DoD awards $8.7M R&D contract to Vysnova Partners for research and administrative support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $8,705,118 ($8.7M)

Contractor: Vysnova Partners, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-04-03

End Date: 2026-03-30

Contract Duration: 726 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: RESEARCH AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES - TASK ORDER ISSUED OFF BASIS IDIQ CONTRACT N6264520D5005

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $8.7 million to VYSNOVA PARTNERS, LLC for work described as: RESEARCH AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES - TASK ORDER ISSUED OFF BASIS IDIQ CONTRACT N6264520D5005 Key points: 1. Contract focuses on research and administrative support, aligning with R&D sector needs. 2. Awarded under a full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration of 726 days indicates a medium-term engagement. 4. Vysnova Partners, LLC is the sole awardee for this specific task order. 5. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which allows for cost reimbursement plus a fixed fee. 6. This award falls under the R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences NAICS code.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $8.7 million for approximately two years of research and administrative support services appears within a reasonable range for specialized R&D tasks. Benchmarking against similar contracts for administrative support in the R&D sector would provide a clearer picture of value for money. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure means the government pays actual costs plus a negotiated fee, which can sometimes lead to higher overall costs if not carefully managed, but it is appropriate for research where scope can be uncertain.

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 that the initial solicitation was open to all responsible sources, but specific sources may have been excluded for defined reasons. This suggests a robust competitive process was intended, aiming to leverage market capabilities. The number of bidders is not specified, but the 'full and open' designation implies multiple potential offerors were considered.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down prices and encourage innovation from a wider pool of contractors.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the Department of the Navy and its research initiatives, which will receive essential administrative and research support. Services delivered include research and administrative support, crucial for the advancement of physical, engineering, and life sciences. The geographic impact is primarily within the Department of Defense's operational areas, supporting national research objectives. Workforce implications include employment opportunities for researchers, analysts, and administrative staff within Vysnova Partners and potentially its subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can incentivize cost overruns if not rigorously monitored.
The 'exclusion of sources' clause in the competition type warrants further investigation into the rationale.
Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data makes it difficult to assess efficiency.

Positive Signals

Awarded through a full and open competition, indicating a broad search for qualified contractors.
The contract supports critical research and development activities for the Department of Defense.
Vysnova Partners, LLC is a known entity in government contracting, suggesting some level of established capability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically NAICS code 541715, which covers R&D in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. This sector is characterized by innovation, specialized expertise, and often long-term projects. Federal spending in R&D is crucial for technological advancement and national security. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other DoD contracts for similar research support services or administrative functions within R&D programs.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a primary set-aside criterion for this specific task order. This suggests that the contract was not specifically targeted towards small businesses. There is no information on subcontracting plans, so the impact on the small business ecosystem is undetermined but likely minimal unless Vysnova Partners voluntarily engages small businesses for specialized support.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Department of the Navy contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded within the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, requiring detailed reporting of costs and progress. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, though specific performance details may be less public. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Research and Development Programs
Navy Science and Technology Initiatives
Federal R&D Support Services Contracts
Cost Plus Fixed Fee Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns in CPFF contract.
Lack of transparency regarding source exclusion rationale.
Limited data on specific performance metrics and outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $8.7 million to VYSNOVA PARTNERS, LLC. RESEARCH AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES - TASK ORDER ISSUED OFF BASIS IDIQ CONTRACT N6264520D5005

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is VYSNOVA PARTNERS, 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 $8.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-04-03. End: 2026-03-30.

What is Vysnova Partners, LLC's track record with the Department of Defense, particularly in R&D support?

Vysnova Partners, LLC has a history of contracting with the Department of Defense. Analyzing their past performance on similar R&D support or administrative service contracts would reveal their experience level, past performance ratings, and any significant issues encountered. A review of their contract history would indicate if they have successfully managed Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts and delivered on research-related objectives. Their ability to secure this task order suggests a positive assessment of their capabilities by the Navy, but a deeper dive into specific past projects and client feedback is necessary for a comprehensive understanding of their track record.

How does the $8.7 million value compare to similar R&D administrative support contracts awarded by the Navy?

The $8.7 million value for approximately two years of service needs to be benchmarked against similar contracts. Without specific data on comparable contracts, it's difficult to definitively assess value for money. However, for specialized R&D administrative and research support, this amount is not unusually high, especially considering the potential need for subject matter experts and complex logistical coordination. A thorough analysis would involve comparing the scope of work, duration, and contractor rates for similar task orders issued under the same or different IDIQ vehicles within the Department of the Navy or other federal agencies.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for R&D services?

The primary risks with a CPFF contract for R&D services revolve around cost control and scope creep. While the fixed fee provides some incentive for the contractor to manage costs efficiently, the government bears the risk of cost overruns if actual expenses exceed the estimate. For R&D, where the path to success is often uncertain and requirements can evolve, there's a risk that costs could escalate significantly. Effective oversight, clear performance metrics, and robust change management processes are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure the government receives good value. The government must also ensure the fixed fee is appropriately negotiated to reflect the risk and effort involved.

How effective is the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method in ensuring competitive pricing for R&D services?

The 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method aims to balance broad market access with specific procurement needs. By initially opening the competition to all, it theoretically maximizes the pool of potential bidders, fostering price competition. However, the subsequent exclusion of certain sources, if not clearly justified and transparently applied, could potentially limit competition and impact price discovery. The effectiveness hinges on the rationale for exclusion; if based on legitimate technical requirements or past performance issues, it can lead to a more focused competition among highly qualified entities. If exclusions are arbitrary, it could reduce competitive pressure and potentially lead to higher prices for taxpayers.

What is the historical spending trend for R&D administrative support services within the Department of the Navy?

Analyzing historical spending trends for R&D administrative support services within the Department of the Navy is crucial for context. This involves examining aggregate spending data over several fiscal years for similar contract types and NAICS codes. A rising trend might indicate increasing reliance on external support or program expansion, while a stable or declining trend could suggest efficiency gains or shifting priorities. Understanding these patterns helps in evaluating whether the current $8.7 million award is consistent with historical investment levels or represents a significant deviation, potentially signaling a new initiative or a change in procurement 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 › N – Health R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Vysnova Partners LLC

Address: 8400 CORPORATE DRIVE, SUITE 130, LANDOVER, MD, 20785

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $10,423,054

Exercised Options: $10,423,054

Current Obligation: $8,705,118

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N6264520D5005

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline