DoD's $7.6M R&D Contract with University of Dayton Aims to Boost Manufacturing and Readiness

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,603,293 ($7.6M)

Contractor: University of Dayton

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-07-11

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 354 days

Daily Burn Rate: $21.5K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: THIS PROJECT WILL LEVERAGE ADVANCEMENTS IN ADVANCED MANUFACTURING, EXPEDITIONARY SUSTAINMENT SYSTEMS, AND LOGIT TO ADDRESS TECHNICAL AND MANUFACTURING GAPS, ENHANCE OPERATIONAL READINESS, AND MITIGATE SUPPLY SHORTAGES/CAPABILITY GAPS.

Place of Performance

Location: DAYTON, MONTGOMERY County, OHIO, 45469

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $7.6 million to UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON for work described as: THIS PROJECT WILL LEVERAGE ADVANCEMENTS IN ADVANCED MANUFACTURING, EXPEDITIONARY SUSTAINMENT SYSTEMS, AND LOGIT TO ADDRESS TECHNICAL AND MANUFACTURING GAPS, ENHANCE OPERATIONAL READINESS, AND MITIGATE SUPPLY SHORTAGES/CAPABILITY GAPS. Key points: 1. Focuses on advanced manufacturing and logistics to improve operational readiness. 2. Addresses technical and manufacturing gaps, aiming to mitigate supply shortages. 3. Contract awarded to University of Dayton, a single source. 4. Sector is Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract is for Research and Development, making direct pricing comparisons difficult. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure allows for flexibility but requires careful monitoring of costs to ensure value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. Without competition, there's a risk that the price may not reflect the best possible value or that alternative solutions were not explored.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being allocated without the benefit of competitive bidding, potentially leading to a higher cost than if multiple vendors had vied for the contract.

Public Impact

Enhances national defense capabilities through technological advancements. Supports academic research institutions in critical R&D areas. Aims to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains for critical components. Potential for spin-off technologies benefiting the commercial sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award lacks competitive pricing pressure.
Cost-plus contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
Limited transparency on specific technical advancements and their direct impact.

Positive Signals

Addresses critical defense needs in manufacturing and sustainment.
Leverages academic expertise for innovation.
Focus on mitigating supply chain risks.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the R&D sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining a technological edge but can be less predictable in terms of immediate ROI compared to procurement contracts.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to a university, not a small business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this award.

Oversight & Accountability

As a sole-source award, oversight will be critical to ensure the University of Dayton meets the research objectives and manages costs effectively within the fixed fee structure. The Department of the Air Force will need robust monitoring mechanisms.

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

Lack of competition may lead to suboptimal pricing.
Cost-plus contract type carries inherent risk of cost escalation.
Sole-source award limits exploration of alternative solutions.
Effectiveness hinges on successful execution of complex R&D objectives.
Potential for intellectual property disputes or challenges in technology transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $7.6 million to UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON. THIS PROJECT WILL LEVERAGE ADVANCEMENTS IN ADVANCED MANUFACTURING, EXPEDITIONARY SUSTAINMENT SYSTEMS, AND LOGIT TO ADDRESS TECHNICAL AND MANUFACTURING GAPS, ENHANCE OPERATIONAL READINESS, AND MITIGATE SUPPLY SHORTAGES/CAPABILITY GAPS.

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 $7.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-07-11. End: 2026-06-30.

What specific metrics will be used to evaluate the success of the advanced manufacturing and sustainment systems developed under this contract?

Success metrics should focus on quantifiable improvements in operational readiness, reduction in supply chain lead times, and successful mitigation of identified technical and manufacturing gaps. The Department of Defense should establish clear performance indicators tied to the project's objectives, such as increased equipment uptime, reduced repair turnaround times, and successful integration of new manufacturing techniques into existing sustainment processes.

How will the Department of Defense ensure that the fixed fee adequately compensates the University of Dayton while representing fair value for taxpayer dollars, given the sole-source nature of the awa

Fair value can be assessed by benchmarking the fixed fee against similar R&D contracts awarded competitively, considering the scope, complexity, and duration. The DoD should also conduct a thorough review of the university's proposed budget and cost structure to ensure reasonableness. Independent cost estimates and expert consultations can further validate the fairness of the fee.

What is the potential for knowledge transfer and broader application of the research outcomes beyond the immediate defense needs?

The potential for knowledge transfer is significant, as university research often leads to publications and patents. The DoD should encourage the university to explore opportunities for disseminating findings through academic channels and potentially licensing intellectual property for commercial applications. This could foster innovation in the private sector and provide a return on investment beyond defense capabilities.

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: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 300 COLLEGE PARK AVE, 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: $8,237,560

Exercised Options: $8,237,560

Current Obligation: $7,603,293

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline