DoD's $27M Pulsed Laser Lethality Studies contract awarded to University of Rochester for R&D

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $27,074,266 ($27.1M)

Contractor: University of Rochester Laboratory for Laser Energetics

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-05-31

End Date: 2027-05-30

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $18.5K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT - PULSED LASER LETHALITY STUDIES (PLLS)

Place of Performance

Location: ROCHESTER, MONROE County, NEW YORK, 14623

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $27.1 million to UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER LABORATORY FOR LASER ENERGETICS for work described as: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT - PULSED LASER LETHALITY STUDIES (PLLS) Key points: 1. The contract focuses on advanced laser technology research, a critical area for defense modernization. 2. Competition was limited, raising questions about price discovery and potential cost efficiencies. 3. The sector is highly specialized, with few entities possessing the required expertise. 4. Potential risks include technological obsolescence and the long duration of the research.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract type is 'COST NO FEE', which typically means the contractor does not receive a fee but is reimbursed for allowable costs. This structure can sometimes lead to less incentive for cost control compared to fixed-price contracts. Benchmarking is difficult without specific cost breakdowns.

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 may result in higher costs than if competitive bids were solicited. The justification for sole-source is not provided.

Taxpayer Impact: Without competition, taxpayers may be paying a premium for the research and development services. The lack of competitive pressure could lead to inefficient use of funds.

Public Impact

Advancement in directed energy weapons technology could significantly alter future military capabilities. Research outcomes may lead to new defense systems, impacting national security. Long-term investment in fundamental research can yield unforeseen technological breakthroughs. The concentration of this research at a single institution raises questions about broader scientific engagement.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Cost-reimbursement contract type
Long contract duration

Positive Signals

Focus on critical R&D area
Potential for technological advancement

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this NAICS code is often characterized by long-term investments and specialized expertise, with significant government funding directed towards defense and scientific advancement.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to the University of Rochester, a large research institution, and there is no indication of small business participation. This suggests a lack of opportunity for small businesses in this specific procurement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be crucial given the cost-reimbursement nature and sole-source award. The Missile Defense Agency should ensure rigorous monitoring of costs and research progress to ensure accountability and value for taxpayer money.

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 competitive bidding
Potential for cost overruns due to cost-reimbursement structure
Long contract duration may lead to outdated technology
Limited transparency on research objectives and expected outcomes
No clear small business participation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $27.1 million to UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER LABORATORY FOR LASER ENERGETICS. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT - PULSED LASER LETHALITY STUDIES (PLLS)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER LABORATORY FOR LASER ENERGETICS.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Missile Defense Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $27.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-05-31. End: 2027-05-30.

What is the specific justification for the sole-source award, and were alternative competitive strategies considered?

The justification for a sole-source award is critical for understanding why competition was bypassed. Without this information, it's difficult to assess if the government truly explored all avenues for obtaining the best value. Alternative strategies, such as phased research contracts or broad agency announcements, might have fostered competition and potentially yielded more cost-effective outcomes.

How will the effectiveness and impact of the pulsed laser lethality research be measured and validated over the contract's four-year duration?

Measuring the effectiveness of long-term R&D is challenging. Clear, objective metrics and milestones should be established from the outset. Regular technical reviews and independent assessments will be necessary to track progress, validate findings, and ensure the research remains aligned with strategic defense objectives. This will help determine if the investment is yielding the desired technological advancements.

What are the potential long-term cost implications if this research leads to the development of new weapon systems requiring further investment?

The initial $27 million investment is for research. If successful, the development and fielding of new pulsed laser weapon systems would incur substantial additional costs for prototyping, testing, manufacturing, and integration. Understanding the potential lifecycle costs associated with the technology being researched is essential for comprehensive budget planning and assessing the true long-term value proposition.

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: HQ086022RPLLS

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 250 EAST RIVER ROAD, ROCHESTER, NY, 14623

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Private), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $49,914,225

Exercised Options: $27,074,266

Current Obligation: $27,074,266

Actual Outlays: $1,474,721

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $550,215

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline