DHS Awards $2.27M for Research Services to University of Illinois
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,270,000 ($2.3M)
Contractor: University of Illinois
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2023-09-29
End Date: 2026-09-28
Contract Duration: 1,095 days
Daily Burn Rate: $2.1K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THIS TORP SEEKS A RESPONSE FROM CIRI (CIRI), A DHS CENTER OF EXCELLENCE LED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN, TO PERFORM RESEARCH/SCIENTIFIC SERVICES THAT ARE WITHIN SCOPE UNDER THE BOA 70RSAT21G00000012.
Place of Performance
Location: CHAMPAIGN, CHAMPAIGN County, ILLINOIS, 61820
State: Illinois Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $2.3 million to UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS for work described as: THIS TORP SEEKS A RESPONSE FROM CIRI (CIRI), A DHS CENTER OF EXCELLENCE LED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN, TO PERFORM RESEARCH/SCIENTIFIC SERVICES THAT ARE WITHIN SCOPE UNDER THE BOA 70RSAT21G00000012. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to University of Illinois for scientific services. 2. Spending is for 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services'. 3. The contract is a firm-fixed-price delivery order. 4. This award represents a small portion of overall federal R&D spending.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The $2.27 million award for research services appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized scientific services is difficult without more detail on the specific research objectives.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award to the University of Illinois. This limits price discovery and may not ensure the best value for taxpayer dollars.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not be receiving the most competitive pricing due to the lack of competition.
Public Impact
Supports research and development within the Department of Homeland Security. Funds specialized scientific services, potentially leading to advancements in homeland security. University of Illinois, a Center of Excellence, will perform the work.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potential for higher costs due to sole-source award
Positive Signals
- Award to a DHS Center of Excellence
- Supports critical research for homeland security
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under professional, scientific, and technical services, a broad category. Federal spending in this sector is substantial, with significant investment in R&D and specialized expertise.
Small Business Impact
This award does not appear to involve small business participation, as it is directly awarded to a large university. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist.
Oversight & Accountability
The award is managed by the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Procurement Operations. Oversight should focus on ensuring the research objectives are met and that the sole-source justification remains valid.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- Office of Procurement Operations Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Lack of detailed scope makes value assessment difficult.
- Potential for cost overruns without competitive pressure.
- No clear indication of small business subcontracting.
Tags
all-other-professional-scientific-and-te, department-of-homeland-security, il, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $2.3 million to UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS. THIS TORP SEEKS A RESPONSE FROM CIRI (CIRI), A DHS CENTER OF EXCELLENCE LED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN, TO PERFORM RESEARCH/SCIENTIFIC SERVICES THAT ARE WITHIN SCOPE UNDER THE BOA 70RSAT21G00000012.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS.
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 $2.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-09-29. End: 2026-09-28.
What specific research or scientific services are being procured under this award?
The data indicates the award is for 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' under a BOA with CIRI, a DHS Center of Excellence led by the University of Illinois. However, the precise nature of the research or scientific services is not detailed, making it difficult to assess the specific value or impact beyond general R&D support for DHS.
What is the justification for the sole-source award to the University of Illinois?
The justification for a sole-source award is not provided in the data. Typically, such awards require a strong rationale, such as unique capabilities, prior research continuity, or specific expertise held by the awarded entity. Without this justification, it's difficult to assess the necessity of bypassing competitive bidding.
How will the effectiveness of the research services be measured and ensured?
The effectiveness of the research services will likely be measured through milestones, deliverables, and final reports outlined in the contract. The Department of Homeland Security's Office of Procurement Operations is responsible for oversight. However, the data does not specify the performance metrics or evaluation criteria used to ensure the research meets its objectives.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
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: 70RSAT23R00000035
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 352 HENRY ADMINISTRATION BLDG, URBANA, IL, 61801
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Government, Higher Education, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public), U.S. Regional/State Government
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $2,270,000
Exercised Options: $2,270,000
Current Obligation: $2,270,000
Actual Outlays: $1,048,278
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 1
Total Subaward Amount: $173,473
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 70RSAT21G00000012
IDV Type: BOA
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-09-29
Current End Date: 2026-09-28
Potential End Date: 2026-09-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-10
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