DoD's $14.6M R&D Contract for Geospatial Operations Design Awarded to Battelle Memorial Institute

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,641,220 ($14.6M)

Contractor: Battelle Memorial Institute

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-06-29

End Date: 2026-06-28

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $20.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: GEOSPATIALLY-ENABLED OPERATIONAL DESIGN

Place of Performance

Location: COLUMBUS, FRANKLIN County, OHIO, 43201

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $14.6 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE for work described as: GEOSPATIALLY-ENABLED OPERATIONAL DESIGN Key points: 1. Contract focuses on advanced research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. Awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a robust market for these specialized services. 3. The contract duration of 729 days indicates a medium-term project with significant deliverables. 4. Battelle Memorial Institute, a well-established research organization, is the sole awardee. 5. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which allows for cost reimbursement plus a fixed profit. 6. Geographic impact is centered in Ohio, where Battelle Memorial Institute is headquartered.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this specific R&D contract is challenging without detailed cost breakdowns and comparison to similar research projects. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure means actual costs could fluctuate, impacting the final value. However, the fixed fee component provides some predictability for the contractor's profit margin. Further analysis would require understanding the specific research objectives and expected outcomes to assess true value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the open competition suggests a healthy market for these specialized R&D services. This process is designed to foster price discovery and ensure the government receives competitive proposals.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive bidding process that aims to secure the best possible price and technical solution for the government's research needs.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the Department of Defense, which will receive advanced research and development in operational design. The services delivered will focus on enhancing geospatial capabilities for military operations. The geographic impact is primarily in Ohio, where Battelle Memorial Institute is located, potentially creating local economic benefits. The contract supports specialized scientific and engineering workforce within the R&D sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can sometimes lead to higher overall costs if not closely managed due to the cost reimbursement nature.
Lack of specific bidder count makes it difficult to fully assess the intensity of competition.
The 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' NAICS code is broad; specific project scope is crucial for detailed risk assessment.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive marketplace.
Battelle Memorial Institute has a long history and established reputation in research and development.
The contract has a defined period of performance, allowing for structured project management and oversight.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically NAICS code 541712. This sector is characterized by innovation and specialized scientific expertise. The market for defense-related R&D is substantial, with significant government investment aimed at maintaining technological superiority. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other DoD contracts for similar geospatial or operational design research.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract included a small business set-aside. Given the specialized nature of R&D services, large, established research institutions like Battelle Memorial Institute are often primary awardees. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses would depend on Battelle's specific project needs and procurement practices.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program managers within the Department of the Army. Accountability measures are inherent in the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, which requires detailed reporting of costs and progress. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though specific project details may be sensitive.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Research and Development Programs
Geospatial Intelligence Support Contracts
Advanced Technology Development Contracts

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract requires diligent oversight to manage costs.
R&D projects inherently carry technical and schedule risks.
Scope definition for R&D can be challenging, leading to potential scope creep.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $14.6 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE. GEOSPATIALLY-ENABLED OPERATIONAL DESIGN

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $14.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-06-29. End: 2026-06-28.

What is Battelle Memorial Institute's track record with similar DoD R&D contracts?

Battelle Memorial Institute has a significant and extensive track record of performing research and development for the Department of Defense and other government agencies. They are known for their work in various scientific and engineering disciplines, including areas relevant to geospatial technology and operational design. Historical data would likely show numerous prior contracts, many of which may have been cost-reimbursable or fixed-price research endeavors. Analyzing their past performance on similar contracts, including their ability to meet cost, schedule, and technical objectives, would provide crucial context for assessing the risk and potential success of this current award. Specific details on past project outcomes, any performance issues, or notable successes would be valuable for a comprehensive evaluation.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure compare to other R&D contract types in terms of value for money?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type is common in R&D where the scope of work may evolve or is not fully defined at the outset. It offers flexibility by reimbursing the contractor for allowable costs while providing a predetermined profit (the fixed fee). Compared to Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contracts, CPFF generally carries less cost risk for the contractor, potentially leading to higher bids or a less aggressive approach to cost control. However, FFP contracts can be difficult to implement for exploratory R&D due to inherent uncertainties. For value for money, CPFF requires robust government oversight to ensure costs are reasonable and allocable, and that the fixed fee adequately compensates the contractor for their effort and risk. If managed effectively, CPFF can yield valuable research outcomes, but it necessitates diligent monitoring to prevent cost overruns beyond the anticipated scope.

What are the primary risks associated with this specific R&D contract?

The primary risks associated with this R&D contract include technical uncertainty, potential cost overruns, and schedule delays. R&D inherently involves exploring unknown territories, meaning the desired outcomes may not be achieved, or new challenges may arise that were not anticipated. The CPFF structure, while flexible, can also pose a risk of escalating costs if not managed tightly, as the government bears the burden of allowable expenses. Schedule delays are common in research projects due to unforeseen technical hurdles or the need for iterative development. Furthermore, ensuring the contractor maintains focus on the core objectives and avoids scope creep without proper modification is a continuous management risk. The effectiveness of the final 'geospatially-enabled operational design' is also a key risk, as its practical utility and impact are not guaranteed until tested.

What historical spending patterns exist for geospatial operational design R&D within the DoD?

Historical spending patterns for geospatial operational design R&D within the DoD indicate a consistent and often increasing investment in this area. As military operations become more complex and reliant on data-driven decision-making, the need for advanced geospatial capabilities and sophisticated operational designs grows. The DoD frequently awards contracts for research into areas such as advanced mapping, real-time situational awareness, predictive analytics for operational planning, and integration of diverse data sources. Spending in this category is influenced by evolving threats, technological advancements (e.g., AI, big data analytics, satellite imagery), and the strategic priorities of different military branches. Analyzing past contract awards, their values, durations, and the types of research conducted can reveal trends in funding priorities and the types of contractors most frequently engaged.

How might the 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' classification impact the contract's scope and deliverables?

The classification 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)' (NAICS 541712) provides a broad framework for the contract's scope. It signifies that the research will likely involve scientific inquiry, experimentation, and the application of engineering principles to solve complex problems. This could encompass a wide range of activities, from theoretical modeling and simulation to the development of prototypes and testing of new technologies. Deliverables could include research reports, technical data packages, software, or even proof-of-concept hardware. The 'except Biotechnology' clause clarifies that the focus is not on biological sciences, directing the R&D towards physical sciences (e.g., physics, chemistry, materials science), engineering disciplines (e.g., mechanical, electrical, civil, computer engineering), and potentially earth sciences or environmental engineering, all applied to operational design challenges.

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 › General Science and Technology R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: W9132V24R0001

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 505 KING AVE, COLUMBUS, OH, 43201

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $100,246,532

Exercised Options: $38,592,634

Current Obligation: $14,641,220

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00Q14OADU402

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline