DoD's $23.8M R&D Contract with University of Mississippi: Long Duration, Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $23,849,512 ($23.8M)
Contractor: THE University of Mississippi
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2006-08-31
End Date: 2014-08-31
Contract Duration: 2,922 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: BASIC EFFORT
Place of Performance
Location: UNIVERSITY, LAFAYETTE County, MISSISSIPPI, 38677
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $23.8 million to THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI for work described as: BASIC EFFORT Key points: 1. Significant investment in R&D, specifically in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Long contract duration (8 years) may indicate complex or ongoing research needs. 4. No small business participation noted, which could be a missed opportunity for economic inclusion.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $23.8M over 8 years averages to approximately $3M annually. Without specific benchmarks for similar R&D efforts in physical, engineering, and life sciences, it's difficult to definitively assess pricing. However, the duration suggests a substantial, long-term project.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded using full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely considered. This method generally promotes price discovery and can lead to more competitive pricing for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it aims to secure the best value through a competitive process.
Public Impact
Advancement in scientific research and development within the US. Potential for technological breakthroughs with applications in defense or civilian sectors. Investment in academic research institutions fosters innovation and scientific expertise.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of small business participation.
- Long contract duration could lead to cost overruns if not managed effectively.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Supports critical R&D efforts.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically NAICS code 541710. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement and national security. Benchmarks vary widely based on the specific research field and project scope.
Small Business Impact
The contract data indicates that small businesses were not involved in this award (ss=false, sb=false). Given the nature of large-scale R&D contracts, opportunities for small business subcontracting may exist but are not explicitly detailed here.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract's long duration necessitates robust oversight from the Department of the Army to ensure milestones are met, funds are used appropriately, and the research remains aligned with DoD objectives. Accountability will be key throughout the 8-year period.
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.
- No small business participation.
- Cost-reimbursement contract type (Cost No Fee) can present cost control challenges without strong oversight.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ms, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $23.8 million to THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI. BASIC EFFORT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $23.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2006-08-31. End: 2014-08-31.
What specific research outcomes were achieved by the University of Mississippi under this contract, and how do they align with the Department of Defense's R&D objectives?
The provided data does not detail the specific research outcomes or their alignment with DoD objectives. Further investigation into contract performance reports and project documentation would be required to assess the value and effectiveness of the research conducted. Understanding the tangible results and their contribution to defense capabilities is crucial for evaluating the overall success of this significant investment.
Given the 8-year duration, what mechanisms were in place to mitigate risks associated with long-term research projects, such as scope creep or changing technological landscapes?
The contract's long duration necessitates proactive risk management. Mechanisms likely included phased funding, regular performance reviews, and clear milestone definitions to adapt to evolving research needs and technological advancements. The 'Cost No Fee' (PT) contract type suggests the government bears the cost risk, but effective oversight is vital to prevent inefficiencies and ensure the project remains relevant and achievable.
How did the full and open competition process ensure the most cost-effective approach for this extensive R&D effort, considering the 'Cost No Fee' structure?
Full and open competition aimed to solicit proposals from a wide range of qualified entities, fostering a competitive environment that theoretically drives down costs and improves value. The 'Cost No Fee' structure means the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs but receives no profit. This incentivizes efficient cost management by the contractor, as they are not financially rewarded for higher spending, making the competitive process critical for ensuring taxpayer funds are used judiciously.
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
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: ACCOUNTING OFFICE, UNIVERSITY, MS, 38677
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $34,435,495
Exercised Options: $34,435,495
Current Obligation: $23,849,512
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2006-08-31
Current End Date: 2014-08-31
Potential End Date: 2014-08-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-31
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