Air Force awards $12.9M for basic research in physical sciences to Electronic Biosciences LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,067,432 ($12.1M)

Contractor: Electronic Biosciences, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2005-10-21

End Date: 2008-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,075 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 999

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: 200612!000235!5700!FA9550!AFOSR/PK !FA955006C0006 !A!N! !Y! ! !20051021!20071019!129852864!129852864!129852864!N!ELECTRONIC BIOSCIENCES LLC !5754 PACIFIC CENTER BLVD !SAN DIEGO !CA!92121!66000!073!06!SAN DIEGO !SAN DIEGO !CALIFORNIA!+000003818972!N!N!000011658889!AJ11!RDTE/PHYSICAL SCIENCES - BASIC RESEARCH !S1 !SERVICES !000 !NOT DISCERNABLE !541710!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !A!N!U!2!999!K! !Z!Y!Z! ! !N!B!N!N! ! !Z! !B!A!000!A!B!N! ! ! ! ! ! !0001! !

Place of Performance

Location: THOUSAND OAKS, VENTURA County, CALIFORNIA, 91360

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $12.1 million to ELECTRONIC BIOSCIENCES, INC. for work described as: 200612!000235!5700!FA9550!AFOSR/PK !FA955006C0006 !A!N! !Y! ! !20051021!20071019!129852864!129852864!129852864!N!ELECTRONIC BIOSCIENCES LLC !5754 PACIFIC CENTER BLVD !SAN DIEGO !CA!92121!66000!073!06!SAN DIEGO !SAN … Key points: 1. Contract value of $12.9M for basic research in physical sciences. 2. Awarded to Electronic Biosciences LLC, a small business. 3. Contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, indicating potential for cost overruns. 4. Duration of 1075 days suggests a long-term research project. 5. Performance location in San Diego, California. 6. Research and Development in Physical Sciences is a key area for defense innovation.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $12.9M for basic research in physical sciences appears reasonable given the duration and the nature of R&D. However, without specific benchmarks for similar basic research contracts in physical sciences, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type, while common for R&D, carries inherent risks of cost escalation if not managed tightly. The awarded amount is within the expected range for such specialized research endeavors.

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 potential bidders were considered. The specific details of how many bids were received and evaluated are not provided in the data. However, the 'full and open' designation suggests a competitive process was intended, which generally promotes price discovery and potentially better value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process, even with exclusions, is generally favorable for taxpayers as it aims to secure the best possible price and technical solution through market forces.

Public Impact

Benefits the Department of the Air Force by advancing fundamental scientific knowledge. Services delivered include basic research in physical sciences, potentially leading to future technological advancements. Geographic impact is centered in San Diego, California, supporting the local R&D ecosystem. Workforce implications include employment for scientists and researchers at Electronic Biosciences LLC.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.
Limited information on the specific deliverables and success metrics for basic research.
The contractor is identified as a small business, which may have resource limitations for very large-scale projects.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
Focus on basic research aligns with long-term strategic goals for technological superiority.
Contractor is a small business, potentially fostering innovation and supporting the small business industrial base.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on basic research in physical sciences. This is a critical area for defense innovation, as fundamental discoveries often pave the way for next-generation technologies. The market for specialized R&D services is competitive, with numerous small and large businesses vying for government contracts. Benchmarking this contract's value is difficult without access to data on similar basic research awards, but the amount is consistent with the specialized nature of the work.

Small Business Impact

Electronic Biosciences LLC is identified as a small business. The contract award to a small business is positive for the small business ecosystem, providing them with significant funding for research. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting requirements or set-asides within this award, but the primary awardee being a small business is a direct benefit.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program managers within the Department of the Air Force. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates diligent financial oversight to ensure costs remain reasonable and within scope. Transparency is generally maintained through contract reporting mechanisms, though specific details on public accessibility of progress reports are not provided. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Research and Development
Air Force Basic Research Programs
Physical Sciences Research Grants
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - potential overlap in focus

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type carries inherent cost overrun risk.
Basic research outcomes are inherently uncertain, making performance metrics challenging.
Limited public information on contractor's past performance in this specific research area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $12.1 million to ELECTRONIC BIOSCIENCES, INC.. 200612!000235!5700!FA9550!AFOSR/PK !FA955006C0006 !A!N! !Y! ! !20051021!20071019!129852864!129852864!129852864!N!ELECTRONIC BIOSCIENCES LLC !5754 PACIFIC CENTER BLVD !SAN DIEGO !CA!92121!66000!073!06!SAN DIEGO !SAN DIEGO !CALIFORNIA!+000003818972!N!N!000011658889!AJ11!RDTE/PHYSICAL SCIENCES - BASIC RESEARCH !S1 !SERVICES !000 !NOT DISCERNABLE !541710!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !999

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ELECTRONIC BIOSCIENCES, 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 $12.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2005-10-21. End: 2008-09-30.

What specific areas of physical sciences does this basic research contract cover, and what are the expected outcomes?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'RDTE/PHYSICAL SCIENCES - BASIC RESEARCH' and the NAICS code is 541710 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences). While the specific sub-disciplines within physical sciences are not detailed, basic research aims to advance fundamental knowledge rather than develop specific products. Expected outcomes are typically scientific publications, presentations, and potentially new theoretical frameworks or experimental findings that could inform future applied research and development efforts. The contract's duration of over 1000 days suggests a substantial research effort is anticipated, likely involving complex experimentation or theoretical modeling.

How does the $12.9M contract value compare to typical spending on basic physical sciences research by the Air Force or DoD?

Benchmarking this $12.9M contract against typical Air Force or DoD spending on basic physical sciences research requires access to historical spending data and program-specific budgets. Basic research funding can vary significantly year-to-year and across different scientific domains. However, $12.9M is a substantial award for a single contract, suggesting it represents a significant investment in a particular research area or for a specific contractor. Without comparative data on the number of similar awards or the average value of basic research grants in physical sciences, it's difficult to definitively state if this represents high or low spending. It is likely within the upper range for individual basic research contracts.

What are the key risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for basic research, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risk with a CPFF contract is that the contractor may incur costs exceeding the initial estimate, potentially leading to cost overruns for the government, even though a fixed fee is agreed upon. For basic research, where outcomes can be uncertain and scope creep is possible, this risk is amplified. Mitigation strategies include robust government oversight of contractor expenditures, clear definition of the research scope and objectives (as much as possible for basic research), regular progress reviews, and strong contract administration. The government's ability to audit costs is crucial. The fixed fee provides an incentive for the contractor to control costs to maximize their profit margin.

What is the track record of Electronic Biosciences LLC in performing government R&D contracts, particularly in physical sciences?

The provided data identifies Electronic Biosciences LLC as the contractor. However, it does not include information on their past performance, contract history, or specific expertise in physical sciences research beyond this award. To assess their track record, one would need to consult databases like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) for details on previous awards, performance ratings, and any past issues. Without this information, it's impossible to evaluate their reliability or success in similar R&D endeavors.

What are the potential long-term implications of this basic research investment for Air Force technological capabilities?

Basic research investments, by their nature, aim to generate foundational knowledge that can lead to disruptive technological advancements in the long term. For the Air Force, this contract could contribute to breakthroughs in areas such as advanced materials, novel sensor technologies, quantum computing applications, or new energy sources relevant to aerospace and defense. While direct, immediate applications are not expected, the knowledge gained could significantly enhance future Air Force capabilities, providing a strategic advantage. The success of this investment hinges on the quality of the research conducted and the subsequent transition of findings into applied research and development programs.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities

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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 999

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5754 PACIFIC CENTER BLVD, SAN DIEGO, CA, 90

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline