DARPA Oversight Program Contract Awarded to Apogee Research LLC for $162.8M
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $16,281,541 ($16.3M)
Contractor: Apogee Research LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-01-03
End Date: 2026-09-25
Contract Duration: 1,361 days
Daily Burn Rate: $12.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: DARPA BAA OVERSIGHT PROGRAM
Place of Performance
Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22203
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $16.3 million to APOGEE RESEARCH LLC for work described as: DARPA BAA OVERSIGHT PROGRAM Key points: 1. Contract focuses on Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns. 4. This award falls under the R&D sector, a key area for technological advancement.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type allows for cost reimbursement plus a fixed fee. While this incentivizes contractor efficiency, it carries a risk of cost escalation if not closely monitored. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult without more specific cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple bidders likely participated. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing, although the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires careful oversight to ensure value.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being invested in R&D, which can yield long-term benefits. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates robust oversight to prevent unnecessary expenditures and ensure efficient use of public funds.
Public Impact
Investment in advanced research and development by DARPA. Potential for technological breakthroughs with broad applications. Contract awarded to a specific company, Apogee Research LLC. Long-term commitment with an end date in late 2026.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to higher costs.
- Potential for scope creep in R&D projects.
- Limited visibility into specific R&D outcomes at the outset.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Supports critical R&D initiatives for national security.
- Long contract duration allows for sustained research efforts.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation and maintaining a technological edge, with significant government investment annually.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was awarded to Apogee Research LLC. There is no specific information provided regarding small business participation or subcontracting opportunities within this award.
Oversight & Accountability
DARPA is known for its rigorous oversight of research programs. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires continuous monitoring of costs and performance to ensure accountability and prevent potential overruns.
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
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- R&D projects inherently have uncertain outcomes.
- Potential for cost escalation without strict oversight.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, va, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $16.3 million to APOGEE RESEARCH LLC. DARPA BAA OVERSIGHT PROGRAM
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is APOGEE RESEARCH 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 $16.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-01-03. End: 2026-09-25.
What specific R&D areas will the DARPA Oversight Program focus on, and how will success be measured?
The contract specifies 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)'. Success measurement will likely involve achieving defined research milestones, demonstrating technological advancements, and producing reports or prototypes as outlined in the contract's Statement of Work. Specific metrics are not detailed in the provided data but are crucial for effective oversight.
What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type for this R&D program?
The primary risks of a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for R&D include potential cost overruns if the contractor's actual costs exceed estimates, leading to higher final prices. There's also a risk of reduced incentive for cost control by the contractor, as their fee is fixed regardless of actual costs. Effective government oversight is critical to mitigate these risks.
How does this contract contribute to DARPA's overall mission and technological advancement goals?
This contract supports DARPA's mission to make pivotal investments in breakthrough technologies for national security. By funding R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences, it aims to foster innovation that can lead to transformative capabilities. The program's success could result in advancements that provide a significant strategic advantage.
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 › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Solicitation ID: HR001122S0014
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 4075 WILSON BLVD STE 600, ARLINGTON, VA, 22203
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $22,768,132
Exercised Options: $20,760,417
Current Obligation: $16,281,541
Actual Outlays: $379,686
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-01-03
Current End Date: 2026-09-25
Potential End Date: 2026-09-25 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-11-04
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