Doppler contract awarded to Thomson Reuters for $26.2M by Air Force, spanning R&D services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $26,245,830 ($26.2M)
Contractor: Thomson Reuters Special Services LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-09-28
End Date: 2027-06-28
Contract Duration: 1,003 days
Daily Burn Rate: $26.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 13
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: DOPPLER
Place of Performance
Location: MCLEAN, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22102
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $26.2 million to THOMSON REUTERS SPECIAL SERVICES LLC for work described as: DOPPLER Key points: 1. Contract value of $26.2M for R&D services. 2. Full and open competition was utilized. 3. Potential risk associated with firm fixed-price contracts in R&D. 4. Spending falls within the R&D sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $26.2M appears reasonable for specialized R&D services. Benchmarking against similar contracts in the physical, engineering, and life sciences sector would provide further validation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Full and open competition suggests a robust price discovery process. This method aims to secure the best value by allowing all eligible vendors to bid.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is generally beneficial for taxpayers, as it promotes competitive pricing and potentially lower costs.
Public Impact
Supports advanced research and development initiatives within the Department of the Air Force. Thomson Reuters' involvement suggests a focus on specialized scientific or technical expertise. The contract duration of nearly three years indicates a significant project scope.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Firm fixed-price in R&D can lead to cost overruns if scope changes.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition utilized.
- Contract awarded to a reputable provider.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for technological advancement but can be subject to cost fluctuations.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small businesses were not involved in this contract, which is a missed opportunity for economic inclusion and potentially diverse solutions.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be critical to ensure the R&D objectives are met within budget and timeline, especially given the firm fixed-price nature of the contract.
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
- Firm fixed-price risk in R&D.
- No small business participation.
- Potential for scope creep without strong oversight.
- Limited insight into specific R&D deliverables.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, va, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $26.2 million to THOMSON REUTERS SPECIAL SERVICES LLC. DOPPLER
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THOMSON REUTERS SPECIAL SERVICES LLC.
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 $26.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-09-28. End: 2027-06-28.
What specific R&D activities will Thomson Reuters undertake, and how do they align with Air Force strategic goals?
The contract specifies 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)'. While the exact activities are not detailed, they likely involve scientific inquiry, experimentation, and analysis to advance Air Force capabilities in areas such as materials science, aerospace engineering, or advanced physics. Alignment with strategic goals would depend on the specific project objectives outlined in the SOW, which are not provided here.
What are the potential risks associated with a firm fixed-price contract for R&D, and how are they mitigated?
Firm fixed-price contracts in R&D carry the risk of cost overruns if the scope of work expands or unforeseen technical challenges arise. The contractor bears the risk of loss, but the government may end up paying more if changes are necessary. Mitigation strategies could include detailed scope definition, robust change control processes, and close monitoring by the contracting officer to manage any deviations from the original plan.
How does the $26.2M contract value compare to typical R&D spending for similar services within the Department of Defense?
Without specific benchmarks for comparable R&D projects within the DoD, it's challenging to definitively assess the value. However, $26.2M for nearly three years of specialized R&D services from a known entity like Thomson Reuters suggests a significant undertaking. Further analysis would require comparing it to contracts for similar scientific disciplines, contract durations, and provider reputations within the defense sector.
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
Solicitation ID: HR001120S0011
Offers Received: 13
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1410 SPRING HILL ROAD, MCLEAN, VA, 22102
Business Categories: Category Business, Foreign Owned, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $29,101,214
Exercised Options: $29,101,214
Current Obligation: $26,245,830
Actual Outlays: $2,330,401
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-09-28
Current End Date: 2027-06-28
Potential End Date: 2027-06-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-05-13
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