DoD awards $555M R&D contract to University of Texas for RF connectivity research

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,546,866 ($5.5M)

Contractor: University of Texas AT Austin

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-03-16

End Date: 2027-03-31

Contract Duration: 1,476 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.8K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: RF CONNECTIVITY PREDICTION IN ARMY MISSION ENVIRONMENTS

Place of Performance

Location: AUSTIN, TRAVIS County, TEXAS, 78713

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $5.5 million to UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN for work described as: RF CONNECTIVITY PREDICTION IN ARMY MISSION ENVIRONMENTS Key points: 1. Contract focuses on advancing radio frequency connectivity for Army missions. 2. Research and Development sector, specifically physical and engineering sciences. 3. Long-term contract duration of approximately 4 years. 4. Sole-source award indicates limited competition for this specialized research. 5. Potential for significant technological advancements in military communications. 6. Geographic focus on Texas, a hub for research and defense activities.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

This contract's value is difficult to benchmark without more detailed cost breakdowns or comparisons to similar R&D efforts. As a sole-source award for specialized research, the pricing is less transparent. The fixed fee component suggests some cost control, but the overall value for money will depend heavily on the successful outcomes of the research and its applicability to future defense needs. Benchmarking is challenging due to the unique nature of the research.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning only one vendor was solicited. This typically occurs when a specific entity possesses unique capabilities or intellectual property essential for the project. The lack of competition means that price discovery through bidding was not a factor, potentially leading to higher costs than a competed contract. The justification for sole-source procurement would need to be thoroughly reviewed to ensure it was appropriate.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not receive the best possible price due to the absence of competitive bidding. The justification for sole-source procurement needs to be robust to ensure public funds are used efficiently.

Public Impact

The U.S. Army will benefit from advancements in RF connectivity for mission environments. Research services will be delivered by the University of Texas at Austin. Geographic impact is primarily within Texas, where the research will be conducted. Potential workforce implications include opportunities for researchers and students in advanced technology fields.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competitive pricing and potentially reduces value for money.
Lack of transparency in cost structure for a large R&D investment.
Long contract duration could lead to scope creep or evolving research needs not fully captured in initial pricing.

Positive Signals

Award to a reputable research institution (University of Texas at Austin) suggests strong technical expertise.
Focus on critical military technology (RF connectivity) addresses a key defense need.
Potential for significant innovation and technological superiority in communications.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical and engineering sciences. The market for advanced defense R&D is characterized by specialized expertise and often involves long-term, high-risk, high-reward projects. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the unique nature of R&D, but significant government investment is typical for cutting-edge defense technologies.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside. Given the sole-source nature and the award to a large research institution, there are likely limited direct subcontracting opportunities for small businesses unless specifically incorporated into the research plan. The primary focus is on advanced research capabilities rather than broad service delivery where small business participation is more common.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be managed by the Department of the Navy, which awarded the contract on behalf of the Department of Defense. Accountability measures would be tied to research milestones and deliverables outlined in the contract. Transparency may be limited due to the sole-source nature and the proprietary aspects of R&D, but periodic reporting and reviews are standard. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Research and Development Programs
Army Communications and Information Systems
University Research Partnerships
Radio Frequency Technology Research

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
Long contract duration
Research and Development focus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $5.5 million to UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN. RF CONNECTIVITY PREDICTION IN ARMY MISSION ENVIRONMENTS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-03-16. End: 2027-03-31.

What is the specific research objective and expected outcome of this RF connectivity project?

The contract aims to advance radio frequency (RF) connectivity prediction in Army mission environments. The specific research objectives likely involve developing advanced algorithms, models, and potentially hardware prototypes to improve the reliability, range, and security of wireless communications for military operations. Expected outcomes could include enhanced situational awareness, more robust command and control capabilities, and improved data transmission in challenging battlefield conditions. The University of Texas at Austin's expertise in electrical engineering and computer science is expected to drive innovation in this critical area of defense technology.

How does the cost structure of this Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract compare to similar R&D efforts?

A Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract structure means the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. For R&D, this structure is common as it allows flexibility to adapt to evolving research needs while providing an incentive for cost control through the fixed fee. However, without specific cost breakdowns or data on comparable sole-source R&D contracts, a direct comparison is difficult. The 'fair' rating reflects this uncertainty. Benchmarking would require access to detailed cost proposals and outcomes of similar specialized research projects funded by the DoD.

What are the key risks associated with this sole-source R&D contract?

The primary risks include potential cost overruns if research proves more complex than anticipated, and the risk that the research may not yield the desired technological advancements or practical applications for the Army. As a sole-source award, there's also the risk of suboptimal pricing due to the lack of competition. Furthermore, the long duration of the contract (nearly 4 years) introduces risks related to changing technological landscapes and evolving military requirements, which might necessitate contract modifications or adjustments to research scope.

What is the track record of the University of Texas at Austin in securing and executing large federal R&D contracts?

The University of Texas at Austin has a strong track record as a major research institution and frequently secures significant federal funding, particularly from agencies like the Department of Defense, NSF, and NIH. They have extensive experience managing large-scale research projects, often involving complex scientific and engineering challenges. Their success in obtaining this $555 million contract underscores their recognized capabilities in advanced research areas, including those relevant to defense technologies. Their established infrastructure and research personnel are well-equipped to handle such substantial awards.

How does this contract align with broader Department of Defense modernization priorities?

This contract directly aligns with the Department of Defense's (DoD) strategic priorities for modernizing its communication and information systems. Enhancing RF connectivity is crucial for enabling advanced capabilities such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and resilient networks, which are key components of the DoD's future force design. By investing in cutting-edge research, the DoD aims to maintain its technological edge and ensure its forces can operate effectively in increasingly complex and contested environments. This project supports the goal of developing next-generation communication technologies.

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 › C – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 10000 BURNET RD, AUSTIN, TX, 78758

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Government, Higher Education, U.S. National Government, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public), U.S. Regional/State Government

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,546,866

Exercised Options: $5,546,866

Current Obligation: $5,546,866

Actual Outlays: $44,076

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0002417D6421

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline