DoD's $11.78M R&D Contract with Lamar University: Long Duration, Full & Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $11,783,355 ($11.8M)
Contractor: Lamar University
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2005-08-23
End Date: 2013-09-30
Contract Duration: 2,960 days
Daily Burn Rate: $4.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Place of Performance
Location: BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON County, TEXAS, 77705
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $11.8 million to LAMAR UNIVERSITY for work described as: Key points: 1. Significant R&D investment of $11.78M over nearly 8 years. 2. Full and open competition indicates a potentially competitive pricing environment. 3. Long contract duration (2960 days) may present scope creep or evolving needs risks. 4. Focus on physical, engineering, and life sciences R&D aligns with defense innovation goals.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $11.78M over 8 years averages to approximately $1.47M annually. Without specific benchmarks for similar R&D projects in physical, engineering, and life sciences, it's difficult to definitively assess pricing. However, the duration suggests a need for sustained research.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' suggesting an initial exclusion followed by broader competition. This method aims to ensure fair pricing and access to a wide range of potential contractors.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to better pricing and value for research services.
Public Impact
Supports scientific advancement in critical physical, engineering, and life sciences. Potential for technological breakthroughs with defense applications. Long-term investment in research infrastructure and expertise at Lamar University. Job creation and economic impact within the Texas region. Dissemination of research findings may benefit the broader scientific community.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration could lead to cost overruns if not managed effectively.
- Potential for scope creep over the 8-year period.
- Need to ensure continued relevance of research objectives over time.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition promotes fair pricing.
- Significant investment in R&D signals commitment to innovation.
- Contract awarded to an academic institution, fostering research partnerships.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement and national security. Benchmarks for R&D contracts vary widely based on scope and duration.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific involvement of small businesses in this contract. The primary awardee is Lamar University, an academic institution. Further analysis would be needed to determine if any subcontracts were awarded to small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
The long duration of this contract necessitates robust oversight from the Department of the Army to ensure milestones are met, funds are used appropriately, and the research remains aligned with evolving defense needs. Regular reviews and reporting are critical.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration increases risk of obsolescence or changing requirements.
- Potential for cost overruns due to extended performance period.
- Need for sustained, effective oversight over an 8-year period.
- Complexity of 'competition after exclusion of sources' requires careful management.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, tx, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $11.8 million to LAMAR UNIVERSITY. See the official description on USAspending.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is LAMAR 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 $11.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2005-08-23. End: 2013-09-30.
What specific research outcomes were achieved by Lamar University under this contract, and how do they align with the Department of Defense's strategic objectives?
The contract focused on 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.' Specific outcomes would typically be detailed in interim and final research reports submitted to the Department of the Army. These outcomes are expected to contribute to advancements in areas relevant to national security, such as materials science, advanced manufacturing, or biomedical research, supporting the DoD's long-term technological superiority goals.
Given the 8-year duration, what mechanisms were in place to manage potential cost increases or scope creep, and how effective were they?
Long-duration contracts usually employ phased funding, regular performance reviews, and change control processes to manage scope and cost. The effectiveness would depend on the specific contract clauses, the frequency and rigor of oversight by the Department of the Army, and Lamar University's project management capabilities. Periodic re-evaluations of research objectives against evolving needs are crucial.
How did the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' process ensure the best value was obtained for taxpayer dollars compared to other potential contracting methods?
This method, while seemingly complex, aims to broaden the competitive pool after an initial, possibly necessary, exclusion. It suggests that after identifying a specific need or capability, the DoD opened the opportunity to all qualified sources. This competition is intended to drive down prices and encourage innovative solutions, ultimately securing better value for taxpayers than a sole-source or limited competition approach might.
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 › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Texas State University System (UEI: 101405814)
Address: 4400 MLK PARKWAY, BEAUMONT, TX, 77705
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2005-08-23
Current End Date: 2013-09-30
Potential End Date: 2013-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2015-11-20
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