DoD's $15.6M R&D contract with URS Federal Services Inc. for specialized engineering services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $15,635,394 ($15.6M)
Contractor: URS Federal Services Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2007-09-21
End Date: 2010-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,105 days
Daily Burn Rate: $14.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: R&D
Official Description: CR-1869, LSI TO 0168
Place of Performance
Location: SHREWSBURY, MONMOUTH County, NEW JERSEY, 07702, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $15.6 million to URS FEDERAL SERVICES INC. for work described as: CR-1869, LSI TO 0168 Key points: 1. Contract awarded for research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. Significant duration of over 3 years suggests a complex and ongoing project. 3. Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a broad market solicitation. 4. Time and Materials contract type may pose cost control challenges if not managed closely. 5. The contract's focus on R&D aligns with the DoD's strategic investment in innovation. 6. Geographic location in New Jersey may indicate a concentration of specialized talent or facilities.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
Benchmarking the value of this $15.6 million R&D contract is challenging without specific deliverables or comparable projects. The Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure, while flexible for evolving research needs, can lead to higher costs if not meticulously tracked and managed against established labor rates and material markups. Without detailed performance metrics or a clear comparison to similar R&D efforts, assessing the true value-for-money is difficult. The contract's duration suggests a substantial investment, but the return on this investment is not immediately apparent from the provided data.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition,' suggesting that the Department of Defense actively sought bids from all responsible sources. This approach typically fosters a competitive environment, potentially leading to better pricing and innovative solutions. The presence of multiple bidders (indicated by 'no': 4) further supports the notion of a competitive process. However, the specific number of bids received and the details of the evaluation process are not provided, which limits a deeper analysis of the competition's intensity.
Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by encouraging a wider range of offers, which can drive down costs and improve the quality of services received. This broad solicitation process helps ensure that the government is not missing out on potentially more cost-effective or technologically advanced solutions from various market players.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are likely the Department of Defense, which receives specialized research and development services to advance its technological capabilities. The contract supports advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences, potentially leading to new defense technologies or improved existing systems. The geographic impact is centered in New Jersey, potentially benefiting local businesses and the specialized workforce in the region. The contract likely supports a skilled workforce of researchers, engineers, and technical personnel employed by URS Federal Services Inc.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the true value and effectiveness of the R&D.
- The broad nature of R&D can make it challenging to define clear, measurable outcomes upfront.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust market search.
- The contract duration suggests a significant and potentially impactful R&D initiative.
- Focus on R&D aligns with strategic goals for technological advancement in defense.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically under NAICS code 541710, which covers R&D in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. This is a critical sector for defense, driving innovation and maintaining technological superiority. The U.S. government is a significant investor in R&D, with a substantial portion allocated to defense-related research. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing other DoD R&D contracts for similar scientific disciplines and project scopes, though specifics vary widely.
Small Business Impact
The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses ('sb': false). Furthermore, there is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans or performance related to small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem from this specific contract appears minimal, unless URS Federal Services Inc. voluntarily engages small businesses as subcontractors for specialized support.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the relevant program office within the Department of the Army. Accountability measures would be tied to the contract's performance clauses, milestones, and the T&M reporting requirements. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, which provide basic award information. Specific Inspector General (IG) involvement would depend on allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- Department of Defense Research and Development Programs
- Army Engineering and Scientific Support Contracts
- Advanced Technology Development Contracts
- Federal Research Grants and Contracts
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to T&M contract type.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes value assessment difficult.
- R&D scope can be inherently uncertain, posing execution risks.
Tags
defense, department-of-defense, department-of-the-army, research-and-development, engineering-services, time-and-materials, full-and-open-competition, urs-federal-services-inc, new-jersey, large-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $15.6 million to URS FEDERAL SERVICES INC.. CR-1869, LSI TO 0168
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is URS FEDERAL SERVICES INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $15.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2007-09-21. End: 2010-09-30.
What specific research and development activities were undertaken under this contract?
The contract, awarded to URS Federal Services Inc. under NAICS code 541710, focused on 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.' While the specific deliverables are not detailed in the provided data, such contracts typically involve scientific investigation, experimentation, analysis, and the development of prototypes or new methodologies. Given the Department of the Army as the awarding agency, the R&D could have pertained to areas like materials science, advanced manufacturing, environmental engineering, or other scientific fields critical to military operations and technological advancement. The Time and Materials (T&M) nature of the award suggests that the scope might have been less defined initially, allowing for flexibility as research progressed.
How does the $15.6 million cost compare to similar R&D contracts within the Department of Defense?
Comparing the $15.6 million cost requires context regarding the scope, duration, and complexity of the R&D. The Department of Defense awards numerous R&D contracts annually, ranging from small, targeted research efforts to large, multi-year programs. A contract of this magnitude over approximately three years (from Sept 2007 to Sept 2010) is substantial but not extraordinary within the defense R&D landscape. To assess value, one would need to compare it against contracts with similar scientific objectives, technical challenges, and required expertise. Without access to detailed project outcomes and specific technical requirements, a direct cost-per-unit or value-for-money comparison is difficult. However, the full and open competition suggests an effort to achieve competitive pricing for the services rendered.
What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for R&D services?
The primary risk with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract, especially for R&D, is the potential for cost overruns. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M contracts reimburse the contractor for direct labor hours at specified hourly rates and for the actual cost of materials and subcontracts, plus a fee or fixed overhead. If project scope creeps, if labor hours are not diligently tracked and managed, or if material costs escalate unexpectedly, the total cost can significantly exceed initial estimates. For R&D, where outcomes can be uncertain and timelines may shift, T&M offers flexibility but requires robust government oversight to ensure efficient use of resources and prevent uncontrolled spending. Clear baseline labor rates and material markups are crucial for managing this risk.
What was the contractor's track record prior to or during this contract?
Information regarding URS Federal Services Inc.'s specific track record related to this particular contract (CR-1869, LSI TO 0168) is not detailed in the provided data snippet. However, URS Federal Services Inc. is a known entity in the government contracting space, often involved in engineering, construction, and technical services. A comprehensive assessment of their track record would involve reviewing their past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), any past disputes or claims, and their history with similar R&D or engineering contracts for the Department of Defense or other federal agencies. Without access to these broader performance metrics, it's difficult to definitively assess their capabilities and reliability for this specific R&D effort.
How does the geographic location in New Jersey influence the contract's execution or cost?
The contract's execution in New Jersey (SN: NEW JERSEY, ST: NJ) could influence it in several ways. New Jersey has a strong presence in certain high-tech industries, including engineering, pharmaceuticals, and research, potentially providing access to a skilled and specialized workforce relevant to R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. This concentration of talent might facilitate recruitment and project execution. However, labor costs in New Jersey can be higher than in some other regions, which could impact the overall cost of the contract, particularly under a Time and Materials structure where labor rates are a significant component. The proximity to relevant research institutions or other government facilities in the region might also play a role in collaboration or logistical aspects.
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: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: AECOM (UEI: 153561212)
Address: 20501 SENECA MEADOWS PKWY STE 300, GERMANTOWN, MD, 20876
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $16,390,480
Exercised Options: $16,388,501
Current Obligation: $15,635,394
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: DAAB0703DB010
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2007-09-21
Current End Date: 2010-09-30
Potential End Date: 2010-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2015-05-20
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