University of Dayton awarded $25.1M engineering services contract by GSA for advanced manufacturing techniques

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $25,092,238 ($25.1M)

Contractor: University of Dayton

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2018-06-25

End Date: 2019-06-24

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $68.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF FOR OTHER FUNCTIONS, ADVANCED MANUFACTURING TECHNIQUES

Place of Performance

Location: DAYTON, GREENE County, OHIO, 45433

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $25.1 million to UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF FOR OTHER FUNCTIONS, ADVANCED MANUFACTURING TECHNIQUES Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in specialized engineering expertise. 2. Competition dynamics for this contract are assessed to understand pricing efficiency. 3. Risk indicators are evaluated based on contract type and performance history. 4. Performance context is provided by comparing to similar engineering service contracts. 5. Sector positioning highlights the role of advanced manufacturing in federal R&D. 6. The contract duration of one year suggests a focused scope of work.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $25.1 million for engineering services appears reasonable given the specialized nature of advanced manufacturing techniques. Benchmarking against similar contracts for engineering services, particularly those involving R&D or advanced technology development, would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The time and materials pricing structure, while common for R&D, warrants scrutiny to ensure efficient cost management and prevent scope creep. Without specific per-unit cost data, a direct comparison is challenging, but the overall award size suggests a substantial project.

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 were likely invited to bid. This competitive process is generally expected to yield fair market pricing and encourage innovation. The number of bidders, if available, would further clarify the intensity of the competition. A robust competitive environment suggests that the government received a range of proposals and selected the best value offering.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition typically benefits taxpayers by driving down costs through market forces and ensuring that the most capable contractors are selected, leading to better service delivery.

Public Impact

The University of Dayton, as the contractor, will benefit from this funding to advance its research and development capabilities. The services delivered will focus on engineering expertise in advanced manufacturing techniques, potentially leading to technological breakthroughs. The geographic impact is primarily centered in Ohio, where the University of Dayton is located, potentially boosting local economic activity and research infrastructure. Workforce implications may include the engagement of researchers, engineers, and technical staff at the University of Dayton.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns with time and materials contracts if not closely monitored.
Scope creep could increase the final cost beyond initial projections.
Ensuring the 'advanced manufacturing techniques' are clearly defined and measurable is crucial for performance evaluation.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing environment.
The contractor is a university, often associated with cutting-edge research and development.
The contract focuses on a critical area of technological advancement for national competitiveness.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically focusing on advanced manufacturing techniques. This is a critical area for federal investment, supporting innovation and technological superiority. The market for specialized engineering services is competitive, with universities and private firms vying for government contracts. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other federal awards for R&D in manufacturing, materials science, and related engineering disciplines.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside component, as it was awarded to the University of Dayton. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. The focus on advanced manufacturing techniques may require highly specialized expertise, potentially limiting the direct involvement of small businesses unless they are niche providers within this specific domain.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would likely be managed by the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically the Federal Acquisition Service. Accountability measures would be tied to the delivery order's performance requirements and milestones. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases, though specific project details might be sensitive. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Advanced Manufacturing National Initiative
Department of Defense Research and Development
National Science Foundation Grants
Manufacturing USA Network

Risk Flags

Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully.
Scope definition for 'advanced manufacturing techniques' needs to be precise to avoid ambiguity.
Performance monitoring is critical to ensure delivery of expected technological advancements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $25.1 million to UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON. IGF::OT::IGF FOR OTHER FUNCTIONS, ADVANCED MANUFACTURING TECHNIQUES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $25.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-06-25. End: 2019-06-24.

What is the University of Dayton's track record with federal contracts, particularly in advanced manufacturing?

The University of Dayton has a history of engaging in research and development activities funded by federal agencies. While specific details on their track record with advanced manufacturing contracts require deeper database analysis, universities are generally strong contenders for R&D-focused awards due to their research infrastructure and expertise. Their success in securing this $25.1 million contract suggests a demonstrated capability and competitive proposal in this specialized field. Further investigation would involve reviewing past performance evaluations and contract awards to confirm their proficiency and reliability in delivering on similar projects.

How does the $25.1 million contract value compare to similar engineering services contracts awarded by GSA or other agencies?

The $25.1 million award for engineering services related to advanced manufacturing techniques is a substantial sum, indicating a significant project scope. To benchmark its value, one would compare it to other federal contracts for specialized engineering R&D, particularly those involving emerging technologies. Contracts for advanced materials, additive manufacturing, or complex system design could serve as relevant comparisons. The duration of one year suggests a focused effort, making the per-year value approximately $25.1 million. Without access to a comprehensive database of comparable contracts, it's difficult to definitively state if this represents a high or low value, but it signifies a major investment in this technological area.

What are the primary risk indicators associated with this time and materials contract for advanced manufacturing techniques?

The primary risk indicator for a time and materials (T&M) contract, especially in R&D, is the potential for cost overruns due to the inherent flexibility in billing based on actual labor hours and material costs. Without a fixed ceiling or strict controls, scope creep can easily inflate the final price beyond initial expectations. Ensuring clear definition of 'advanced manufacturing techniques' and establishing robust monitoring mechanisms by the GSA are crucial to mitigate this risk. Performance risk also exists if the contractor fails to deliver the expected technological advancements or meet project milestones. The one-year duration provides a defined period, but effective oversight is paramount throughout.

How effective is the 'full and open competition' process likely to be in ensuring value for money for this specific contract?

The 'full and open competition' process is designed to maximize value for money by encouraging a wide range of qualified bidders to submit proposals, thereby fostering price competition and innovation. For a specialized contract like this, involving advanced manufacturing techniques, the effectiveness hinges on whether the solicitation clearly defined the technical requirements and evaluation criteria to attract the most capable and cost-efficient offerors. If the competition was robust with multiple strong bids, it increases the likelihood that the government secured a competitive price and the best technical solution. Conversely, if the pool of qualified bidders was limited, the competitive pressure might be reduced, potentially impacting the final price.

What are the historical spending patterns for engineering services related to advanced manufacturing by the General Services Administration?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for engineering services in advanced manufacturing by the GSA requires access to detailed federal procurement data. Generally, federal agencies, including GSA, invest in advanced manufacturing to support national security, economic competitiveness, and technological innovation. Spending in this area can fluctuate based on national priorities, technological advancements, and specific agency needs. GSA, as a major procurement agency, facilitates contracts across various sectors. Understanding GSA's specific historical investment in advanced manufacturing R&D would involve examining contract awards over several fiscal years, identifying trends in contract types, values, and the types of services procured within this domain.

What are the potential long-term implications of this contract on the advancement of manufacturing technologies in the US?

This contract has the potential to significantly impact the advancement of manufacturing technologies in the US by fostering innovation and developing new techniques. By investing in specialized engineering services at the University of Dayton, the government is supporting research that could lead to more efficient, cost-effective, and sophisticated manufacturing processes. These advancements can enhance U.S. industrial competitiveness, create high-skilled jobs, and strengthen domestic supply chains. The outcomes of this contract could influence future federal investments in R&D and shape the trajectory of manufacturing technology development across various industries.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: ID05170029004

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 300 COLLEGE PARK, DAYTON, OH, 45469

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Private), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $25,109,122

Exercised Options: $25,092,238

Current Obligation: $25,092,238

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS05Q17BMD0005

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline