DoD's DARPA Awards $17M for Biochemistry, Nanotechnology, and Chemistry Services to Schafer Government Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $17,059,686 ($17.1M)
Contractor: Schafer Government Services, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-07-31
End Date: 2026-07-30
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: BIOCHEMISTRY & GENOMICS, NANOENGINEERING, CHEMISTRY AND FRONT OFFICE TECHNICAL & ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
Place of Performance
Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22203
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $17.1 million to SCHAFER GOVERNMENT SERVICES, LLC for work described as: BIOCHEMISTRY & GENOMICS, NANOENGINEERING, CHEMISTRY AND FRONT OFFICE TECHNICAL & ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract focuses on advanced scientific research and technical support. 2. Competition was full and open, indicating a competitive bidding process. 3. Potential risks include the complexity of the scientific fields and reliance on a single award. 4. The sector is highly specialized, requiring unique technical expertise.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $17.06M over five years appears reasonable for specialized R&D support. Benchmarking against similar complex scientific services contracts is necessary for a definitive assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. The delivery order structure allows for flexibility in tasking and payment.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for critical research and development.
Public Impact
Supports cutting-edge scientific research in vital areas like biochemistry and nan engineering. Enhances national security through advanced technological development. Provides critical technical and administrative support to a key defense agency.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 93 / 10
Warning Flags
- Complexity of scientific domains
- Long-term contract duration
- Potential for scope creep
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition
- Award to established contractor
- Support for critical R&D
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically supporting advanced research and development for the Department of Defense. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation was sought or achieved through subcontracting.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be critical to ensure the contractor meets the complex technical requirements and that funds are used effectively towards DARPA's research objectives.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Contract complexity
- Long-term performance monitoring
- Reliance on specialized expertise
- Potential for cost escalation
Tags
all-other-professional-scientific-and-te, department-of-defense, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $17.1 million to SCHAFER GOVERNMENT SERVICES, LLC. BIOCHEMISTRY & GENOMICS, NANOENGINEERING, CHEMISTRY AND FRONT OFFICE TECHNICAL & ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SCHAFER GOVERNMENT SERVICES, LLC.
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 $17.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-07-31. End: 2026-07-30.
How does the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure align with the project's risk profile and expected outcomes?
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure is often used for R&D where costs are uncertain. It incentivizes the contractor to control costs while allowing flexibility. However, it requires robust oversight to prevent cost overruns and ensure the fixed fee remains fair relative to the effort and risk involved.
What are the specific performance metrics and milestones used to evaluate the contractor's success in these advanced scientific fields?
Performance metrics likely focus on achieving specific research objectives, technological advancements, and timely delivery of scientific reports or prototypes. Milestones would be tied to key research phases. DARPA's technical teams would monitor progress closely, with potential for award adjustments based on performance.
What is the potential impact of relying on a single award for such diverse and critical scientific support areas?
A single award concentrates expertise but also introduces risk if the contractor underperforms or faces challenges. It limits opportunities for cross-pollination of ideas from multiple vendors. However, for highly specialized R&D, a single, capable prime contractor can streamline management and execution.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: HR001118R0001
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 3811 N FAIRFAX DR STE 400, ARLINGTON, VA, 22203
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $27,548,049
Exercised Options: $27,548,049
Current Obligation: $17,059,686
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HR001118D0006
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-07-31
Current End Date: 2026-07-30
Potential End Date: 2026-07-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-12
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