Leidos Inc. awarded $22.3M for Naval Health Research Center R&D, focusing on operational medicine modeling
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $22,282,431 ($22.3M)
Contractor: Leidos, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2015-09-17
End Date: 2020-09-16
Contract Duration: 1,826 days
Daily Burn Rate: $12.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT SERVICES FOR OPERATIONAL MEDICINE RESEARCH MODELING FOR THE NAVAL HEALTH RESEARCH CENTER (NHRC) SAN DIEGO, CA
Place of Performance
Location: SAN DIEGO, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92106
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $22.3 million to LEIDOS, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT SERVICES FOR OPERATIONAL MEDICINE RESEARCH MODELING FOR THE NAVAL HEALTH RESEARCH CENTER (NHRC) SAN DIEGO, CA Key points: 1. Contract supports critical research for naval operational medicine, potentially enhancing warfighter health and readiness. 2. The definitive contract structure suggests a long-term need for these specialized R&D services. 3. Awarded to a single contractor, Leidos, Inc., indicating a potential concentration of expertise or a specific fit for the requirement. 4. The contract's duration of 1826 days (5 years) points to sustained investment in this research area. 5. Focus on modeling for operational medicine suggests a data-driven approach to improving health outcomes in military settings. 6. The R&D nature of the contract implies a forward-looking investment in future capabilities and knowledge.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $22.3 million over five years for specialized R&D services appears reasonable given the complexity and duration. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts for operational medicine or health modeling is challenging without more specific data on scope and deliverables. However, the fixed-fee component suggests some cost control mechanisms were in place. The award to Leidos, a large government contractor with a history in defense and health, indicates a potentially competitive bid process for such a specialized service.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The fact that it resulted in a definitive contract awarded to Leidos, Inc. implies that their proposal was deemed the most advantageous to the government. The level of competition for highly specialized R&D services can vary, but full and open competition is generally preferred for ensuring fair pricing and access to a broad range of capabilities.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it encourages a wider pool of contractors to bid, potentially leading to more competitive pricing and innovative solutions, thereby maximizing the value of taxpayer dollars.
Public Impact
Warfighters and military personnel benefit from advancements in operational medicine research, leading to improved health, safety, and performance. The Naval Health Research Center (NHRC) in San Diego, CA, is the primary beneficiary, utilizing these services to advance its research mission. Research findings could have broader implications for public health and emergency response, extending beyond military applications. The contract supports specialized scientific and technical roles within the contractor's workforce, contributing to the R&D sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep in R&D projects if not tightly managed, leading to cost overruns.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical R&D may limit future flexibility or access to alternative solutions.
- The long-term nature of the contract requires ongoing monitoring to ensure continued alignment with evolving naval health needs.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
- Contractor (Leidos) has extensive experience in government contracting and R&D, indicating a strong capability.
- The definitive contract structure provides stability for long-term research objectives.
- Focus on modeling and simulation can lead to cost-effective research and development pathways.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on scientific research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for defense-related health R&D is specialized, with a significant portion dominated by large government contractors like Leidos. Spending in this area is driven by the need to maintain military readiness and address unique health challenges faced by service members. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within broader R&D or defense health services categories.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). As a definitive contract awarded to a large prime contractor, Leidos, Inc., the primary impact on small businesses would likely be through subcontracting opportunities. The extent of small business participation would depend on Leidos's subcontracting plan and the availability of specialized small businesses capable of supporting this complex R&D effort.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of the Navy and the Naval Health Research Center. As a definitive contract, it likely includes specific milestones, reporting requirements, and performance metrics. The Inspector General's office for the Department of Defense would have jurisdiction for audits and investigations into potential fraud, waste, or abuse. Transparency is generally maintained through contract awards databases and public reporting, though specific research details may be sensitive.
Related Government Programs
- Naval Health Research Center (NHRC) Operations
- Operational Medicine Research
- Defense Health Program
- Medical Modeling and Simulation
- DoD Research and Development Contracts
Risk Flags
- Long-term R&D contracts require careful monitoring for relevance and effectiveness.
- Reliance on a single large contractor may limit future competitive options.
- Complexity of R&D can lead to challenges in defining scope and managing costs.
