DHS awards $21.8M contract to Auburn University for canine technology R&D
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $21,852,013 ($21.9M)
Contractor: Auburn University
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2022-01-11
End Date: 2027-01-10
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $12.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: NEW PROJECT THAT INCORPORATES APPLIED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES THAT WILL DRIVE THE DEVELOPMENT OF CANINE TECHNOLOGIES.
Place of Performance
Location: AUBURN UNIVERSITY, LEE County, ALABAMA, 36849
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $21.9 million to AUBURN UNIVERSITY for work described as: NEW PROJECT THAT INCORPORATES APPLIED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES THAT WILL DRIVE THE DEVELOPMENT OF CANINE TECHNOLOGIES. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on applied research and development for canine technologies. 2. Auburn University, a research institution, is the sole awardee. 3. The contract duration is 5 years, indicating a long-term investment. 4. The award type is a definitive contract, suggesting a clear scope of work. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541715 points to R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 6. The contract was awarded under full and open competition. 7. The contract value is $21.8 million, representing a significant investment in this specialized area.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $21.8 million for applied research and development in canine technologies is difficult to benchmark without specific details on the scope and deliverables. As a definitive contract with a cost-no-fee structure, the government bears the cost risk, which can sometimes lead to less price sensitivity. However, given the specialized nature of R&D, direct comparisons to similar contracts are challenging. The value appears reasonable for a multi-year research initiative, but a detailed cost breakdown would be necessary for a more precise assessment of value for money.
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 a bid. This suggests a competitive process was intended to identify the best value. However, the data does not specify the number of bids received, which is crucial for understanding the actual level of competition. A robust competition typically involves multiple bidders vying for the contract, driving down prices and fostering innovation.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it aims to secure the best possible price and quality through a broad selection of potential contractors.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiary is the Department of Homeland Security, which will receive advancements in canine technologies. The research aims to develop new capabilities that could enhance security operations and effectiveness. The geographic impact is primarily centered around Auburn University in Alabama, where the research will be conducted. The contract may have implications for the workforce at Auburn University, potentially creating or supporting research positions.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost-no-fee contract structure may reduce contractor incentive for cost control.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data makes it difficult to assess progress and success.
- The specialized nature of R&D can introduce inherent risks in achieving desired outcomes within budget and timeline.
Positive Signals
- Award to a university suggests a focus on rigorous scientific and applied research.
- Full and open competition, if well-executed with multiple bids, can lead to better outcomes.
- Long contract duration (5 years) allows for sustained effort and development in a complex field.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for specialized R&D, particularly in areas like canine technology for security applications, is niche. Comparable spending benchmarks would likely be found within government R&D solicitations for defense, homeland security, and scientific agencies. The total federal spending on R&D is substantial, but contracts for highly specific applications like this represent a small fraction of that total.
Small Business Impact
The provided data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). As a research and development contract awarded to a university, the primary focus is on academic and scientific expertise rather than traditional small business subcontracting opportunities. However, Auburn University may engage small businesses for specialized support services or materials as part of its research activities, though this is not explicitly detailed.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program officials within the Department of Homeland Security. The definitive contract structure implies a defined scope, allowing for monitoring of progress against milestones. Transparency would be enhanced by public reporting of contract awards and potentially through research publications stemming from the project. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.
Related Government Programs
- Department of Defense Research and Development Programs
- National Science Foundation Research Grants
- Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate Initiatives
- Advanced Technology Development Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost-plus contract structure can lead to less contractor incentive for cost control.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in award data makes outcome assessment difficult.
- Long-term R&D projects carry inherent risks of technical feasibility and market obsolescence.
Tags
research-and-development, department-of-homeland-security, auburn-university, definitive-contract, full-and-open-competition, cost-no-fee, alabama, canine-technology, applied-research, science-and-technology
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $21.9 million to AUBURN UNIVERSITY. NEW PROJECT THAT INCORPORATES APPLIED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES THAT WILL DRIVE THE DEVELOPMENT OF CANINE TECHNOLOGIES.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AUBURN UNIVERSITY.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Office of Procurement Operations).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $21.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-01-11. End: 2027-01-10.
