DoD's $23.6M R&D Contract with University of Delaware: A Decade-Long Engagement
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $23,657,790 ($23.7M)
Contractor: University of Delaware
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2007-06-08
End Date: 2014-03-31
Contract Duration: 2,488 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.5K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE PHYSICAL, ENGINEERING, AND LIFE SCIENCES
Place of Performance
Location: NEWARK, NEW CASTLE County, DELAWARE, 19716
State: Delaware Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $23.7 million to UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE for work described as: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE PHYSICAL, ENGINEERING, AND LIFE SCIENCES Key points: 1. Significant long-term investment in physical, engineering, and life sciences R&D. 2. Sole-source award to a single academic institution raises questions about competition. 3. Potential for high-value scientific breakthroughs, but oversight is crucial. 4. Sector focus on advanced research aligns with national defense priorities.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's duration of nearly 7 years and cost-plus-no-fee structure suggest a focus on research exploration rather than fixed-price efficiency. Benchmarking is difficult without specific deliverables, but the lack of competition may have impacted price discovery.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award to the University of Delaware. This limits price discovery and may not reflect the most cost-effective solution available in the market.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed to a single entity for research, potentially missing opportunities for broader economic impact or cost savings through competitive bidding.
Public Impact
Advancement of scientific knowledge in critical physical, engineering, and life sciences. Potential for technological innovations benefiting national security and public welfare. Long-term commitment to a single research institution may foster deep expertise.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Long contract duration
- Cost-plus contract type
Positive Signals
- Focus on critical R&D areas
- Established research institution
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the R&D sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for innovation and maintaining a technological edge, often characterized by long-term investments and specialized expertise.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to a university, not a small business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this award.
Oversight & Accountability
The long duration and sole-source nature of this contract warrant robust oversight to ensure research objectives are met efficiently and taxpayer funds are used appropriately. Periodic reviews of progress and spending are essential.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competitive bidding
- Extended contract duration without clear performance benchmarks
- Potential for cost overruns in a cost-plus contract
- Limited transparency on research outcomes and impact
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, de, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $23.7 million to UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE PHYSICAL, ENGINEERING, AND LIFE SCIENCES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $23.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2007-06-08. End: 2014-03-31.
What specific research outcomes were achieved during the contract's nearly 7-year duration, and how do they align with the Department of the Army's strategic goals?
The contract focused on R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. Without specific deliverables or progress reports, it's challenging to detail precise outcomes. However, the long duration suggests a sustained effort in a particular research area, presumably aligned with the Army's evolving technological needs and scientific advancements.
Given the sole-source nature, what mechanisms were in place to ensure the University of Delaware's pricing and performance remained competitive and efficient throughout the contract period?
As a sole-source award, traditional competitive mechanisms were absent. Oversight likely relied on performance metrics and milestone reviews inherent in the cost-plus-no-fee structure. However, the lack of market comparison makes it difficult to assess true cost-effectiveness or identify potential efficiencies missed due to limited competition.
How effectively did this long-term, sole-source R&D investment translate into tangible technological advancements or capabilities for the Department of the Army?
The effectiveness hinges on the specific research conducted and its subsequent application. Long-term R&D can yield foundational knowledge or breakthrough technologies. However, without insight into the research portfolio and its transition to operational use, assessing the tangible impact on Army capabilities remains speculative.
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 › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D
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: 162 HULLIHEN CT RM 112, NEWARK, DE, 19711
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $23,657,790
Exercised Options: $23,657,790
Current Obligation: $23,657,790
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2007-06-08
Current End Date: 2014-03-31
Potential End Date: 2014-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2016-04-28
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