GSA awards $14.5M engineering support contract to University of Dayton for EPSE IV TO32

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,459,941 ($14.5M)

Contractor: University of Dayton

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2023-05-18

End Date: 2026-05-17

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $13.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: EPSE IV TO32 PROD SPT ENGINEER SUSTAIN MODERN II

Place of Performance

Location: DAYTON, GREENE County, OHIO, 45433

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $14.5 million to UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON for work described as: EPSE IV TO32 PROD SPT ENGINEER SUSTAIN MODERN II Key points: 1. Contract provides essential engineering, sustainment, and modernization services. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration of 1095 days indicates a medium-term commitment. 4. Services are critical for maintaining and upgrading existing systems. 5. The award to a university highlights potential for academic-industry collaboration. 6. Focus on production support and engineering services aligns with core government needs.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $14.5 million over three years appears reasonable for specialized engineering and sustainment services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for production support and engineering requires detailed analysis of scope and deliverables. However, the University of Dayton's award suggests a potentially cost-effective solution leveraging academic expertise. Further analysis would involve comparing the hourly rates or project milestones to industry standards for comparable engineering services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This method generally fosters a competitive environment, encouraging multiple bidders to offer their best pricing and technical solutions. The number of bidders is not specified, but the open competition suggests a robust process aimed at achieving fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from full and open competition through potentially lower prices and higher quality services due to the pressure of multiple bidders vying for the contract.

Public Impact

The University of Dayton benefits by securing a significant contract for its engineering and research capabilities. The General Services Administration (GSA) and potentially other federal agencies will receive critical engineering, sustainment, and modernization support. The contract supports the ongoing operations and technological advancement of federal programs. Workforce implications may include opportunities for researchers, engineers, and technical staff at the University of Dayton.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if project requirements are not clearly defined and managed.
Dependence on specific academic expertise may limit flexibility if personnel changes occur.
Ensuring timely delivery of complex engineering solutions within the specified timeframe.

Positive Signals

Leveraging academic research and innovation for advanced engineering solutions.
University's established track record in research and development can ensure high-quality service.
Potential for cost efficiencies through academic overhead structures compared to purely commercial entities.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector (NAICS 541330), which is a significant part of the federal procurement landscape. The market for engineering services is vast, encompassing design, consulting, and technical support across various industries. Federal spending in this area is crucial for maintaining infrastructure, developing new technologies, and ensuring the operational readiness of defense and civilian agencies. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large-scale engineering support contracts awarded by GSA and other agencies.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside component, as indicated by 'sb': false. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless the University of Dayton voluntarily engages small businesses as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically the Federal Acquisition Service. GSA has established procurement regulations and contract management processes to ensure accountability and transparency. Performance will be monitored against the terms of the delivery order, and any issues may be escalated through GSA's contract administration channels. Inspector General oversight would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services Contracts
Research and Development Support
IT Sustainment Services
Production Support Contracts
University Research Partnerships

Risk Flags

Potential for personnel turnover at the university impacting project continuity.
Risk of underestimation of the complexity of sustainment and modernization tasks.
Ensuring alignment between academic research goals and specific contract deliverables.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $14.5 million to UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON. EPSE IV TO32 PROD SPT ENGINEER SUSTAIN MODERN II

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 $14.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-05-18. End: 2026-05-17.

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

The University of Dayton has a history of engaging in research and development contracts with various federal agencies, often leveraging its engineering and scientific expertise. While specific details on past federal engineering support contracts are not provided in this data, universities typically excel in R&D, specialized technical services, and academic-focused projects. Their track record is generally characterized by strong research capabilities and a focus on innovation. To fully assess their track record for this specific type of contract, a review of their past performance on similar production support and sustainment engineering projects, including client feedback and project outcomes, would be necessary. Their ability to manage complex projects and deliver on time and within budget would be key indicators.

How does the $14.5 million value compare to similar engineering support contracts?

The $14.5 million contract value for three years of engineering, sustainment, and modernization services is a substantial award. To benchmark this value effectively, one would need to compare it against similar contracts awarded by the General Services Administration (GSA) or other agencies for comparable services. Factors such as the specific technical requirements, the level of expertise needed, the duration of the contract, and the number of bidders in the competition significantly influence pricing. Without access to a database of comparable contracts with detailed scope and pricing, it is difficult to definitively state whether this represents excellent, fair, or concerning value. However, given the full and open competition, the price is likely reflective of market rates for specialized engineering support.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract?

Primary risks associated with this contract include potential technical challenges in sustaining and modernizing complex systems, which could lead to delays or cost overruns. There's also a risk related to the availability of specialized personnel at the University of Dayton, as key researchers or engineers might move to other projects or institutions. Furthermore, ensuring effective communication and collaboration between the university and the contracting agency is crucial; any disconnect could impact project success. Finally, the risk of scope creep, where project requirements expand beyond the initial agreement without corresponding adjustments in cost or timeline, is a common concern in engineering contracts.

How effective is the 'full and open competition' approach for this type of engineering service?

Full and open competition is generally considered the most effective method for procuring complex engineering services like those outlined in this contract. It maximizes the pool of potential offerors, encouraging a wide range of innovative solutions and competitive pricing. This approach increases the likelihood that the government will receive the best value, balancing technical capability with cost. For specialized services such as engineering support and sustainment, where multiple firms and academic institutions may possess relevant expertise, open competition ensures that the government isn't limited to a few pre-selected vendors. This process helps drive efficiency and can lead to better long-term outcomes for the programs being supported.

What is the historical spending pattern for engineering services by the GSA?

The General Services Administration (GSA) consistently awards significant amounts in engineering services contracts annually, supporting a wide array of federal agency needs. Historical spending patterns show a strong demand for services related to infrastructure, IT modernization, facility management, and specialized technical consulting. GSA's Federal Acquisition Service, in particular, manages numerous indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts and task orders for engineering support across various disciplines. Spending in this category is influenced by government-wide initiatives, infrastructure investment priorities, and the lifecycle management of federal assets. Analyzing GSA's historical spending data would reveal trends in specific engineering sub-sectors and the typical contract values and durations awarded.

What are the implications of awarding this contract to a university rather than a private firm?

Awarding this engineering support contract to the University of Dayton, an academic institution, has several implications compared to contracting with a private firm. Universities often bring deep research capabilities, access to cutting-edge knowledge, and a focus on innovation that can be highly beneficial for complex engineering challenges. They may also offer a different cost structure, potentially leading to greater value for money, especially if the work aligns with their research objectives. However, universities might have different operational structures and timelines compared to private companies, which could affect project management and responsiveness. Ensuring clear communication, defined deliverables, and robust project oversight is crucial to mitigate any potential challenges arising from this academic-industry partnership.

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: 47QFLA23Q0103

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: $14,459,941

Exercised Options: $14,459,941

Current Obligation: $14,459,941

Actual Outlays: $-13,824

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 11

Total Subaward Amount: $1,194,483

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