DoD's $3.8M R&D contract for physical sciences research awarded to PROGOV PARTNERS LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,822,977 ($3.8M)

Contractor: Progov Partners LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-08-19

End Date: 2030-09-18

Contract Duration: 1,856 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 16

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: VIENNA, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22182

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $3.8 million to PROGOV PARTNERS LLC for work described as: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract is for Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 3. Fixed-price contract type may offer cost certainty for the government. 4. The contract duration is over 5 years, indicating a long-term need for these services. 5. The award is a Delivery Order under a larger contract vehicle. 6. The contractor, PROGOV PARTNERS LLC, is based in Virginia.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award amount of $3.82 million for a 5-year R&D contract appears moderate for the sector. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized physical sciences research is challenging without more detailed scope information. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests an attempt to control costs, but the ultimate value for money will depend on the successful outcomes of the research conducted. Further analysis would require understanding the specific deliverables and milestones.

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,' which implies that while the competition was open, certain sources were initially excluded before the final award. This suggests a potentially complex procurement process. The number of bidders is not specified, but the 'full and open' nature generally aims to maximize competition and achieve better pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process, even with initial exclusions, is generally favorable for taxpayers as it encourages multiple companies to bid, potentially driving down costs and improving the quality of proposals.

Public Impact

This contract supports advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences research. The research outcomes could lead to new technologies or improved scientific understanding. The primary beneficiary is the Department of Defense, seeking to enhance its capabilities. The contract is based in Virginia, potentially impacting the local economy through employment and related services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The specific nature of the R&D is not detailed, making it difficult to assess the potential risks associated with achieving research objectives.
The 'exclusion of sources' clause warrants further investigation to understand the rationale and its potential impact on competition.
Long-term R&D projects inherently carry risks of not yielding the expected results within the planned timeframe or budget.

Positive Signals

The use of a firm fixed-price contract can provide cost predictability for the government.
Awarding through a competitive process, even with exclusions, suggests an effort to secure the best value.
The contract duration of over 5 years allows for sustained effort in complex research areas.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. This is a critical area for defense innovation. The market for such specialized R&D services is often characterized by a mix of large established firms and smaller, highly specialized research organizations. Government spending in this area is substantial, driven by the need for technological superiority and scientific advancement.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract includes a small business set-aside. Given the specialized nature of R&D in physical sciences, it is possible that the prime contractor may engage subcontractors with specific expertise. However, without further details on subcontracting plans, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is unclear.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Army's contracting and program management offices. The firm fixed-price nature provides some cost control. Transparency is facilitated by contract award databases, but the specifics of the research and its progress would likely be subject to internal government review and reporting requirements. Inspector General involvement would be contingent on any reported fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Research and Development Programs
Physical Sciences Research Contracts
Engineering Research and Development
Life Sciences Research Contracts
Federal R&D Spending

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition due to source exclusion.
Uncertainty of R&D outcomes and potential for project failure.
Long contract duration increases risk of schedule delays and cost overruns if not managed tightly.
Lack of specific details on research scope makes value assessment difficult.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $3.8 million to PROGOV PARTNERS LLC. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PROGOV PARTNERS 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 $3.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-08-19. End: 2030-09-18.

What is the specific research focus of this contract and what are the expected deliverables?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)' under NAICS code 541715. However, the specific research focus and expected deliverables are not detailed in the summary data. This level of detail is typically found in the Statement of Work (SOW) or Performance Work Statement (PWS) associated with the contract. Without access to these documents, it's impossible to ascertain the precise scientific or engineering problems being addressed, the methodologies to be employed, or the tangible outcomes (e.g., prototypes, reports, data sets, scientific publications) that the Department of the Army expects to receive. This information is crucial for evaluating the contract's alignment with strategic goals and assessing the potential impact of the research.

How does the $3.82 million award compare to typical R&D contract values in this sector?

The $3.82 million award for a 5-year R&D contract is a moderate amount within the broader federal R&D landscape. The Department of Defense, in particular, funds a wide spectrum of research, from basic scientific exploration to advanced technology development. Contracts can range from a few hundred thousand dollars for feasibility studies to billions for large-scale system development. For specialized R&D in physical sciences, this value suggests a focused project rather than a broad research program. Benchmarking requires comparing it to contracts with similar scope, duration, and specific scientific disciplines. Without more granular data on the contract's SOW and the specific scientific field, a precise comparison is difficult, but it does not appear to be an exceptionally large or small award in the context of defense R&D.

What are the key risks associated with this contract, given its R&D nature and duration?

The primary risks associated with this contract stem from its nature as Research and Development over a significant period (over 5 years). Firstly, technical risk is inherent; the research may not yield the desired breakthroughs or solutions, or the proposed methodologies might prove infeasible. Secondly, schedule risk exists, as R&D timelines are often unpredictable, and unforeseen challenges can lead to delays. Thirdly, cost risk, while mitigated by the firm fixed-price structure, can still arise if the scope needs significant adjustment due to research outcomes, potentially leading to change orders or contract modifications. Finally, there's a risk of obsolescence; the technology or scientific understanding the research aims to advance might be superseded by external developments during the contract's long duration.

What does the 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' clause imply for the procurement process and potential outcomes?

The 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' clause indicates a nuanced approach to competition. It means that while the solicitation was broadly advertised and open to all responsible sources, certain entities were initially excluded from consideration before the final competition phase. The reasons for exclusion could range from specific security requirements, past performance issues, or the need for highly specialized capabilities that only a subset of potential contractors possess. This approach aims to ensure that the competition is focused on a relevant pool of qualified offerors, potentially leading to more technically sound proposals. However, it also raises questions about the breadth of the initial exclusion and whether it unduly limited the competitive landscape, potentially impacting price discovery and overall value for taxpayers.

What is the track record of PROGOV PARTNERS LLC in securing and performing federal R&D contracts?

Information regarding PROGOV PARTNERS LLC's specific track record in securing and performing federal R&D contracts is not detailed in the provided summary data. To assess their performance history, one would need to consult federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) for past awards, contract performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), and any reported disputes or terminations. Without this specific information, it is difficult to gauge their experience, expertise, and reliability in executing similar R&D projects for the government. A thorough review of their past performance would be essential for a comprehensive risk assessment.

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: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: W911QY25RHQ01

Offers Received: 16

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1952 GALLOWS RD STE 214, VIENNA, VA, 22182

Business Categories: Category Business, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Joint Venture Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Joint Venture Women Owned Small Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, SBA Certified 8 a Joint Venture, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $24,539,478

Exercised Options: $3,908,438

Current Obligation: $3,822,977

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QRCA25DSD48

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline