DoD's $25.8M PLATO Phase 1 contract with SRI International awarded via full and open competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $25,832,447 ($25.8M)
Contractor: SRI International
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2007-06-27
End Date: 2010-10-31
Contract Duration: 1,222 days
Daily Burn Rate: $21.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 7
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: PLATO PHASE 1
Place of Performance
Location: MENLO PARK, SAN MATEO County, CALIFORNIA, 94025
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $25.8 million to SRI INTERNATIONAL for work described as: PLATO PHASE 1 Key points: 1. Contract awarded for R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. SRI International, a large business, secured the award. 3. The contract utilized a Cost Plus Fixed Fee pricing structure. 4. Awarded by DARPA, indicating a focus on advanced research.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Full and open competition was used, suggesting a robust price discovery process. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure may limit the incentive for the contractor to control costs.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting advanced research and development, with potential long-term benefits, but the cost-plus nature warrants close monitoring.
Public Impact
Supports cutting-edge research with potential national security implications. Funding advanced technological development through a competitive process. SRI International's involvement suggests a focus on specialized scientific expertise.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee pricing can incentivize higher costs.
- Lack of detailed cost breakdown makes benchmarking difficult.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition ensures broad market access.
- Award to a reputable research institution.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is critical for innovation but can be prone to cost overruns due to the inherent uncertainties of research.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to SRI International, a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
DARPA's oversight is crucial for managing the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure and ensuring the effective use of taxpayer funds in this R&D initiative.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee pricing structure.
- Potential for cost overruns.
- Limited transparency on specific R&D deliverables.
- No explicit mention of small business subcontracting.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ca, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $25.8 million to SRI INTERNATIONAL. PLATO PHASE 1
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SRI INTERNATIONAL.
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 $25.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2007-06-27. End: 2010-10-31.
What specific technological advancements are expected from this PLATO Phase 1 contract, and how will their success be measured?
The specific technological advancements are not detailed in the provided data. However, as a DARPA project, it likely aims to develop novel capabilities in physical, engineering, or life sciences. Success measurement would typically involve predefined technical milestones, prototype demonstrations, and peer review of research outcomes, all managed under DARPA's rigorous oversight framework.
Given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, what mechanisms are in place to mitigate the risk of cost overruns and ensure value for money?
While Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can present cost overrun risks, DARPA employs stringent oversight, regular progress reviews, and defined fee structures to incentivize contractor performance. The fixed fee component provides some cost certainty, and the agency's technical teams actively monitor expenditures against planned research objectives to ensure value.
How does the outcome of this contract contribute to the broader strategic goals of the Department of Defense or DARPA?
This contract likely supports DARPA's mission to foster breakthrough technologies for national security. The R&D conducted could lead to advancements in areas critical to defense, such as advanced materials, novel sensing capabilities, or improved engineering processes, ultimately enhancing U.S. military technological superiority.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Offers Received: 7
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 333 RAVENSWOOD AVE, MENLO PARK, CA, 94025
Business Categories: Category Business, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $26,760,350
Exercised Options: $26,760,350
Current Obligation: $25,832,447
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2007-06-27
Current End Date: 2010-10-31
Potential End Date: 2010-10-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2017-09-29
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