DoD's $2.18M Civil Signal Monitoring Contract Awarded to University of Texas at Austin
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,179,409 ($2.2M)
Contractor: University of Texas AT Austin
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-09-12
End Date: 2026-05-31
Contract Duration: 626 days
Daily Burn Rate: $3.5K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: DEPLOYMENT OF CIVIL SIGNAL MONITORING
Place of Performance
Location: AUSTIN, TRAVIS County, TEXAS, 78713
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $2.2 million to UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN for work described as: DEPLOYMENT OF CIVIL SIGNAL MONITORING Key points: 1. The contract focuses on R&D in physical and engineering sciences, a specialized area. 2. Competition was limited, raising questions about price discovery and potential value. 3. The risk profile appears moderate, given the research nature and fixed-fee structure. 4. Spending in this R&D subsector is typically driven by specific scientific advancements.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking is difficult without specific performance metrics and comparable contracts in this niche R&D area.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was not competed, indicating potential limitations in market research or a specific justification for sole-source award. This lack of competition may have resulted in a less favorable price than could have been achieved through open bidding.
Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is uncertain due to the lack of competitive pricing, but the CPFF structure necessitates close oversight to ensure funds are used efficiently for the research objectives.
Public Impact
Research into civil signal monitoring could have implications for national security and public safety. The award to a university suggests a focus on fundamental research and development. Lack of competition raises concerns about the efficient use of taxpayer funds for this research.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure
- Limited transparency on specific research outcomes
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable research institution
- Focus on critical R&D area
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology) sector. Spending in this area is highly variable, driven by specific government needs for scientific advancement and technological innovation.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to the University of Texas at Austin, a large research institution. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires robust oversight from the Department of the Navy to ensure that costs are reasonable and allocable to the contract's objectives, and that the fixed fee remains appropriate.
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
- Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure
- Lack of competitive bidding may lead to suboptimal pricing
- Limited public information on research scope and outcomes
- Unclear justification for sole-source award
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 $2.2 million to UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN. DEPLOYMENT OF CIVIL SIGNAL MONITORING
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 $2.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-09-12. End: 2026-05-31.
What specific civil signals are being monitored and what is the intended application of this research?
The data provided does not specify the exact nature of the 'civil signals' or their intended application. This information is crucial for understanding the strategic importance and potential impact of the research. Further details would be needed to assess the value and relevance of the monitoring activities.
What was the justification for not competing this contract, and how was the fixed fee determined?
The justification for the 'NOT COMPETED' status is not provided. Typically, this occurs when only one source is capable of meeting the requirement. The determination of the fixed fee for a CPFF contract involves negotiation based on estimated costs and a reasonable profit margin, requiring careful review to ensure fairness.
How will the effectiveness and impact of this R&D be measured and reported?
The effectiveness and impact measurement are not detailed in the provided data. For R&D contracts, clear milestones, deliverables, and evaluation criteria are essential. The Department of the Navy should have a plan to assess the scientific and technical progress against the stated 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 › 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
Parent Company: University of Texas System
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: $2,487,055
Exercised Options: $2,487,055
Current Obligation: $2,179,409
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: 2024-09-12
Current End Date: 2026-05-31
Potential End Date: 2026-05-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-26
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