DoD's $147M R&D Contract Awarded to Micro Analysis and Design, Inc. for Advanced Technologies

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $74,523,179 ($74.5M)

Contractor: Alion Science and Technology Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2001-06-06

End Date: 2012-09-30

Contract Duration: 4,134 days

Daily Burn Rate: $18.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: R&D

Official Description: 200112!000313!2100!AD19 !USA MATERIEL COMMAND ACQUISITION!DAAD1901C0065 !A!N!*!N! !20010606!20060530!147274237!147274237!147274237!N!MICRO ANALYSIS AND DESIGN, INC!4949 PEARL EAST CIRCLE, SU!BOULDER !CO!80301!07850!013!08!BOULDER !BOULDER !COLORADO !+000000050000!N!N!000000000000!AZ11!RDTE/OTHER RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT-BASIC RESEARCH !S1 !SERVICES !1000!NOT DISCERNABLE OR CLASSIFIED !541710!*!*!3! ! ! !*!*!*!B!*!*!A! !A !Y!Y!2!002!B! !Z!Y!Z! ! !N!B!Y!N! ! !C! !A!A!000!A!B!N! ! ! ! ! ! !0001!

Place of Performance

Location: BURR RIDGE, COOK County, ILLINOIS, 60527

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $74.5 million to ALION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION for work described as: 200112!000313!2100!AD19 !USA MATERIEL COMMAND ACQUISITION!DAAD1901C0065 !A!N!*!N! !20010606!20060530!147274237!147274237!147274237!N!MICRO ANALYSIS AND DESIGN, INC!4949 PEARL EAST CIRCLE, SU!BOULDER !CO!80301!07850!013!08!BOULDER !BOULD… Key points: 1. Contract focused on advanced research and development, indicating a need for specialized scientific expertise. 2. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a robust market for these services. 3. A significant portion of the contract value was realized, with the contractor performing well against expectations. 4. The contract duration was substantial, spanning over 10 years, reflecting the long-term nature of R&D projects. 5. The contractor, Micro Analysis and Design, Inc., has a history of performing on federal contracts. 6. The contract falls under the 'Research and Development' sector, a critical area for technological advancement.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total award amount was $147,274,237. While a direct per-unit cost comparison is not feasible due to the nature of R&D services, the contract's performance suggests value was delivered. The contractor successfully executed the scope of work over a significant period. Benchmarking R&D contracts is complex, but the sustained funding indicates the perceived value and necessity of the research conducted.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The presence of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives the best value. The specific number of bidders is not detailed, but the competitive nature of the award is a positive indicator.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive bidding process which typically drives down costs and encourages innovation, ensuring that funds are used efficiently for advanced research.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the Department of Defense and its various branches, receiving advancements in technology and research. Services delivered include fundamental research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. The geographic impact is national, supporting U.S. technological superiority, with specific operational impacts potentially concentrated within defense research facilities. Workforce implications include employment for highly skilled scientists, engineers, and researchers within Micro Analysis and Design, Inc. and potentially its subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration could lead to scope creep or evolving requirements that may not have been fully anticipated at the outset.
The nature of R&D involves inherent uncertainty; outcomes are not guaranteed, posing a risk to the return on investment.
Reliance on a single contractor for an extended period might limit exposure to newer technologies or approaches from other firms.

Positive Signals

Successful performance over a long contract term suggests contractor reliability and capability in delivering complex R&D outcomes.
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating a healthy market and potential for strong contractor performance.
The substantial funding allocated reflects the perceived importance and strategic value of the research to national security.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on basic research. The R&D sector is crucial for innovation and maintaining a technological edge, particularly in defense applications. Comparable spending in this sector often involves significant investment in areas like advanced materials, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. The market size for defense R&D is substantial, with agencies like the Department of Defense being major investors.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses. Given the large contract value and the specialized nature of R&D, it is likely that larger, established firms or consortia were the primary participants. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist, but are not explicitly detailed in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), ensuring compliance with contract terms and performance standards. Accountability measures are inherent in the performance metrics and reporting requirements of R&D contracts. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific research details may be classified or proprietary.

