Draper Laboratory awarded $16.5M R&D contract by DHS for social science research

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,521,208 ($16.5M)

Contractor: THE Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2010-02-22

End Date: 2015-04-30

Contract Duration: 1,893 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 100

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: FAST PROGRAM

Place of Performance

Location: CAMBRIDGE, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02139

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $16.5 million to THE CHARLES STARK DRAPER LABORATORY, INC. for work described as: FAST PROGRAM Key points: 1. Contract awarded for research and development in social sciences and humanities. 2. Significant duration of 1893 days suggests a complex, long-term research effort. 3. Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type may incentivize cost overruns if not closely managed. 4. Awarded by the Office of Procurement Operations, indicating a centralized procurement function. 5. The contract's focus on social sciences and humanities is a niche area within federal R&D. 6. The contractor, The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc., has a history of complex R&D work.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract is challenging without detailed cost breakdowns and performance metrics. The fixed fee component provides some cost control, but the "cost plus" nature inherently carries risk of higher-than-expected expenditures. Comparing it to similar R&D contracts in social sciences is difficult due to the specialized nature of the work. The total award amount of $16.5 million over nearly five years suggests a moderate investment for the scope of research, but the true value-for-money depends heavily on the research outcomes.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This competitive process is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive offers. The number of bids received is not specified, but the full and open nature implies a robust competition was sought.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition process helps ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs through market forces.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely government agencies and policymakers who will utilize the research findings to inform decisions. The services delivered are research and development in social sciences and humanities, potentially leading to new insights or methodologies. The geographic impact is national, as the research findings are expected to have broad applicability. Workforce implications are minimal, primarily involving specialized researchers and analysts.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can lead to higher costs if not managed diligently.
The specialized nature of social science R&D may limit the pool of qualified contractors.
Long contract duration increases the risk of scope creep or changing research priorities.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition suggests a fair and transparent procurement process.
The contractor, The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc., is a reputable entity with experience in R&D.
The contract addresses a specific need for research in social sciences and humanities.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on social sciences and humanities (NAICS code 541720). This is a relatively niche area within the broader R&D landscape, which often emphasizes scientific and technological advancements. Federal spending in social science R&D supports policy development, understanding societal trends, and improving public services. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the specialized nature, but overall federal R&D spending is in the tens of billions annually.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside. The prime contractor, The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc., is a large entity. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses within this award, which could limit opportunities for smaller firms in this specialized research area.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program managers within the Department of Homeland Security. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates close monitoring of costs and progress to ensure adherence to the fixed fee and research objectives. Transparency is generally maintained through contract reporting requirements, though specific details of the research may be sensitive.

Related Government Programs

National Science Foundation Research Grants
Department of Defense Social Science Research Programs
National Institutes of Health Behavioral and Social Sciences Research

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent oversight to manage costs.
Long contract duration increases risk of scope creep and changing priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $16.5 million to THE CHARLES STARK DRAPER LABORATORY, INC.. FAST PROGRAM

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE CHARLES STARK DRAPER LABORATORY, INC..

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 $16.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-02-22. End: 2015-04-30.

What is the specific research objective of this contract?

The contract, awarded to The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc., focuses on 'Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities' under NAICS code 541720. While the specific research objective is not detailed in the provided data, this category typically encompasses studies related to human behavior, societal structures, policy analysis, and cultural understanding. The Department of Homeland Security likely uses such research to inform policy, improve operational effectiveness, or understand complex societal challenges relevant to national security and public safety.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure compare to other contract types for R&D?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type is common for research and development where the scope of work is not precisely defined at the outset. In a CPFF contract, the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a fixed fee representing profit. This differs from fixed-price contracts, where the price is set regardless of costs, and cost-reimbursement contracts without a fixed fee, which can offer less incentive for cost control. While CPFF provides flexibility for evolving R&D projects, it requires robust government oversight to manage costs effectively and ensure the fixed fee remains appropriate for the effort.

What is the track record of The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. with federal contracts?

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. is a well-established research and development organization with a significant history of federal contracting, particularly in defense and aerospace. They are known for their expertise in complex systems engineering, guidance, navigation, and control. While this specific contract is in social sciences, their broader experience suggests a capacity for managing intricate R&D projects. A deeper dive into their contract history with agencies like the Department of Defense and NASA would reveal their performance trends and areas of specialization.

What are the potential risks associated with a long-duration R&D contract like this?

Long-duration R&D contracts, such as this 1893-day award, carry several inherent risks. Firstly, the research landscape can evolve rapidly, potentially making the initial objectives obsolete or less relevant by the contract's end. Secondly, maintaining consistent focus and momentum over several years can be challenging for both the contractor and the government oversight team. Thirdly, the longer the contract, the greater the potential for cost growth, even with a fixed fee, if unforeseen issues arise or if the initial cost estimates were inaccurate. Finally, changes in agency priorities or funding availability could impact the project's continuation or success.

How does spending on social science R&D compare to other R&D categories within the federal government?

Federal spending on social science R&D is generally a smaller portion of the overall R&D budget compared to areas like defense, health, and basic science. Major agencies like the National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and Department of Defense (DoD) allocate significant funds to R&D, with social and behavioral sciences often integrated within broader research programs. While specific figures fluctuate annually, social science R&D typically represents a single-digit percentage of total federal R&D obligations, focusing on understanding human behavior, economic trends, and societal impacts.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 100

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 555 TECHNOLOGY SQUARE, CAMBRIDGE, MA, 02139

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $16,521,208

Exercised Options: $16,521,208

Current Obligation: $16,521,208

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline