DoD's DARPA Awards $55.6M for Advanced Research in Biology, Neuroscience, and Biomedical Devices

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $55,623,500 ($55.6M)

Contractor: Strategic Analysis, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2021-08-02

End Date: 2026-08-15

Contract Duration: 1,839 days

Daily Burn Rate: $30.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY/PHARMACOLOGY/NEURAL ENGINEERING/BIOMEDICAL DEVICES/NEUROSCIENCE AND FRONT OFFICE TECHNICAL & ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22203

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $55.6 million to STRATEGIC ANALYSIS, INC. for work described as: SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY/PHARMACOLOGY/NEURAL ENGINEERING/BIOMEDICAL DEVICES/NEUROSCIENCE AND FRONT OFFICE TECHNICAL & ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. The contract focuses on cutting-edge research areas including synthetic biology, pharmacology, and neural engineering. 2. Strategic Analysis, Inc. is the sole awardee, raising questions about the breadth of competition. 3. The contract duration of nearly five years suggests a significant, long-term investment in these scientific fields. 4. The 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' NAICS code is broad, potentially obscuring specific service details.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking is difficult without more specific details on the services provided.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

Although listed as full and open, the award to a single contractor, Strategic Analysis, Inc., suggests limited actual competition or a highly specialized requirement. The price discovery mechanism is tied to the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting advanced scientific research with potential long-term benefits, but the cost-effectiveness depends on successful research outcomes and efficient contract management.

Public Impact

Advancement of critical scientific fields with potential national security and public health implications. Investment in innovation and technology development within the defense sector. Potential for breakthroughs in areas like disease treatment, human augmentation, and advanced materials. Support for specialized scientific and technical expertise within the federal research ecosystem.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition despite 'full and open' designation.
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can be prone to cost escalation.
Broad NAICS code may lack specificity for detailed oversight.

Positive Signals

Supports high-priority, cutting-edge research.
Long contract duration allows for sustained development.
Potential for significant technological advancements.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broad professional, scientific, and technical services sector, with a specific focus on advanced R&D. Spending in this area by agencies like DARPA is crucial for maintaining technological superiority and addressing future threats.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates no specific set-aside for small businesses, and the award to a single entity may limit opportunities for smaller firms to participate in this specific contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be critical given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure and the broad nature of the research. DARPA's established oversight mechanisms for complex R&D projects will be essential for ensuring accountability and value for taxpayer money.

Related Government Programs

All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Department of Defense Contracting
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure.
Limited demonstrated competition for specialized R&D.
Broad NAICS code may obscure specific service details.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical research areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $55.6 million to STRATEGIC ANALYSIS, INC.. SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY/PHARMACOLOGY/NEURAL ENGINEERING/BIOMEDICAL DEVICES/NEUROSCIENCE AND FRONT OFFICE TECHNICAL & ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is STRATEGIC ANALYSIS, INC..

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 $55.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-08-02. End: 2026-08-15.

How will DARPA ensure that the 'full and open' competition designation is genuinely reflected in future procurements within these specialized research areas?

DARPA can enhance transparency by clearly articulating the specific technical requirements and evaluation criteria that necessitate a particular contractor's expertise. Publishing pre-solicitation notices and engaging with a broader range of potential offerors, including through industry days, can also encourage wider participation and ensure that the 'full and open' designation leads to meaningful competition.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success and value of research conducted under this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract?

Success metrics for this contract likely revolve around achieving specific research milestones, publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals, developing prototypes, and demonstrating novel capabilities aligned with DARPA's strategic objectives. Regular technical reviews, progress reports, and independent assessments by DARPA program managers are crucial for tracking progress and ensuring the value derived from the investment.

Given the interdisciplinary nature of the research (biology, neuroscience, engineering), how is inter-agency or cross-sector collaboration fostered to maximize the impact of these advancements?

DARPA often fosters collaboration through program-level integration meetings, joint workshops, and by encouraging awardees to share findings and technologies across different research teams and potentially with other government agencies or academic institutions. The agency's structure is designed to bridge gaps between basic research and applied technology, facilitating the transfer of knowledge and innovations.

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: 4075 WILSON BLVD STE 200, ARLINGTON, VA, 22203

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $69,790,253

Exercised Options: $69,790,253

Current Obligation: $55,623,500

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 14

Total Subaward Amount: $24,682,642

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HR001118D0007

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline