DHS invests over $12M in foundational R&D for homeland security solutions, awarded to Research Triangle Institute

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,032,991 ($12.0M)

Contractor: Research Triangle Institute

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2008-06-30

End Date: 2013-07-06

Contract Duration: 1,832 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: DIVISION: HUMAN FACTORS PPA: HUMAN FACTORS THRUST: INSTITUTE FOR HOMELAND SECURITY SOLUTIONS (IHSS) PROGRAM: COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS AND RESILIENCE PROJECT: IHSS PERFORMER: RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE OF NORTH CAROLINA (RTI) APPROPRIATION YEAR: FY08 (8X FUNDS) BUDGET AUTHORITY: NO-YEAR R&D FUNDS PROJECT MANAGER: MICHAEL DUNAWAY LEAD SUPPORT STAFF: SHARON POBLETE ALC: 70-08-1513 APPS: 70X0800 DESCRIPTION: THIS REQUEST IS IN RESPONSE TO BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT (BAA) NUMBER BAA08-01 SUBMISSION AND SUPPORTS CONGRESSIONAL MANDATES FOR THE DHS DIRECTORATE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (S&T) AND RTI TO ESTABLISH IHSS. FORMATION OF (IHSS) WITHIN THE COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS AND RESILIENCE PROGRAM AREA SUPPORTS THE S&T EFFORT BY ESTABLISHING A RESOURCE FOR FOUNDATIONAL AND APPLIED RESEARCH IN THE SOCIOLOGICAL, PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DIMENSIONS OF HOMELAND SECURITY; IN MODELING AND SIMULATION RELEVANT TO HAZARD AND RISK ANALYSIS, DECISION ANALYSIS AND TRAINING; AND IN HUMAN SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT TO SUPPORT FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL EXECUTION OF HOMELAND SECURITY MISSIONS. IHSS IS A CONGRESSIONALLY-MANDATED CENTER TO BE ESTABLISHED UNDER THE RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE OF NORTH CAROLINA (RTI) AND IS DEDICATED TO CONDUCTING APPLIED TECHNOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH WITH UNIVERSITIES, OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES, STATE AND LOCAL SECURITY AGENCIES AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

Place of Performance

Location: DURHAM, DURHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27709

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $12.0 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE for work described as: DIVISION: HUMAN FACTORS PPA: HUMAN FACTORS THRUST: INSTITUTE FOR HOMELAND SECURITY SOLUTIONS (IHSS) PROGRAM: COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS AND RESILIENCE PROJECT: IHSS PERFORMER: RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE OF NORTH CAROLINA (RTI) APPROPRIATION YEAR: FY08 (8X FUNDS) BUDGET AUTHO… Key points: 1. Contract supports foundational and applied research for the Institute for Homeland Security Solutions (IHSS). 2. Focuses on community preparedness and resilience, aligning with congressional mandates for DHS S&T. 3. Awarded via Full and Open Competition, suggesting a broad market search. 4. The contract duration of over 5 years indicates a long-term research commitment. 5. Research Triangle Institute of North Carolina is the sole performer for this R&D initiative. 6. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, common for R&D where costs are not precisely predictable.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award of $12,032,991 for a 5-year R&D project is difficult to benchmark without more specific details on deliverables and research scope. Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can sometimes lead to higher costs if not managed tightly, as the contractor is reimbursed for actual costs plus a fixed fee. However, for foundational R&D, this structure can incentivize innovation. Comparing this to other foundational R&D contracts within DHS or similar agencies would provide better context for value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), indicating a full and open competition process. This suggests that the agency solicited proposals from a wide range of potential offerors. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the BAA mechanism generally aims to foster broad participation and identify the most innovative solutions.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it encourages a wider pool of offerors, potentially leading to more competitive pricing and innovative approaches, maximizing the value of federal investment.

Public Impact

Benefits the Department of Homeland Security's Directorate of Science and Technology (S&T) by establishing a key research institute. Delivers foundational and applied research critical for enhancing community preparedness and resilience. Impacts national security by strengthening the nation's ability to respond to and recover from threats. Supports the scientific and research workforce through employment at the Research Triangle Institute.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns inherent in Cost Plus Fixed Fee R&D contracts.
Scope creep in long-term research projects can impact budget adherence.
Ensuring the research directly translates into actionable preparedness strategies requires ongoing oversight.

Positive Signals

Awarded through a competitive BAA process, indicating a strong proposal.
Long contract duration suggests a strategic, long-term investment in a critical area.
Focus on foundational research can lead to significant future advancements in homeland security.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences (excluding biotechnology). The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541712 categorizes this as 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences'. The total award of over $12 million over five years for foundational R&D is substantial, reflecting the government's commitment to advancing capabilities in homeland security. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within R&D budgets of agencies like DHS, DOD, and NSF for similar scientific endeavors.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside or subcontracting requirements for this contract. As a foundational R&D effort awarded to a large research institute, the direct impact on small businesses may be limited unless RTI actively engages them as subcontractors. Further investigation into subcontracting plans would be needed to assess the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of Homeland Security's Directorate of Science and Technology (S&T) and the designated Project Manager, Michael Dunaway. As a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, rigorous financial oversight and review of incurred costs are essential. The Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) process itself implies a level of review for proposals. Transparency would be enhanced by public reporting of research outcomes and milestones achieved.

