DoD's Missile Defense Agency awards $3.7M R&D contract to Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $3,725,393 ($3.7M)
Contractor: Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-11-23
End Date: 2028-11-22
Contract Duration: 2,556 days
Daily Burn Rate: $1.5K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Place of Performance
Location: LOGAN, CACHE County, UTAH, 84341
State: Utah Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $3.7 million to UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY SPACE DYNAMICS LABORATORY for work described as: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT Key points: 1. The contract focuses on R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory is the sole awardee. 3. The contract is a delivery order under a larger award. 4. The total award value is $3,725,393. 5. The contract period spans from November 2021 to November 2028.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking is difficult without more specific details on the R&D scope.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially increases costs for taxpayers as competitive pressure is absent.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in higher costs than a competed contract, impacting taxpayer value.
Public Impact
Supports research and development in critical defense areas. Benefits a university-affiliated research center in Utah. Extends research capabilities for the Missile Defense Agency. Potential for technological advancements in missile defense.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type carries inherent cost risk.
- Long contract duration increases exposure to potential cost increases.
Positive Signals
- Supports critical R&D for national security.
- Leverages expertise of a specialized research institution.
- Long-term engagement allows for sustained research progress.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement but requires careful oversight to ensure value for money.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded to Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory, which is not identified as a small business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this award.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure the fixed fee is reasonable and that the research objectives are met efficiently. Tracking progress against milestones will be key.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Missile Defense Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type
- Potential for cost overruns
- Limited transparency on specific R&D scope
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ut, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $3.7 million to UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY SPACE DYNAMICS LABORATORY. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY SPACE DYNAMICS LABORATORY.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Missile Defense Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $3.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-11-23. End: 2028-11-22.
What specific R&D activities are encompassed by this contract, and how do they align with the Missile Defense Agency's strategic goals?
The contract covers 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)'. While the specific activities are not detailed, they are intended to support the Missile Defense Agency's mission. Further clarification on the precise research areas and their direct contribution to advancing missile defense capabilities would be beneficial for assessing strategic alignment and overall value.
Given the sole-source award and cost-plus-fixed-fee structure, what measures are in place to mitigate cost overruns and ensure fair pricing?
As a sole-source award with a cost-plus-fixed-fee structure, robust oversight is critical. The agency should implement stringent monitoring of expenditures, regular performance reviews, and clear milestone tracking. Negotiation of a fair fixed fee based on realistic cost estimates and market research is essential. Transparency in reporting and justification for any cost deviations are also key accountability measures.
How will the effectiveness of the research conducted under this contract be measured and evaluated to ensure it contributes to tangible improvements in missile defense?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through the achievement of specific research milestones and deliverables outlined in the contract. The Missile Defense Agency should establish clear performance metrics and evaluation criteria tied to the research objectives. Regular technical reviews and demonstrations of progress or prototypes will be crucial. Ultimately, the long-term impact on enhancing missile defense capabilities will be the true measure of effectiveness.
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: HQ085421R0002
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1695 N RESEARCH PARK WAY, NORTH LOGAN, UT, 84341
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Foundation, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $9,203,567
Exercised Options: $9,203,567
Current Obligation: $3,725,393
Actual Outlays: $1,215,062
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HQ085422D0001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-11-23
Current End Date: 2028-11-22
Potential End Date: 2028-11-22 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-07
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