DOT Awards $4M for Advanced Driver Assistance System Support and Development to Transportation Research Center Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $4,034,754 ($4.0M)
Contractor: Transportation Research Center Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation
Start Date: 2023-05-04
End Date: 2026-04-02
Contract Duration: 1,064 days
Daily Burn Rate: $3.8K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: ADVANCED DRIVER ASSISTANCE - SYSTEM EQUIPMENT SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT
Place of Performance
Location: EAST LIBERTY, LOGAN County, OHIO, 43319
State: Ohio Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Transportation obligated $4.0 million to TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH CENTER INC for work described as: ADVANCED DRIVER ASSISTANCE - SYSTEM EQUIPMENT SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT Key points: 1. The contract focuses on critical safety technology for vehicles. 2. Competition was limited, raising potential concerns about price discovery. 3. The sector is experiencing rapid innovation and significant investment. 4. The award value is moderate for specialized R&D services.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar R&D support contracts is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was not competed, indicating a potential lack of market research or a specific justification for sole-sourcing. This limits competitive pressure, which could impact the final price and value obtained.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in taxpayers paying a premium for these specialized services.
Public Impact
Enhances vehicle safety through advanced driver assistance systems. Supports research and development in a rapidly evolving automotive sector. Potential for improved road safety and reduced accidents. Investment in technology that could become standard in future vehicles.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost-plus contract type
- Potential for cost overruns
Positive Signals
- Supports critical safety technology
- Addresses a key area of automotive innovation
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the automotive technology and R&D sector, specifically focusing on safety systems. Spending in this area is high globally due to regulatory pressures and consumer demand for safer vehicles.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this specific contract award. Opportunities for small business participation in specialized R&D contracts are often limited.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Transportation, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard oversight procedures for R&D contracts should be applied to ensure value and performance.
Related Government Programs
- Testing Laboratories and Services
- Department of Transportation Contracting
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competitive bidding
- Cost-plus contract type risks
- Potential for scope creep
- Limited transparency on pricing justification
Tags
testing-laboratories-and-services, department-of-transportation, oh, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Transportation awarded $4.0 million to TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH CENTER INC. ADVANCED DRIVER ASSISTANCE - SYSTEM EQUIPMENT SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT
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 $4.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-05-04. End: 2026-04-02.
What is the specific justification for not competing this contract, and how was the fixed fee determined?
The justification for not competing this contract is not provided in the data. For cost-plus fixed-fee contracts, the fixed fee is negotiated based on the estimated cost of the work, the complexity of the task, and the contractor's profit margin. A thorough review of the negotiation process and cost estimates is needed to assess fairness.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will success be measured?
Key performance indicators are crucial for R&D contracts to ensure progress and value. Without specific KPIs outlined, it's difficult to assess the likelihood of success. These should include milestones for development, testing protocols, and deliverables related to system performance and safety validation.
How does the awarded amount compare to industry benchmarks for similar R&D support services?
Direct comparison to industry benchmarks is challenging without detailed cost breakdowns and specific service definitions. However, the $4 million award over approximately three years for specialized system support and development suggests a significant investment. Further analysis of the scope of work against market rates for similar expertise is recommended.
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: $4,034,754
Exercised Options: $4,034,754
Current Obligation: $4,034,754
Actual Outlays: $4,034,754
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
Start Date: 2023-05-04
Current End Date: 2026-04-02
Potential End Date: 2026-04-02 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-02
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