Draper Lab Awarded $3.8M DoD Contract for MASTR-E Follow-On Research

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,830,639 ($3.8M)

Contractor: THE Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-08-25

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,132 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: MASTR-E FOLLOW ON - BAA PROPOSAL SUBMITTED AGAINST W911QY-20-R-0022.

Place of Performance

Location: CAMBRIDGE, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02139

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $3.8 million to THE CHARLES STARK DRAPER LABORATORY, INC. for work described as: MASTR-E FOLLOW ON - BAA PROPOSAL SUBMITTED AGAINST W911QY-20-R-0022. Key points: 1. The contract is for research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns. 4. The awardee, Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, is a significant player in R&D.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type, while allowing for flexibility in R&D, carries inherent risks of cost escalation. Benchmarking is difficult without specific per-unit cost data for the research tasks.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced R&D, with the potential for significant technological advancements, but also the risk of inefficient spending due to the contract type.

Public Impact

Advancement of scientific knowledge and technological capabilities in critical R&D areas. Potential for dual-use technologies benefiting both defense and civilian sectors. Investment in a key research institution, fostering innovation and expertise.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type may lead to higher costs than fixed-price contracts.
Long contract duration (over 3 years) increases exposure to changing economic conditions and R&D challenges.
Research and Development contracts inherently carry a risk of not achieving desired outcomes.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
Contract supports critical R&D in advanced physical, engineering, and life sciences.
The awardee has a strong track record in research and development.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation but can be difficult to benchmark due to the unique nature of R&D projects.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was awarded to The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc., a large entity. There is no explicit indication of small business participation in this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Army's oversight will be critical in managing the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure to ensure efficient use of funds and achievement of research objectives. Regular reporting and milestone reviews are essential.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
Long contract duration.
Potential for scope creep in R&D.
Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
No explicit small business participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $3.8 million to THE CHARLES STARK DRAPER LABORATORY, INC.. MASTR-E FOLLOW ON - BAA PROPOSAL SUBMITTED AGAINST W911QY-20-R-0022.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE CHARLES STARK DRAPER LABORATORY, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-08-25. End: 2026-09-30.

What specific research objectives does the MASTR-E follow-on aim to achieve, and how will success be measured?

The specific research objectives are not detailed in the provided data. However, as a follow-on to MASTR-E, it likely builds upon previous research in advanced technologies. Success measurement would typically involve defined milestones, deliverables, and technical performance metrics agreed upon by the Department of the Army and The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory.

What are the potential risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure in this R&D context?

The primary risk of a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract is that the contractor may have less incentive to control costs compared to a fixed-price contract, as costs are reimbursed plus a fixed fee. This can lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored. For R&D, it allows flexibility but requires robust oversight to ensure value for money.

How does this contract contribute to the Department of Defense's broader technological advancement goals?

This contract supports the DoD's goal of maintaining technological superiority by investing in cutting-edge research and development. The specific focus on physical, engineering, and life sciences suggests alignment with areas critical for future defense capabilities, potentially leading to advancements in areas like materials science, AI, or advanced sensors.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: W911QY20R0022

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 555 TECHNOLOGY SQ, CAMBRIDGE, MA, 02139

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,954,195

Exercised Options: $4,594,407

Current Obligation: $3,830,639

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 2

Total Subaward Amount: $250,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline