DoD's $10.7M Broad Spectrum Host Development Contract Awarded to Functional Genetics, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $10,683,891 ($10.7M)
Contractor: Functional Genetics, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2006-08-16
End Date: 2009-08-15
Contract Duration: 1,095 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 130
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: DEVELOPMENT OF BROAD SPECTRUM HOST
Place of Performance
Location: GAITHERSBURG, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20878
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $10.7 million to FUNCTIONAL GENETICS, INC. for work described as: DEVELOPMENT OF BROAD SPECTRUM HOST Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Functional Genetics, Inc. for R&D in life sciences. 2. Full and open competition was utilized for this definitive contract. 3. The contract duration was 1095 days. 4. The award was made by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. 5. The contract type was Cost Plus Fixed Fee.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Full and open competition suggests a robust price discovery process. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure may still allow for costs to exceed initial estimates.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced research, with the potential for significant national security benefits if successful.
Public Impact
Advancement in biological defense capabilities. Potential for new technologies to counter biological threats. Investment in scientific research and development.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract risk
- Potential for scope creep in R&D
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition
- Focus on critical defense research
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (NAICS 541710). Spending in this sector is crucial for maintaining technological superiority and national security.
Small Business Impact
No indication of small business involvement in this contract award.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency is expected to ensure contract performance and proper use of funds, particularly given the R&D nature.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- R&D project inherent uncertainties
- Potential for cost overruns
- Lack of small business participation
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, md, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $10.7 million to FUNCTIONAL GENETICS, INC.. DEVELOPMENT OF BROAD SPECTRUM HOST
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is FUNCTIONAL GENETICS, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Threat Reduction Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $10.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2006-08-16. End: 2009-08-15.
What specific deliverables were expected under this contract, and how were they measured for success?
The contract focused on the 'DEVELOPMENT OF BROAD SPECTRUM HOST'. Success would likely be measured by the successful development and demonstration of this host capability, potentially through technical reviews, prototypes, or testing. Specific deliverables would be detailed in the contract's Statement of Work, outlining milestones and acceptance criteria.
What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type for this R&D project?
The primary risks with CPFF for R&D include potential for contractor inefficiency, as profit is fixed regardless of cost. There's also a risk of cost growth if the scope is not tightly managed or if unforeseen technical challenges arise, leading to contract modifications and increased spending beyond initial projections.
How does this investment align with current and future defense threat reduction strategies?
This investment in developing a broad spectrum host likely aligns with strategies to counter emerging biological threats. Such a capability could be foundational for developing countermeasures, diagnostics, or advanced surveillance systems, thereby enhancing the nation's ability to detect, respond to, and mitigate biological risks.
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 › N – Health R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Offers Received: 130
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 708 QUINCE ORCHARD ROAD, GAITHERSBURG, MD, 20878
Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $12,953,396
Exercised Options: $12,953,396
Current Obligation: $10,683,891
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2006-08-16
Current End Date: 2009-08-15
Potential End Date: 2009-08-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-04-07
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