GSA awards $57.3M engineering services contract to University of Dayton for cold spray support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $57,265,300 ($57.3M)

Contractor: University of Dayton

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2023-03-16

End Date: 2024-09-15

Contract Duration: 549 days

Daily Burn Rate: $104.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: R&D

Official Description: EPSE IV TO30 AM ADD MANUF AND COLD SPRAY SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: DAYTON, GREENE County, OHIO, 45433

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $57.3 million to UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON for work described as: EPSE IV TO30 AM ADD MANUF AND COLD SPRAY SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in specialized engineering capabilities. 2. Full and open competition suggests a robust market for these services. 3. Potential for cost efficiencies through competitive bidding. 4. Performance period of over a year allows for sustained support. 5. Focus on advanced manufacturing and cold spray technology indicates a niche but critical area. 6. Geographic concentration in Ohio may offer localized economic benefits.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $57.3 million for engineering services, specifically for manfacturing and cold spray support, appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the work. Benchmarking against similar contracts for advanced manufacturing and engineering R&D is challenging due to the niche focus on cold spray technology. However, the time and materials pricing structure allows for flexibility, but requires diligent oversight to ensure cost-effectiveness. The duration of the contract (549 days) suggests a substantial project scope.

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 expected to drive fair pricing and ensure the government receives the best value. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation implies a healthy level of market interest and participation.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure specialized engineering services at optimal prices, preventing potential overspending associated with less competitive solicitations.

Public Impact

The University of Dayton, as the contractor, will benefit from this significant award, likely enhancing its research and development capabilities. The services delivered will support advanced manufacturing and cold spray technology, crucial for innovation in various industrial sectors. The geographic impact is concentrated in Ohio, potentially creating or sustaining high-skilled jobs in the region. The contract supports the development and application of cutting-edge manufacturing techniques, contributing to technological advancement.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns with time and materials contracts if not closely monitored.
Dependence on a single contractor for specialized cold spray expertise could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Award to a university suggests a focus on research and development, potentially leading to innovative solutions.
Full and open competition indicates a healthy market and potential for high-quality service providers.
The contract duration allows for sustained effort and development of the technology.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically focusing on advanced manufacturing and a niche technology known as cold spray. The market for specialized engineering services is competitive, with significant government spending directed towards R&D and technological advancement. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish precisely due to the specific nature of cold spray support, but overall engineering services contracts represent a substantial portion of federal procurement.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside. Therefore, direct subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not explicitly detailed within this award. The primary focus appears to be on leveraging the capabilities of the University of Dayton, which is not typically structured as a small business.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will be managed by the General Services Administration (GSA), Federal Acquisition Service. As a time and materials contract, diligent monitoring of hours and material costs will be crucial to ensure accountability and prevent overspending. Transparency is expected through standard federal procurement reporting mechanisms. The specific jurisdiction of an Inspector General would depend on the agency's internal structure and any potential for fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Advanced Manufacturing Initiatives
Research and Development Contracts
Engineering and Technical Services
Materials Science Research

Risk Flags

Time and Materials Pricing Structure
Potential for Cost Overruns
Limited Publicly Available Bidder Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $57.3 million to UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON. EPSE IV TO30 AM ADD MANUF AND COLD SPRAY SUPPORT

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 $57.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-03-16. End: 2024-09-15.

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

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 areas like materials science, aerospace engineering, and advanced manufacturing makes them a frequent recipient of grants and contracts. While specific details on past cold spray support contracts are not immediately available from this data, their broader portfolio suggests a capacity for handling complex technical projects. A deeper dive into their contract history with agencies like the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), which has a significant presence in Dayton, would provide further context on their performance and reliability in similar technical domains.

How does the $57.3 million contract value compare to typical engineering services contracts awarded by the GSA?

The $57.3 million value for this specific engineering services contract, focused on manufacturing and cold spray support, is substantial. GSA awards a wide range of engineering services contracts, from smaller, specialized task orders to large, multi-year indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) vehicles. Contracts in the tens of millions are not uncommon for complex R&D or specialized technical support. However, the precise comparison depends heavily on the scope, duration, and specific technical requirements. Given the niche nature of cold spray technology, this award likely represents a significant investment in a particular capability, potentially higher than more general engineering support contracts but within the expected range for specialized R&D.

What are the primary risks associated with a time and materials (T&M) contract of this magnitude?

The primary risk with a T&M contract of this magnitude ($57.3 million) is the potential for cost overruns if not managed rigorously. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M agreements pay the contractor for the actual time and materials expended. This necessitates robust government oversight to ensure that hours billed are reasonable and necessary, and that material costs are fair and competitive. Without strong controls, there's a risk of inefficiency or inflated pricing. Another risk is the potential for scope creep, where the project expands beyond its original intent without a corresponding adjustment in the contract's ceiling price. Effective contract administration, including detailed progress tracking and regular performance reviews, is critical to mitigate these risks.

What is the expected effectiveness of this contract in advancing cold spray technology for federal applications?

The effectiveness of this contract in advancing cold spray technology hinges on several factors, including the University of Dayton's expertise, the clarity of the project objectives, and the level of government engagement. Cold spray is a promising additive manufacturing process with applications in repair, coating, and fabrication. If the contract focuses on developing new applications, improving process efficiency, or creating novel materials using cold spray, it could significantly contribute to federal capabilities in areas like aerospace, defense, and energy. The University of Dayton's research background suggests a strong potential for innovation. Success will be measured by the successful development and implementation of new cold spray techniques or applications that provide tangible benefits to the government.

How does historical spending on engineering services by the GSA Federal Acquisition Service compare to this award?

The General Services Administration's Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) manages a vast portfolio of contracts across numerous service categories, including engineering. Historical spending data for FAS shows billions of dollars obligated annually on engineering and technical services to support various federal agencies. Awards in the range of $50-60 million are not unusual for significant, multi-year projects or for large IDIQ vehicles that encompass a broad scope of services. This specific award to the University of Dayton for cold spray support, while substantial, fits within the broader pattern of GSA's significant investment in specialized engineering and R&D capabilities to meet evolving federal needs.

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: 47QFLA23Q0058

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: $57,265,300

Exercised Options: $57,265,300

Current Obligation: $57,265,300

Actual Outlays: $-12,678

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 41

Total Subaward Amount: $2,935,604

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