What is Auburn University's track record with federal R&D contracts, particularly in defense or homeland security?
Auburn University has a significant history of engaging in federal research and development contracts across various agencies, including those related to defense and homeland security. While specific details for this canine technology project are not provided, universities of Auburn's caliber typically have established research centers and faculty with expertise in areas relevant to government needs. Their track record often includes successful completion of complex research projects, publications in peer-reviewed journals, and contributions to technological advancements. A deeper dive into Auburn's federal contract database (e.g., FPDS) would reveal the volume, value, and success rates of their past awards, providing a clearer picture of their capabilities and reliability in executing large-scale R&D initiatives.
How does the $21.8 million contract value compare to similar applied research and development efforts in canine technology?
Benchmarking the $21.8 million contract value for canine technology R&D is challenging due to the specialized and often proprietary nature of such research. Applied R&D contracts can vary widely in scope, duration, and complexity. A 5-year definitive contract for developing new technologies suggests a substantial investment. Without specific details on the research objectives, deliverables, and the number of bidders, a direct comparison is difficult. However, for multi-year, cutting-edge R&D projects within federal agencies like DHS or DoD, values in the tens of millions are not uncommon, especially when they involve advanced scientific inquiry and technological innovation aimed at enhancing national security or public safety.
What are the primary risks associated with this applied research and development contract?
The primary risks associated with this applied research and development contract are inherent to the nature of R&D. These include technical risks, such as the possibility that the research may not yield the desired technological advancements or that the developed technologies may not perform as expected in real-world applications. There are also schedule risks, where the research timeline may be extended due to unforeseen scientific challenges or experimental setbacks. Furthermore, cost risks, although mitigated by the 'cost-no-fee' structure for the contractor, still exist in terms of the government ultimately bearing all costs, potentially exceeding initial estimates if the project scope expands or encounters significant hurdles. Finally, there's a risk of obsolescence if the technology developed is surpassed by other innovations during the lengthy R&D period.
What is the expected program effectiveness and how will it be measured?
The expected program effectiveness hinges on the successful development and implementation of advanced canine technologies that enhance the capabilities of the Department of Homeland Security. This could translate to improved detection abilities, enhanced operational efficiency for K9 units, or novel applications for canine support in security and law enforcement. Measurement of effectiveness will likely be tied to specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives outlined in the contract's statement of work. These could include metrics related to the accuracy and speed of detection systems, the reliability and durability of new equipment, or the successful integration of developed technologies into existing operational frameworks. Regular progress reports, technical reviews, and final demonstrations will be crucial for assessing the program's success.
What are the historical spending patterns for canine technology research and development within DHS or similar agencies?
Historical spending patterns for canine technology research and development within DHS and similar agencies like the Department of Defense (DoD) show a consistent, albeit often niche, investment. These agencies recognize the unique capabilities of canines in areas such as explosives detection, narcotics interdiction, search and rescue, and patrol operations. Funding for R&D in this area typically supports advancements in sensor technology for dogs, training methodologies, protective gear, and communication systems. While specific figures fluctuate annually based on strategic priorities and emerging threats, federal investment in enhancing K9 unit effectiveness through technological innovation is a recurring theme. Contracts like this one represent a focused effort to push the boundaries of what's possible, building upon previous research and addressing current operational gaps.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 107 SAMFORD HALL, AUBURN, AL, 36849
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public), School of Forestry, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veterinary College
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $22,799,035
Exercised Options: $21,852,013
Current Obligation: $21,852,013
Actual Outlays: $11,666,725
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 28
Total Subaward Amount: $3,459,604
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-01-11
Current End Date: 2027-01-10
Potential End Date: 2027-01-10 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-26
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