Tags
research-and-development, department-of-defense, department-of-the-navy, naval-health-research-center, operational-medicine, modeling-and-simulation, definitive-contract, full-and-open-competition, leidos-inc, california, health-research, scientific-services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $22.3 million to LEIDOS, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT SERVICES FOR OPERATIONAL MEDICINE RESEARCH MODELING FOR THE NAVAL HEALTH RESEARCH CENTER (NHRC) SAN DIEGO, CA
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is LEIDOS, 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 $22.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2015-09-17. End: 2020-09-16.
What is Leidos, Inc.'s track record with similar R&D contracts for the Department of Defense, particularly in health and operational medicine?
Leidos, Inc. has a substantial track record with the Department of Defense (DoD) across various R&D and support services, including significant work in health and operational medicine. They have been awarded numerous contracts for research, development, testing, and evaluation, often involving complex scientific and technical challenges. Their experience includes areas like medical simulation, data analytics for health outcomes, and support for military medical research facilities. This extensive background suggests they possess the necessary expertise, infrastructure, and personnel to successfully execute contracts like the one for the Naval Health Research Center (NHRC). Publicly available contract databases often show a consistent pattern of awards to Leidos for similar services, underscoring their established position as a key contractor in this domain.
How does the awarded value of $22.3 million compare to similar R&D contracts for operational medicine modeling?
Directly comparing the $22.3 million value for this specific contract to 'similar' operational medicine modeling R&D contracts is challenging without a precise definition of 'similar' in terms of scope, duration, complexity, and deliverables. However, R&D contracts, especially those involving advanced modeling and simulation for specialized fields like military health, can range significantly. Contracts supporting major research centers or addressing critical operational needs often involve multi-million dollar figures over several years. Given the five-year duration (1826 days) and the specialized nature of supporting the Naval Health Research Center, $22.3 million appears to be within a plausible range for such a long-term, high-expertise requirement. Broader benchmarks for defense R&D spending can provide context, but project-specific comparisons are more indicative.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?
Primary risks for this R&D contract include potential technical challenges in developing accurate operational medicine models, the possibility of scope creep if research objectives are not clearly defined and managed, and ensuring the long-term relevance of the research to evolving naval needs. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust project management by both the contractor (Leidos) and the Naval Health Research Center (NHRC), clear definition of milestones and deliverables, regular progress reviews, and flexibility within the contract to adapt to new findings or requirements. The use of a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type, while not explicitly stated in the provided data but implied by the nature of R&D, can help manage costs while incentivizing efficient performance. Strong technical oversight from NHRC is crucial for guiding the research and ensuring its alignment with strategic goals.
How effective is the Naval Health Research Center (NHRC) in leveraging R&D contracts to improve naval operational medicine?
The Naval Health Research Center (NHRC) has a long-standing mission to conduct research that enhances the health, safety, and performance of naval personnel. Leveraging R&D contracts, such as the one awarded to Leidos, is central to its operational effectiveness. These contracts enable NHRC to access specialized expertise, advanced technologies, and focused research capabilities that may not be available in-house. The focus on modeling for operational medicine suggests a strategic approach to proactively identify and address potential health risks and optimize medical support in operational environments. The success of NHRC in leveraging such contracts is ultimately measured by the translation of research findings into practical applications, policy changes, or improved medical readiness for the Navy and Marine Corps.
What are the historical spending patterns for R&D support services at the Naval Health Research Center (NHRC) or similar naval medical research entities?
Historical spending patterns for R&D support services at entities like the Naval Health Research Center (NHRC) typically show consistent, significant investment driven by the ongoing need for medical readiness and advancements in military healthcare. Such spending often involves a mix of contract types, including cost-plus and fixed-price, depending on the nature of the research. Major research areas often include infectious diseases, combat casualty care, psychological health, and performance optimization. Spending can fluctuate based on strategic priorities, emerging threats, and budget allocations within the Department of Defense. Analyzing past awards to NHRC and other naval medical commands would reveal trends in contractor selection, average contract values, and the duration of research initiatives, providing context for the current $22.3 million award.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: N6264515R1004
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Leidos Holdings, Inc. (UEI: 611641312)
Address: 11951 FREEDOM DR, RESTON, VA, 20190
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $26,333,502
Exercised Options: $26,333,502
Current Obligation: $22,282,431
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 1
Total Subaward Amount: $64,511
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2015-09-17
Current End Date: 2020-09-16
Potential End Date: 2020-09-16 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2019-09-20
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