Leidos Inc. awarded $14.5M for Genomics and Bioinformatics Expertise, with 3 bids received
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $14,543,318 ($14.5M)
Contractor: Leidos, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-04-24
End Date: 2026-10-23
Contract Duration: 2,008 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: GENOMICS AND BIOINFORMATICS RESEARCH SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE
Place of Performance
Location: FREDERICK, FREDERICK County, MARYLAND, 21702
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $14.5 million to LEIDOS, INC. for work described as: GENOMICS AND BIOINFORMATICS RESEARCH SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the services. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these services. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a long-term contract and established contractor. 4. Performance context is within R&D, a critical area for defense. 5. Sector positioning is in advanced scientific research and development.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $14.5 million over its period of performance (approximately 5.5 years) suggests a moderate annual spend. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized bioinformatics and genomics expertise is challenging due to the niche nature of the services. However, the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure allows for flexibility while providing incentives for cost control. The number of bids received (3) indicates a competitive environment, which typically helps in achieving fair pricing.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. Three bids were received, suggesting a reasonable level of competition for this specialized service. While more bidders could potentially drive prices lower, three offers often provide sufficient market insight for price discovery in niche R&D areas.
Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition process is beneficial for taxpayers as it allows for a wider pool of potential contractors, increasing the likelihood of obtaining competitive pricing and innovative solutions.
Public Impact
The Department of the Navy benefits from advanced research and development capabilities in genomics and bioinformatics. Services delivered will support critical scientific advancements and potentially enhance national security through biological research. The geographic impact is primarily within Maryland, where the contractor is located. Workforce implications include the employment of highly skilled scientists, researchers, and bioinformaticians.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep in R&D projects if not managed tightly.
- Reliance on a single contractor for specialized expertise could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
Positive Signals
- Contractor has a strong track record in complex R&D and IT services.
- Long contract duration allows for sustained focus and development of deep expertise.
- Full and open competition suggests a robust market and potential for innovation.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for genomics and bioinformatics expertise is rapidly growing, driven by advancements in biotechnology and data analysis. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to pinpoint due to the specialized nature, but significant government investment exists in R&D across various agencies to maintain a technological edge.
Small Business Impact
This contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. The primary contractor, Leidos, Inc., is a large business. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal, though Leidos may engage small businesses as subcontractors if their expertise aligns with project needs.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of the Navy's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded within the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure, requiring detailed reporting and justification of costs. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific project details may be sensitive.
Related Government Programs
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) Genomics Research
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Biological Technologies
- National Science Foundation (NSF) Biological Sciences
- Department of Energy (DOE) Advanced Scientific Computing
Risk Flags
- Potential for R&D project delays
- Reliance on specialized contractor expertise
Tags
research-and-development, department-of-defense, department-of-the-navy, cost-plus-fixed-fee, full-and-open-competition, large-business, maryland, genomics, bioinformatics, scientific-research
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $14.5 million to LEIDOS, INC.. GENOMICS AND BIOINFORMATICS RESEARCH SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE
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 $14.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-04-24. End: 2026-10-23.
What is Leidos, Inc.'s track record with the Department of Defense, particularly in R&D contracts?
Leidos, Inc. has a substantial track record with the Department of Defense (DoD), having secured numerous contracts across various domains including IT, intelligence, and research and development. Their experience spans complex scientific research, systems engineering, and advanced technological solutions. For R&D specifically, Leidos has been involved in projects ranging from advanced materials to cybersecurity and, relevantly, life sciences and bioinformatics. Their history with the DoD suggests a capacity to manage large, technically demanding programs and deliver on complex scientific objectives. The longevity and value of their past contracts with the DoD indicate a level of trust and proven performance in meeting the department's evolving needs.
How does the $14.5 million contract value compare to similar genomics and bioinformatics R&D efforts within the federal government?
The $14.5 million contract value for genomics and bioinformatics expertise, spread over approximately 5.5 years, represents a moderate annual investment of around $2.6 million. This figure is relatively modest when compared to large-scale federal R&D initiatives, such as those undertaken by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), which can involve hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars for broader programs. However, for a specific, specialized subject matter expertise contract focused on genomics and bioinformatics for a particular agency like the Department of the Navy, this value is within a reasonable range. It suggests a focused effort rather than a broad programmatic investment, and the competitive nature of the award (3 bids) implies that the pricing was deemed fair within the market for such specialized services.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?
The primary risks associated with this contract revolve around the inherent uncertainties of research and development, potential for scope creep, and contractor performance. R&D projects can face unforeseen scientific challenges, leading to delays or altered objectives. Scope creep is a risk in any project, especially in research where new avenues may emerge. Contractor performance is always a consideration, though mitigated by the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure which requires detailed justification of costs and progress reporting. The Department of the Navy's oversight, including program managers and contracting officers, is crucial for monitoring progress, managing scope, and ensuring adherence to objectives. The contractor's established presence and experience also serve as a mitigating factor against performance risks.
How effective is the 'full and open competition' approach for specialized R&D services like genomics and bioinformatics?
The 'full and open competition' approach is generally considered highly effective for specialized R&D services, including genomics and bioinformatics. It maximizes the pool of potential offerors, encouraging a wider range of innovative approaches and technical solutions. This broad competition can lead to better pricing for the government and ensures that the most capable and cost-effective providers are identified. For niche areas like genomics and bioinformatics, where expertise can be concentrated in specific firms or research institutions, full and open competition ensures that all qualified entities have an opportunity to bid, preventing market concentration and fostering a dynamic environment. The receipt of three bids in this instance suggests that the approach successfully attracted relevant competition.
What are the historical spending patterns for genomics and bioinformatics expertise within the Department of the Navy or DoD?
Historical spending patterns for genomics and bioinformatics expertise within the Department of the Navy (DON) and the broader Department of Defense (DoD) show a consistent and increasing investment over the past decade. Driven by advancements in biotechnology, medical research, and biodefense, both agencies have recognized the strategic importance of these fields. Spending has been channeled through various mechanisms, including direct research contracts, grants to academic institutions, and support services contracts like this one. While specific figures for DON's genomics/bioinformatics R&D contracts are not readily available in aggregate, the overall DoD investment in related areas, such as medical research (e.g., through the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs - CDMRP) and biosecurity, has been substantial and growing. This contract aligns with that trend of increasing focus and resource allocation towards these critical scientific domains.
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: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › N – Health R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1750 PRESIDENTS ST FL 4, 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: $16,542,665
Exercised Options: $14,941,445
Current Obligation: $14,543,318
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 12
Total Subaward Amount: $949,335
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS00Q14OADU420
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-04-24
Current End Date: 2026-10-23
Potential End Date: 2026-10-23 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-02
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