DoD Awards $9.5M for Manned/Unmanned Systems Teaming Research to University of Texas

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $9,500,000 ($9.5M)

Contractor: University of Texas AT Austin

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-01-15

End Date: 2027-01-14

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $13.0K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: MANNED/UNMANNED SYSTEMS TEAMING FOR FLEET OPERATIONS

Place of Performance

Location: AUSTIN, TRAVIS County, TEXAS, 78713

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $9.5 million to UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN for work described as: MANNED/UNMANNED SYSTEMS TEAMING FOR FLEET OPERATIONS Key points: 1. Research focuses on advanced physical and engineering sciences, aligning with DoD's modernization goals. 2. The contract is a delivery order under a larger award, suggesting potential for follow-on work. 3. Lack of competition raises questions about price discovery and potential value for taxpayer dollars. 4. The IT sector is indirectly impacted through the development of advanced operational systems.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking is difficult without knowing the specific deliverables and effort required.

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 may not ensure the government receives the best possible value.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition could result in higher costs for taxpayers compared to a fully competed contract.

Public Impact

Advancements in military technology could enhance national security capabilities. Research funding directed to a major university supports scientific innovation and education. Potential for dual-use technologies that could benefit civilian sectors. The specific application of this research to fleet operations is a key area of public interest.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Cost-plus contract type
Limited transparency on specific research outcomes

Positive Signals

Supports critical R&D for national defense
Partnership with a leading research institution
Potential for technological breakthroughs

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for maintaining a technological edge, with benchmarks varying widely based on the specific research area and agency.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded to a university, not a small business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this award.

Oversight & Accountability

As a delivery order under a larger award, oversight may be distributed. The Department of the Navy is responsible for monitoring performance and expenditures to ensure accountability.

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

Lack of competitive bidding may lead to inflated costs.
Cost-plus contracts carry inherent risks of cost overruns.
Research outcomes may not directly translate to immediate operational benefits.
Limited public information on the specific research scope and expected impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $9.5 million to UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN. MANNED/UNMANNED SYSTEMS TEAMING FOR FLEET OPERATIONS

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 $9.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-01-15. End: 2027-01-14.

What specific research milestones and deliverables are expected under this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, and how will their achievement be measured to ensure value?

The contract details should outline specific research objectives, methodologies, and expected outcomes. Performance metrics and regular progress reports are crucial for monitoring the achievement of these milestones. The fixed fee component provides some cost certainty, but the 'cost plus' aspect necessitates rigorous oversight to ensure efficient resource utilization and prevent unnecessary expenses.

Given the sole-source nature of this award, what steps has the Department of the Navy taken to ensure the research is conducted at a fair and reasonable price?

For sole-source awards, agencies typically conduct a price analysis based on historical data, commercial pricing, or other available cost information to determine fairness and reasonableness. This may involve reviewing the contractor's cost proposals and potentially negotiating the fee. Without competition, the government relies heavily on its own analysis and negotiation skills.

How will the outcomes of this research on manned/unmanned systems teaming be evaluated for their effectiveness in enhancing fleet operations and contributing to broader defense capabilities?

Effectiveness will likely be assessed through a combination of technical reviews, simulations, and potentially field testing of developed technologies. The research team will need to demonstrate how their findings translate into tangible improvements in operational efficiency, safety, or mission success for naval fleets. Broader contributions will be evaluated based on their potential to be integrated into future systems.

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: $9,500,000

Exercised Options: $9,500,000

Current Obligation: $9,500,000

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