Related Government Programs

DHS Directorate of Science and Technology (S&T) Initiatives
Community Preparedness and Resilience Programs
Homeland Security Research and Development
National Preparedness System
Broad Agency Announcements (BAA) Portfolio

Risk Flags

Cost Overrun Risk (CPFF Contract)
Scope Creep Potential
Long-Term R&D Outcome Uncertainty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $12.0 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE. DIVISION: HUMAN FACTORS PPA: HUMAN FACTORS THRUST: INSTITUTE FOR HOMELAND SECURITY SOLUTIONS (IHSS) PROGRAM: COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS AND RESILIENCE PROJECT: IHSS PERFORMER: RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE OF NORTH CAROLINA (RTI) APPROPRIATION YEAR: FY08 (8X FUNDS) BUDGET AUTHORITY: NO-YEAR R&D FUNDS PROJECT MANAGER: MICHAEL DUNAWAY LEAD SUPPORT STAFF: SHARON POBLETE ALC: 70-08-1513 APPS: 70X0800 DESCRIPTION: THIS REQUEST IS IN RESPONSE TO BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT (BAA) NUMBER BAA08-0

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Office of Procurement Operations).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $12.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-06-30. End: 2013-07-06.

What specific research outcomes or deliverables were expected from the Research Triangle Institute under this contract?

The contract description indicates the formation of the Institute for Homeland Security Solutions (IHSS) within the Community Preparedness and Resilience Program area. The primary goal was to establish a resource for foundational and applied research supporting congressional mandates for DHS S&T. While specific deliverables are not detailed in the provided data, the expected outcomes would likely include research reports, data analysis, development of new methodologies or frameworks for community preparedness, and potentially prototypes or models related to resilience. The 'NO-YEAR R&D FUNDS' suggest a focus on long-term research objectives rather than immediate, tangible product development. The success of the contract would be measured by the quality and impact of the research generated and its contribution to the broader goals of the Community Preparedness and Resilience Program.

How does the $12 million investment compare to other foundational R&D contracts in homeland security?

Comparing the $12 million investment requires context on the scope and duration of similar foundational R&D contracts. Foundational research, by nature, often involves longer time horizons and less defined immediate outputs compared to applied research or development contracts. For a five-year period, $12 million represents an average annual investment of $2.4 million. This figure is moderate for significant R&D initiatives within a large agency like DHS, which has a substantial R&D budget. However, without knowing the specific research questions being addressed, the number of researchers involved, or the complexity of the problems, a direct comparison is challenging. Agencies like the Department of Defense or the National Science Foundation also fund foundational R&D, and their contract values can vary widely based on the scientific domain and the scale of the research effort.

What are the key risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for R&D?

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts, while common for R&D where precise cost estimation is difficult, carry inherent risks. For the government, the primary risk is that the contractor may not be sufficiently incentivized to control costs, as they are guaranteed to be reimbursed for all allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee. This can lead to cost overruns if the initial cost estimates are inaccurate or if project scope changes significantly. Another risk is potential scope creep, where the project expands beyond its original objectives, increasing costs without a proportional increase in value. For the contractor, the risk lies in underestimating the costs, which could erode their fixed fee profit margin. Effective oversight, clear performance metrics, and robust change management processes are crucial to mitigate these risks in CPFF contracts.

What is the significance of the NAICS code 541712 for this contract?

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541712, 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)', is highly significant as it precisely categorizes the nature of the work performed under this contract. It indicates that the Research Triangle Institute is engaged in scientific research and experimental development in fields such as physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, and computer science. This classification helps in understanding the contract's alignment with national priorities for scientific advancement and innovation. It also allows for benchmarking against other federal contracts awarded under the same code, providing insights into typical contract values, durations, and the types of organizations that perform this kind of specialized R&D.

How does the 'NO-YEAR R&D FUNDS' appropriation impact the project's flexibility?

The designation of 'NO-YEAR R&D FUNDS' provides significant flexibility for long-term research projects like this one. Unlike annual appropriations that expire at the end of the fiscal year, no-year funds remain available until the work is completed or the project is terminated. This is particularly beneficial for R&D initiatives, which often involve unpredictable timelines, require sustained effort over multiple years, and may encounter unforeseen challenges or opportunities. It allows the agency and the contractor to plan and execute research without the pressure of expiring funds, fostering a more stable and focused research environment. This can lead to more thorough investigation and potentially more impactful scientific discoveries or technological advancements.

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 › General Science and Technology R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH

Solicitation ID: BAA08-01

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3040 CORNWALLIS RD, RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, 27709

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $12,032,991

Exercised Options: $12,032,991

Current Obligation: $12,032,991

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline