DoD Awards $9.7M Contract to SRI International for ARPA-H DigiHeals Project
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $9,755,355 ($9.8M)
Contractor: SRI International
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-09-30
End Date: 2025-12-31
Contract Duration: 823 days
Daily Burn Rate: $11.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SRI R&D PROJECT UNDER ARPA-H SHARE DIGIHEALS BAA
Place of Performance
Location: SAN DIEGO, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92101
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $9.8 million to SRI INTERNATIONAL for work described as: SRI R&D PROJECT UNDER ARPA-H SHARE DIGIHEALS BAA Key points: 1. SRI International secured a $9.7M contract for a biotechnology R&D project. 2. The contract falls under the ARPA-H initiative, focusing on digital health solutions. 3. Competition was full and open, suggesting a potentially competitive pricing environment. 4. The project is categorized under Biotechnology Research and Development. 5. The contract duration is over two years, ending in December 2025.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $9.7M for a two-year R&D project appears reasonable given the specialized nature of ARPA-H initiatives. Benchmarking against similar advanced biotechnology R&D contracts would provide a clearer picture of value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and allows the government to select the best value offering.
Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is tied to the effective utilization of funds for advanced research with potential long-term health benefits, balanced against the initial investment.
Public Impact
Advancement in digital health technologies through ARPA-H funding. Potential for improved healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. Investment in cutting-edge biotechnology research and development. Support for innovation within the defense and healthcare sectors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Contract duration extends beyond typical R&D project timelines.
- Specific deliverables and success metrics for the BAA are not detailed.
- Potential for cost overruns in complex R&D projects.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under ARPA-H, a high-impact innovation program.
- Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process.
- SRI International is a reputable research organization.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Biotechnology R&D sector, a rapidly evolving field with significant government investment. Benchmarks for similar ARPA-H funded projects are difficult to establish due to their unique and cutting-edge nature.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business. There is no information provided on whether small businesses were subcontracted for this project.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the Defense Logistics Agency, suggesting established oversight mechanisms. However, the specific oversight for ARPA-H projects and their unique research goals requires further examination.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Logistics Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Contract duration is lengthy for an R&D project.
- Lack of specific details on deliverables and success metrics.
- Potential for scope creep in advanced research projects.
- Cost-plus contracts can carry inherent cost overrun risks.
Tags
research-and-development-in-biotechnolog, department-of-defense, ca, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $9.8 million to SRI INTERNATIONAL. SRI R&D PROJECT UNDER ARPA-H SHARE DIGIHEALS BAA
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SRI INTERNATIONAL.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Logistics Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $9.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-09-30. End: 2025-12-31.
What are the specific technological advancements expected from the DigiHeals project, and how do they align with ARPA-H's mission?
The DigiHeals project, funded by ARPA-H, likely aims to develop novel digital health solutions. These could range from AI-driven diagnostics and personalized treatment platforms to advanced remote patient monitoring systems. The alignment with ARPA-H's mission would be in fostering breakthrough technologies with the potential for transformative impact on health and national security.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) and milestones for this R&D contract, and how will SRI International's progress be measured?
Key performance indicators and milestones for R&D contracts, especially those under ARPA-H, are typically defined in the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) and subsequent contract details. Progress is usually measured through regular technical progress reports, prototype demonstrations, peer reviews, and achievement of specific research objectives within defined timelines. The 'cost plus fixed fee' structure implies payment is based on incurred costs plus a negotiated fixed fee, contingent on meeting performance standards.
How does the 'full and open competition' process for this BAA ensure the most innovative and cost-effective solutions are selected for ARPA-H initiatives?
Full and open competition allows any interested and qualified source to submit a proposal, fostering a wide range of innovative approaches. This broad participation increases the likelihood of discovering novel solutions and encourages competitive pricing as multiple entities vie for the contract. For ARPA-H, this process is crucial for identifying breakthrough technologies that might not emerge through more restrictive procurement methods, ensuring taxpayer funds support the most promising advancements.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 333 RAVENSWOOD AVE, MENLO PARK, CA, 94025
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $9,755,355
Exercised Options: $9,755,355
Current Obligation: $9,755,355
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 5
Total Subaward Amount: $822,278
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-09-30
Current End Date: 2025-12-31
Potential End Date: 2025-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-10
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