DoD's $29.9M contract for sensor systems awarded to Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $29,911,732 ($29.9M)

Contractor: Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2019-09-09

End Date: 2022-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,117 days

Daily Burn Rate: $26.8K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: SENSORS, PROCESSING, AND RAPID EXPLOITATION SYSTEMS (SPARES)

Place of Performance

Location: LOGAN, CACHE County, UTAH, 84341

State: Utah Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $29.9 million to UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY SPACE DYNAMICS LABORATORY for work described as: SENSORS, PROCESSING, AND RAPID EXPLOITATION SYSTEMS (SPARES) Key points: 1. Contract awarded for advanced sensor systems and data exploitation capabilities. 2. Focus on research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 3. Utah State University's Space Dynamics Laboratory is the sole awardee. 4. Contract duration spans over three years, indicating a significant project. 5. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, common for R&D projects. 6. This award falls under the broad category of scientific research services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's value of $29.9 million over three years for R&D services is within a typical range for specialized scientific research. However, without specific deliverables or performance metrics, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts for sensor systems and data exploitation would provide better context. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure allows for cost reimbursement plus a fixed fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully, but is often necessary for the exploratory nature of R&D.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed among multiple vendors. This approach is typically used when a specific contractor possesses unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or is the only responsible source capable of meeting the requirement. The lack of competition means that pricing and innovation may not have been driven by market forces, potentially leading to higher costs or less optimal solutions compared to a competitive procurement.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards can mean taxpayers may not be getting the best possible price or the most innovative solution available in the market, as competitive pressures were absent.

Public Impact

The Department of Defense benefits from advanced sensor and data exploitation capabilities, enhancing national security. Research and development services are delivered, potentially leading to new technologies and improved operational effectiveness. The primary geographic impact is within Utah, where Utah State University is located. The contract supports scientific and technical workforce development within the research institution.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competitive pressure, potentially impacting cost-effectiveness.
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts carry inherent risks of cost escalation if not rigorously managed.
Lack of public detail on specific R&D objectives makes performance assessment difficult.

Positive Signals

Award to a university research laboratory suggests a focus on cutting-edge, potentially foundational research.
Long-term contract duration indicates a sustained need for the services provided.
The specific nature of 'Rapid Exploitation Systems' suggests a focus on timely application of research findings.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader scientific research and development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for sensor technology and data exploitation systems is highly specialized and often driven by government and defense needs. Comparable spending in this sector can vary widely depending on the specific technological advancements and applications. Utah State University's Space Dynamics Laboratory is a recognized entity in space and defense-related research, positioning this contract within a niche but critical area of the R&D market.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside component, nor is there information suggesting significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. The award is directly to a large university research laboratory. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal, unless the university actively engages small businesses for specialized support not covered by the primary contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract would typically involve the Department of the Navy's contracting officers and program managers. They are responsible for monitoring costs, ensuring compliance with contract terms, and verifying the progress and quality of research and development efforts. Transparency is often limited for R&D contracts due to the sensitive nature of the work and proprietary research. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Research and Development Programs
Naval Research Laboratory Contracts
Sensor Technology Development
Data Exploitation Systems Research

Risk Flags

Sole-source award may limit competition and potentially increase costs.
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type carries inherent risks of cost overruns.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes value assessment challenging.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $29.9 million to UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY SPACE DYNAMICS LABORATORY. SENSORS, PROCESSING, AND RAPID EXPLOITATION SYSTEMS (SPARES)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY SPACE DYNAMICS LABORATORY.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $29.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-09-09. End: 2022-09-30.

What specific research and development objectives are being pursued under this contract?

The contract data indicates the objective is 'SENSORS, PROCESSING, AND RAPID EXPLOITATION SYSTEMS (SPARES)'. This suggests a focus on developing and improving systems for acquiring sensor data, processing that data efficiently, and enabling its rapid use or exploitation. Specific R&D objectives would likely involve advancements in sensor hardware, signal processing algorithms, data fusion techniques, and the development of user interfaces or analytical tools for quick interpretation of sensor outputs. The 'Rapid Exploitation' aspect implies a need for near real-time or significantly accelerated analysis of collected information to support time-sensitive decision-making within the Department of Defense.

How does the $29.9 million cost compare to similar R&D contracts for sensor systems?

Benchmarking the $29.9 million cost requires detailed comparison with contracts for similar sensor systems, processing capabilities, and rapid exploitation R&D. Factors like contract duration (1117 days or approx. 3 years), the specific technological maturity, the novelty of the research, and the complexity of the systems involved significantly influence cost. Given the sole-source nature and the CPFF structure, direct cost comparison is difficult without knowing the specific technical challenges and the labor/material mix. However, for advanced, specialized R&D in defense, this figure is not unusually high, but it necessitates rigorous oversight to ensure value.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source, Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for R&D?

A sole-source award eliminates the benefit of competitive bidding, potentially leading to higher prices and less incentive for the contractor to innovate aggressively. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure means the government reimburses the contractor's allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee. Risks include potential cost overruns if the contractor's cost estimation is inaccurate or if unforeseen technical challenges arise, leading to increased expenses. The fixed fee, while intended to provide incentive, might not be sufficient to drive maximum efficiency if oversight is lax. Effective management and stringent oversight are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure the government receives good value.

What is the track record of Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory in fulfilling similar government contracts?

Utah State University's Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) has a well-established track record in supporting government research and development, particularly in space science and defense applications. SDL has been involved in numerous projects for NASA, the Department of Defense, and other federal agencies, often focusing on sensor development, satellite technology, and data analysis. Their experience includes developing and testing sophisticated payloads and systems. While specific performance metrics for past contracts are not detailed here, their longevity and continued awards suggest a history of successful project execution and technical competence in meeting complex R&D requirements.

How does the 'Rapid Exploitation' aspect of this contract translate into tangible benefits for the DoD?

The 'Rapid Exploitation' component of this contract aims to significantly shorten the time between data acquisition from sensors and its actionable use by military personnel. This translates into tangible benefits by enabling faster decision-making in dynamic operational environments. For example, intelligence gathered from sensors could be analyzed and disseminated to warfighters in near real-time, allowing for quicker responses to threats, more effective targeting, or improved situational awareness. This reduces the 'fog of war' and enhances operational agility, potentially providing a critical advantage in mission success and personnel safety.

What is the historical spending pattern for sensor and data exploitation R&D within the Department of the Navy?

Historical spending by the Department of the Navy (DoN) on sensor and data exploitation R&D has been substantial and consistent, reflecting the critical role these technologies play in naval warfare and intelligence. The DoN invests heavily in areas such as radar, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, signals intelligence (SIGINT), and the associated processing and analysis capabilities needed to derive actionable intelligence. While specific annual figures fluctuate based on strategic priorities and technological advancements, R&D in these domains represents a significant portion of the DoN's overall research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) budget. This contract aligns with that ongoing investment strategy.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Utah State University

Address: 1695 N RESEARCH PKWY, NORTH LOGAN, UT, 84341

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Foundation, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $31,971,077

Exercised Options: $31,971,077

Current Obligation: $29,911,732

Actual Outlays: $1,590,568

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 4

Total Subaward Amount: $3,308,012

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline