DoD's $3.7M R&D contract for subject matter expertise awarded to Evans Berger Scientific Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,718,263 ($3.7M)

Contractor: Evans Berger Scientific Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-03-16

End Date: 2028-03-15

Contract Duration: 1,826 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.0K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: R&D SERVICES FOR SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: FORT BELVOIR, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22060

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $3.7 million to EVANS BERGER SCIENTIFIC INC. for work described as: R&D SERVICES FOR SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract awarded for specialized R&D subject matter expertise. 2. Sole-source award raises questions about competition and potential value. 3. Contract duration of 5 years suggests a long-term need for these services. 4. The specific NAICS code points to a niche area within R&D services. 5. Virginia is the state of performance, indicating potential regional economic impact.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging due to the lack of competitive bidding. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can sometimes lead to higher costs if not carefully managed, as the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs plus a fixed fee. Without comparable contracts or market data, it's difficult to definitively assess if the pricing represents good value for money. The total value of $3.7 million over five years suggests a moderate investment for specialized R&D support.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed among multiple vendors. This approach is typically used when only one vendor possesses the unique capabilities or qualifications required for the service. The lack of competition means there was no opportunity for price discovery through a bidding process, potentially leading to a higher price than if multiple offers had been considered.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not have received the best possible price due to the absence of a competitive bidding process. The government did not leverage market forces to drive down costs for these specialized R&D services.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and its agencies, which will receive critical subject matter expertise for R&D initiatives. The services delivered will support research and development efforts, potentially leading to advancements in defense technologies or strategies. Performance is located in Virginia, suggesting a localized economic impact through employment and business activity. The contract may indirectly support a specialized workforce in R&D and scientific consulting.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits price competition and potentially increases costs for taxpayers.
CPFF contract type requires robust oversight to manage costs effectively and prevent overruns.
Lack of transparency in the justification for sole-source award.
Potential for vendor lock-in given the specialized nature of the services and long contract duration.

Positive Signals

Award to a specific company suggests they possess unique and valuable expertise required by the agency.
Long-term contract (5 years) indicates a stable and ongoing need for these critical R&D support services.
Contract supports vital defense research and development activities.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector, specifically NAICS code 541715. This sector is characterized by innovation and scientific advancement, often involving highly specialized knowledge and expertise. The market for such services can be niche, with a limited number of firms possessing the required qualifications. Government spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority and addressing complex challenges.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract included a small business set-aside. Given the specialized nature of R&D subject matter expertise, it is possible that the prime contractor is a large business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses within this engagement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) contracting officers and program managers. The CPFF contract type necessitates diligent monitoring of costs and performance to ensure adherence to the contract terms and to prevent potential cost overruns. Transparency regarding the justification for the sole-source award and ongoing performance metrics would enhance accountability.

Related Government Programs

Defense Research and Development
Subject Matter Expert Support Services
Scientific and Technical Consulting
Cost Plus Fixed Fee Contracts

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
Lack of competitive bidding

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $3.7 million to EVANS BERGER SCIENTIFIC INC.. R&D SERVICES FOR SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EVANS BERGER SCIENTIFIC 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 $3.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-03-16. End: 2028-03-15.

What is the specific nature of the R&D subject matter expertise required by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency?

The contract data indicates 'R&D SERVICES FOR SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT SUPPORT' under NAICS code 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences). While the specific domain is not detailed, this suggests the need for highly specialized scientific or technical knowledge to advise on or contribute to research and development projects within the Department of Defense. This could range from advanced materials science, engineering principles, to complex physical or life science phenomena relevant to defense applications. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) typically focuses on countering weapons of mass destruction, implying the expertise might relate to threat assessment, mitigation strategies, or related scientific research.

How does the $3.7 million contract value compare to similar R&D support contracts within the DoD?

Comparing the $3.7 million contract value for R&D subject matter expert support requires context on the scope and duration. This contract is valued at approximately $743,652 per year over its five-year term. Within the Department of Defense, R&D spending is substantial, and contracts for specialized expertise can vary widely. Smaller, targeted consulting engagements might be in the hundreds of thousands, while large-scale research programs can run into hundreds of millions. Without knowing the specific deliverables and the uniqueness of the expertise, it's difficult to definitively benchmark this $3.7 million figure. However, for a sole-source, five-year engagement for specialized subject matter expertise, it appears to be a moderate investment.

What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source, Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for R&D services?

The primary risks associated with a sole-source, CPFF contract for R&D services are twofold. Firstly, the sole-source nature eliminates competitive pressure, potentially leading to a higher price than could be achieved through bidding. This lack of competition can also reduce the incentive for the contractor to innovate or be highly efficient. Secondly, the CPFF structure reimburses the contractor for allowable costs plus a fixed fee. While the fee is fixed, the total cost is variable. This can incentivize the contractor to incur more costs, as their fee is a percentage of those costs (though the fee itself is fixed). Effective oversight is crucial to scrutinize allowable costs and ensure the contractor operates efficiently to prevent cost overruns beyond the anticipated total project cost.

What is the track record of Evans Berger Scientific Inc. in securing government contracts, particularly with the DoD?

Information regarding the specific track record of Evans Berger Scientific Inc. in securing government contracts, especially with the DoD, is not provided in the given data. A comprehensive analysis would require accessing federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) to review their contract history. This would reveal the types of contracts they have held, their performance ratings, past performance on similar R&D or subject matter expert services, and their overall relationship with defense agencies. Without this data, it's impossible to assess their established performance or reliability.

How does the duration of this contract (5 years) align with typical R&D support needs in the defense sector?

A five-year contract duration for R&D subject matter expert support is not uncommon in the defense sector, especially for complex or long-term research initiatives. Defense R&D often involves multi-year projects requiring sustained expertise, continuity, and deep understanding of evolving threats and technologies. A longer duration allows the contractor to build institutional knowledge, establish strong working relationships with government personnel, and see projects through critical phases. While shorter contracts might be suitable for specific, time-bound tasks, a five-year term suggests the agency foresees a consistent and evolving need for the specialized knowledge provided by Evans Berger Scientific Inc.

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 › C – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: HDTRA122R0083

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 10908 THANLET LN, RESTON, VA, 20190

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,723,629

Exercised Options: $3,718,263

Current Obligation: $3,718,263

Actual Outlays: $352,044

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline