DoD's $99M Research Support Contract Awarded to Institute for Defense Analyses
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $99,053,692 ($99.1M)
Contractor: Institute for Defense Analyses
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-11-22
End Date: 2026-12-31
Contract Duration: 769 days
Daily Burn Rate: $128.8K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND STUDIES SUPPORT SERVICES.
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20301
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $99.1 million to INSTITUTE FOR DEFENSE ANALYSES for work described as: RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND STUDIES SUPPORT SERVICES. Key points: 1. The contract is for research, development, and studies support services. 2. The awardee, Institute for Defense Analyses, is a well-established research organization. 3. The contract is a delivery order under a larger award. 4. The primary sector is professional, scientific, and technical services.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. However, the fixed fee component provides some cost control.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially higher costs compared to a competitive process.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may be paying a premium due to the lack of competition, though the specific services may justify the awardee's selection.
Public Impact
Supports critical research and development for the Department of Defense. The duration of the contract extends over two years, indicating ongoing needs. Services provided are specialized and likely require unique expertise.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost-plus contract type
Positive Signals
- Awardee has specialized expertise
- Supports critical DoD functions
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector, which is a significant area of government spending. Benchmarks for similar research support services vary widely based on scope and complexity.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this specific award, as it was a sole-source contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist.
Oversight & Accountability
As a delivery order under a larger award, oversight may be embedded within the parent contract's structure. The Department of Defense is responsible for ensuring efficient use of funds.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Washington Headquarters Services Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Cost-plus contract type may incentivize higher spending.
- Lack of transparency on specific research objectives.
- Potential for cost overruns without strict oversight.
Tags
all-other-professional-scientific-and-te, department-of-defense, dc, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $99.1 million to INSTITUTE FOR DEFENSE ANALYSES. RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND STUDIES SUPPORT SERVICES.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is INSTITUTE FOR DEFENSE ANALYSES.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Washington Headquarters Services).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $99.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-11-22. End: 2026-12-31.
What is the justification for the sole-source award, and how does it ensure value for money?
The justification for a sole-source award typically centers on unique capabilities or specialized knowledge possessed by the contractor that cannot be readily replicated by others. For this contract, the Institute for Defense Analyses likely holds specific expertise critical to the Department of Defense's research objectives. Ensuring value for money in such cases relies heavily on robust negotiation of the fixed fee and diligent oversight of direct costs to prevent inefficiencies.
What are the potential risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for research services?
Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts carry risks of cost overruns if the contractor's actual costs exceed estimates, although the fixed fee provides a ceiling on profit. For research services, defining the scope and deliverables can be challenging, potentially leading to disputes over allowable costs. Effective oversight is crucial to monitor expenditures and ensure the contractor remains within the agreed-upon cost parameters while achieving the research objectives.
How does this contract contribute to the Department of Defense's overall mission effectiveness?
This contract directly supports the Department of Defense's mission by providing essential research, development, and studies. The specialized nature of the services likely addresses complex challenges or advances technological capabilities crucial for national security. The continuity provided by a multi-year contract ensures that critical research efforts are not interrupted, contributing to long-term strategic goals and maintaining a technological edge.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
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: HQ003424R0112
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 730 E GLEBE RD, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 22305
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $494,586,016
Exercised Options: $189,325,717
Current Obligation: $99,053,692
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HQ003424D0020
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-11-22
Current End Date: 2026-12-31
Potential End Date: 2029-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-22
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