DoD's $16.2M R&D Contract with DCS Corp. Awarded via Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $16,200,502 ($16.2M)
Contractor: DCS Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2008-03-17
End Date: 2013-12-31
Contract Duration: 2,115 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: 56-9337-08
Place of Performance
Location: ALEXANDRIA, ALEXANDRIA (CITY) County, VIRGINIA, 22314
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $16.2 million to DCS CORPORATION for work described as: 56-9337-08 Key points: 1. Contract Value: $16.2 million over 2115 days. 2. Competition: Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. 3. Risk: Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can pose cost overrun risks if not managed carefully. 4. Sector: Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to higher costs than fixed-price contracts if not closely monitored. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult without more specific cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. However, the CPFF structure means the government pays costs plus a fixed fee, which may not always yield the lowest possible price.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award aims for value, but the CPFF structure requires diligent oversight to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently.
Public Impact
Supports critical research and development for the Department of the Navy. Potential for technological advancements with broad applications. Contract duration of over 5 years suggests a significant, long-term project.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- CPFF contract type risk
- Long contract duration requires sustained oversight
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition
- Awarded to established company (DCS Corporation)
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the R&D sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for innovation but can be subject to cost uncertainties inherent in research.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to DCS Corporation and does not indicate any specific set-asides or participation from small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by the Department of the Navy. Oversight would focus on managing the CPFF structure, ensuring adherence to research objectives, and controlling costs throughout the contract's lifecycle.
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
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Long contract duration
- Lack of small business participation noted
- Limited transparency on specific R&D outcomes
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, va, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $16.2 million to DCS CORPORATION. 56-9337-08
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is DCS CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $16.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2008-03-17. End: 2013-12-31.
What specific R&D advancements are expected from this contract, and how do they align with DoD priorities?
The contract's NAICS code (541712) indicates research in physical, engineering, and life sciences. Specific advancements would depend on the Navy's project scope, potentially including materials science, advanced engineering, or novel biological applications. Alignment with DoD priorities would be assessed by reviewing the contract's statement of work and the Navy's strategic research objectives.
How effectively was the CPFF structure managed to control costs and ensure value for money?
Assessing the effectiveness of CPFF cost control requires access to detailed financial reports and performance metrics beyond the award data. Diligent oversight by the Department of the Navy, including regular audits and reviews of DCS Corporation's expenditures and progress, would be crucial. Without this data, it's difficult to definitively state how effectively costs were managed.
What is the potential long-term impact of the R&D outcomes on national security or technological competitiveness?
The long-term impact hinges on the success of the research. Breakthroughs in physical, engineering, or life sciences could lead to enhanced military capabilities, new defense technologies, or improved operational efficiencies. These advancements could bolster national security and maintain the US's technological edge in critical strategic areas.
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 › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1330 BRADDOCK PL STE 700, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 08
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $16,758,733
Exercised Options: $16,758,733
Current Obligation: $16,200,502
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2008-03-17
Current End Date: 2013-12-31
Potential End Date: 2013-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2013-09-17
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