Stanford University awarded $17.8M for basic research in physical, engineering, and life sciences

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,822,709 ($17.8M)

Contractor: THE Leland Stanford Junior University

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2005-05-20

End Date: 2011-02-28

Contract Duration: 2,110 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: 200510!000202!5700!FA8718!ESC/PKR !FA871805C0027 !A!N! !N! ! !20050520!20090630!009214214!009214214!009214214!N!LELAND JUNIOR STANFORD UNIVERS!651 SERRA ST !STANFORD !CA!94305!73906!085!06!STANFORD !SANTA CLARA !CALIFORNIA!+000000544400!N!N!000013114366!AJ91!RDTE/OTHER SCIENCES - BASIC RESEARCH !S1 !SERVICES !000 !* !541710!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !20200930!B! ! !A! !A!N!S!1!009!E! !Z!Y!Z! ! !N!V!N! ! ! ! ! !A!A!000!A!C!N! ! ! !Y! ! !0001! !

Place of Performance

Location: STANFORD, SANTA CLARA County, CALIFORNIA, 94305

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $17.8 million to THE LELAND STANFORD JUNIOR UNIVERSITY for work described as: 200510!000202!5700!FA8718!ESC/PKR !FA871805C0027 !A!N! !N! ! !20050520!20090630!009214214!009214214!009214214!N!LELAND JUNIOR STANFORD UNIVERS!651 SERRA ST !STANFORD !CA!94305!73906!085!06!STANFORD !SANT… Key points: 1. Contract awarded for basic research, indicating foundational scientific exploration. 2. The contract duration of approximately 6 years suggests a long-term research commitment. 3. The award was made under full and open competition, implying a robust bidding process. 4. The primary focus is on Research and Development (R&D), a key area for technological advancement. 5. The geographic location in California places the research within a prominent innovation hub. 6. The contract type 'COST NO FEE' suggests the government reimburses allowable costs without a fixed profit margin.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $17.8 million for a nearly 6-year basic research effort appears reasonable when benchmarked against similar large-scale R&D grants. While specific per-unit cost comparisons are difficult for basic research due to its exploratory nature, the overall funding level is consistent with significant scientific endeavors. The 'COST NO FEE' contract type implies that the government is covering direct and indirect costs associated with the research, which is common for foundational science projects where outcomes are uncertain.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating that multiple sources were considered, but specific exclusions were made. While the exact reasons for exclusions are not detailed, the 'full and open' aspect suggests a competitive process was initiated. The presence of multiple bidders, even with exclusions, generally promotes price discovery and ensures the government receives competitive proposals. The number of bidders (9) is a healthy sign of competition for this type of specialized research.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this award suggests that taxpayer funds were likely used efficiently, as multiple institutions vied for the opportunity to conduct this research. This process helps ensure that the selected research aligns with the government's objectives at a reasonable cost.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is The Leland Stanford Junior University, which will conduct the research. The research aims to advance fundamental knowledge in physical, engineering, and life sciences. The geographic impact is concentrated in Stanford, California, but the scientific findings can have global implications. The contract supports highly skilled researchers and potentially graduate students, contributing to the scientific workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific details on the 'exclusion of sources' in the competition process could mask potential limitations in bidder diversity.
The 'COST NO FEE' structure, while standard for R&D, requires diligent oversight to ensure cost reasonableness and prevent overruns.
The long duration of the contract might present challenges in adapting to rapidly evolving scientific landscapes or shifting research priorities.

Positive Signals

Award to a reputable academic institution like Stanford suggests a high likelihood of quality research output.
The 'full and open competition' aspect, despite exclusions, indicates an effort to engage a broad range of potential research partners.
The significant funding amount suggests a commitment to impactful, long-term scientific inquiry.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on basic research in the physical, engineering, and life sciences. This is a critical area for innovation and future technological advancements. The market for basic research funding is typically driven by government agencies and large foundations seeking to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge. Comparable spending benchmarks for large-scale basic research projects can vary widely but often involve multi-million dollar awards over several years to leading research institutions.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have specific small business set-aside provisions, as it was awarded to a large university. However, universities often engage subcontractors for specialized services or equipment. It is possible that small businesses could be involved in supporting roles or as suppliers to the primary contractor, but this contract's structure does not prioritize direct small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would likely be managed by the awarding agency within the Department of Defense, specifically the Air Force. Mechanisms would include regular progress reports from the contractor, financial reviews to ensure cost reasonableness under the 'COST NO FEE' structure, and potentially site visits or technical reviews by government scientists. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases, though specific research findings are typically published in scientific journals after peer review.

Related Government Programs

National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Grants
Department of Energy (DOE) Basic Energy Sciences Program
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Research Grants
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Projects

Risk Flags

Potential for cost creep in 'COST NO FEE' contracts requires vigilant oversight.
The 'exclusion of sources' in competition needs clear justification to ensure maximum value.
Long contract duration may require flexibility to adapt to evolving research needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $17.8 million to THE LELAND STANFORD JUNIOR UNIVERSITY. 200510!000202!5700!FA8718!ESC/PKR !FA871805C0027 !A!N! !N! ! !20050520!20090630!009214214!009214214!009214214!N!LELAND JUNIOR STANFORD UNIVERS!651 SERRA ST !STANFORD !CA!94305!73906!085!06!STANFORD !SANTA CLARA !CALIFORNIA!+000000544400!N!N!000013114366!AJ91!RDTE/OTHER SCIENCES - BASIC RESEARCH !S1 !SERVICES !000 !* !541710!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !202

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE LELAND STANFORD JUNIOR UNIVERSITY.

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 $17.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2005-05-20. End: 2011-02-28.

What is the specific research area within 'Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' that this contract supports?

The provided data indicates the contract falls under the NAICS code 541710, which covers 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology).' While the specific sub-disciplines are not detailed in the summary data, this broad category encompasses a vast range of scientific inquiry. It could include research in areas such as materials science, advanced manufacturing, aerospace engineering, environmental science, neuroscience, or fundamental physics. Further details would typically be found in the contract's statement of work or associated research proposals, which are not publicly available in this dataset.

How does the $17.8 million funding compare to other basic research grants awarded by the Department of Defense?

The $17.8 million award to Stanford University is a substantial sum, indicative of a significant research initiative. Basic research grants from the Department of Defense (DoD) can range from hundreds of thousands to tens of millions of dollars, depending on the scope, duration, and strategic importance of the research. For instance, grants from agencies like DARPA or AFRL (Air Force Research Laboratory) often involve large, multi-year funding commitments for high-risk, high-reward projects. While this specific award is on the higher end, it is not unprecedented for foundational research efforts deemed critical to national security or technological superiority.

What are the potential risks associated with a 'COST NO FEE' contract for basic research?

The 'COST NO FEE' contract type, while common for research and development where outcomes are uncertain, carries inherent risks. The primary risk for the government is ensuring that the costs incurred by the contractor are reasonable, allocable, and allowable. Without a fixed profit margin, there's less direct financial incentive for the contractor to control costs aggressively. This necessitates robust government oversight, including detailed audits and reviews of expenditures, to prevent cost overruns or inefficient resource allocation. For the contractor, the risk lies in not being able to recoup all incurred costs if the project is terminated or if certain costs are deemed unallowable by the government.

What is the track record of The Leland Stanford Junior University in receiving and managing federal research grants?

The Leland Stanford Junior University is a world-renowned research institution with a long and distinguished history of securing and managing federal research grants across numerous disciplines. It consistently ranks among the top universities for federal research and development expenditures. Stanford has extensive experience in managing complex, multi-year research projects funded by agencies such as the DoD, NSF, NIH, and DOE. Its robust research administration infrastructure is designed to handle large funding volumes, ensure compliance with federal regulations, and facilitate the dissemination of research findings. This established track record suggests a high degree of reliability and capability in executing the terms of this contract.

How might the 'exclusion of sources' in the competition process impact the innovation potential of this research?

The 'exclusion of sources' clause in the competition process, while allowing for 'full and open competition' initially, introduces a layer of complexity. If specific sources were excluded due to reasons unrelated to capability or cost (e.g., proprietary concerns, prior relationships), it could potentially limit the diversity of approaches and perspectives brought to the research. However, if the exclusions were based on specific technical requirements or to avoid conflicts of interest, they might serve to focus the competition on the most qualified entities. The impact on innovation hinges on the rationale behind the exclusions; a well-justified exclusion could maintain focus, while an arbitrary one might stifle novel ideas from potentially capable, but excluded, entities.

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

The Department of the Air Force, through entities like the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), consistently invests in basic research across physical, engineering, and life sciences. Historical spending patterns show a significant and sustained commitment to advancing foundational knowledge critical for future aerospace and defense technologies. Funding often targets areas such as advanced materials, propulsion, human systems, artificial intelligence, and quantum sciences. While annual allocations can fluctuate based on strategic priorities and budget cycles, the Air Force generally maintains a robust portfolio of basic research grants and contracts, often awarded through competitive processes to leading universities and research institutions, similar to this award to Stanford.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH

Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 651 SERRA ST, STANFORD, CA, 18

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Not Designated a Small Business

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline