DHS awards $30.8M R&D contract to MITRE for data analytics research

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $30,776,706 ($30.8M)

Contractor: THE Mitre Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2023-08-03

End Date: 2026-03-23

Contract Duration: 963 days

Daily Burn Rate: $32.0K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: DATA ANALYTICS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

Place of Performance

Location: MCLEAN, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22102

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $30.8 million to THE MITRE CORPORATION for work described as: DATA ANALYTICS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT Key points: 1. MITRE, a non-profit, is a frequent contractor for government R&D. 2. The contract focuses on physical, engineering, and life sciences R&D. 3. The 'NOT COMPETED' status raises questions about price discovery. 4. This spending falls within the broad R&D sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to higher costs if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially increases costs for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in a higher price than if multiple vendors had bid.

Public Impact

Supports critical data analytics research for Homeland Security. Potential for advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences. Contract awarded to a well-established R&D organization. Lack of competition may limit broader industry innovation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competition.
Cost-plus contract type can inflate costs.
Lack of transparency in pricing.

Positive Signals

Addresses critical R&D needs.
Awarded to a reputable research organization.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the broad Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences category. Spending in this sector is often high-value and specialized, with significant government investment.

Small Business Impact

The contract does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. Given the nature of the work and the awardee, it is unlikely that small businesses were significantly involved.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Homeland Security's Office of Procurement Operations managed this award. Oversight will be crucial to ensure the fixed fee is justified and costs are controlled.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
Office of Procurement Operations Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of competition.
Potential for cost overruns.
Limited transparency in pricing.
Contract type may not incentivize efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $30.8 million to THE MITRE CORPORATION. DATA ANALYTICS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE MITRE CORPORATION.

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 $30.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-08-03. End: 2026-03-23.

What specific data analytics capabilities will this R&D project develop for DHS?

The contract details are limited, but the NAICS code 541715 suggests research in physical, engineering, and life sciences. The project likely aims to enhance DHS's ability to process, analyze, and derive insights from large datasets to improve operational effectiveness, threat detection, or resource allocation.

What are the risks associated with a sole-source, cost-plus fixed fee contract for R&D?

Sole-source awards bypass competitive bidding, potentially leading to higher prices and reduced innovation. Cost-plus fixed fee contracts can incentivize contractors to increase costs to maximize their fee, especially if oversight is weak. This combination requires robust monitoring to ensure value for money.

How will the effectiveness of this R&D be measured and ensured?

Effectiveness will likely be measured through defined milestones, deliverables, and the successful application of developed technologies or methodologies. The DHS will need to establish clear performance metrics and conduct regular reviews to ensure the project aligns with its strategic objectives and delivers tangible benefits.

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: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: TEP43-23-0204

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7515 COLSHIRE DR, MC LEAN, VA, 22102

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: $45,000,000

Exercised Options: $33,999,999

Current Obligation: $30,776,706

Actual Outlays: $23,276,787

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $59,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70RSAT20D00000001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline