DoD's $11.9M contract for research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences awarded to IIT Research Institute

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,279,175 ($13.3M)

Contractor: IIT Research Institute

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2004-08-05

End Date: 2007-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,151 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Sector: R&D

Official Description: 200411!000514!1700!A8301 !NAVAL AIR WARFARE CNETER TRAININ!N6133903D0300 !A!N! !N!0136 ! !20040805!20090803!119162332!119162332!119162332!N!ALION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY C!10 W 35TH ST !CHICAGO !IL!60616!01000!510!51!ALEXANDRIA !ALEXANDRIA (CITY) !VIRGINIA !+000001250000!N!N!000000000000!AD21!RDTE/SERVICES-BASIC RESEARCH !S1 !SERVICES !000 !* !541710!E! !5!A!S! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !A!U!U!2!002!A! !Z!Y!Z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !C!C!A!A!000!A!B!N! ! ! ! ! ! !0001! !

Place of Performance

Location: CHICAGO, COOK County, ILLINOIS, 60601

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $13.3 million to IIT RESEARCH INSTITUTE for work described as: 200411!000514!1700!A8301 !NAVAL AIR WARFARE CNETER TRAININ!N6133903D0300 !A!N! !N!0136 ! !20040805!20090803!119162332!119162332!119162332!N!ALION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY C!10 W 35TH ST !CHICAGO !IL!60616!01000!510!51!ALEXANDRIA !ALEX… Key points: 1. Contract value of $11.9 million for research and development services. 2. Awarded by the Department of the Navy, indicating a focus on naval technological advancement. 3. The contract duration of approximately 3 years suggests a project of moderate scope and complexity. 4. The 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' NAICS code points to a specialized technical service area. 5. Awarded under full and open competition, implying a robust bidding process. 6. The contractor, IIT Research Institute, has a track record in government contracting, though specific performance details require further analysis.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $11.9 million for a period of roughly three years appears reasonable for specialized R&D services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for basic research in physical, engineering, and life sciences would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, given the nature of R&D, costs can be highly variable based on specific research objectives and personnel involved. Without more granular data on the scope of work, a definitive value assessment is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This competitive environment typically leads to better price discovery and potentially more innovative solutions. The fact that there were two bids received (as indicated by 'no': 2) further supports the notion of a competitive process, although a higher number of bidders would generally indicate stronger competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from full and open competition through potentially lower prices and access to a wider range of innovative solutions. This process ensures that the government is not locked into a single provider, fostering a market that rewards efficiency and quality.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the Department of the Navy and potentially other branches of the Department of Defense, gaining access to advanced research and development capabilities. The services delivered fall under 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences,' contributing to technological advancements and scientific understanding. The geographic impact is primarily centered around the contractor's location in Illinois, but the research outcomes could have national defense implications. The contract supports a specialized workforce of scientists, engineers, and researchers within the contractor's organization.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The specific deliverables and milestones for this R&D contract are not detailed, making it difficult to assess performance against expectations.
The long-term impact and applicability of the research conducted are not immediately clear from the provided data.
Potential for cost overruns in R&D projects is inherent, especially if research objectives evolve or encounter unforeseen challenges.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a fair and transparent procurement process.
The contractor, IIT Research Institute, is a known entity in the research and development sector, suggesting some level of established expertise.
The contract is for basic research, which is crucial for long-term technological advancement and national security.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. This is a critical area for defense innovation, enabling the development of new technologies and capabilities. The market for R&D services is highly specialized, with a mix of large corporations, research institutions, and smaller specialized firms. Government spending in this area is substantial, driven by the need for technological superiority and scientific advancement across various domains.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside component, as indicated by 'sb': false. Furthermore, the contractor, IIT Research Institute, is a substantial organization, not typically classified as a small business. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses within this award. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem from this specific contract is likely minimal, though the broader R&D sector may involve small business participation in other capacities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program managers within the Department of the Navy. Accountability measures would be defined in the contract's statement of work, including reporting requirements and performance metrics. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS, which provide basic information on the award. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Research and Development Programs
Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division Contracts
Basic Research Contracts
Physical Sciences Research
Engineering Research
Life Sciences Research

Risk Flags

Technical Uncertainty in R&D
Potential for Schedule Delays
Risk of Cost Overruns
Scope Definition in Basic Research

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $13.3 million to IIT RESEARCH INSTITUTE. 200411!000514!1700!A8301 !NAVAL AIR WARFARE CNETER TRAININ!N6133903D0300 !A!N! !N!0136 ! !20040805!20090803!119162332!119162332!119162332!N!ALION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY C!10 W 35TH ST !CHICAGO !IL!60616!01000!510!51!ALEXANDRIA !ALEXANDRIA (CITY) !VIRGINIA !+000001250000!N!N!000000000000!AD21!RDTE/SERVICES-BASIC RESEARCH !S1 !SERVICES !000 !* !541710!E! !5!A!S! ! ! !999

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is IIT RESEARCH INSTITUTE.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $13.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2004-08-05. End: 2007-09-30.

What is the specific nature of the research and development being conducted under this contract?

The contract data indicates the NAICS code 541710, which covers 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.' This is a broad category. Without access to the specific statement of work (SOW) or task orders associated with this contract (N6133903D0300), the precise research objectives remain unspecified. It could range from materials science and advanced manufacturing to human factors research, simulation technologies, or biological sciences relevant to defense applications. The awarding agency, Department of the Navy, suggests the research may be geared towards naval applications, potentially related to training systems, operational effectiveness, or new platform development.

How does the $11.9 million contract value compare to similar R&D contracts awarded by the Department of Defense?

The $11.9 million value for a contract spanning approximately three years (August 2004 to August 2007, with an end date of Sept 2009 for the delivery order) is within a common range for specialized R&D projects. However, 'similar' is a broad term. If compared to large-scale, multi-year defense R&D programs, it would be considered moderate. If compared to smaller, targeted research grants or feasibility studies, it would be substantial. The specific nature of the research (physical, engineering, or life sciences) and the maturity of the technology being investigated significantly influence cost. A more precise comparison would require analyzing contracts with identical or closely related NAICS codes and similar project durations awarded within the same timeframe.

What is the track record of IIT Research Institute in performing government contracts, particularly with the Department of Defense?

IIT Research Institute (IITRI) has a history of performing government contracts, including those with the Department of Defense. As a non-profit research organization affiliated with the Illinois Institute of Technology, IITRI has expertise in various scientific and engineering fields. While this specific contract (N6133903D0300) is a delivery order under a larger basic ordering agreement (BOA), its successful completion would contribute to IITRI's performance record. A comprehensive assessment would involve reviewing past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), any past disputes or terminations, and the successful delivery of research outcomes on previous DoD contracts. Generally, organizations like IITRI are selected for their specialized capabilities.

What are the potential risks associated with this R&D contract, and how might they be mitigated?

The primary risks associated with R&D contracts include technical uncertainty (research may not yield desired results), schedule delays (research can be unpredictable), cost overruns (unforeseen challenges increase expenses), and scope creep (research objectives may evolve). For this contract, mitigation strategies would likely involve clearly defined milestones, regular progress reviews between the contractor and the Navy, robust project management by IITRI, and contingency planning for potential technical hurdles. The Department of the Navy's oversight would focus on ensuring that research remains aligned with strategic goals and that funds are used efficiently. The competitive nature of the award might also incentivize the contractor to manage risks effectively to ensure future opportunities.

How does this contract fit into the broader landscape of federal spending on research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences?

This $11.9 million contract represents a small but significant portion of the overall federal spending on R&D, particularly within the Department of Defense. Federal R&D spending is a critical investment in national security, economic competitiveness, and scientific advancement. The physical, engineering, and life sciences encompass a vast array of research areas crucial for defense innovation, from materials science and aerospace engineering to biotechnology and medical research. Contracts like this one contribute to the nation's scientific knowledge base and technological capabilities, potentially leading to breakthroughs that enhance military readiness, develop new defense systems, or improve the well-being of service members. It reflects the government's ongoing commitment to funding basic and applied research through various agencies and institutions.

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 › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 2

Contractor Details

Address: 10 WEST 35TH STREET, CHICAGO, IL, 60616

Business Categories: Category Business, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N6133903D0300

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline