DoD's $36.7M Scientific Research Support Services Contract Awarded to Cherokee Federal Solutions
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $36,725,942 ($36.7M)
Contractor: Cherokee Federal Solutions, L.L.C.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2017-09-01
End Date: 2022-05-19
Contract Duration: 1,721 days
Daily Burn Rate: $21.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH SUPPORT SERVICES FOR USAMRIID
Place of Performance
Location: FREDERICK, FREDERICK County, MARYLAND, 21702
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $36.7 million to CHEROKEE FEDERAL SOLUTIONS, L.L.C. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH SUPPORT SERVICES FOR USAMRIID Key points: 1. The contract supports scientific research and development for USAMRIID, a critical defense health agency. 2. Cherokee Federal Solutions, a large business, secured the award. 3. The contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating a competitive process. 4. The sector is R&D, specifically physical, engineering, and life sciences. 5. The contract value is substantial at over $36 million.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $36.7 million over approximately 5 years appears reasonable for specialized scientific research support services. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts would provide a more precise assessment.
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.' This suggests an initial exclusion of certain sources followed by a competitive process among the remaining, or a specific justification for excluding others. The price discovery impact is likely positive due to competition.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for critical research support.
Public Impact
Supports critical research at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID). Ensures continuity of scientific support services for defense health initiatives. The contract's duration and value indicate a significant investment in R&D capabilities. Potential impact on advancements in infectious disease research and countermeasures.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific small business participation noted.
- The 'after exclusion of sources' clause warrants further scrutiny for its impact on competition breadth.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Supports a critical national defense mission.
- Long-term contract provides stability for research continuity.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for national security and public health advancements, with significant government investment.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not awarded to a small business (ss: false, sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business subcontracting opportunities were pursued or mandated.
Oversight & Accountability
The award was made by the Defense Health Agency, part of the Department of Defense, suggesting established oversight mechanisms. The contract type (Firm Fixed Price) provides cost control incentives.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Health Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for limited competition due to source exclusion.
- No small business participation indicated.
- Contract duration is substantial, requiring ongoing monitoring.
- Specific research outcomes and their impact are not detailed.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, md, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $36.7 million to CHEROKEE FEDERAL SOLUTIONS, L.L.C.. IGF::OT::IGF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH SUPPORT SERVICES FOR USAMRIID
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CHEROKEE FEDERAL SOLUTIONS, L.L.C..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Health Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $36.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2017-09-01. End: 2022-05-19.
What specific scientific research areas does this contract support for USAMRIID, and how do these align with current defense health priorities?
The contract supports 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)' for USAMRIID. This likely encompasses a broad range of activities related to infectious diseases, biodefense, and medical countermeasures. Alignment with defense health priorities would involve research into emerging threats, pandemic preparedness, and soldier health protection, areas consistently emphasized by the DoD.
What was the rationale for excluding specific sources prior to the full and open competition, and did this exclusion limit potential bidders or innovation?
The rationale for excluding sources prior to the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' is not detailed in the provided data. Such exclusions can be based on specific technical capabilities, past performance, or security requirements. While intended to ensure suitability, it could potentially limit the pool of bidders and, consequently, the breadth of competitive pricing and innovative solutions offered.
How does the per-unit cost or task-level pricing compare to industry benchmarks for similar scientific research support services, considering the contract's duration and scope?
A precise per-unit cost benchmark is unavailable without detailed task breakdowns and market research data. However, the total contract value of $36.7 million over approximately 1721 days (around 5 years) suggests an average annual value of roughly $7.3 million. This figure needs to be assessed against the complexity and criticality of the research supported, as well as prevailing labor rates and overheads in the specialized scientific R&D sector.
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 › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: W81XWH14R0016
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Cherokee Nation
Address: 777 W CHEROKEE ST, CATOOSA, OK, 74015
Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, American Indian Owned Business, Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Tribally Owned Firm, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $36,725,942
Exercised Options: $36,725,942
Current Obligation: $36,725,942
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 13
Total Subaward Amount: $92,591,102
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: W81XWH16D0002
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2017-09-01
Current End Date: 2022-05-19
Potential End Date: 2022-05-19 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-02-08
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