DoD's Aberdeen Test Center awards $10.6M task order for data collection support to Caelum Research Corp
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $10,592,053 ($10.6M)
Contractor: Caelum Research Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-04-15
End Date: 2026-04-14
Contract Duration: 364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $29.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: IT
Official Description: DATA COLLECTION SUPPORT SERVICES FOR ABERDEEN TEST CENTER. YEAR FOUR TASK ORDER.
Place of Performance
Location: ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, HARFORD County, MARYLAND, 21005
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $10.6 million to CAELUM RESEARCH CORPORATION for work described as: DATA COLLECTION SUPPORT SERVICES FOR ABERDEEN TEST CENTER. YEAR FOUR TASK ORDER. Key points: 1. The contract is for Year Four of data collection support services. 2. Caelum Research Corporation is the incumbent contractor. 3. The contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources. 4. The sector is IT, specifically Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services. 5. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The awarded amount is significant for a single year task order.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive process. However, the 'after exclusion of sources' clause warrants further investigation into the specific reasons for exclusion.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award aims to secure fair pricing, but the CPFF structure requires diligent oversight to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently.
Public Impact
Ensures continued data collection and analysis for critical Aberdeen Test Center operations. Supports the Department of the Army's testing and evaluation capabilities. Provides essential IT infrastructure and data processing services.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type may incentivize higher costs.
- Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure.
- Exclusion of sources clause requires clarification on competitive fairness.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Supports critical defense testing infrastructure.
- Incumbent contractor likely brings valuable institutional knowledge.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT sector, specifically data processing and hosting services. Benchmarks for similar services vary widely based on scope and complexity, but $10.6 million for a year of specialized support is substantial.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved in this specific task order or the prime contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates robust oversight from the Department of the Army to monitor costs and ensure performance aligns with the fixed fee objectives.
Related Government Programs
- Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Exclusion of sources clause.
- Significant annual value for a single task order.
- Potential for cost overruns.
Tags
computing-infrastructure-providers-data-, department-of-defense, md, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $10.6 million to CAELUM RESEARCH CORPORATION. DATA COLLECTION SUPPORT SERVICES FOR ABERDEEN TEST CENTER. YEAR FOUR TASK ORDER.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CAELUM RESEARCH 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 $10.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-04-15. End: 2026-04-14.
What specific services are included in the 'data collection support' to justify the $10.6 million cost?
The specific services would encompass the collection, processing, and management of data generated from various tests conducted at the Aberdeen Test Center. This could include sensor data, performance metrics, environmental readings, and other critical information required for analysis and reporting. The exact scope would be detailed in the task order's statement of work, influencing the overall cost.
What was the rationale for excluding certain sources during the 'full and open competition' process?
The exclusion of sources clause suggests that while the competition was broadly open, specific vendors or types of vendors were deemed ineligible for reasons such as security clearances, specialized capabilities, or prior performance issues. Understanding this rationale is crucial to assessing the true breadth of competition and potential price impacts.
How effectively does Caelum Research Corporation's performance in previous years justify this award and contract value?
Evaluating Caelum Research Corporation's past performance is key to assessing the value and effectiveness of this award. A review of their previous task orders, performance reviews, and any documented issues would provide insight into their reliability, efficiency, and ability to meet the government's needs within budget constraints.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Information › Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services › Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 30 W GUDE DR STE 200, ROCKVILLE, MD, 20850
Business Categories: Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $27,503,766
Exercised Options: $27,503,766
Current Obligation: $10,592,053
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: W91CRB22D0011
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-04-15
Current End Date: 2026-04-14
Potential End Date: 2026-04-14 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-07
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