DoD's $27.4M LACOSTE Phase I contract with QinetiQ Ltd for R&D awarded via full and open competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $27,416,139 ($27.4M)
Contractor: Qinetiq Ltd
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2006-10-03
End Date: 2011-06-30
Contract Duration: 1,731 days
Daily Burn Rate: $15.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: LACOSTE PHASE I PROGRAM
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $27.4 million to QINETIQ LTD for work described as: LACOSTE PHASE I PROGRAM Key points: 1. Contract awarded for R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. QinetiQ Ltd is the sole contractor for this definitive contract. 3. The contract duration was 1731 days. 4. This was a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $27.4M for a 5-year R&D program appears within a reasonable range for specialized research. Benchmarking against similar complex R&D contracts is difficult without more specific technical details.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and potentially better value for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for research and development.
Public Impact
Supports advanced research and development initiatives within the Department of Defense. Potential for technological advancements with broad applications. Contractor selection based on competitive proposals. Long-term research project with potential for future phases.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can incentivize cost overruns if not closely monitored.
- Long duration of the contract may present challenges in adapting to evolving research needs.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust selection process.
- Focus on critical R&D for national security.
- Definitive contract structure provides a clear framework for the project.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically NAICS code 541710. Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation and maintaining technological superiority, with significant government investment.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small businesses were not involved in this contract (ss: false, sb: false). This suggests the prime contractor is likely a large entity, and opportunities for small business subcontracting were not explicitly captured or pursued.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would typically be managed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) through contract performance reviews and financial reporting. The definitive contract structure implies a defined scope for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns.
- Lack of small business participation.
- Long contract duration may pose adaptability challenges.
- Specific R&D outcomes not detailed.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $27.4 million to QINETIQ LTD. LACOSTE PHASE I PROGRAM
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is QINETIQ LTD.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $27.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2006-10-03. End: 2011-06-30.
What specific technological advancements or outcomes were achieved through this $27.4M R&D contract?
The specific technological advancements or outcomes of the LACOSTE Phase I program are not detailed in the provided data. As a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for Research and Development, the primary goal was likely exploration and innovation within physical, engineering, and life sciences. Further documentation or program reports would be necessary to ascertain the concrete results and their impact.
What were the key performance indicators and risk mitigation strategies employed during this long-term R&D contract?
Key performance indicators for R&D contracts often revolve around milestones, deliverables, and scientific progress rather than strict cost adherence. Risk mitigation would likely involve regular technical reviews, adaptive management to address unforeseen research challenges, and close financial oversight by DARPA. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates careful monitoring to prevent scope creep and ensure efficient use of funds.
How did the full and open competition process ensure the best value was obtained for this specialized R&D effort?
The full and open competition process likely involved soliciting proposals from multiple qualified entities, allowing the Department of Defense to evaluate technical capabilities, proposed approaches, and cost estimates. This competitive environment encourages offerors to present their most innovative and cost-effective solutions, thereby increasing the likelihood of securing the best value for a specialized R&D effort where technical merit is paramount.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: MALVERN TECHNOLOGY CENTRE, MALVERN
Business Categories: Category Business, Foreign Owned, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $27,416,139
Exercised Options: $27,416,139
Current Obligation: $27,416,139
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2006-10-03
Current End Date: 2011-06-30
Potential End Date: 2011-06-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-07-29
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