DoD's Missile Defense Agency awards $6.76M R&D contract to Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $6,756,771 ($6.8M)
Contractor: Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2022-09-29
End Date: 2026-12-23
Contract Duration: 1,546 days
Daily Burn Rate: $4.4K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT LABOR ONLY
Place of Performance
Location: LOGAN, CACHE County, UTAH, 84341
State: Utah Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $6.8 million to UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY SPACE DYNAMICS LABORATORY for work described as: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT LABOR ONLY Key points: 1. Contract focuses on physical, engineering, and life sciences R&D. 2. Utah State University is the sole awardee. 3. Significant taxpayer investment in specialized research. 4. Potential for advancements in missile defense technology.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult due to the specialized nature of the work.
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 for this sole-source award means taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible price for the research services.
Public Impact
Supports advanced research in missile defense systems. Invests in academic institutions for technological development. Potential for long-term national security benefits.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Cost-plus contract type carries inherent cost risk.
- Limited public information on specific research outcomes.
Positive Signals
- Supports a key research institution.
- Focuses on critical national security area.
- Long-term contract duration allows for sustained development.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the 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 directly to Utah State University, a large research institution. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The Missile Defense Agency is responsible for this contract. Oversight will be critical to ensure the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure does not lead to excessive spending and that research objectives are met efficiently.
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 contract type
- Potential for cost overruns
- Limited transparency on research specifics
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 $6.8 million to UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY SPACE DYNAMICS LABORATORY. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT LABOR ONLY
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 $6.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-09-29. End: 2026-12-23.
What is the specific research objective and expected deliverable for this $6.76M contract?
The specific research objective and expected deliverables are not detailed in the provided data. Further investigation into the contract's statement of work would be necessary to understand the precise nature of the R&D being funded and the anticipated outcomes. This information is crucial for assessing the true value and potential impact of the investment.
What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?
The justification for a sole-source award is not provided. Typically, sole-source contracts are justified when only one responsible source can provide the required supplies or services. Understanding this justification is key to evaluating whether competition was appropriately bypassed and if the government received fair value.
How will the effectiveness of the research be measured and ensured?
The effectiveness of the research will likely be measured through milestones and deliverables outlined in the contract's statement of work. The Missile Defense Agency's program managers will be responsible for monitoring progress and ensuring the research aligns with program goals. However, the specific metrics and oversight mechanisms are not detailed here.
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: $9,616,443
Exercised Options: $7,307,185
Current Obligation: $6,756,771
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: 2022-09-29
Current End Date: 2026-12-23
Potential End Date: 2027-02-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-23
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