DoD's $8.2M R&D contract with University of Dayton for PRO REACTIVE EXPRESS SUPPORT SYSTEMS (PRESS) awarded via full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $8,209,058 ($8.2M)

Contractor: University of Dayton

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2020-01-14

End Date: 2027-04-24

Contract Duration: 2,657 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: PRO REACTIVE EXPRESS SUPPORT SYSTEMS (PRESS)

Place of Performance

Location: DAYTON, MONTGOMERY County, OHIO, 45469

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $8.2 million to UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON for work described as: PRO REACTIVE EXPRESS SUPPORT SYSTEMS (PRESS) Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single academic institution for specialized research and development. 2. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. 3. The duration of the contract is substantial, spanning over 7 years, indicating a long-term research objective. 4. The NAICS code 541715 suggests a focus on physical, engineering, and life sciences research. 5. The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a broad search for qualified contractors. 6. The award amount is moderate for a multi-year R&D effort in the defense sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this specific R&D contract is challenging without detailed technical specifications and deliverables. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type, while common for R&D, carries inherent risks of cost escalation if the scope is not tightly controlled. Comparing it to similar R&D efforts within the Department of Defense would require access to proprietary data on research outcomes and efficiency. The fixed fee component provides some cost certainty for the contractor's effort, but the overall project cost is variable.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that the Department of the Air Force sought proposals from all responsible sources. The number of bidders is not specified, but this method generally promotes a wider pool of potential contractors and encourages competitive pricing. The open competition suggests that the agency believes multiple entities possess the capability to perform the required research.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it aims to secure the best value by fostering a competitive environment, potentially leading to lower overall costs or superior technical solutions.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the Department of Defense, specifically the Air Force, which will receive advancements in PRO REACTIVE EXPRESS SUPPORT SYSTEMS (PRESS). The research conducted is expected to contribute to the physical, engineering, and life sciences, potentially leading to new technologies or improved existing systems. The geographic impact is primarily within Ohio, where the University of Dayton is located, potentially creating or sustaining research-related jobs. The contract supports academic research and development, fostering innovation within the university setting.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can lead to costs exceeding initial estimates if not rigorously managed.
Long contract duration increases the risk of scope creep or evolving research needs not being met.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the efficiency of the research effort.
The specialized nature of R&D can make direct cost comparisons to other contracts difficult.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
The University of Dayton is a known research institution, implying a level of established expertise.
The contract aims to advance critical defense capabilities through research.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for defense R&D is characterized by significant government investment, specialized expertise, and long development cycles. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other large-scale, multi-year research grants or contracts awarded by agencies like the DoD, DARPA, or NSF to universities and research institutions for advanced technology development.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract included a small business set-aside. Given the nature of advanced research and development, particularly within a university setting, the primary contractor is likely a large academic institution. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not explicitly detailed but could potentially arise if specialized services or equipment are required that the University of Dayton cannot provide internally.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program office within the Department of the Air Force. Accountability measures would be tied to the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, requiring detailed reporting of costs incurred and progress towards research objectives. Transparency is generally limited for specific R&D projects due to proprietary and national security considerations, though contract award data is publicly available. 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 Grants
Advanced Materials Research Contracts
Systems Engineering Research

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type carries inherent cost overrun risk.
Long contract duration increases potential for scope creep or evolving requirements.
Limited public information on specific deliverables and performance metrics.
Specialized R&D nature makes direct value-for-money comparisons difficult.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $8.2 million to UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON. PRO REACTIVE EXPRESS SUPPORT SYSTEMS (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 $8.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-01-14. End: 2027-04-24.

What is the specific technical objective of the PRO REACTIVE EXPRESS SUPPORT SYSTEMS (PRESS) research?

The provided data does not detail the specific technical objectives of the PRO REACTIVE EXPRESS SUPPORT SYSTEMS (PRESS) research. The NAICS code 541715 indicates research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences, excluding nanotechnology and biotechnology. To understand the precise goals, one would need to consult the contract's statement of work (SOW) or technical exhibits. These documents typically outline the research problems, methodologies, expected outcomes, and performance metrics. Without access to these specifics, it's impossible to ascertain the exact nature of the 'PRESS' system or its intended application within the Department of the Air Force.

How does the University of Dayton's track record in defense R&D compare to other potential bidders for this contract?

The University of Dayton has a significant history of engaging in defense-related research and development, often through contracts and grants with agencies like the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), which is headquartered in Ohio. They possess established research centers and laboratories focused on areas relevant to aerospace, materials science, and engineering. While specific comparative data on their win rate or performance metrics against other potential bidders for this particular contract is not publicly available, their consistent involvement in defense R&D suggests a strong capability and established relationship with the DoD. A comprehensive assessment would require analyzing past performance evaluations and competitive bidding histories across multiple institutions.

What are the potential risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for this R&D effort?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type, while common for research and development where precise costs are difficult to estimate upfront, carries inherent risks. The primary risk is cost overrun, as the government agrees to reimburse the contractor for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee. If the research proves more complex or time-consuming than initially anticipated, the total cost to the government can significantly exceed initial projections. Effective oversight, rigorous cost tracking, and clear definition of allowable costs are crucial to mitigate this risk. The fixed fee provides an incentive for the contractor to control costs to some extent, but the government bears the majority of the cost uncertainty.

How does the $8.2 million award amount compare to typical multi-year R&D contracts in the physical and engineering sciences for the DoD?

An $8.2 million award for a multi-year R&D contract (spanning over 7 years in this case) in the physical and engineering sciences for the DoD can be considered moderate. Large-scale, cutting-edge R&D programs, especially those involving advanced materials, complex systems, or foundational scientific breakthroughs, can easily reach tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars over their lifecycle. Conversely, smaller, more focused research tasks or feasibility studies might be awarded for amounts significantly less than $8.2 million. Therefore, this contract's value suggests a substantial but not exceptionally large R&D undertaking, likely focused on a specific set of research objectives within the broader scope of physical, engineering, and life sciences.

What historical spending patterns exist for research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences by the Department of the Air Force?

The Department of the Air Force consistently allocates significant funding towards research and development across physical, engineering, and life sciences, as indicated by the NAICS code 541715. Historical spending patterns reveal a strong emphasis on areas such as aerospace engineering, materials science, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, and human systems integration. Funding often flows through various mechanisms, including direct contracts with universities and research institutions (like this one), grants, and internal research efforts at facilities like the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). Spending levels can fluctuate based on strategic priorities, technological advancements, and budgetary allocations, but R&D in these scientific domains remains a core investment area for maintaining technological superiority.

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: $8,709,059

Exercised Options: $8,709,059

Current Obligation: $8,209,058

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 4

Total Subaward Amount: $5,797,883

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