DOI's $15.1M Dual-Mode Detector Ensemble R&D Contract Awarded to DRS Network & Imaging Systems

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,142,807 ($15.1M)

Contractor: DRS Network & Imaging Systems, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2009-06-30

End Date: 2015-11-30

Contract Duration: 2,344 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EFFORT ENTITLED: "DUAL-MODE DETECTOR ENSEMBLE (DUDE)"

Place of Performance

Location: DALLAS, DALLAS County, TEXAS, 75243

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $15.1 million to DRS NETWORK & IMAGING SYSTEMS, LLC for work described as: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EFFORT ENTITLED: "DUAL-MODE DETECTOR ENSEMBLE (DUDE)" Key points: 1. The contract focuses on R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences, excluding biotechnology. 2. Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a broad search for qualified contractors. 3. The project duration was 2344 days, suggesting a long-term research and development effort. 4. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can incentivize contractor efficiency. 5. The total award value is substantial at over $15 million.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure allows for cost reimbursement plus a fixed fee, which can be less predictable than fixed-price contracts. Benchmarking per-unit costs is difficult for unique R&D efforts.

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. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure may lead to higher costs than a fixed-price contract.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used for a research and development effort with potential future applications, but the cost-plus nature requires careful monitoring to ensure value.

Public Impact

This R&D effort could lead to advancements in detection technology with potential dual-use applications. The significant investment highlights the government's commitment to innovation in scientific research. The long duration suggests a complex project requiring sustained effort and potentially leading to significant breakthroughs.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost-plus contracts can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
Long R&D timelines increase the risk of project scope creep or obsolescence.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition generally leads to better pricing and innovation.
The project addresses a specific research area, indicating a focused government need.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement and national security, with benchmarks varying widely based on the specific research domain and project scope.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to DRS Network & Imaging Systems, LLC, a large business. There is no indication of specific provisions or set-asides for small businesses in this award.

Oversight & Accountability

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type necessitates robust oversight to ensure costs are reasonable and the fixed fee is justified. Regular performance reviews and audits would be critical for accountability.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Department of the Interior Contracting
Departmental Offices Programs

Risk Flags

Cost-plus contract type
Long project duration
Lack of small business participation
Uncertain R&D outcomes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $15.1 million to DRS NETWORK & IMAGING SYSTEMS, LLC. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EFFORT ENTITLED: "DUAL-MODE DETECTOR ENSEMBLE (DUDE)"

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DRS NETWORK & IMAGING SYSTEMS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Departmental Offices).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $15.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-06-30. End: 2015-11-30.

What is the expected return on investment for this R&D effort?

The return on investment for R&D is inherently uncertain and often realized years after the initial investment through technological advancements, new product development, or improved operational efficiencies. Specific metrics for this 'Dual-Mode Detector Ensemble' project are not provided, but its success would likely be measured by the successful development of the technology and its subsequent adoption or application by the Department of the Interior or other government agencies.

What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract structure for this R&D project?

The primary risks with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for R&D include potential cost overruns if the government's oversight is insufficient, as the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs. The fixed fee, while providing some cost certainty, might not adequately incentivize the contractor to control costs aggressively. Additionally, defining 'allowable costs' for complex R&D can be challenging and lead to disputes.

How will the effectiveness of the 'Dual-Mode Detector Ensemble' be measured post-development?

The effectiveness of the 'Dual-Mode Detector Ensemble' will likely be measured through rigorous testing and validation protocols defined in the contract's statement of work. This would involve assessing its performance against specific technical requirements, such as sensitivity, accuracy, speed, and reliability in detecting target phenomena. Post-development, effectiveness could also be gauged by its successful integration into operational systems and its contribution to the Department of the Interior's mission objectives.

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 › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: BAA-08-49

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Leonardo SPA

Address: 13544 N CENTRAL EXPY, DALLAS, TX, 75243

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $15,244,691

Exercised Options: $15,244,691

Current Obligation: $15,142,807

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline