DoD Awards $24.7M R&D Contract to R&M Technology Solutions for Physical Sciences Research

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,765,409 ($24.8M)

Contractor: R&M Technology Solutions, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2022-05-23

End Date: 2025-03-31

Contract Duration: 1,043 days

Daily Burn Rate: $23.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: LABOR

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20375

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $24.8 million to R&M TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, LLC for work described as: LABOR Key points: 1. Contract awarded to R&M Technology Solutions, LLC for $24.7 million. 2. Focuses on Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 3. Competition method was 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources'. 4. Contract duration is 1043 days, ending March 31, 2025. 5. This falls under the R&D sector, a critical area for technological advancement.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The awarded amount of $24.7 million needs to be benchmarked against similar R&D contracts to assess value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources', indicating a competitive process. However, the specific exclusion of sources warrants further investigation to ensure maximum price discovery and value for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is positive for taxpayers, but the 'exclusion of sources' clause requires scrutiny to ensure no potential bidders were unfairly disadvantaged.

Public Impact

Supports advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences, potentially leading to new technologies. The contract duration of over two years suggests a significant research undertaking. Awarded by the Department of the Navy, indicating a specific defense-related research need. The contract is for R&D, which is crucial for maintaining technological superiority.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure.
The 'exclusion of sources' in the competition method needs clarification.
No small business participation indicated.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, promoting a fair process.
Supports critical R&D for the Department of Defense.
Long contract duration allows for in-depth research.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is vital for innovation and national security, with benchmarks varying widely based on the specific research area and agency.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not awarded to a small business (sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business subcontracting opportunities were considered or mandated.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a Delivery Order under a larger award, suggesting it may be part of a broader R&D initiative. Oversight will be crucial to monitor costs, deliverables, and adherence to the research objectives, especially given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Navy Programs

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns.
The 'exclusion of sources' in the competition method warrants further investigation.
No indication of small business participation.
The specific research objectives and expected deliverables are not detailed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $24.8 million to R&M TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, LLC. LABOR

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is R&M TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $24.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-05-23. End: 2025-03-31.

What specific research outcomes are expected from this $24.7 million R&D contract, and how do they align with the Department of the Navy's strategic goals?

The contract focuses on 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)'. Specific outcomes are not detailed in the provided data. Alignment with strategic goals would require examining the Navy's R&D priorities for the period, which likely include advancements in areas such as materials science, propulsion, sensor technology, or human performance enhancement relevant to naval operations.

How does the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method impact the overall cost-effectiveness and potential for innovation compared to unrestricted full and open competition?

This method allows for competition among qualified sources but excludes others, potentially limiting the pool of bidders and the range of innovative approaches. While it can ensure specialized expertise, it might reduce price competition and could inadvertently exclude highly capable small businesses or new entrants. The justification for excluding specific sources is critical to understanding if it truly served the government's best interest or potentially inflated costs.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) and milestones for this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract to ensure effective research progress and taxpayer value?

For a Cost Plus Fixed Fee R&D contract, KPIs would likely focus on achieving defined research objectives, adherence to project timelines, and effective utilization of allocated funds. Milestones would be tied to research phases, data collection, analysis, and reporting. Robust oversight is essential to ensure the contractor remains within the fixed fee while diligently pursuing the research goals, preventing scope creep and ensuring the government receives the intended scientific advancements.

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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5904 RICHMOND HWY STE 300, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 22303

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $25,721,224

Exercised Options: $25,721,224

Current Obligation: $24,765,409

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0017319D2003

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline