DARPA's $22.9M contract for data tactics research awarded to CACI Data Tactics Corporation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $22,948,746 ($22.9M)

Contractor: CACI Data Tactics Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2012-06-21

End Date: 2016-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,562 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: DARPA / BAA / COIN ANALYSIS (DATA TACTICS)

Place of Performance

Location: MCLEAN, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22102

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $22.9 million to CACI DATA TACTICS CORPORATION for work described as: DARPA / BAA / COIN ANALYSIS (DATA TACTICS) Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust market. 2. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences is a key area for innovation. 3. The contract duration of 1562 days indicates a significant, long-term research effort. 4. Awarded as a Definitive Contract, implying a clear scope and expected deliverables. 5. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) pricing structure is common for R&D where costs can be uncertain. 6. Virginia is the state of performance, a hub for defense contracting and R&D.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this specific R&D contract is challenging without detailed technical deliverables and comparable projects. The CPFF structure means the government pays for allowable costs plus a fixed fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. However, for cutting-edge research, this structure is often necessary to incentivize innovation. The total award amount of $22.9 million over approximately four years suggests a moderate investment for a DARPA project.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. This process is designed to foster a competitive environment, theoretically leading to better pricing and innovative solutions. The number of bidders is not specified, but the open competition is a positive sign for market engagement.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by encouraging a wider range of proposals and potentially driving down costs through market forces.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is DARPA, which receives advanced research capabilities in data tactics. The contract supports research and development in advanced physical, engineering, and life sciences. The geographic impact is centered in Virginia, where the contractor CACI Data Tactics Corporation is located and where the work is performed. This contract likely supports a specialized workforce of researchers, scientists, and engineers.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost overruns are a potential risk with Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts, especially in R&D.
The specific technical outcomes and their practical application are not detailed, making value assessment difficult.
Reliance on a single contractor for a significant R&D effort could limit future innovation pathways if not managed with foresight.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a healthy market for these services.
DARPA's involvement suggests a focus on cutting-edge, high-impact research.
The long contract duration allows for in-depth research and development.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on data tactics. This area is critical for defense and intelligence agencies, involving the analysis, management, and utilization of vast amounts of data. The market for such specialized R&D services is competitive, with a mix of large defense contractors and niche research firms. DARPA's funding in this area is indicative of its strategic importance and the need for technological superiority.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). As a large contract awarded to CACI Data Tactics Corporation, it is unlikely to have significant direct subcontracting opportunities for small businesses unless specified within the contract's statement of work, which is not detailed here. The focus is likely on specialized expertise rather than broad subcontracting.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for DARPA contracts typically involves rigorous technical reviews, financial audits, and program management by DARPA personnel. The agency is known for its stringent oversight of research projects to ensure progress and accountability. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to investigations of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

DARPA Research Programs
Advanced Analytics Contracts
Data Science and Engineering Services
Department of Defense R&D Spending

Risk Flags

Cost Overrun Risk (CPFF)
Uncertain R&D Outcomes
Scope Creep Potential

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $22.9 million to CACI DATA TACTICS CORPORATION. DARPA / BAA / COIN ANALYSIS (DATA TACTICS)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CACI DATA TACTICS CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $22.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-06-21. End: 2016-09-30.

What is CACI Data Tactics Corporation's track record with DARPA and similar agencies?

CACI Data Tactics Corporation, as a subsidiary or division of CACI International Inc., has a history of supporting government contracts, particularly in IT, intelligence, and defense sectors. While specific details on their past DARPA performance require deeper investigation into contract databases and agency reports, CACI International as a whole has a substantial portfolio of federal contracts. Their expertise in data analytics, intelligence support, and systems integration aligns with the nature of this DARPA contract. A thorough review would involve examining past performance evaluations, any reported issues, and the scope of their previous work for DARPA and other defense/intelligence agencies to assess their capability and reliability in executing complex R&D projects.

How does the $22.9 million award compare to other DARPA data tactics research contracts?

The $22.9 million award for this specific data tactics research contract is a moderate sum within the context of DARPA's overall budget and project scale. DARPA funds a wide range of research initiatives, from small, exploratory grants to large, multi-year programs. Contracts can range from a few million dollars to tens or even hundreds of millions, depending on the complexity, duration, and strategic importance of the research. This particular award suggests a focused, significant research effort rather than a broad, foundational program. To provide a precise comparison, one would need to analyze recent DARPA solicitations and awards for similar 'data tactics' or advanced analytics R&D projects, considering factors like the number of bidders, contract type, and specific research objectives.

What are the primary risks associated with this Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract structure for R&D?

The primary risks with a CPFF contract, especially in research and development, revolve around cost control and scope definition. For the government, the risk is that the contractor may not be sufficiently incentivized to control costs, as the government agrees to cover all allowable expenses plus a predetermined fee. This can lead to cost overruns if the research proves more complex or expensive than initially anticipated. For the contractor, the risk lies in accurately estimating the effort required to achieve the research objectives and in ensuring that all incurred costs are deemed allowable by the government. In R&D, where outcomes are inherently uncertain, defining 'allowable' costs and ensuring efficient progress can be challenging, potentially leading to disputes or inefficiencies if not managed meticulously.

What is the expected program effectiveness and impact of this contract?

The expected effectiveness and impact of this contract are centered on advancing DARPA's objectives in 'data tactics.' This likely involves developing novel methods, algorithms, or systems for collecting, processing, analyzing, and exploiting data in complex operational environments. The impact could range from enhancing intelligence gathering and situational awareness to improving decision-making speed and accuracy for military or national security applications. Given DARPA's mission to foster disruptive technologies, the ultimate impact could be a significant leap in warfighter capabilities or a paradigm shift in how data is leveraged for strategic advantage. The specific deliverables and metrics for success would be detailed in the contract's statement of work, which is not publicly available.

How has federal spending in 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' evolved, and where does this contract fit?

Federal spending in 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' (NAICS code 541712) has historically been substantial, driven by agencies like the Department of Defense (DoD), National Science Foundation (NSF), and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This sector is crucial for national security, economic competitiveness, and public well-being. Spending in this area often fluctuates based on national priorities, technological advancements, and budget allocations. This $22.9 million DARPA contract represents a specific investment within the broader DoD R&D portfolio, focusing on advanced data capabilities. It fits within the trend of increasing federal investment in areas like artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and cybersecurity, which are critical for modern defense and scientific progress.

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: BASIC RESEARCH

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: CACI International Inc (UEI: 045534641)

Address: 11955 FREEDOM DR 2ND FL, RESTON, VA, 20190

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $22,948,746

Exercised Options: $22,948,746

Current Obligation: $22,948,746

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $297,600

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline