DoD Awards $6.4M R&D Task Order to Taylor Tekla for Physical Sciences Research

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,420,924 ($6.4M)

Contractor: Taylor Tekla Test Partner Organization, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-02-01

End Date: 2026-01-31

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $17.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: TASK ORDER CREATION

Place of Performance

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

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $6.4 million to TAYLOR TEKLA TEST PARTNER ORGANIZATION, LLC for work described as: TASK ORDER CREATION Key points: 1. Significant R&D investment in physical sciences, aligning with DoD's focus on technological advancement. 2. Competition method indicates a structured procurement process, aiming for fair market value. 3. Potential for innovation in physical sciences, though specific impact requires further detail. 4. Contract awarded to a single entity, Taylor Tekla, necessitating scrutiny of its capabilities and pricing.

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 in the physical sciences is needed to assess if the fixed fee is reasonable.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' suggesting a limited competition. This method might restrict the pool of potential offerors and could impact price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is moderate, with $6.4 million allocated to R&D. The effectiveness of this spending in yielding valuable research outcomes will determine the ultimate return on investment.

Public Impact

Advancement of physical sciences research critical for national security and technological superiority. Potential for new discoveries and applications stemming from the funded research areas. Economic impact through contract award and potential for follow-on work or technology commercialization.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type risks cost escalation.
Limited competition may not yield the best value.
Lack of specific R&D deliverables makes assessing effectiveness challenging.

Positive Signals

Focus on critical R&D area for national security.
Structured procurement process with a defined period of performance.
Potential for significant technological advancements.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining a technological edge, with benchmarks varying widely based on research scope and maturity.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates no specific set-aside for small businesses, and the prime contractor is listed as 'TAYLOR TEKLA TEST PARTNER ORGANIZATION, LLC,' which may or may not be an SMB. Further investigation is needed to determine small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be critical to ensure the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure does not lead to excessive costs and that the research objectives are met efficiently and effectively. Regular performance reviews and financial audits are essential.

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 cost overruns due to CPFF contract type.
Limited competition may not ensure optimal value for taxpayer funds.
Lack of specific R&D deliverables in the provided data hinders effectiveness assessment.
The 'TEST PARTNER ORGANIZATION' in the contractor's name suggests this might be a placeholder or a new entity, requiring verification of its capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $6.4 million to TAYLOR TEKLA TEST PARTNER ORGANIZATION, LLC. TASK ORDER CREATION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TAYLOR TEKLA TEST PARTNER ORGANIZATION, 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 $6.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-02-01. End: 2026-01-31.

What specific research objectives are outlined in this task order, and how do they align with broader DoD R&D priorities?

The task order focuses on 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology).' While the specific objectives are not detailed here, they are presumed to align with the Department of the Navy's strategic goals for advancing scientific understanding and developing new technologies to support defense capabilities. A deeper dive into the SOW would reveal the precise research questions and expected outcomes.

What is the justification for using a limited competition approach for this $6.4 million R&D contract?

The justification for 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' needs to be thoroughly reviewed. Typically, this is used when only a few sources are capable of meeting the requirement, or for follow-on work to a previous contract. Without this justification, it raises concerns about whether the government secured the best possible pricing and technical solution available in the market.

How will the effectiveness and value of the R&D outcomes be measured and assessed under this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract?

Measuring R&D effectiveness can be challenging. The government should have clear metrics and milestones defined in the Statement of Work (SOW) to track progress and evaluate the scientific and technical merit of the research. For a CPFF contract, the fixed fee should be tied to the achievement of these defined objectives, ensuring the contractor is incentivized to deliver valuable results within the agreed-upon scope.

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: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: N0042124R0015

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, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,420,924

Exercised Options: $6,420,924

Current Obligation: $6,420,924

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 19

Total Subaward Amount: $3,053,435

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0042125D0031

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline