DoD's $13.2M Research Contract with New Mexico State University for Physical Sciences Basic Research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $13,214,745 ($13.2M)
Contractor: NEW Mexico State University
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2005-09-23
End Date: 2011-09-30
Contract Duration: 2,198 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.0K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: R&D
Official Description: 200512!502006!2100!W15QKN!TACOM - PICATINNY !W15QKN05D0022 !A!N! !Y!0002 ! !20050923!20060922!877477604!877477604!861367373!N!REGENTS OF NEW MEXICO STATE UN!STEWART AT ESPIANA ST !LAS CRUCES !NM!88003!39380!013!35!LAS CRUCES !DONA ANA !NEW MEXICO!+000001122995!N!N!000000000000!AJ11!RDTE/PHYSICAL SCIENCES - BASIC RESEARCH !S1 !SERVICES !000 !* !541710!E! !5!B!S! ! ! !20200930!B! ! !A! !D!U!Y!1!001!N!1A!Z!N!Z! ! !N!V!N! ! ! ! ! !A!A!000!A!B!N! ! ! !Y! ! !0001! !
Place of Performance
Location: LAS CRUCES, DONA ANA County, NEW MEXICO, 88003
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $13.2 million to NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY for work described as: 200512!502006!2100!W15QKN!TACOM - PICATINNY !W15QKN05D0022 !A!N! !Y!0002 ! !20050923!20060922!877477604!877477604!861367373!N!REGENTS OF NEW MEXICO STATE UN!STEWART AT ESPIANA ST !LAS CRUCES !NM!88003!39380!013!35!LAS CRUCES !DONA… Key points: 1. Contract awarded for basic research in physical sciences, indicating a focus on foundational scientific advancement. 2. The contract value of $13.2M suggests a significant investment in R&D, potentially leading to future technological breakthroughs. 3. Awarded as a Delivery Order under a larger contract, the specific competition details are not fully transparent. 4. The sector is R&D, specifically focusing on physical sciences, which is crucial for long-term innovation and national security.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $13.2M for a research and development service is within a reasonable range for specialized scientific endeavors. However, without specific benchmarks for 'Physical Sciences - Basic Research,' a precise comparison is difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
Awarded as a Delivery Order, the competition method is 'NOT COMPETED,' suggesting it was likely awarded under specific circumstances or to a pre-selected entity. This limits price discovery and potentially increases costs.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of full and open competition may result in a higher cost to taxpayers than if multiple vendors had competed.
Public Impact
Investment in basic research can lead to unforeseen technological advancements with broad societal benefits. Focus on physical sciences research could yield innovations in areas like materials science, energy, or defense technologies. The contract supports academic research institutions, fostering scientific talent and infrastructure within the US. Long-term impact is high, but immediate public-facing products or services are unlikely from basic research.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 60 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition raises concerns about cost-effectiveness.
- Lack of transparency in the award process.
- Potential for cost overruns in research projects.
Positive Signals
- Supports critical basic research in physical sciences.
- Invests in scientific advancement and innovation.
- Potential for long-term technological breakthroughs.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on basic research in physical sciences. Spending in this area is critical for innovation but often lacks immediate commercial application, making its value assessment long-term.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this contract, as it was awarded to a university. Efforts to subcontract to small businesses are not specified.
Oversight & Accountability
As a Delivery Order under a larger contract, oversight may be embedded within the parent contract's framework. However, the specific details of oversight for this particular research project are not provided.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Lack of transparency in award justification
- Potential for cost overruns in R&D
- Long-term nature of basic research outcomes
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, nm, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $13.2 million to NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY. 200512!502006!2100!W15QKN!TACOM - PICATINNY !W15QKN05D0022 !A!N! !Y!0002 ! !20050923!20060922!877477604!877477604!861367373!N!REGENTS OF NEW MEXICO STATE UN!STEWART AT ESPIANA ST !LAS CRUCES !NM!88003!39380!013!35!LAS CRUCES !DONA ANA !NEW MEXICO!+000001122995!N!N!000000000000!AJ11!RDTE/PHYSICAL SCIENCES - BASIC RESEARCH !S1 !SERVICES !000 !* !541710!E! !5!B!S! ! ! !202
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $13.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2005-09-23. End: 2011-09-30.
What specific research outcomes are expected from this $13.2M investment in physical sciences basic research?
The contract focuses on 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.' While specific outcomes are inherent to basic research and thus unpredictable, the goal is to advance fundamental scientific understanding. This could lead to breakthroughs in areas like advanced materials, energy storage, quantum computing, or novel sensor technologies, ultimately benefiting national security and technological competitiveness.
What are the risks associated with awarding a research contract with limited competition?
Limited competition, as seen in this 'NOT COMPETED' award, carries risks of inflated pricing due to the absence of market pressure. It can also limit the pool of innovative approaches and potentially lead to suboptimal solutions. Furthermore, it raises concerns about fairness and transparency in the procurement process, potentially impacting public trust and the efficient use of taxpayer funds.
How effective is this contract likely to be in advancing US technological capabilities?
The effectiveness hinges on the quality of the research conducted by New Mexico State University and the alignment of their work with national strategic interests. Investing in basic research is crucial for long-term capability advancement, but its immediate impact is uncertain. Success will be measured by the scientific rigor, the novelty of findings, and the potential for future application, which can take years to materialize.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: STEWART AT ESPIANA ST, LAS CRUCES, NM, 88003
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Not Designated a Small Business
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: W15QKN05D0022
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2005-09-23
Current End Date: 2011-09-30
Potential End Date: 2011-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2018-10-17
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