DoD's $347M EPASS Contract Awarded to Applied Research Solutions for R&D Support
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $346,638,941 ($346.6M)
Contractor: Applied Research Solutions, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-04-18
End Date: 2024-04-18
Contract Duration: 1,096 days
Daily Burn Rate: $316.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 12
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: FOR ACQUISITION OF ENGINEERING, PROFESSIONAL & ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES (EPASS) IN SUPPORT OF DIRECTORATE HN.
Place of Performance
Location: BEAVERCREEK, MONTGOMERY County, OHIO, 45440
State: Ohio Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $346.6 million to APPLIED RESEARCH SOLUTIONS, INC. for work described as: FOR ACQUISITION OF ENGINEERING, PROFESSIONAL & ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES (EPASS) IN SUPPORT OF DIRECTORATE HN. Key points: 1. The contract focuses on Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 2. Applied Research Solutions, Inc. secured this significant award. 3. The Department of the Air Force is the awarding agency. 4. This is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type. 5. The contract duration is 1096 days.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can allow for cost overruns if not managed carefully. However, the fixed fee component provides some cost certainty for the government.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating a competitive process was used to solicit offers. This method generally promotes price discovery and ensures fair market value.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to secure the best value for taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment among potential offerors.
Public Impact
Supports critical R&D functions for the Department of the Air Force. Potential for advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences. Contract duration of nearly three years ensures continuity of support. Award to a single entity may concentrate expertise but limits broader market engagement.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require diligent oversight to manage costs.
- Exclusion of sources in competition, even if full and open, warrants scrutiny.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition promotes fair pricing.
- Long-term contract provides stability for essential services.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement and national security, with benchmarks varying widely based on project scope and agency.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this was a full and open competition, which typically allows for participation by small businesses. However, the contract was awarded to Applied Research Solutions, Inc., and there is no explicit mention of small business subcontracting in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract's oversight will be critical, especially given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure. The Department of the Air Force will need robust mechanisms to monitor performance, costs, and adherence to the fixed fee.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent cost oversight.
- Potential for scope creep in R&D projects.
- Need for clear performance metrics to ensure effectiveness.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical support services.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, oh, delivery-order, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $346.6 million to APPLIED RESEARCH SOLUTIONS, INC.. FOR ACQUISITION OF ENGINEERING, PROFESSIONAL & ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES (EPASS) IN SUPPORT OF DIRECTORATE HN.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is APPLIED RESEARCH SOLUTIONS, INC..
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 $346.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-04-18. End: 2024-04-18.
What specific R&D projects will this contract support, and how do they align with current Air Force priorities?
The contract is for Engineering, Professional & Administrative Support Services (EPASS) for Directorate HN. While the specific projects are not detailed, the focus on physical, engineering, and life sciences suggests support for areas like advanced materials, aerospace engineering, or biological research relevant to Air Force operations and future capabilities.
What are the potential risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract in this R&D context?
The primary risk with CPFF contracts is potential cost escalation if the contractor's costs exceed estimates, even with a fixed fee. Effective government oversight is crucial to ensure the contractor exercises cost control and that the fixed fee remains appropriate for the scope of work performed.
How will the effectiveness of the R&D support be measured and evaluated throughout the contract's duration?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through performance metrics tied to project milestones, deliverables, technical quality of research, and adherence to schedules. Regular reviews and reporting by Applied Research Solutions, Inc., coupled with government technical monitoring, will be key to assessing the value and impact of the support.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 12
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 51 PLUM ST STE 240, BEAVERCREEK, OH, 45440
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $843,023,504
Exercised Options: $643,918,982
Current Obligation: $346,638,941
Actual Outlays: $683,426
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 514
Total Subaward Amount: $243,066,435
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS00Q14OADS742
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-04-18
Current End Date: 2024-04-18
Potential End Date: 2024-04-18 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-09-17
More Contracts from Applied Research Solutions, Inc.
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- ,Ct::igf Procurement of Engineering, Professional, and Administrative Support Services (epass — $256.6M (Department of Defense)
- Sensing, Learning, Autonomy, and Knowledge Engineering (slake) — $92.3M (Department of Defense)
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