DoD's $37.2M R&D Contract with Alion Science and Technology Corporation for Research and Development
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $37,244,201 ($37.2M)
Contractor: Alion Science and Technology Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2013-09-30
End Date: 2016-12-29
Contract Duration: 1,186 days
Daily Burn Rate: $31.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::CT::IGF TAT 13-0729, DO 0061
Place of Performance
Location: BURR RIDGE, COOK County, ILLINOIS, 60527
State: Illinois Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $37.2 million to ALION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION for work described as: IGF::CT::IGF TAT 13-0729, DO 0061 Key points: 1. The contract awarded to Alion Science and Technology Corporation is for Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 2. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. 4. The total award amount is $37,244,201 over a period of 1186 days.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type, while allowing for flexibility in R&D, carries inherent risks of cost escalation. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult without more granular cost data.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are utilized for R&D, with the effectiveness and ultimate value dependent on the successful outcomes of the research.
Public Impact
Investment in advanced research and development by the Department of Defense. Potential for technological advancements with applications in physical, engineering, and life sciences. Contract duration of over three years suggests a significant research undertaking. Award to a single contractor, Alion Science and Technology Corporation, for this specific effort.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to higher costs than fixed-price contracts.
- Lack of specific performance metrics or deliverables in the provided data.
- Limited insight into the specific R&D objectives and expected outcomes.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Significant investment in a critical R&D area for national security.
- Contract duration allows for in-depth research.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation and maintaining technological superiority, but often involves higher risk and less predictable outcomes compared to procurement of established goods or services.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. The primary contractor, Alion Science and Technology Corporation, is not identified as a small business in this context, suggesting the award was made to a larger entity.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would typically be managed by the Department of the Air Force contracting officers and program managers. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates close monitoring of costs and progress to ensure value for money and prevent overspending.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Long contract duration with potential for scope creep.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data.
- Potential for cost overruns inherent in R&D projects.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, il, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $37.2 million to ALION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION. IGF::CT::IGF TAT 13-0729, DO 0061
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ALION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Air Force).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $37.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2013-09-30. End: 2016-12-29.
What specific research objectives were prioritized in this contract, and how do they align with current defense needs?
The provided data lacks specifics on the research objectives. However, R&D contracts in physical, engineering, and life sciences for the DoD often aim to develop next-generation technologies for defense applications, such as advanced materials, improved sensor capabilities, or novel medical treatments for service members. Alignment with current needs would be detailed in the Statement of Work, which is not included here.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of this R&D contract, and how is contractor performance evaluated?
Key performance indicators for R&D contracts are often tied to milestones, successful experimentation, prototype development, or the delivery of research findings. Without the Statement of Work or contract modifications, specific KPIs for Alion Science and Technology Corporation are unknown. Performance is typically evaluated through regular progress reports, technical reviews, and adherence to budget and schedule.
How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure impact the government's ability to control costs and ensure efficient use of taxpayer funds in this R&D context?
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure allows the contractor to recover allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee. While it incentivizes the contractor to control costs to maximize their fee, it can also lead to cost overruns if initial estimates are inaccurate or scope creep occurs. Robust government oversight is crucial to scrutinize costs and ensure the fixed fee remains appropriate for the effort.
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 › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: FA460005R0010
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 10 W 35TH ST, CHICAGO, IL, 60616
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $44,594,133
Exercised Options: $44,594,133
Current Obligation: $37,244,201
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 33
Total Subaward Amount: $33,414,583
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA460006D0003
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2013-09-30
Current End Date: 2016-12-29
Potential End Date: 2016-12-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-03-31
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