DoD's $7.2M R&D contract with Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory for unspecified research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $7,213,567 ($7.2M)
Contractor: Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-08-29
End Date: 2027-08-28
Contract Duration: 729 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.9K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THE WORK TO BE PERFORMED HEREUNDER SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS CONTAINED IN ATTACHMENT 1-SOW, EXHIBIT A-CDRLS, AND ALL OTHER ATTACHMENTS CITED IN SECTION J, WHICH ARE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO SECTION C.
Place of Performance
Location: LOGAN, CACHE County, UTAH, 84341
State: Utah Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $7.2 million to UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY SPACE DYNAMICS LABORATORY for work described as: THE WORK TO BE PERFORMED HEREUNDER SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS CONTAINED IN ATTACHMENT 1-SOW, EXHIBIT A-CDRLS, AND ALL OTHER ATTACHMENTS CITED IN SECTION J, WHICH ARE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO SECTION C. Key points: 1. Contract awarded for research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, indicating potential for cost overruns. 3. A single delivery order was issued against a larger contract vehicle. 4. The contract duration is approximately two years, ending in August 2027. 5. The contractor, Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory, has a history with the Department of Defense. 6. The specific nature of the research is not detailed in the provided data.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
Benchmarking the value of this $7.2 million contract is challenging without specific details on the research scope and deliverables. Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can sometimes lead to higher costs than fixed-price agreements if not managed tightly. Comparing this to similar R&D efforts within the DoD would require access to more granular data on research areas and outcomes.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. The data does not provide information on why it was not competed, such as a specific justification or existing contract vehicle. The lack of competition means there was no opportunity for price discovery through multiple bids, potentially impacting the final cost to the government.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not have received the best possible price due to the absence of a competitive bidding process.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiary is likely the Department of the Navy, which will receive the results of the research. The research aims to advance knowledge in physical, engineering, and life sciences. The geographic impact is primarily within Utah, where the contractor is located. Workforce implications may include specialized researchers and technical staff at Utah State University.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition raises concerns about potential overpricing.
- The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure carries inherent risks of cost escalation.
- The specific research objectives and expected outcomes are not clearly defined in the provided data.
- The absence of a competitive process limits transparency regarding the selection of the contractor.
Positive Signals
- Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory is a known entity within the defense research community.
- The contract is for research and development, which can lead to technological advancements.
- The contract has a defined period of performance, allowing for focused effort.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. This is a broad category encompassing a wide range of scientific inquiry. Comparable spending in this sector within the DoD is substantial, as R&D is crucial for maintaining technological superiority. The market for specialized research services is often characterized by a limited number of highly qualified institutions and firms.
Small Business Impact
The provided data does not indicate any small business set-aside or subcontracting requirements for this contract. As a sole-source award to a university research laboratory, it is unlikely that small business participation was a primary consideration in the contract's structure. Further analysis would be needed to determine if any subcontracting opportunities exist.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Navy's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures would be tied to the terms of the Cost Plus Fixed Fee agreement and the Statement of Work. Transparency is limited by the sole-source nature of the award and the lack of detailed public information on the research itself. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.
Related Government Programs
- Department of Defense Research and Development Programs
- Naval Research Laboratory Contracts
- University Research Partnerships with Government
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award lacks competitive pricing.
- CPFF contract type carries cost overrun risk.
- Research scope is not clearly defined.
Tags
department-of-defense, department-of-the-navy, research-and-development, cost-plus-fixed-fee, sole-source, university-contractor, utah, delivery-order, fy2025-spending
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $7.2 million to UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY SPACE DYNAMICS LABORATORY. THE WORK TO BE PERFORMED HEREUNDER SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS CONTAINED IN ATTACHMENT 1-SOW, EXHIBIT A-CDRLS, AND ALL OTHER ATTACHMENTS CITED IN SECTION J, WHICH ARE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO SECTION C.
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 $7.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-08-29. End: 2027-08-28.
What is the specific research being conducted under this contract?
The provided data indicates the contract is for 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)' under NAICS code 541715. However, the specific research topic, objectives, and expected deliverables are not detailed in the summary information. This lack of specificity makes it difficult to assess the scientific merit, potential impact, or value for money. Further review of the Statement of Work (SOW) and other contract attachments would be necessary to understand the precise nature of the research being funded.
Why was this contract awarded on a sole-source basis?
The data explicitly states the contract was 'NOT COMPETED,' indicating a sole-source award. Without a justification document (e.g., Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition - JOFOC), the specific reasons for this decision are unknown. Common reasons for sole-source awards include the unique capability of a single source, urgent and compelling needs, or if the acquisition is made pursuant to an existing contract vehicle that was previously competed. The lack of competition means that the government did not explore potential offers from other qualified entities, which could impact cost efficiency.
How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) pricing structure compare to other R&D contracts?
Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts are common in research and development where the scope of work may evolve or be difficult to define precisely upfront. Under a CPFF contract, the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. While this structure allows for flexibility, it carries a higher risk of cost overruns for the government compared to fixed-price contracts. Benchmarking the 'fixed fee' portion against similar R&D contracts would be necessary to assess its reasonableness. Without this, it's difficult to determine if the fee is competitive.
What is the track record of Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory with the DoD?
Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory (USU-SDL) has a history of performing research and development for the Department of Defense and other government agencies. USU-SDL is known for its expertise in areas such as space science, aerospace engineering, and advanced sensor technologies. While specific contract details are not provided here, their continued awards suggest a satisfactory performance history and capability to meet DoD research requirements. A deeper dive into their past performance ratings and contract history would provide a more comprehensive view.
What are the potential risks associated with this contract?
The primary risks associated with this contract include the potential for cost growth due to the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure, especially if the research scope proves more complex or costly than initially estimated. The sole-source nature of the award presents a risk of not achieving optimal value for money due to the lack of competition. Furthermore, the ambiguity surrounding the specific research objectives introduces a risk that the outcomes may not align with the DoD's strategic needs or that the research may not yield the desired technological 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 › General Science and Technology 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: 416 E INNOVATION AVE, NORTH LOGAN, UT, 84341
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Foundation, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $15,030,928
Exercised Options: $15,030,928
Current Obligation: $7,213,567
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: N0017322D2005
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-08-29
Current End Date: 2027-08-28
Potential End Date: 2027-08-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-12
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