DoD's $9.7M R&D contract with Breakpoint Labs for physical sciences research awarded under full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $9,740,941 ($9.7M)

Contractor: Breakpoint Labs, L.L.C.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-09-01

End Date: 2026-03-01

Contract Duration: 912 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: DARE LABOR YEAR 1

Place of Performance

Location: HERNDON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20171

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $9.7 million to BREAKPOINT LABS, L.L.C. for work described as: DARE LABOR YEAR 1 Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in specialized R&D capabilities. 2. Full and open competition suggests a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs and provide predictability. 4. Contract duration of 912 days indicates a medium-term research project. 5. The NAICS code 541715 points to a focus on physical, engineering, and life sciences research. 6. Awarded by the Department of the Army, indicating a specific defense-related research need. 7. Virginia location may suggest a concentration of defense R&D activities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $9.7 million for a 912-day research and development effort appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the work. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts in physical sciences is challenging without more specific project details. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests an effort to manage costs effectively. The award amount relative to the duration implies a substantial per-day investment in research, which is typical for advanced scientific endeavors.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The number of bidders is not specified, but this procurement method generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and innovation. The agency's decision to use full and open competition suggests confidence in the market's ability to provide qualified contractors for this specific research need.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it maximizes the pool of potential offerors, increasing the likelihood of receiving competitive pricing and innovative solutions, thereby optimizing the use of public funds.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and potentially the broader scientific community through advancements in physical sciences. The contract will deliver research and development services in physical, engineering, and life sciences. The geographic impact is primarily within Virginia, where the contractor is located, but the research outcomes could have national defense implications. Workforce implications include employment for scientists, engineers, and support staff at Breakpoint Labs and potentially subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific details on the research scope makes it difficult to assess the true value and potential risks.
The firm fixed-price nature could incentivize cutting corners if not adequately monitored, though this is a standard contract type.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical R&D effort could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The contractor, Breakpoint Labs, L.L.C., has secured a significant R&D contract, indicating a level of established capability.
The contract duration allows for in-depth research and development activities.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. This sector is crucial for national security and technological advancement. Spending in this area is often characterized by long-term investments, high innovation potential, and specialized expertise. Comparable spending benchmarks would depend heavily on the specific sub-field of research, but government R&D contracts in these areas can range from millions to billions of dollars.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. The award to Breakpoint Labs, L.L.C. (a single entity) does not directly involve small business participation as a primary objective of this specific award. Further analysis would be needed to determine if Breakpoint Labs has its own small business subcontracting goals or if this contract is part of a larger program that includes small business set-asides.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of the Army contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, which requires delivery of specified research outcomes. Transparency is facilitated by the contract award notice, but detailed project progress and specific R&D findings may be subject to security or proprietary restrictions. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Research and Development Programs
Army Research Laboratory Contracts
Physical Sciences Research Initiatives
Advanced Technology Development Contracts

Risk Flags

Research Uncertainty
Technical Feasibility Risk
Schedule Adherence
Contractor Performance Monitoring

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $9.7 million to BREAKPOINT LABS, L.L.C.. DARE LABOR YEAR 1

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BREAKPOINT LABS, L.L.C..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $9.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-01. End: 2026-03-01.

What is the specific research objective and expected outcome of this contract?

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 objective and expected outcomes are not detailed in the provided data. Typically, such contracts aim to advance scientific knowledge, develop new technologies, or solve specific technical challenges relevant to the Department of Defense's mission. The outcomes could range from theoretical advancements to prototypes or feasibility studies. Further details would be found in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW).

How does the $9.7 million contract value compare to similar R&D efforts in physical sciences by the DoD?

Benchmarking the $9.7 million value requires comparing it to contracts with similar scope, duration, and complexity within the physical sciences R&D domain. Without specific details on the research area (e.g., materials science, physics, chemistry), it's difficult to provide a precise comparison. However, for a 912-day (approximately 2.5 year) definitive contract focused on advanced R&D, $9.7 million is a substantial but not extraordinary amount. Many DoD R&D efforts, especially those involving cutting-edge technology or complex experimentation, can easily exceed this figure, while smaller, more focused studies might be valued lower. The firm fixed-price nature suggests a well-defined scope, which aids in value assessment.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or milestones for this contract?

The provided data does not specify the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or milestones for this contract. These are typically detailed within the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) and Performance Work Statement (PWS). For an R&D contract, KPIs might include the successful completion of research phases, delivery of technical reports, development of prototypes, achievement of specific scientific metrics, or adherence to project timelines. The firm fixed-price nature implies that meeting these defined milestones and deliverables is crucial for the contractor to receive full payment.

What is Breakpoint Labs, L.L.C.'s track record with government R&D contracts?

Information regarding Breakpoint Labs, L.L.C.'s specific track record with government R&D contracts is not included in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing their past performance on similar contracts, including client feedback, on-time delivery rates, budget adherence, and technical success. The award of this $9.7 million contract suggests they have demonstrated sufficient capability and competitiveness to be selected by the Department of the Army. Further due diligence would involve checking databases like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or CPARS (Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System) for detailed performance history.

What is the potential risk associated with the 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' category?

The primary risk associated with R&D contracts, particularly in the physical, engineering, and life sciences, is the inherent uncertainty of scientific discovery and technological development. Outcomes are not guaranteed, and projects can face unforeseen technical challenges, delays, or fail to achieve desired results. For the government, risks include potential cost overruns (though mitigated by fixed-price), schedule slippage, and the possibility that the developed technology may not meet operational requirements or become obsolete. Contractor-related risks include performance failures, financial instability, or loss of key personnel. The firm fixed-price contract type shifts some financial risk to the contractor, but technical and schedule risks remain significant.

How does the duration of 912 days impact the assessment of this contract?

A duration of 912 days, approximately 2.5 years, indicates a medium-term research and development effort. This timeframe is generally suitable for projects requiring significant investigation, experimentation, and analysis without being excessively long, which could increase uncertainty and risk. For R&D, this duration allows for methodical progress through defined phases. It also provides a basis for evaluating the contractor's sustained performance and commitment. The firm fixed-price structure over this period requires careful planning and management by both the contractor and the government to ensure milestones are met within the allocated time and budget.

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 › C – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: W912HZ22BAA01

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 12908 HEDGETOP DR, HERNDON, VA, 20171

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $9,780,955

Exercised Options: $9,770,852

Current Obligation: $9,740,941

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline