DOT Awards $2.79M for Automated Driving Systems Testing Frameworks to Transportation Research Center Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,792,957 ($2.8M)

Contractor: Transportation Research Center Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2021-03-25

End Date: 2026-04-02

Contract Duration: 1,834 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.5K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: EXERCISING AUTOMATED DRIVING SYSTEMS (ADS) TESTING FRAMEWORKS FOR APPLIED RESEARCH

Place of Performance

Location: EAST LIBERTY, LOGAN County, OHIO, 43319

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $2.8 million to TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH CENTER INC for work described as: EXERCISING AUTOMATED DRIVING SYSTEMS (ADS) TESTING FRAMEWORKS FOR APPLIED RESEARCH Key points: 1. The contract focuses on applied research for ADS testing, a critical area for vehicle safety. 2. Competition was limited, raising questions about price discovery and potential cost efficiencies. 3. The risk profile appears moderate, with a long performance period and a cost-plus contract type. 4. Spending falls within the 'Testing Laboratories and Services' sector, with benchmarks to be assessed.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The cost-plus fixed fee structure allows for flexibility but requires careful monitoring to ensure costs remain reasonable. Benchmarking against similar testing services is crucial for assessing value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not competed, indicating potential limitations in market research and price negotiation. This approach may not yield the most cost-effective outcome for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition could lead to higher costs than a fully competed contract, impacting the efficient use of taxpayer funds.

Public Impact

Enhances safety research for emerging autonomous vehicle technology. Supports the development of standardized testing protocols for ADS. Potential for job creation in specialized testing services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Cost-plus contract type
Long performance period

Positive Signals

Focus on critical safety research
Established testing facility

Sector Analysis

Spending in the Testing Laboratories and Services sector can vary widely based on the complexity and duration of testing. This contract's value appears moderate for specialized ADS framework development.

Small Business Impact

The contract data does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is responsible for overseeing this contract. Robust oversight will be necessary to manage costs and ensure deliverables meet research objectives.

Related Government Programs

Testing Laboratories and Services
Department of Transportation Contracting
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to cost-plus contract type.
Limited competition may result in suboptimal pricing.
Risk of technological obsolescence in a rapidly evolving field.
Long contract duration increases exposure to unforeseen issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $2.8 million to TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH CENTER INC. EXERCISING AUTOMATED DRIVING SYSTEMS (ADS) TESTING FRAMEWORKS FOR APPLIED RESEARCH

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH CENTER INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-03-25. End: 2026-04-02.

What is the expected impact of these testing frameworks on the overall safety and deployment timeline of automated driving systems?

The developed testing frameworks are expected to standardize and accelerate the validation of automated driving systems (ADS). By providing robust and reliable methods for evaluating ADS performance and safety, these frameworks can build public trust and facilitate regulatory approval, potentially leading to a safer and more efficient deployment of autonomous vehicle technology.

How will the government ensure cost control and value for money given the cost-plus fixed fee contract and lack of competition?

The government will need to implement stringent oversight mechanisms, including detailed cost reviews, performance monitoring, and regular audits. Establishing clear performance metrics and milestones tied to fee payments, along with thorough negotiation of indirect cost rates, will be crucial for managing costs and ensuring value. Benchmarking against industry standards for similar services will also be important.

What are the key risks associated with the long duration and specific nature of this ADS testing framework development contract?

Key risks include technological obsolescence, as ADS technology evolves rapidly. Scope creep is also a concern with research-oriented contracts. Furthermore, the long duration could lead to cost overruns if not managed effectively, and the specialized nature of the work might limit the pool of qualified personnel, potentially impacting project timelines and quality.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Transportation R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 10820 STATE RTE 347, EAST LIBERTY, OH, 43319

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,792,957

Exercised Options: $2,792,957

Current Obligation: $2,792,957

Actual Outlays: $2,792,957

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 5

Total Subaward Amount: $600,658

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 693JJ918D000019

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline