GSA Awards $27.4M for Advanced Manufacturing, University of Dayton to Lead Modernization Efforts

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $27,388,044 ($27.4M)

Contractor: University of Dayton

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2023-02-17

End Date: 2025-08-16

Contract Duration: 911 days

Daily Burn Rate: $30.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: ADVANCED MANUFACTURING (AM): MODERNIZING/ENHANCING THE AM FOOTPRINT

Place of Performance

Location: DAYTON, GREENE County, OHIO, 45433

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $27.4 million to UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON for work described as: ADVANCED MANUFACTURING (AM): MODERNIZING/ENHANCING THE AM FOOTPRINT Key points: 1. The contract focuses on enhancing the Advanced Manufacturing (AM) footprint, a critical area for technological advancement. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process for this significant investment. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract type aims to control costs for the government. 4. The University of Dayton, a known entity in research and development, is the awardee.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award amount of $27.4M for engineering services in advanced manufacturing appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar large-scale R&D or engineering modernization contracts would provide further context.

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 method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is expected to yield a fair price, maximizing the value of taxpayer dollars invested in advancing manufacturing capabilities.

Public Impact

Enhances U.S. competitiveness in advanced manufacturing technologies. Supports innovation and job creation within the advanced manufacturing sector. Modernizes critical infrastructure for future technological development. Potential for spillover benefits into other industries relying on advanced manufacturing.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data.
Potential for cost overruns if scope expands beyond initial estimates.
Dependence on a single awardee for a broad modernization effort.

Positive Signals

Focus on a strategically important sector (Advanced Manufacturing).
Utilizes a competitive procurement process.
Firm-fixed-price contract type for cost control.
Awardee has relevant expertise in research and development.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically focused on Advanced Manufacturing. Spending in this area is crucial for national competitiveness and technological advancement, with benchmarks varying widely based on project scope and complexity.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the awardee is the University of Dayton, and there is no specific mention of small business participation. Further investigation would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) is responsible for this contract, utilizing its Federal Acquisition Service. Oversight would involve monitoring the University of Dayton's performance against contract requirements and ensuring adherence to federal acquisition regulations.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
General Services Administration Contracting
Federal Acquisition Service Programs

Risk Flags

Contract duration is substantial (911 days).
Awardee is a single entity (University of Dayton).
No explicit mention of small business subcontracting goals.
Specific performance metrics are not detailed in the provided data.
Potential for technology obsolescence in a rapidly evolving field.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $27.4 million to UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON. ADVANCED MANUFACTURING (AM): MODERNIZING/ENHANCING THE AM FOOTPRINT

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 $27.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-02-17. End: 2025-08-16.

What specific advanced manufacturing capabilities will this contract modernize or enhance, and what are the expected outcomes?

The contract aims to modernize and enhance the overall Advanced Manufacturing (AM) footprint. Specific capabilities likely include upgrading existing infrastructure, integrating new technologies like AI and automation, and improving production processes. Expected outcomes are increased efficiency, enhanced product quality, reduced lead times, and a stronger U.S. position in global AM markets.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks include potential scope creep, technological obsolescence, and performance issues from the awardee. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust contract management, clear performance metrics, regular progress reviews, and contingency planning for unforeseen challenges. The firm-fixed-price structure also helps mitigate financial risk for the government.

How will the success of this advanced manufacturing initiative be measured, and what is the anticipated return on investment for taxpayers?

Success will be measured by achieving defined milestones in modernization, improvements in manufacturing efficiency metrics (e.g., throughput, defect rates), successful technology integration, and contributions to national economic goals. The ROI for taxpayers is expected through increased industrial capacity, job growth, technological leadership, and potentially reduced reliance on foreign manufacturing.

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: 47QFLA23Q0009

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

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: $27,388,044

Exercised Options: $27,388,044

Current Obligation: $27,388,044

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 40

Total Subaward Amount: $12,520,520

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