NOAA awards $6.38M to University Corporation for Atmospheric Research for climate adaptation and mitigation research

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,381,755 ($6.4M)

Contractor: University Corporation for Atmospheric Research

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2023-04-01

End Date: 2024-05-31

Contract Duration: 426 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: UCAR TASK ORDER - CLIMATE ADAPTATION AND MITIGATION PROGRAM (CAMP)

Place of Performance

Location: BOULDER, BOULDER County, COLORADO, 80301

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $6.4 million to UNIVERSITY CORPORATION FOR ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH for work described as: UCAR TASK ORDER - CLIMATE ADAPTATION AND MITIGATION PROGRAM (CAMP) Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical climate research, aligning with national priorities. 2. Research and Development sector sees significant investment in climate science. 3. Single award indicates a focused approach to a specific research need. 4. Fixed-fee structure provides some cost control for the government. 5. Performance period of over a year allows for substantial research progress.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $6.38 million for a 13-month research project appears reasonable given the specialized nature of climate adaptation and mitigation research. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts in atmospheric sciences suggests this award is within expected ranges for complex scientific endeavors. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure allows for flexibility in research while providing a defined profit margin, which can be a good balance for innovative projects.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, suggesting that multiple entities were likely considered or had the opportunity to bid. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, this procurement method generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and innovative solutions. The 'after exclusion of sources' clause might indicate a prior relationship or specific capability requirement that narrowed the initial pool, but the final award was still competitively determined.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs and encouraging high-quality research proposals.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the broader scientific community, gaining insights into climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. The research delivered will contribute to a better understanding of climate change impacts and inform policy decisions. The geographic impact is national, as climate change affects all regions of the United States. The project supports highly skilled researchers and scientists in the field of atmospheric and climate science.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns inherent in cost-plus contracts if not closely monitored.
Reliance on a single entity for specialized climate research may limit broader scientific collaboration opportunities.

Positive Signals

Award to a specialized research institution (UCAR) suggests access to high-caliber expertise.
Clear focus on climate adaptation and mitigation addresses a pressing national and global issue.
Fixed fee component provides a degree of cost predictability for the government.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical sciences related to climate. This sector is crucial for addressing complex challenges like climate change, with significant government investment aimed at advancing scientific understanding and developing practical solutions. Comparable spending in this area often involves academic institutions and specialized research organizations due to the need for deep scientific expertise and advanced facilities. The market size for climate research is substantial and growing, driven by increasing global awareness and the urgency of climate action.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded to the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, which is not typically considered a small business. There is no indication of small business set-asides or subcontracting requirements in the provided data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal, though UCAR may engage small businesses as vendors or partners in specific research activities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). As a cost-plus-fixed-fee award, NOAA will need to monitor expenditures closely to ensure costs are reasonable and allocable to the research objectives. Transparency is facilitated through the contract reporting mechanisms, and the fixed fee provides a clear target for contractor profit. While no specific Inspector General jurisdiction is mentioned, NOAA's Office of Inspector General would have oversight authority over potential fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

NOAA Climate Program Office
National Science Foundation (NSF) Climate Research Grants
Department of Energy (DOE) Climate Change Research

Risk Flags

Cost Overrun Risk (CPFF)
Scope Creep Potential

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $6.4 million to UNIVERSITY CORPORATION FOR ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH. UCAR TASK ORDER - CLIMATE ADAPTATION AND MITIGATION PROGRAM (CAMP)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY CORPORATION FOR ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $6.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-04-01. End: 2024-05-31.

What is the track record of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) in performing similar federal research contracts?

The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) has a long-standing reputation as a leading institution in atmospheric and Earth system science. It manages major scientific facilities and conducts research funded by various federal agencies, including NOAA, NSF, and NASA. UCAR has a history of successfully managing large, complex research programs and grants, often involving multi-disciplinary teams and advanced computational resources. Their experience typically includes climate modeling, atmospheric observation, and research into weather phenomena. While specific performance metrics for this exact contract are not yet available, UCAR's general track record suggests a high capability for executing the proposed climate adaptation and mitigation research effectively.

How does the $6.38 million award compare to other NOAA climate research contracts?

The $6.38 million award for the UCAR TASK ORDER - CLIMATE ADAPTATION AND MITIGATION PROGRAM (CAMP) is a moderate-sized contract within NOAA's research portfolio. NOAA funds a wide range of climate-related research, from small, targeted studies costing tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars, to large, multi-year initiatives that can reach tens or even hundreds of millions. This specific award, covering a 13-month period, appears to be a significant but not exceptionally large investment for a focused research program. It aligns with funding levels for specialized research projects that require substantial scientific expertise and resources, such as those managed by major research consortia like UCAR.

What are the primary risks associated with this cost-plus-fixed-fee contract structure for climate research?

The primary risks associated with a cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) contract for climate research, like this one awarded to UCAR, revolve around cost control and scope management. While the fixed fee provides a predictable profit margin for the contractor, the 'cost-plus' element means the government reimburses allowable costs incurred by the contractor. If research proves more complex or requires more resources than initially anticipated, costs can escalate. Key risks include potential for scope creep, where research objectives expand beyond the original intent, leading to higher costs. Additionally, effective government oversight is crucial to ensure that all claimed costs are reasonable, allocable, and directly related to the contract's objectives. Without diligent monitoring, there's a risk of inefficient spending or costs exceeding the initial estimates, even with a fixed fee.

What is the expected program effectiveness and impact of the Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Program (CAMP)?

The expected program effectiveness and impact of the Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Program (CAMP) are centered on advancing scientific understanding and providing actionable insights for addressing climate change. By funding research through UCAR, NOAA aims to generate data, models, and strategies that can inform policy decisions, enhance resilience to climate impacts, and guide mitigation efforts. The program's effectiveness will be measured by the quality and applicability of the research findings, their contribution to the scientific body of knowledge, and their potential to be translated into practical solutions for adaptation and mitigation. The ultimate impact is expected to be a strengthened national capacity to understand, prepare for, and reduce the effects of climate change.

How has NOAA's spending on climate research evolved over recent years?

NOAA's spending on climate research has generally seen an upward trend over recent years, reflecting the increasing urgency and scientific focus on climate change. While specific figures fluctuate annually based on appropriations and program priorities, there has been a consistent emphasis on understanding climate variability and change, improving climate models, and developing tools for adaptation and mitigation. Funding often supports a mix of internal research, grants to academic institutions like UCAR, and collaborations with other federal agencies. The increase in spending is driven by a growing scientific consensus on the impacts of climate change and the need for robust data and analysis to inform national and international policy responses.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3090 CENTER GREEN DR, BOULDER, CO, 80301

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,381,755

Exercised Options: $6,381,755

Current Obligation: $6,381,755

Actual Outlays: $5,318,819

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1305M222DNWWK0005

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline