DoD's $11.08M contract for Auburn University's R&D in non-combat vehicles awarded non-competitively

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,078,000 ($11.1M)

Contractor: Auburn University

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2005-09-26

End Date: 2012-12-10

Contract Duration: 2,632 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.2K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: 200512!010562!2100!W56HZV!TACOM - WARREN !W56HZV05C0686 !A!N! !N! ! !20050926!20070930!066470972!066470972!066470972!N!AUBURN UNIVERSITY !107 SAMFORD HALL !AUBURN !AL!36849!03076!081!01!AUBURN !LEE !ALABAMA !+000001900000!N!N!000000000000!AZ11!RDTE/OTHER RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT-BASIC RESEARCH !A4B!NON-COMBAT VEHICLES !000 !* !541710!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !20200930!B! ! !A! !D!N!S!1!001!N!1A!Z!Y!Z! ! !N!V!N! ! ! ! ! !A!A!000!A!B!N! ! ! ! ! ! !0001! !

Place of Performance

Location: AUBURN UNIVERSITY, LEE County, ALABAMA, 36849

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $11.1 million to AUBURN UNIVERSITY for work described as: 200512!010562!2100!W56HZV!TACOM - WARREN !W56HZV05C0686 !A!N! !N! ! !20050926!20070930!066470972!066470972!066470972!N!AUBURN UNIVERSITY !107 SAMFORD HALL !AUBURN !AL!36849!03076!081!01!AUBURN !LEE … Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single academic institution, raising questions about competitive pricing and broader market engagement. 2. Focus on basic research in physical, engineering, and life sciences for non-combat vehicles suggests a foundational, long-term investment. 3. The contract's duration of over 7 years indicates a significant commitment to the research project. 4. Awarded under the 'Research and Development' category, this contract supports innovation in a critical defense sector. 5. The lack of competition may limit opportunities for other research institutions and potentially lead to higher costs. 6. Performance period extended significantly beyond the initial award, suggesting evolving research needs or project scope.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract's value of $11.08 million for over 7 years of research and development in non-combat vehicles is difficult to benchmark without more specific details on the research scope and deliverables. As a non-competed award to a university, direct comparisons to commercial contracts are not feasible. However, the extended performance period and the nature of basic research suggest a potentially high value if the outcomes are significant. The absence of competition means there's no direct price discovery mechanism to assess if this represents optimal value for taxpayer funds.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis to Auburn University, indicating that the Department of the Army identified Auburn as the only responsible source capable of performing the research. The justification for this sole-source award is not provided, but it typically implies unique capabilities, specialized knowledge, or a prior relationship. The lack of competition means that other potential bidders, including other universities or research institutions, did not have an opportunity to propose their solutions or pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards limit taxpayer value by bypassing the competitive process, which usually drives down prices and encourages innovation. Without competition, there is less assurance that the government secured the best possible price or solution.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is Auburn University, which receives significant funding for its research activities. The contract supports advancements in the research and development of non-combat vehicles, potentially enhancing military capabilities. The geographic impact is concentrated in Alabama, where Auburn University is located, potentially creating local economic benefits through employment and resource utilization. The contract likely supports researchers, engineers, and students at Auburn University, contributing to workforce development in specialized fields.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may result in suboptimal pricing and reduced innovation.
Extended performance period without clear competitive justification raises concerns about cost control.
Sole-source awards can limit opportunities for other qualified research institutions.

Positive Signals

Award to a university suggests a focus on fundamental research and development.
Long-term commitment indicates a strategic investment in a specific technological area.
The contract supports specialized research within the Department of Defense.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on basic research in physical, engineering, and life sciences. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541710, 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology),' confirms this. Spending in this sector is crucial for technological advancement and maintaining a competitive edge. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other government R&D contracts awarded to academic institutions or research organizations for similar scientific endeavors.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to involve any small business set-asides. As a sole-source award to a large academic institution, there are no explicit subcontracting requirements for small businesses mentioned in the provided data. This means that opportunities for small businesses to participate in this specific research effort are likely limited unless Auburn University voluntarily engages them.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of the Army, likely through program managers and contracting officers responsible for research and development. Accountability measures would be tied to the research milestones and deliverables outlined in the contract. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature and the proprietary aspects often associated with R&D. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Research and Development Programs
Army Research Laboratory Contracts
University Research Partnerships
Advanced Vehicle Technology Research

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks competitive justification.
Extended contract performance period may indicate scope creep or cost control issues.
Limited transparency on specific research deliverables and outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $11.1 million to AUBURN UNIVERSITY. 200512!010562!2100!W56HZV!TACOM - WARREN !W56HZV05C0686 !A!N! !N! ! !20050926!20070930!066470972!066470972!066470972!N!AUBURN UNIVERSITY !107 SAMFORD HALL !AUBURN !AL!36849!03076!081!01!AUBURN !LEE !ALABAMA !+000001900000!N!N!000000000000!AZ11!RDTE/OTHER RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT-BASIC RESEARCH !A4B!NON-COMBAT VEHICLES !000 !* !541710!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !202

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AUBURN UNIVERSITY.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $11.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2005-09-26. End: 2012-12-10.

What specific research objectives were outlined in the original contract for Auburn University?

The provided data indicates the contract's purpose was 'RDTE/OTHER RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT-BASIC RESEARCH' related to 'NON-COMBAT VEHICLES'. While the specific research objectives are not detailed, basic research implies a focus on fundamental principles and understanding, rather than immediate application. This could encompass areas like materials science, propulsion efficiency, structural integrity, or human-machine interfaces relevant to future non-combat military vehicles. The extended performance period suggests the research scope may have evolved or required more time than initially anticipated to achieve its foundational goals.

How does the contract's value of $11.08 million compare to similar R&D contracts awarded to universities?

Benchmarking this $11.08 million contract is challenging without more granular data on the specific research scope and deliverables. However, R&D contracts awarded to universities can vary widely in value, from hundreds of thousands to tens of millions of dollars, depending on the complexity, duration, and strategic importance of the research. Given the over 7-year performance period, this award appears to be a substantial investment. The lack of competition, however, prevents a direct comparison of cost-effectiveness against other potential academic bidders for similar research areas.

What are the potential risks associated with awarding this R&D contract on a sole-source basis?

The primary risk of a sole-source award is the potential for inflated costs due to the absence of competitive pressure. Without multiple bids, the government may not be securing the most cost-effective solution. Another risk is the missed opportunity to leverage the expertise and innovation of other research institutions that could have offered alternative approaches or technologies. Furthermore, a sole-source award can sometimes indicate a lack of thorough market research or planning, potentially leading to suboptimal outcomes if the chosen contractor is not the best fit.

What is Auburn University's track record with federal R&D contracts, particularly with the Department of Defense?

While the provided data focuses on this specific contract, Auburn University has a history of receiving federal funding for research. As a major research institution, it actively engages in R&D across various disciplines, including engineering and physical sciences. Its track record with the Department of Defense would likely include numerous grants and contracts, often in areas aligned with its academic strengths. Further investigation into Auburn's federal contract database or research reports would provide a more comprehensive view of its past performance and capabilities in securing and executing DoD research initiatives.

How has spending on 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' by the Department of the Army trended historically?

Historical spending trends for 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' by the Department of the Army are generally substantial, reflecting a consistent commitment to technological advancement. This category often encompasses a broad range of activities, from basic scientific inquiry to applied research and advanced technology development. Factors influencing spending include national security priorities, emerging threats, and the pace of technological innovation. While specific year-over-year figures for this exact NAICS code are not provided, overall DoD R&D budgets are significant and fluctuate based on strategic needs and appropriations.

What is the significance of the 'NON-COMBAT VEHICLES' designation within the contract?

The designation 'NON-COMBAT VEHICLES' suggests the research is focused on platforms not intended for direct engagement in offensive combat operations. This could include logistics vehicles, personnel carriers, maintenance and repair vehicles, or specialized support platforms. Research in this area might aim to improve efficiency, survivability (e.g., against IEDs or indirect fire), payload capacity, maintainability, or operational range for these critical support assets. Advancements here are vital for sustaining military operations and ensuring the effective deployment of combat forces.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 107 SAMFORD HALL, AUBURN, AL, 03

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline