DOI invests $7.6M in R&D for concrete repair technology, aiming to extend infrastructure serviceability

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,602,072 ($7.6M)

Contractor: Battelle Memorial Institute

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2023-01-25

End Date: 2026-04-24

Contract Duration: 1,185 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: VASCULAR ENGINEERED INTERNAL NETWORK THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO PROLONG THE SERVICEABILITY OF DOD STRUCTURES AND AIRFIELD PAVEMENTS BY DEVELOPING A REPARATIVE VASCULATURE FOR CONCRETE CONSISTING OF A FIBROUS VASCULAR STRUCTURE DECORATED WI

Place of Performance

Location: COLUMBUS, FRANKLIN County, OHIO, 43201

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $7.6 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE for work described as: VASCULAR ENGINEERED INTERNAL NETWORK THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO PROLONG THE SERVICEABILITY OF DOD STRUCTURES AND AIRFIELD PAVEMENTS BY DEVELOPING A REPARATIVE VASCULATURE FOR CONCRETE CONSISTING OF A FIBROUS VASCULAR STRUCTURE DECORATED WI Key points: 1. Focus on innovative concrete repair through a "fibrous vascular structure" suggests a novel approach to infrastructure maintenance. 2. The contract's objective aligns with broader federal goals of extending the lifespan of critical Department of Defense (DOD) structures and airfield pavements. 3. Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) is a specialized area, indicating a high-tech focus for this project. 4. The use of a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type suggests that the final cost may fluctuate based on actual expenses incurred by the contractor. 5. The relatively long duration of 1185 days (over 3 years) indicates a complex research and development effort. 6. The single award for this contract warrants scrutiny regarding the breadth of potential solutions explored.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $7.6 million for a multi-year R&D project in advanced materials is within a reasonable range for specialized research. However, without specific benchmarks for similar 'vascularized concrete' research, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. The CPFF structure introduces cost uncertainty, making it difficult to definitively assess pricing efficiency at this stage. The potential for significant infrastructure repair cost savings in the long term could justify the investment if the technology proves successful.

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 process is generally expected to foster competitive pricing and encourage innovative solutions. The specific number of bidders is not provided, which limits a deeper analysis of the competitive intensity. However, the 'full and open' designation suggests a robust initial competition.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition process is favorable for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining the best value and encourages contractors to offer competitive pricing.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense (DOD) and potentially other federal agencies responsible for maintaining critical infrastructure. The service delivered is the development of a novel reparative vasculature for concrete, aiming to extend the life of structures and pavements. The geographic impact is primarily focused on DOD facilities and airfields, but successful technology could have broader applications. Workforce implications may include specialized roles in materials science, engineering, and biotechnology research.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can lead to cost overruns if not carefully managed, as the contractor is reimbursed for actual costs plus a fixed fee.
The lack of specific bidder numbers in the provided data makes it difficult to assess the true level of competition and its impact on pricing.
The specialized nature of the R&D may limit the number of qualified contractors, potentially reducing competition despite the 'full and open' designation.

Positive Signals

The contract is awarded under 'full and open competition,' suggesting a broad search for the best solution.
The objective of developing a technology to prolong the serviceability of critical infrastructure aligns with important national interests.
The focus on R&D in a specialized area like biotechnology for materials science indicates a forward-looking approach to problem-solving.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced materials and biotechnology applications for infrastructure. The market for infrastructure repair and maintenance is substantial, with significant government spending allocated annually. This contract represents a small but potentially high-impact investment in developing novel solutions that could reduce long-term maintenance costs for critical assets. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve R&D contracts for materials science or civil engineering innovations.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a primary set-aside objective for this specific award. As a research and development contract with a specialized focus, it is likely that larger, more specialized research institutions or companies were best positioned to compete. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses, which could be a missed opportunity to engage the small business ecosystem in this innovative field.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of the Interior's contracting and program management offices. The CPFF structure necessitates close monitoring of expenditures to ensure costs remain reasonable and within the scope of the fixed fee. Transparency regarding research progress and findings will be crucial for accountability. While no specific Inspector General jurisdiction is mentioned, the DOI OIG would likely have oversight authority over potential fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Infrastructure Modernization Programs
Federal Highway Administration Research and Development
National Science Foundation - Engineering Directorate
Advanced Materials Research Contracts

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type may lead to cost uncertainty.
Limited information on specific technical approach and performance metrics.
Potential for long development cycle and uncertain market adoption.
Specialized R&D area may limit the pool of qualified contractors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $7.6 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE. VASCULAR ENGINEERED INTERNAL NETWORK THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO PROLONG THE SERVICEABILITY OF DOD STRUCTURES AND AIRFIELD PAVEMENTS BY DEVELOPING A REPARATIVE VASCULATURE FOR CONCRETE CONSISTING OF A FIBROUS VASCULAR STRUCTURE DECORATED WI

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Departmental Offices).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $7.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-01-25. End: 2026-04-24.

What is the specific technical approach for the 'fibrous vascular structure' and how does it differ from existing concrete repair methods?

The provided data does not detail the specific technical approach for the 'fibrous vascular structure.' However, the description suggests a system embedded within the concrete that can deliver repair materials, akin to biological vascular systems. This likely involves creating a network of channels or pores within the concrete that can be activated or filled with a reparative agent when damage occurs. This differs from traditional methods like patching, crack injection, or epoxy resins, which are reactive repairs. A vascularized system aims for proactive or self-healing capabilities, potentially prolonging the serviceability of the concrete structure significantly by addressing micro-cracks before they propagate into larger structural issues. Further details on the materials used for the vascular network and the reparative agents would be needed for a complete comparison.

How does the $7.6 million contract value compare to similar R&D investments in advanced construction materials?

The $7.6 million contract value for a multi-year R&D project in advanced construction materials is within a typical range for specialized research initiatives. Federal agencies, including the Department of Defense and Department of Transportation, often award contracts in the millions for developing novel materials or repair techniques. For instance, research into self-healing concrete, advanced composites, or smart materials can command similar funding levels, especially when involving complex scientific challenges and requiring significant laboratory work and testing over several years. Without specific data on 'vascularized concrete' R&D, direct comparisons are difficult, but the investment appears commensurate with the ambitious nature of developing a fundamentally new approach to concrete repair.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will success be measured?

The provided data does not explicitly list the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract. However, based on the objective to 'prolong the serviceability of DOD structures and airfield pavements,' success would likely be measured by metrics related to the durability, longevity, and effectiveness of the developed reparative vasculature. This could include quantifiable improvements in concrete strength, resistance to cracking, reduced permeability, and the number of repair cycles or extended service life achieved compared to control samples or existing methods. Performance would also be assessed based on the successful development and testing of the vascular system and its associated repair agents within the project timeline and budget.

What is Battelle Memorial Institute's track record in similar R&D contracts, particularly in materials science or civil engineering?

Battelle Memorial Institute is a well-established research and development organization with a broad portfolio across various scientific and engineering disciplines. They have a significant history of undertaking complex R&D projects for government agencies, including those related to materials science, defense technologies, and infrastructure. While specific details on their past contracts for 'vascularized concrete' are not provided, Battelle's general expertise in areas like advanced materials, nanotechnology, and engineering solutions suggests they are well-equipped for this type of research. Their track record typically involves successful development and transition of technologies, often involving significant intellectual property generation and collaboration with government and industry partners.

What are the potential risks associated with developing and implementing this novel concrete repair technology?

Several risks are associated with developing and implementing this novel concrete repair technology. Technical risks include the possibility that the 'fibrous vascular structure' may not be manufacturable at scale, may degrade over time within the concrete, or may not effectively deliver repair materials. Performance risks involve the developed system failing to achieve the desired extension of serviceability or proving more costly than anticipated. Integration risks could arise if the technology is difficult to incorporate into existing construction or repair practices. Furthermore, the long-term environmental impact and the cost-effectiveness compared to established methods will need thorough validation. The CPFF contract type also introduces financial risk if costs escalate beyond initial projections.

How does this contract align with broader federal initiatives for infrastructure resilience and modernization?

This contract directly aligns with broader federal initiatives focused on infrastructure resilience and modernization. By aiming to 'prolong the serviceability of DOD structures and airfield pavements,' it addresses the critical need to maintain and extend the life of vital national assets. This supports goals of enhancing infrastructure durability against wear, environmental factors, and potential threats. Investing in innovative R&D for repair and maintenance technologies is a key strategy for federal agencies seeking to optimize spending, reduce lifecycle costs, and ensure the long-term functionality and safety of critical infrastructure, contributing to overall national security and economic stability.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: BAA HR001122S0029

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 505 KING AVE, COLUMBUS, OH, 43201

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $7,602,207

Exercised Options: $7,602,207

Current Obligation: $7,602,072

Actual Outlays: $4,740,975

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline