Dod's $16.4M R&D Contract With OAK Ridge Associated Universities, Incorporated Awarded Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $16,415,793 ($16.4M)
Contractor: OAK Ridge Associated Universities, Incorporated
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2004-09-24
End Date: 2013-01-31
Contract Duration: 3,051 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Place of Performance
Location: ADELPHI, PRINCE GEORGE'S County, MARYLAND, 20783
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $16.4 million to OAK RIDGE ASSOCIATED UNIVERSITIES, INCORPORATED for work described as: Key points: 1. Contract awarded for Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 2. Significant duration of 3051 days suggests a long-term project. 3. Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. 4. No small business participation noted, potentially missing opportunities for smaller entities.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can be less price-efficient than fixed-price contracts. Without specific performance metrics or benchmarks, assessing the value for money is challenging.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a broad search for qualified contractors. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and allows the government to select the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for research and development, which can yield long-term benefits but requires careful oversight to ensure efficient spending.
Public Impact
Supports scientific advancement in critical areas of physical, engineering, and life sciences. Long contract duration implies sustained investment in research, potentially leading to significant breakthroughs. The fixed fee component provides some cost certainty for the government, despite the cost-reimbursement nature.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type risks potential cost escalation.
- Lack of small business participation.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Long-term project duration indicates sustained R&D focus.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation and national security, but requires rigorous oversight to ensure effective use of funds.
Small Business Impact
The contract data indicates that small businesses were not involved in this award (sb: false). This suggests that the prime contractor, OAK RIDGE ASSOCIATED UNIVERSITIES, INCORPORATED, did not subcontract with small businesses, potentially missing opportunities to leverage their capabilities.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract's long duration and cost-plus nature necessitate robust oversight from the Department of the Army to ensure adherence to scope, budget, and performance standards. Regular reviews and audits are critical 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 contract type
- Long contract duration
- No small business participation
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, md, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $16.4 million to OAK RIDGE ASSOCIATED UNIVERSITIES, INCORPORATED. See the official description on USAspending.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is OAK RIDGE ASSOCIATED UNIVERSITIES, INCORPORATED.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $16.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2004-09-24. End: 2013-01-31.
What specific research objectives are being pursued under this contract, and how do they align with the Department of Defense's strategic priorities?
The contract focuses on 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.' While the specific objectives are not detailed, such R&D typically supports advancements in areas like materials science, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence, all critical for maintaining military technological superiority and addressing future threats.
What measures are in place to mitigate the risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, particularly regarding potential cost overruns?
The Department of Defense likely employs stringent oversight mechanisms, including regular financial reviews, performance monitoring, and audits. The fixed fee component provides a ceiling on the contractor's profit, incentivizing efficiency. However, the government bears the risk of cost increases above the estimated amount.
How is the effectiveness of the research outcomes being measured to ensure a return on the $16.4 million investment?
Effectiveness is typically measured through milestones, deliverables, technical reports, and peer reviews. For R&D contracts, success can also be gauged by the successful transition of research findings into practical applications, patents, or further development phases that enhance national security capabilities.
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
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 130 BADGER AVE, OAK RIDGE, TN, 03
Business Categories: Category Business, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2004-09-24
Current End Date: 2013-01-31
Potential End Date: 2013-01-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2014-06-26
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