Navy Awards $2.25M R&D Contract to University of Texas for Sensor Depot Support
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,252,833 ($2.3M)
Contractor: University of Texas AT Austin
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-05-28
End Date: 2025-05-27
Contract Duration: 364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.2K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: FY24 NSW SENSOR DEPOT SUPPORT
Place of Performance
Location: AUSTIN, TRAVIS County, TEXAS, 78713
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $2.3 million to UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN for work described as: FY24 NSW SENSOR DEPOT SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract focuses on R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. University of Texas at Austin is the sole awardee. 3. Potential risks include limited competition and cost overruns. 4. Spending falls within the R&D sector, with specific NAICS code 541712.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to higher costs if not managed carefully. Benchmarking is difficult without specific deliverables and comparable contracts.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in a higher price than if multiple vendors had vied for the contract.
Public Impact
Supports research and development efforts for the Navy's sensor systems. Potential for advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences related to sensors. Funding allocated to a prominent research institution, fostering academic-industry partnerships.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 100 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Cost-plus contract type carries inherent cost escalation risk.
- No small business participation noted.
Positive Signals
- Award to a university suggests potential for cutting-edge research.
- Contract duration is one year, allowing for focused effort.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology). Spending in this sector is crucial for technological advancement but can be subject to cost overruns due to the inherent uncertainties of research.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication of small business participation in this contract, as it was awarded directly to the University of Texas at Austin. Future contracts could explore opportunities for small business involvement.
Oversight & Accountability
As a sole-source award, oversight is critical to ensure the fixed fee is reasonable and costs are controlled. The Department of the Navy will need to monitor performance and expenditures closely.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Navy Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- No small business participation
- Research and Development sector inherent uncertainty
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, tx, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $2.3 million to UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN. FY24 NSW SENSOR DEPOT SUPPORT
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 $2.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-05-28. End: 2025-05-27.
What specific research objectives does this contract aim to achieve, and how do they align with the Navy's strategic sensor requirements?
The contract aims to support the Navy's Sensor Depot operations. Specific research objectives would likely involve improving sensor maintenance, calibration, testing, or developing new diagnostic capabilities. Alignment with strategic requirements would depend on the Navy's current and future sensor technology roadmap and operational needs.
What is the justification for the sole-source award, and what steps are being taken to mitigate the risks associated with limited competition?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, specialized knowledge, or urgent needs. Mitigation strategies might include rigorous cost analysis, detailed performance metrics, and close monitoring by the contracting officer to ensure fair pricing and effective execution despite the lack of competitive pressure.
How will the effectiveness of the research and development be measured, and what are the key performance indicators for this contract?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through milestones, deliverables, and the successful completion of research tasks outlined in the contract. Key performance indicators could include the accuracy of sensor diagnostics, the efficiency of repair processes, or the successful integration of new sensor technologies, all subject to government acceptance.
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: $3,055,000
Exercised Options: $3,055,000
Current Obligation: $2,252,833
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
Start Date: 2024-05-28
Current End Date: 2025-05-27
Potential End Date: 2025-05-27 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-06
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