DoD's $18.15M R&D Contract with CCAT Awarded via Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $18,150,364 ($18.2M)
Contractor: Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2010-01-28
End Date: 2015-08-31
Contract Duration: 2,041 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 15
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: EMERGENT R&D PROGRAM
Place of Performance
Location: EAST HARTFORD, HARTFORD County, CONNECTICUT, 06108, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $18.2 million to CONNECTICUT CENTER FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: EMERGENT R&D PROGRAM Key points: 1. The contract focuses on physical, engineering, and life sciences R&D, excluding biotechnology. 2. Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration is over 2000 days, indicating a long-term research effort. 4. The total award amount is substantial at over $18 million. 5. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can incentivize cost control.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type, while allowing for flexibility in R&D, requires careful monitoring to ensure costs remain reasonable. 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 use of full and open competition is a positive indicator for price discovery, as multiple bidders likely competed. This method generally leads to more competitive pricing compared to limited or sole-source awards.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process likely resulted in a fair price for the government, maximizing taxpayer value for the R&D investment.
Public Impact
Advancement in physical, engineering, and life sciences research could lead to significant technological breakthroughs. The long-term nature of the contract suggests a commitment to sustained innovation. The contract's focus on R&D aligns with national security objectives for the Department of Defense. Potential for new technologies to emerge that could have broader civilian applications.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 88 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes it hard to assess R&D effectiveness upfront.
- The 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' category is broad.
Positive Signals
- Awarded via full and open competition.
- Significant investment in critical R&D areas.
- Long contract duration allows for in-depth research.
- Contract awarded to a specialized center for advanced technology.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the R&D sector, specifically focusing on advanced physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement and national security, with benchmarks varying widely based on the specific research domain.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved as subcontractors. The primary awardee, Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc., is likely a larger entity, but further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Defense, through its agencies like the Defense Contract Management Agency, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Robust oversight is crucial for Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts to ensure adherence to scope and budget.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Contract Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent oversight.
- Broad R&D scope may lack specific, measurable outcomes.
- Potential for scope creep in long-term research projects.
- No explicit mention of small business subcontracting goals.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ct, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $18.2 million to CONNECTICUT CENTER FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY, INC.. EMERGENT R&D PROGRAM
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CONNECTICUT CENTER FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $18.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2010-01-28. End: 2015-08-31.
What specific technological advancements are expected from this R&D program, and how will they align with DoD's future needs?
The contract's broad scope in physical, engineering, and life sciences suggests potential advancements in areas like materials science, advanced manufacturing, AI integration, or novel sensor technologies. Specific alignment with DoD needs would depend on the program's detailed objectives, which are not provided. However, R&D in these fields typically supports modernization efforts, enhanced warfighter capabilities, and strategic advantage.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how is progress measured to ensure effective use of funds?
As a Cost Plus Fixed Fee R&D contract, progress is likely measured through milestones, technical reports, prototypes, and demonstrations rather than strict adherence to a fixed deliverable schedule. The effectiveness of fund utilization hinges on the rigor of the oversight provided by the Defense Contract Management Agency and the clarity of the research objectives defined by the DoD.
Given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, what mechanisms are in place to mitigate the risk of cost overruns and ensure value for money?
The fixed fee component provides a ceiling on the contractor's profit, incentivizing efficiency. Robust oversight by the DCMA, including audits and reviews of expenditures, is critical. Additionally, the contract likely includes clauses for negotiation and potential adjustments if unforeseen technical challenges arise, aiming to balance R&D exploration with fiscal responsibility.
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 › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Offers Received: 15
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 222 PITKIN ST STE 101, EAST HARTFORD, CT, 06108
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $18,689,760
Exercised Options: $18,689,760
Current Obligation: $18,150,364
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2010-01-28
Current End Date: 2015-08-31
Potential End Date: 2015-08-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2015-09-16
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