DoD's $15.1M R&D Contract with Arkansas State University for Advanced Tech Development Faces Scrutiny
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $15,125,360 ($15.1M)
Contractor: Arkansas State University
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2005-10-17
End Date: 2013-10-31
Contract Duration: 2,936 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: 200601!600029!2100!W9113M!USA SPACE AND STRATEGIC DEF CDR !W9113M06C0001 !A!N! !N! ! !20051017!20060814!073510067!073510067!073510067!N!ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY !504 UNIVERSITY LOOP EAST !JONESBORO !AR!72401!71090!143!05!UNIVERSITY !WASHINGTON !ARKANSAS !+000001275000!N!N!000024564568!AD93!RDTE/OTHER DEFENSE-ADV TECH DEV !C9E!ALL OTHER SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT !000 !NOT DISCERNABLE !541710!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !A!N!S!2!005!E! !Z!N!Z! ! !N!V!N! ! ! ! ! !A!A!000!A!C!N! ! ! !Y! ! !0001! !
Place of Performance
Location: JONESBORO, CRAIGHEAD County, ARKANSAS, 72401
State: Arkansas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $15.1 million to ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY for work described as: 200601!600029!2100!W9113M!USA SPACE AND STRATEGIC DEF CDR !W9113M06C0001 !A!N! !N! ! !20051017!20060814!073510067!073510067!073510067!N!ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY !504 UNIVERSITY LOOP EAST !JONESBORO !AR!72401!71090!143!05!UNIVERSITY !WASH… Key points: 1. The contract awarded to Arkansas State University for advanced defense technology development is substantial at $15.1 million. 2. Competition was limited, raising questions about price discovery and potential value for taxpayers. 3. The sector is Research and Development, a critical area for national security and technological advancement. 4. The contract's duration and the nature of R&D projects inherently carry risks of cost overruns and unmet objectives.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $15.1 million for R&D is difficult to benchmark without specific details on the research scope. However, the 'COST NO FEE' contract type suggests the government bears the financial risk, which can lead to higher overall costs if not managed tightly.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating a limited competition. This method can restrict the pool of potential contractors and may not result in the most competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Limited competition can lead to higher prices than a fully open process, potentially increasing the cost to taxpayers for this advanced technology development.
Public Impact
Taxpayers may be paying more than necessary due to the limited competition for this significant R&D contract. The focus on advanced defense technology development has long-term implications for national security capabilities. Arkansas State University is receiving substantial federal funding, potentially boosting local economic activity and research infrastructure.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition
- Cost-plus contract type (implied by 'COST NO FEE')
- Long contract duration (2005-2013)
Positive Signals
- Supports R&D in a critical defense sector
- Potential for technological advancement
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced defense technologies. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining a technological edge but requires careful oversight due to the inherent uncertainties and costs associated with innovation.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Arkansas State University, an educational institution, not a small business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by the Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Army. Oversight mechanisms would typically involve program managers and contracting officers to monitor progress, costs, and adherence to research objectives.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition raises concerns about fair pricing.
- Cost-plus contract type can lead to cost overruns.
- Lack of detail on specific R&D outcomes hinders value assessment.
- Long contract duration increases risk exposure.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ar, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $15.1 million to ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY. 200601!600029!2100!W9113M!USA SPACE AND STRATEGIC DEF CDR !W9113M06C0001 !A!N! !N! ! !20051017!20060814!073510067!073510067!073510067!N!ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY !504 UNIVERSITY LOOP EAST !JONESBORO !AR!72401!71090!143!05!UNIVERSITY !WASHINGTON !ARKANSAS !+000001275000!N!N!000024564568!AD93!RDTE/OTHER DEFENSE-ADV TECH DEV !C9E!ALL OTHER SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT !000 !NOT DISCERNABLE !541710!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !999
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ARKANSAS STATE 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 $15.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2005-10-17. End: 2013-10-31.
What specific advanced defense technologies were developed under this contract, and what is their current operational value?
The provided data does not specify the exact nature of the 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' or 'RDTE/OTHER DEFENSE-ADV TECH DEV' work performed. Determining the current operational value would require accessing project reports, testing results, and deployment records, which are beyond the scope of this contract summary.
Given the limited competition, what steps were taken to ensure the 'COST NO FEE' structure did not lead to inflated costs for the government?
While the contract type is 'COST NO FEE,' the government still bears the cost of the research. Ensuring value requires robust oversight, clear milestones, and potentially independent cost estimations. The 'exclusion of sources' in the competition method suggests specific justifications were made, but the rationale for not pursuing broader competition is not detailed here.
How effectively did Arkansas State University manage the R&D project to achieve its objectives within the allocated budget and timeline?
The data indicates a long contract duration (2005-2013) and a significant value. Assessing effectiveness would require reviewing performance metrics, deliverables, and any documented challenges or successes. Without access to project-specific performance reports, a definitive judgment on effectiveness cannot be made solely from the contract award details.
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: 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
Address: 504 UNIVERSITY LOOP EAST, JONESBORO, AR, 72401
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Contract Characteristics
Consolidated Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2005-10-17
Current End Date: 2013-10-31
Potential End Date: 2013-10-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-31
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