton has a significant history of engaging in research and development, often in collaboration with government agencies, including the Department of Defense. They have established research centers and institutes focused on areas relevant to defense needs, such as materials science, aerospace engineering, and energy. While specific contract values and performance details for past DoD contracts are not provided here, their consistent involvement suggests a recognized capability and a degree of trust from federal sponsors. Further analysis would involve examining their portfolio of past awards, successful project outcomes, and any performance reviews or audits available through federal contract databases.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure compare to other contract types for R&D, and what are its implications for value?

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) is a common contract type for R&D where the scope is not fully defined or is expected to evolve. It reimburses the contractor for allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. Compared to Fixed Price contracts, CPFF offers flexibility for uncertain R&D but can incentivize cost escalation if not managed tightly. Compared to Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF), the profit is fixed regardless of cost performance, potentially reducing the incentive for extreme cost efficiency. For value, CPFF requires robust oversight to ensure costs remain reasonable and the fixed fee is appropriate for the effort. It balances the need for flexibility in research with a defined profit margin for the contractor.

What are the potential risks associated with an 8-year R&D contract, and how are they typically mitigated?

An 8-year R&D contract carries several risks, including technological obsolescence, shifting research priorities, contractor performance degradation over time, and potential cost overruns due to the extended duration. Mitigation strategies often include phased funding, regular performance reviews, clear milestone definitions, and mechanisms for contract modification or termination if objectives are not met or priorities change. The government typically retains rights to intellectual property developed, and periodic re-evaluations of the contract's necessity and alignment with strategic goals are crucial. Robust project management and communication channels between the government and the contractor are essential for navigating these long-term R&D efforts.

What does the NAICS code 541715 specifically encompass, and how does this contract align with its description?

NAICS code 541715, 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology),' covers establishments primarily engaged in conducting research and experimental development in these fields. This includes R&D in areas like aerospace, materials science, environmental science, and various engineering disciplines. The contract title, 'PROACTIVE RESEARCH ENABLING SUPPORTABLE SYSTEM (PRESS),' and its award to the University of Dayton, a known research institution, strongly align with this classification. The contract likely involves fundamental or applied research aimed at developing new knowledge, systems, or technologies within the physical, engineering, or life sciences domains, excluding the specified nanotech and biotech sub-sectors.

Given the contract is a 'Delivery Order,' what does this imply about the overarching contract vehicle?

A 'Delivery Order' typically signifies that this contract is a task order issued under a larger Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, a Government-Wide Acquisition Contract (GWAC), or a similar multiple-award contract vehicle. This means that a broader contract was previously awarded to one or more vendors, establishing terms and conditions, and this specific delivery order defines the scope, quantity, delivery schedule, and price for a particular requirement. This approach allows agencies to procure services or supplies efficiently without needing to conduct a full competition for each individual order, streamlining the acquisition process for recurring needs.

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 › DEFENSE (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: $9,361,298

Exercised Options: $9,361,298

Current Obligation: $9,361,298

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 2

Total Subaward Amount: $5,158,519

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