DoD's $11.27M contract for cognitive and physical performance research awarded to DCS Corporation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,266,934 ($11.3M)

Contractor: DCS Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2022-09-15

End Date: 2026-10-15

Contract Duration: 1,491 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: COGNITIVE AND PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE IN OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENTS

Place of Performance

Location: ALEXANDRIA, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22310

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $11.3 million to DCS CORPORATION for work described as: COGNITIVE AND PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE IN OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENTS Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. Research and Development focus aligns with the physical, engineering, and life sciences sector. 3. Contract duration of approximately 4 years indicates a significant, long-term research effort. 4. The contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) may allow for cost overruns. 5. Performance is expected in Virginia, a state with a strong defense and R&D presence. 6. This award represents a small portion of the overall federal R&D spending.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this specific contract is challenging without more detailed cost breakdowns or comparable studies. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can sometimes lead to higher costs than fixed-price contracts if not managed carefully. However, for complex R&D efforts where the scope may evolve, CPFF can be appropriate. The fixed fee component provides some cost control for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely considered. This approach generally promotes price discovery and allows the government to select the most advantageous offer based on technical merit and price. The presence of two bids suggests a moderate level of competition for this specific award.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it encourages competitive pricing and potentially leads to better value for the government.

Public Impact

The Department of the Air Force is the primary beneficiary, seeking advancements in operational environments. The research aims to improve cognitive and physical performance, potentially benefiting military personnel. Geographic impact is centered in Virginia, a hub for defense contracting and research. Workforce implications may include specialized researchers and technical staff in the R&D sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type carries inherent risk of cost escalation if not closely monitored.
Limited competition (2 bids) may not represent the full market potential, potentially impacting price.
The specific nature of R&D can lead to unpredictable outcomes and budget challenges.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
The research focus on performance enhancement is critical for military readiness.
The fixed fee component in the CPFF contract provides a ceiling on contractor profit.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541715 covers R&D in these areas. Federal spending in R&D is substantial, with significant investments made by the Department of Defense to maintain technological superiority and enhance personnel capabilities. This contract represents a targeted investment within that broader landscape.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract included a small business set-aside. Given the nature of advanced research and development, prime contractors often possess specialized expertise and resources. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist, but are not explicitly detailed in the provided data. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

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. Performance monitoring, cost tracking, and adherence to research milestones are key oversight functions. Transparency is generally maintained through contract reporting mechanisms, though specific details of research progress may be sensitive. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Research and Development
Air Force Science and Technology Programs
Human Performance Research
Cognitive Science Research Contracts
Operational Environment Studies

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent oversight to manage potential cost escalations.
Limited number of bids (2) may indicate potential for improved price competition.
Research and Development projects inherently carry uncertainty regarding outcomes and timelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $11.3 million to DCS CORPORATION. COGNITIVE AND PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE IN OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENTS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DCS CORPORATION.

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 $11.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-09-15. End: 2026-10-15.

What is the track record of DCS Corporation in securing and performing on similar government R&D contracts?

DCS Corporation has a history of performing on various government contracts, including those within the R&D and defense sectors. Their portfolio often includes work related to engineering, technical services, and scientific research. Analyzing their past performance on Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts, specifically those involving human performance or operational environments, would provide further insight into their capabilities and cost management. A review of contract award histories and past performance evaluations (if publicly available) would be necessary to fully assess their track record. Their experience suggests they are a capable contractor for this type of work, but specific project success rates and budget adherence on prior similar contracts would offer a more definitive assessment.

How does the awarded amount of $11.27 million compare to similar federal contracts for cognitive and physical performance research?

Comparing this $11.27 million contract to similar federal awards requires identifying contracts with comparable scope, duration, and objectives. Federal R&D spending databases can be queried using keywords like 'cognitive performance,' 'physical performance,' 'human factors,' and 'operational environments,' alongside relevant NAICS codes (like 541715). The contract's duration of approximately four years (September 2022 to October 2026) suggests an average annual value of roughly $2.8 million. This figure needs to be benchmarked against other multi-year R&D efforts in similar domains. Without direct comparative data on specific contract values for identical research areas, it's difficult to definitively state if $11.27 million is high or low. However, it appears to be a moderate-sized award for a focused R&D effort within the defense sector.

What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for this research project?

The primary risk associated with the CPFF contract type for this research project is the potential for cost overruns. While the 'fixed fee' component provides the contractor with a predetermined profit, the 'cost plus' element means the government reimburses the contractor's allowable costs. If the research proves more complex or time-consuming than initially estimated, the total cost to the government could exceed initial projections. This necessitates robust government oversight to ensure that all incurred costs are reasonable, allocable, and necessary for the research objectives. Effective monitoring of labor hours, material expenses, and subcontractor costs is crucial to mitigate this risk and ensure the government receives good value for its investment.

How effective is the 'full and open competition' process likely to be in ensuring optimal value for this specific R&D contract?

The 'full and open competition' process is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring optimal value in government contracting, including for R&D. It allows any responsible source to submit a bid, fostering a competitive environment that drives innovation and encourages fair pricing. For this contract, the fact that it was competed under this method suggests that the Department of the Air Force sought multiple proposals to identify the best technical approach and cost-effective solution. The presence of two bids indicates some level of competition, though a higher number of bidders could potentially yield even more competitive pricing. The ultimate effectiveness hinges on the clarity of the solicitation, the evaluation criteria, and the rigor of the source selection process.

What are the potential long-term implications of this research on military operational effectiveness?

The long-term implications of this research on military operational effectiveness could be significant. By focusing on cognitive and physical performance in operational environments, the project aims to enhance warfighter capabilities. Improvements in cognitive functions like decision-making, situational awareness, and stress management, coupled with optimized physical performance, can directly translate to increased mission success rates and reduced personnel risk. This could lead to better training methodologies, improved equipment design, and enhanced personnel selection and sustainment strategies. Ultimately, advancements in these areas contribute to a more resilient, adaptable, and effective fighting force, providing a strategic advantage.

How does this contract align with broader trends in federal R&D spending, particularly within the Department of Defense?

This contract aligns with broader trends in federal R&D spending, especially within the Department of Defense, which consistently represents a substantial portion of the nation's R&D investment. The DoD prioritizes research that enhances warfighter performance, technological superiority, and operational readiness. Contracts focusing on human performance, cognitive science, and physiological optimization are critical components of this strategy. As the nature of warfare evolves, so does the need for research into how humans interact with complex systems and demanding environments. This $11.27 million award reflects the DoD's ongoing commitment to leveraging scientific advancements to maintain a qualitative edge and ensure the effectiveness of its personnel in diverse operational settings.

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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6909 METRO PARK DR STE 500, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 22310

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $11,353,981

Exercised Options: $11,353,981

Current Obligation: $11,266,934

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 2

Total Subaward Amount: $192,118

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA865020D6207

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline