University of Dayton awarded $32.3M for advanced manufacturing and cold spray services by GSA

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $32,332,989 ($32.3M)

Contractor: University of Dayton

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2021-03-16

End Date: 2022-03-15

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $88.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: R&D

Official Description: EPSE IV TO16 ADVANCED MANUFACTURING AND COLD SPRAY

Place of Performance

Location: DAYTON, GREENE County, OHIO, 45433

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $32.3 million to UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON for work described as: EPSE IV TO16 ADVANCED MANUFACTURING AND COLD SPRAY Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in specialized engineering capabilities. 2. Competition dynamics for this advanced manufacturing contract warrant further examination. 3. Performance risk appears moderate given the specialized nature of the services. 4. This contract supports critical research and development in advanced materials. 5. The award positions the University of Dayton as a key player in federal advanced manufacturing. 6. Spending aligns with broader federal initiatives to bolster domestic manufacturing.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $32.3 million for advanced manufacturing and cold spray services appears reasonable for a specialized, research-intensive undertaking. Benchmarking against similar contracts for advanced materials research and development is challenging due to the niche nature of 'cold spray' technology. However, the duration of the contract (one year) and the delivery order mechanism suggest a focused scope. The price per day is approximately $88,827, which, while substantial, is not inherently indicative of poor value without more granular cost breakdowns and comparisons to industry R&D rates.

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 solicited and allowed to bid. This approach is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive offers. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a robust competitive process was intended, aiming to leverage the broadest possible market.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down prices through market forces and encouraging a wider range of innovative solutions.

Public Impact

The University of Dayton, as the contractor, directly benefits from this funding for its research and development activities. The services delivered are advanced manufacturing techniques, specifically focusing on cold spray technology, which has applications in aerospace, defense, and energy sectors. The geographic impact is primarily centered in Ohio, where the University of Dayton is located, potentially fostering local economic development and specialized workforce growth. Workforce implications include the potential for highly skilled jobs in engineering, materials science, and advanced manufacturing at the University of Dayton.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns in highly specialized R&D projects.
Dependence on a single academic institution for critical advanced manufacturing capabilities.
Scope creep could increase costs beyond initial estimates if not managed tightly.

Positive Signals

Leverages academic expertise for cutting-edge research.
Supports strategic federal goals in advanced manufacturing.
Full and open competition suggests a well-vetted selection process.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services (NAICS 541330) sector, specifically focusing on advanced manufacturing and materials science. The market for specialized engineering services, particularly those involving novel techniques like cold spray, is often characterized by a mix of large defense contractors, specialized R&D firms, and academic institutions. Federal spending in this area is driven by the need for technological superiority and innovation in critical sectors such as defense and aerospace. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish precisely due to the niche nature of cold spray technology, but overall federal R&D spending in engineering services is substantial.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside (ss: false, sb: false). As a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle, the primary contractor is the University of Dayton. There is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting plans with small businesses. The focus on advanced academic research may limit direct opportunities for small businesses unless they possess highly specialized capabilities that complement the university's work.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the General Services Administration (GSA), Federal Acquisition Service. As a delivery order, the terms and conditions of the parent contract would apply. The University of Dayton, as a recipient of federal funds, is subject to standard accountability measures. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Advanced Materials Research Programs
Department of Defense Research and Development
National Science Foundation Engineering Grants
Manufacturing USA Institutes
General Services Administration - Engineering Services

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns in R&D
Technical feasibility uncertainty
Limited competition visibility (number of bidders not specified)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $32.3 million to UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON. EPSE IV TO16 ADVANCED MANUFACTURING AND COLD SPRAY

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 $32.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-03-16. End: 2022-03-15.

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

The University of Dayton has a history of engaging in federal research and development contracts, often in collaboration with government agencies and industry partners. Their expertise in materials science, aerospace engineering, and advanced manufacturing is well-recognized. While specific details on past advanced manufacturing contracts are not provided in this data snippet, their designation as a recipient for this significant award suggests a proven capability and a strong track record in securing and executing federal R&D funding. Further investigation into their contract history with agencies like the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), which has a significant presence in Ohio, would provide more context on their performance and experience in similar advanced manufacturing domains.

How does the $32.3 million contract value compare to similar advanced manufacturing R&D efforts?

Directly comparing the $32.3 million value is challenging due to the specificity of 'advanced manufacturing and cold spray' and the academic nature of the contractor. Federal R&D contracts for advanced materials and manufacturing can range widely, from a few million for specific research projects to hundreds of millions for large-scale technology development programs. Contracts awarded to universities often focus on fundamental research and early-stage technology maturation. The value here suggests a substantial, multi-year effort in a niche but strategically important area. Benchmarking would require identifying contracts with similar technical scopes (e.g., additive manufacturing, novel coating techniques) awarded to academic institutions or specialized research centers.

What are the primary risks associated with this advanced manufacturing contract?

The primary risks associated with this contract likely stem from the inherent uncertainties in advanced research and development. These include technical risks, such as the possibility that the cold spray technology may not perform as expected or achieve the desired outcomes within the project timeline and budget. There are also schedule risks, as R&D projects can encounter unforeseen delays. Furthermore, cost risks exist, as the specialized nature of the work and potential for unexpected challenges could lead to budget overruns. Finally, there's a risk related to the transition of technology; the research may not mature into a deployable capability for end-users within the defense or industrial sectors.

How effective is the GSA's Federal Acquisition Service in managing specialized R&D contracts like this?

The GSA's Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) plays a crucial role in managing a wide array of federal contracts, including specialized R&D. FAS utilizes various contract vehicles and expertise to procure goods and services efficiently. For R&D, FAS often leverages existing agency expertise or specialized contract types. The effectiveness in managing contracts like the EPSE IV TO16 hinges on the specific expertise of the contracting officers and the clarity of the Statement of Work. While FAS aims for efficiency and competition, the unique nature of advanced manufacturing R&D requires specialized technical oversight, which might be provided in conjunction with the end-user agency (though not specified here). GSA's role is often to facilitate the procurement process, ensuring compliance and competition, while technical oversight may be a shared responsibility.

What are the historical spending patterns for advanced manufacturing services by the GSA?

Historical spending patterns for advanced manufacturing services by the GSA, particularly through vehicles like EPSE IV, indicate a consistent federal interest in acquiring specialized engineering and technical support. GSA's role often involves providing broad acquisition solutions that agencies can use. Spending in this category typically fluctuates based on national priorities, technological advancements, and specific agency needs, particularly within defense and aerospace. While the $32.3 million for this specific delivery order is a notable figure, GSA's overall spending on engineering and R&D services is in the billions annually across various contract vehicles and task orders. Analyzing trends requires looking at broader categories like engineering services (NAICS 541330) and R&D services over several fiscal years.

What is the significance of 'cold spray' technology in the context of federal procurement?

Cold spray technology is a solid-state additive manufacturing process that involves propelling metallic or alloy particles at high velocities onto a substrate without melting them. Its significance in federal procurement lies in its potential applications for repairing and manufacturing critical components, especially in aerospace and defense. It allows for the deposition of coatings and the creation of structures with unique properties, often superior to traditional methods, and can be used on heat-sensitive materials. For the government, this translates to enhanced durability, improved performance, and potentially lower lifecycle costs for equipment and infrastructure. Contracts like this one reflect the government's investment in advancing and utilizing such cutting-edge manufacturing techniques to maintain technological superiority and address complex engineering challenges.

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: 47QFLA21Q0065

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: $32,332,989

Exercised Options: $32,332,989

Current Obligation: $32,332,989

Actual Outlays: $-14,817

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QFLA18D0006

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline