DoD's $11.17M Contract for Oceanic Bioluminescence Sensors Awarded to Florida Atlantic University
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $11,174,334 ($11.2M)
Contractor: Florida Atlantic University
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2020-07-23
End Date: 2025-07-22
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 99
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: NEXT GENERATION SENSOR SYSTEMS FOR NATURAL OCEANIC BIOLUMINESCENCE ASSESSMENTS
Place of Performance
Location: BOCA RATON, PALM BEACH County, FLORIDA, 33431
State: Florida Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $11.2 million to FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY for work described as: NEXT GENERATION SENSOR SYSTEMS FOR NATURAL OCEANIC BIOLUMINESCENCE ASSESSMENTS Key points: 1. The Department of the Navy is investing $11.17 million in advanced sensor systems for oceanic bioluminescence research. 2. Florida Atlantic University, a research institution, secured this contract through full and open competition. 3. The contract focuses on Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences, excluding nanotechnology and biotechnology. 4. This award represents a significant investment in understanding marine environments and potentially developing new sensing technologies.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $11.17 million for an 1825-day definitive contract appears reasonable for specialized R&D in physical and engineering sciences. Benchmarking against similar complex sensor development contracts would provide further context.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded using full and open competition, indicating a robust process for selecting the best offeror. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and innovation.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for critical scientific research with potential long-term benefits in marine science and technology development.
Public Impact
Advancement of scientific understanding of oceanic bioluminescence. Development of novel sensor technologies with potential dual-use applications. Support for research infrastructure and expertise at Florida Atlantic University. Potential for new insights into marine ecosystems and their responses to environmental changes.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Contract duration of 5 years may require ongoing monitoring for scope creep.
- Specific performance metrics and deliverables need clear definition to ensure success.
Positive Signals
- Awarded to a university with specialized research capabilities.
- Utilizes full and open competition, suggesting a fair and competitive process.
- Focuses on R&D, potentially leading to technological advancements.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical and engineering sciences related to marine environments. Spending in this area is crucial for scientific advancement and national security, with benchmarks varying widely based on project complexity and scope.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Florida Atlantic University, a large research institution. There is no indication of specific provisions or set-asides for small businesses in this award, suggesting limited direct impact on the small business sector for this particular contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Navy's oversight will be critical to ensure Florida Atlantic University meets the research objectives and delivers on the technological advancements outlined in the contract. Regular progress reports and milestone reviews are standard for such R&D contracts.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Navy Programs
Risk Flags
- Research and Development complexity
- Long contract duration
- Potential for technological obsolescence
- Dependence on specific scientific expertise
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, fl, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $11.2 million to FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY. NEXT GENERATION SENSOR SYSTEMS FOR NATURAL OCEANIC BIOLUMINESCENCE ASSESSMENTS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $11.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-07-23. End: 2025-07-22.
What are the specific technological advancements expected from these next-generation sensor systems, and how will they improve upon existing oceanic bioluminescence assessment capabilities?
The contract aims to develop advanced sensor systems that will likely offer enhanced sensitivity, broader spectral range, and improved data acquisition capabilities for detecting and analyzing oceanic bioluminescence. These advancements are expected to provide more comprehensive and accurate assessments of marine environments, potentially leading to better understanding of ecological dynamics, early detection of environmental changes, and novel applications in fields like marine biology and defense.
What are the primary risks associated with the research and development of novel sensor systems, and what mitigation strategies are in place?
Key risks include technical challenges in developing cutting-edge sensor technology, potential delays in research timelines, and the possibility that the developed systems may not meet all performance expectations. Mitigation strategies likely involve phased research approaches, regular technical reviews, collaboration with subject matter experts, and contingency planning for unforeseen scientific hurdles. The 'Cost No Fee' contract type also shifts some financial risk to the contractor.
How will the effectiveness of the funded research be measured, and what is the anticipated long-term impact on scientific knowledge and potential applications?
Effectiveness will be measured through defined research milestones, successful prototype development, data validation, and peer-reviewed publications. The long-term impact is anticipated to be significant, advancing fundamental understanding of marine bioluminescence, potentially leading to breakthroughs in areas like marine resource management, environmental monitoring, and the development of new bio-inspired technologies. The research could also inform national security interests related to oceanic observation.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: N0001420SB001
Offers Received: 99
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 777 GLADES RD, BOCA RATON, FL, 33431
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Higher Education (Minority Serving), Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $11,179,001
Exercised Options: $11,179,001
Current Obligation: $11,174,334
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 5
Total Subaward Amount: $846,734
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-07-23
Current End Date: 2025-07-22
Potential End Date: 2025-07-22 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-29
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