Booz Allen Hamilton awarded $34M contract for advanced biomedical and biosecurity technical support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $33,959,890 ($34.0M)

Contractor: Booz Allen Hamilton Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2021-08-31

End Date: 2026-08-30

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $18.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: BTO BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING SYSTEMS/MOLECULAR BIOLOGY/BIOSECURITY/MEDICAL SCIENCE 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 $34.0 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC for work described as: BTO BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING SYSTEMS/MOLECULAR BIOLOGY/BIOSECURITY/MEDICAL SCIENCE AND FRONT OFFICE TECHNICAL & ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract provides critical technical and administrative support for advanced biomedical research. 2. Focus areas include molecular biology, biosecurity, and medical science, aligning with national security interests. 3. The contract duration of five years suggests a long-term need for specialized expertise. 4. Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust selection process. 5. The contractor, Booz Allen Hamilton, has a significant presence in federal contracting. 6. This award represents a substantial investment in cutting-edge scientific and technical services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $34 million over five years appears reasonable for specialized technical and administrative support in advanced biomedical fields. Benchmarking against similar contracts for complex scientific services is challenging without more specific task order details. However, given the contractor's expertise and the critical nature of the work, the pricing is likely competitive within the specialized services market. The cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) structure allows for flexibility while providing the agency with cost certainty.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of a single award, a delivery order under a larger IDIQ, implies that Booz Allen Hamilton was selected as the best value provider among the competing entities. This competitive process is designed to ensure fair pricing and access to the most capable contractors for complex scientific and technical services.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to more favorable pricing and innovative solutions, ensuring the government receives the best value for its investment.

Public Impact

The Department of Defense, specifically DARPA, benefits from enhanced capabilities in critical research areas. Services delivered will support advancements in molecular biology, biosecurity, and medical science. The contract's impact is national, contributing to scientific and technological leadership. Workforce implications include the potential for highly skilled scientists, engineers, and administrative professionals.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns inherent in Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts if not closely managed.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical support functions could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
The specialized nature of the work may limit the pool of readily available alternative contractors.

Positive Signals

Award to a well-established contractor with a proven track record in complex government projects.
The five-year duration indicates a stable and predictable need, allowing for focused expertise development.
Full and open competition suggests a thorough vetting process, likely resulting in a high-quality service provider.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector, specifically focusing on advanced research and development support. The market for such specialized services is characterized by high barriers to entry due to the need for deep scientific expertise and security clearances. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without granular data on specific research tasks, but federal investment in R&D support services is substantial, reflecting the government's commitment to technological advancement.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting goals for small businesses. As a large prime contractor, Booz Allen Hamilton may have opportunities to engage small businesses for specific support roles, but this is not a primary focus of the award as presented. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless specific subcontracting plans are implemented.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) program managers and contracting officers. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type necessitates rigorous financial oversight to ensure costs are reasonable and allocable. Transparency is typically maintained through regular reporting requirements from the contractor and potential reviews by agency oversight bodies or the Inspector General, particularly concerning the use of funds and project milestones.

Related Government Programs

DARPA Research and Development Contracts
Biomedical Research Support Services
National Security Science and Technology Initiatives
Federal Scientific and Technical Services

Risk Flags

Cost Overrun Potential (CPFF)
Performance Dependency
Scope Creep Risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $34.0 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC. BTO BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING SYSTEMS/MOLECULAR BIOLOGY/BIOSECURITY/MEDICAL SCIENCE AND FRONT OFFICE TECHNICAL & ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON 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 $34.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-08-31. End: 2026-08-30.

What is Booz Allen Hamilton's track record with DARPA and similar biomedical research contracts?

Booz Allen Hamilton has a long-standing and extensive track record of supporting federal agencies, including DARPA, across a wide range of scientific, technical, and management consulting services. They have been involved in numerous complex R&D programs, often providing critical analysis, strategic planning, and technical expertise. Their experience in biomedical and biosecurity fields is well-documented through various past contracts. While specific performance metrics for individual contracts are often proprietary, their consistent presence and ability to win large, complex awards from agencies like DARPA suggest a generally positive performance history and a strong understanding of agency requirements and research objectives. Their ability to secure this $34 million contract further reinforces their position as a trusted partner for advanced scientific endeavors.

How does the $34 million contract value compare to similar R&D support services awarded by DARPA?

Comparing the $34 million contract value requires understanding the scope and duration. DARPA awards contracts that can range from a few million dollars for specific research tasks to hundreds of millions for broad, multi-year programs. This $34 million award, spread over five years, suggests a significant but focused effort in specialized biomedical and biosecurity technical and administrative support. It is not an exceptionally large award in the context of DARPA's overall portfolio, which often funds high-risk, high-reward research. However, for the specific niche of technical and administrative support in these advanced fields, it represents a substantial investment. Benchmarking would ideally involve looking at other contracts for similar support services, but such data is often not publicly detailed enough for precise comparisons.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract for the government?

The primary risks for the government in this contract revolve around performance, cost, and contractor dependency. Performance risk stems from the possibility that the contractor may not deliver the expected level of scientific or technical expertise, potentially delaying critical research outcomes. Cost risk, particularly with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure, is that costs could exceed initial projections if not managed diligently, although the fixed fee component provides some ceiling. Contractor dependency is another risk; if Booz Allen Hamilton becomes indispensable for certain critical functions, the government might face challenges if the relationship sours or if the contractor's capabilities diminish. Ensuring robust oversight, clear performance metrics, and contingency planning are key to mitigating these risks.

How effective is the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for this type of R&D support?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type is often employed for research and development efforts where the scope of work is not precisely defined at the outset, or where innovation and exploration are key. For this contract, supporting advanced biomedical and biosecurity research, CPFF allows flexibility for evolving scientific needs. The government pays the contractor's actual allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. This structure incentivizes the contractor to control costs to maximize their fee, while the government benefits from the flexibility to adapt research directions. However, it requires strong government oversight to ensure costs are reasonable and allocable, and it carries a higher risk of cost growth compared to fixed-price contracts if not managed carefully.

What is the historical spending trend for similar technical and administrative support services at DARPA?

Historical spending trends for technical and administrative support services at DARPA, particularly in specialized fields like biomedical engineering and biosecurity, have generally shown a consistent and often increasing investment. DARPA's mission inherently requires significant support for its cutting-edge research programs. Over the years, agencies like DARPA have increasingly relied on specialized contractors to provide the expertise and agility needed to manage complex R&D portfolios. While specific figures fluctuate based on national priorities and budget allocations, the overall trend indicates a sustained need for high-caliber support services to facilitate groundbreaking scientific advancements. This $34 million award aligns with that broader pattern of investment in expert support.

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

Parent Company: Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation

Address: 8283 GREENSBORO DR, MCLEAN, VA, 22102

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $49,909,927

Exercised Options: $49,909,927

Current Obligation: $33,959,890

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 16

Total Subaward Amount: $4,041,097

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HR001118D0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline