DoD's Navy Awards $18.1M PTERA R&D Contract to University of Missouri via Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $18,138,881 ($18.1M)
Contractor: THE Curators of the University of Missouri
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-08-27
End Date: 2026-10-31
Contract Duration: 1,891 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 999
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: PULSED TACTICAL EFFECTOR FOR REGULATED ATTACK (PTERA)
Place of Performance
Location: KANSAS CITY, JACKSON County, MISSOURI, 64110
State: Missouri Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $18.1 million to THE CURATORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI for work described as: PULSED TACTICAL EFFECTOR FOR REGULATED ATTACK (PTERA) Key points: 1. The contract focuses on Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 2. Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a broad search for qualified contractors. 3. The total value is $18.1 million with an estimated completion date in October 2026. 4. The project, PTERA, aims to develop a pulsed tactical effector for regulated attack.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is 'COST NO FEE', which is common for R&D efforts where the primary goal is knowledge generation rather than profit. The total value of $18.1M for an 1891-day duration seems reasonable for specialized research.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded using full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and allows the government to select the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment for research and development.
Public Impact
Advancement in tactical effector technology for defense applications. Potential for new scientific discoveries and engineering innovations. Investment in university research infrastructure and expertise. Development of capabilities that could enhance national security.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data.
- Potential for cost overruns in long-term R&D projects.
- Uncertainty of successful technology transition from research to operational use.
Positive Signals
- Awarded via full and open competition.
- Focus on critical R&D area.
- Partnership with a reputable university research institution.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the R&D sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority and innovation in defense.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to The Curators of the University of Missouri, a large research institution. There is no indication of small business participation in the provided data, which is common for large-scale R&D contracts awarded to universities.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Navy, under the Department of Defense, is responsible for oversight. The use of a definitive contract provides a clear framework, but ongoing monitoring of research progress and expenditures is essential.
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
- Long-term R&D project duration.
- Potential for scope creep.
- Dependency on specialized university research capabilities.
- Uncertainty of successful technology transition.
- Limited public information on specific project goals.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, mo, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $18.1 million to THE CURATORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI. PULSED TACTICAL EFFECTOR FOR REGULATED ATTACK (PTERA)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THE CURATORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $18.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-08-27. End: 2026-10-31.
What are the specific technical objectives and expected outcomes for the PTERA system?
The provided data lacks specific technical objectives for the PTERA system beyond its general purpose as a 'pulsed tactical effector for regulated attack.' Further details on the desired capabilities, performance parameters, and intended applications would be necessary to fully assess the project's value and potential impact.
What is the risk of technological obsolescence or failure in developing this advanced effector?
Developing advanced tactical effectors carries inherent risks of technological failure or obsolescence. The success of PTERA depends on overcoming complex scientific and engineering challenges within the allocated timeframe and budget. Continuous evaluation of research progress and adaptation to emerging technologies will be critical to mitigate these risks.
How will the effectiveness of the PTERA research be measured and validated?
The effectiveness of the PTERA research will likely be measured through a series of technical milestones, prototype demonstrations, and performance evaluations against defined requirements. The 'COST NO FEE' contract type suggests a focus on research completion rather than profit, implying that validation will center on achieving scientific and engineering goals.
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 › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Solicitation ID: N0001420SB001
Offers Received: 999
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 5100 ROCKHILL RD, KANSAS CITY, MO, 64110
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $39,489,484
Exercised Options: $32,335,825
Current Obligation: $18,138,881
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 9
Total Subaward Amount: $976,900
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-08-27
Current End Date: 2026-10-31
Potential End Date: 2026-10-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-11-21
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