DoD's $35.3M R&D Contract with Battelle Memorial Institute Awarded via Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $35,313,863 ($35.3M)
Contractor: Battelle Memorial Institute
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2015-09-29
End Date: 2019-09-29
Contract Duration: 1,461 days
Daily Burn Rate: $24.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (RDT&E FUNDS)
Place of Performance
Location: COLUMBUS, FRANKLIN County, OHIO, 43201
State: Ohio Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $35.3 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (RDT&E FUNDS) Key points: 1. Significant R&D investment by the Department of Defense. 2. Battelle Memorial Institute, a major research organization, is the contractor. 3. Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process. 4. Contract duration spans nearly four years, indicating a substantial project.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The award amount is substantial, but without specific performance metrics or benchmarks for this R&D category, a precise value assessment is difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded using full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing and allows for a broad range of potential offerors. This method is generally expected to yield fair market prices.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for critical research and development, with the expectation of technological advancements or solutions that benefit national security.
Public Impact
Investment in advanced research and development for national security. Potential for technological breakthroughs stemming from the R&D efforts. Contract supports a significant research institution, contributing to the scientific ecosystem.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher costs.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes value assessment challenging.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Contract supports critical R&D for the Department of Defense.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Defense R&D spending is a significant portion of the federal budget, often focused on maintaining technological superiority.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. The primary contractor, Battelle Memorial Institute, is a large research organization, suggesting limited direct opportunities for small businesses on this specific prime contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency, which is responsible for ensuring contractor performance and compliance. Oversight is crucial for Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts to control costs and ensure value.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Contract Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Potential for cost overruns.
- Lack of detailed performance metrics.
- Limited visibility into specific R&D outcomes.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, oh, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $35.3 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE. IGF::OT::IGF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (RDT&E FUNDS)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $35.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2015-09-29. End: 2019-09-29.
What specific R&D objectives does this contract aim to achieve, and how will success be measured?
The specific R&D objectives are not detailed in the provided data. Measuring success in R&D is inherently challenging and often relies on milestones, prototypes, or the eventual application of the research findings. Without defined metrics, assessing the contract's effectiveness in achieving its intended outcomes is difficult.
What is the potential for cost escalation with this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, and what controls are in place?
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts carry a risk of cost escalation as the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee. Effective oversight by the Defense Contract Management Agency, including rigorous review of incurred costs and adherence to contract scope, is critical to mitigate this risk and ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently.
How does the $35.3 million investment align with broader DoD R&D priorities and technological roadmaps?
The alignment of this $35.3 million investment with broader DoD R&D priorities would require examining the specific research areas funded and comparing them against the DoD's strategic technology investment plans. Without knowing the precise nature of the R&D, it's difficult to assess its contribution to the department's overall technological advancement goals.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 505 KING AVE, COLUMBUS, OH, 43201
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $49,562,305
Exercised Options: $49,562,305
Current Obligation: $35,313,863
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 44
Total Subaward Amount: $51,484,517
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS00Q14OADU402
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2015-09-29
Current End Date: 2019-09-29
Potential End Date: 2019-09-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-02-20
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