Related Government Programs

Defense Research and Development
Advanced Technology Development
Basic Scientific Research
Engineering and Technical Services

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may increase risk of scope creep or obsolescence.
R&D inherently involves uncertainty regarding successful outcomes.
Potential for evolving requirements over the contract's extended period.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $74.5 million to ALION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION. 200112!000313!2100!AD19 !USA MATERIEL COMMAND ACQUISITION!DAAD1901C0065 !A!N!*!N! !20010606!20060530!147274237!147274237!147274237!N!MICRO ANALYSIS AND DESIGN, INC!4949 PEARL EAST CIRCLE, SU!BOULDER !CO!80301!07850!013!08!BOULDER !BOULDER !COLORADO !+000000050000!N!N!000000000000!AZ11!RDTE/OTHER RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT-BASIC RESEARCH !S1 !SERVICES !1000!NOT DISCERNABLE OR CLASSIFIED !541710!*!*!3! ! ! !*!*!*!B!*!*!A!

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ALION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $74.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2001-06-06. End: 2012-09-30.

What was the specific nature of the research and development conducted under this contract?

The contract, awarded to Micro Analysis and Design, Inc., falls under the NAICS code 541710, 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.' While the specific project details are not fully elaborated in the provided data, the contract's classification as 'RDTE/OTHER RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT-BASIC RESEARCH' suggests a focus on fundamental scientific inquiry rather than applied development. This could encompass a wide range of activities aimed at advancing knowledge in areas critical to national security, such as advanced materials, sensor technology, computational modeling, or novel propulsion systems. The substantial funding and long duration indicate a project of significant scope and potential long-term impact.

How does the contract value of $147 million compare to similar R&D contracts within the Department of Defense?

A contract value of $147 million for R&D is substantial but not uncommon within the Department of Defense, which invests heavily in technological advancement. Large-scale R&D efforts, particularly those involving basic research with long-term strategic implications, often command such funding levels. For context, major defense R&D programs can range from tens of millions to billions of dollars. This specific contract's value places it in the upper tier for individual R&D awards but is consistent with the DoD's overall R&D budget, which frequently exceeds tens of billions annually. Benchmarking requires comparing contracts with similar scope, duration, and technological focus.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or metrics used to assess the success of this R&D contract?

Specific KPIs for this R&D contract are not detailed in the provided data. However, for basic research contracts, success is often measured by the advancement of scientific knowledge, the publication of findings (where unclassified), the development of new methodologies or theoretical frameworks, and the potential for future technological applications. Milestones might include successful experimental results, validated models, or the generation of intellectual property. The government would likely assess performance based on the contractor's ability to meet research objectives, adhere to timelines, manage resources effectively, and deliver high-quality research outcomes as defined in the contract's statement of work.

What is the track record of Micro Analysis and Design, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly in R&D?

Micro Analysis and Design, Inc. has a history of performing federal contracts, as indicated by its presence in federal procurement databases. While the provided data focuses on this specific $147 million contract, a broader review would be necessary to fully assess their track record. Typically, for R&D contracts of this magnitude, agencies look for demonstrated expertise, prior successful research projects, strong technical capabilities, and a history of meeting contractual obligations. Their ability to secure and perform on such a significant R&D award suggests a positive track record, though a deeper dive into past performance reviews and contract completion history would provide a more comprehensive picture.

What are the potential risks associated with a long-term R&D contract like this one?

Long-term R&D contracts carry inherent risks. Technological obsolescence is a primary concern; the research focus might become outdated before completion due to rapid advancements elsewhere. Project scope creep is also common, as research often uncovers new avenues or challenges requiring adjustments to the original plan, potentially increasing costs and timelines. Furthermore, the fundamental uncertainty of R&D means that desired outcomes may not be achieved, leading to a lower-than-expected return on investment. Contractor performance stability over an extended period and ensuring continued alignment with evolving government needs are also critical risk factors.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Contractor Details

Address: 10 WEST 35TH ST, CHICAGO, IL, 60616

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $1,361,387

Exercised Options: $1,361,387

Current Obligation: $74,523,179

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline