DoD's $23.2M R&D Contract with Atmospheric Technology Services Company LLC Awarded via Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $23,191,004 ($23.2M)
Contractor: Atmospheric Technology Services Company LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2007-05-04
End Date: 2016-11-03
Contract Duration: 3,471 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: BASIC EFFORT-LABOR
Place of Performance
Location: NORMAN, CLEVELAND County, OKLAHOMA, 73070
State: Oklahoma Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $23.2 million to ATMOSPHERIC TECHNOLOGY SERVICES COMPANY LLC for work described as: BASIC EFFORT-LABOR Key points: 1. Significant investment in R&D for atmospheric technologies. 2. Atmospheric Technology Services Company LLC is the sole awardee. 3. Contract duration spans nearly 10 years, indicating long-term need. 4. Potential for high impact research outcomes. 5. Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires careful monitoring.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult due to the specialized nature of atmospheric 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 a competitive process but with specific source exclusions. This method aims for best value but the exclusion details are critical for price discovery assessment.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting advanced research. The effectiveness and efficiency of the research will determine the ultimate value for money.
Public Impact
Supports advancements in atmospheric science and technology. Potential for breakthroughs impacting weather forecasting, climate modeling, or defense applications. Long-term commitment suggests sustained government interest in the research area.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure risks budget overruns.
- Long contract duration (9+ years) may not adapt to rapidly changing R&D landscape.
- Limited information on specific performance metrics and deliverables.
Positive Signals
- Significant investment in a critical R&D area.
- Awarded through a competitive process.
- Potential for high-impact scientific or technological advancements.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical and engineering sciences related to atmospheric phenomena. Spending in this area is crucial for innovation but can be subject to long development cycles and uncertain outcomes.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or partners in this contract. Further investigation would be needed to assess small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type necessitates robust oversight to ensure costs are reasonable and fixed fees are earned appropriately. Monitoring research progress against milestones is key for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure
- Long contract duration (9+ years)
- Limited public detail on specific research scope and deliverables
- Potential for cost overruns
- Sole awardee, though competition was stated as 'full and open'
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ok, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $23.2 million to ATMOSPHERIC TECHNOLOGY SERVICES COMPANY LLC. BASIC EFFORT-LABOR
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ATMOSPHERIC TECHNOLOGY SERVICES COMPANY LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $23.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2007-05-04. End: 2016-11-03.
What specific atmospheric phenomena or technologies are being researched under this contract, and what are the expected deliverables?
The contract details are limited, but the NAICS code 541710 points to 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.' Given the contractor's name, it likely involves atmospheric sciences. Specific deliverables would typically be outlined in the contract's Statement of Work, detailing research objectives, methodologies, and expected outcomes such as reports, prototypes, or data sets.
How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure mitigate risks for both the government and the contractor in this long-term R&D effort?
CPFF aims to balance risk. The government bears the risk of cost overruns (as costs are reimbursed), but the fixed fee provides the contractor with a defined profit margin, incentivizing efficient performance. For the contractor, it ensures cost recovery and a predictable profit, encouraging engagement in complex, high-risk R&D projects.
What mechanisms are in place to ensure the research remains relevant and effective over the contract's 9-year duration?
Effective oversight, regular progress reviews, and milestone-based payments are crucial. The government should have mechanisms to assess the evolving relevance of the research and potentially adjust scope or direction if needed, though significant changes might require contract modifications. Periodic technical reviews by subject matter experts are essential.
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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: W9113M06R0001
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 3100 MONITOR AVE STE 140, NORMAN, OK, 73072
Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, HUBZone Firm, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations, Woman Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $26,448,700
Exercised Options: $26,448,700
Current Obligation: $23,191,004
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2007-05-04
Current End Date: 2016-11-03
Potential End Date: 2016-11-03 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-31
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