DoD Awards $92.4M R&D Task Order to J.F. Taylor, Inc. for Navy Research

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $92,418,520 ($92.4M)

Contractor: J.F. Taylor, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-09-08

End Date: 2026-07-16

Contract Duration: 676 days

Daily Burn Rate: $136.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: NEW TASK ORDER FOR TO COVER THE ENDING TASK ORDERS FROM PREVIOUS IDIQ.

Place of Performance

Location: PATUXENT RIVER, SAINT MARYS County, MARYLAND, 20670

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $92.4 million to J.F. TAYLOR, INC. for work described as: NEW TASK ORDER FOR TO COVER THE ENDING TASK ORDERS FROM PREVIOUS IDIQ. Key points: 1. Significant R&D investment in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. J.F. Taylor, Inc. secures a substantial contract. 3. Full and open competition after exclusion of sources indicates a specific procurement strategy. 4. Contract duration of 676 days suggests a medium-term project.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult without more specific details on the scope of work.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The procurement method 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' is unusual and warrants further investigation into the rationale for excluding other potential sources. This could impact price discovery and potentially limit competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being allocated to a specific R&D project. The effectiveness of the competition method in securing the best value for taxpayers is a key consideration.

Public Impact

Investment in advanced research and development by the Department of the Navy. Potential for technological advancements stemming from this research. Impact on the specific R&D sector and related industries.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Unclear rationale for excluding sources in a full and open competition.
  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type carries inherent cost overrun risks.
  • Lack of specific details on the R&D scope makes value assessment challenging.

Positive Signals

  • Award to a single contractor suggests focused expertise.
  • Significant funding allocated, indicating a priority project for the Navy.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences category. Spending in this sector is crucial for national security and technological advancement, with significant government investment annually.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses had opportunities to participate in the subcontracting process.

Oversight & Accountability

The 'exclusion of sources' clause in a full and open competition requires careful oversight to ensure fairness and prevent potential anti-competitive practices. The Navy's contracting office should provide clear justification for this approach.

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

  • Potential for limited competition due to source exclusion.
  • Cost overrun risk associated with CPFF contract type.
  • Lack of transparency regarding the R&D scope and objectives.
  • No indication of small business participation.

Tags

research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, md, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $92.4 million to J.F. TAYLOR, INC.. NEW TASK ORDER FOR TO COVER THE ENDING TASK ORDERS FROM PREVIOUS IDIQ.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is J.F. TAYLOR, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $92.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-08. End: 2026-07-16.

What was the specific justification for excluding certain sources from this full and open competition, and how did this impact the final price?

The justification for excluding sources in a full and open competition is critical for ensuring fair market access and competitive pricing. Without this information, it's difficult to assess if the government obtained the best value. This exclusion could limit the pool of bidders, potentially leading to higher prices than if all qualified sources were allowed to compete freely.

What are the key performance indicators and deliverables for this R&D task order to measure its effectiveness?

Measuring the effectiveness of R&D contracts hinges on clearly defined deliverables, milestones, and performance metrics. Without specific details on the research objectives and expected outcomes, it is challenging to assess the potential return on investment for the $92.4 million. The Navy should establish robust tracking mechanisms to monitor progress and ensure the research aligns with strategic goals.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure mitigate risks associated with the inherent uncertainties of R&D projects?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure aims to balance risk between the government and the contractor in R&D. While it allows for flexibility as research evolves, it also places the onus on the contractor to manage costs efficiently to achieve the fixed fee. Effective government oversight is crucial to scrutinize costs and prevent scope creep, ensuring the fixed fee remains appropriate for the work performed.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: TRAINING AIDS AND DEVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: N0042124R0029

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 45671 PLEASANT MILL DR, GREAT MILLS, MD, 20634

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $197,731,943

Exercised Options: $197,731,943

Current Obligation: $92,418,520

Actual Outlays: $22,148

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 74

Total Subaward Amount: $15,158,577

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0042124D0021

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2024-09-08

Current End Date: 2026-07-16

Potential End Date: 2026-07-16 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2026-01-07

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