DoD's $26.6M R&D contract with University of Dayton shows long-term investment in physical sciences

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $26,643,237 ($26.6M)

Contractor: University of Dayton

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2002-04-12

End Date: 2012-08-31

Contract Duration: 3,794 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Place of Performance

Location: DAYTON, MONTGOMERY County, OHIO, 45469

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $26.6 million to UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON for work described as: Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process. 2. Long contract duration of 10 years indicates a significant, sustained research effort. 3. Research and Development focus aligns with strategic national security objectives. 4. Awarded by the Department of the Air Force, highlighting specific service needs. 5. The 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' NAICS code points to specialized scientific inquiry.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award amount of $26.6 million over 10 years averages to approximately $2.66 million per year. Without specific deliverables or performance metrics, it is difficult to benchmark this value precisely. However, for a long-term R&D effort by a university, this annual figure may be within a reasonable range for specialized research projects. Further analysis would require understanding the specific research outcomes and their market value.

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 bids. This suggests a competitive environment where multiple entities likely vied for the award. The presence of multiple bidders generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable terms for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition process is beneficial for taxpayers as it maximizes the potential for cost savings and ensures the government receives the best value by considering a wide range of qualified offerors.

Public Impact

The University of Dayton, as the primary contractor, benefits from sustained funding for its research activities. The contract supports advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences, potentially leading to new technologies and innovations. Research outcomes could have implications for national security and technological competitiveness. The contract likely supports a workforce of researchers, scientists, and technical staff at the university.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration without clear performance milestones could pose a risk of scope creep or reduced urgency.
The 'Cost No Fee' contract type might offer less incentive for cost control compared to fixed-price arrangements.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a potentially competitive and well-vetted process.
The sustained funding over a decade suggests a high level of confidence in the contractor's capabilities and the project's importance.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. This is a critical area for government investment, particularly for defense agencies seeking to maintain technological superiority. The market for R&D services is diverse, involving universities, private research institutions, and defense contractors. Benchmarking requires comparing the scope and duration to similar long-term research grants and contracts in specialized scientific fields.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates no specific small business set-aside. Given the nature of advanced research and development, particularly with a university as the prime contractor, the focus is likely on specialized expertise rather than broad subcontracting opportunities for small businesses, unless specific research components require it.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Department of the Air Force contracting and program management offices. The 'Cost No Fee' structure necessitates careful monitoring of expenditures to ensure funds are used appropriately for research activities. Transparency would be enhanced through regular reporting requirements from the University of Dayton on research progress and financial accounting.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Research and Development Programs
Air Force Science and Technology Investments
University Research Partnerships

Risk Flags

Long contract duration without clear performance metrics
Cost No Fee contract type may lack cost control incentives

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $26.6 million to UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON. See the official description on USAspending.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Air Force).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $26.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2002-04-12. End: 2012-08-31.

What specific research areas were prioritized under this contract?

The contract falls under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541710, which covers 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.' While the specific research topics are not detailed in the provided data, this broad category suggests work in areas such as materials science, aerospace engineering, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, or other scientific disciplines relevant to the Department of the Air Force's mission. The long duration of the contract (2002-2012) implies a focus on foundational or long-term research projects rather than short-term applied solutions.

How does the $26.6 million award compare to typical R&D spending for similar university contracts?

The total award of $26.6 million over a 10-year period equates to an average annual expenditure of approximately $2.66 million. This figure is substantial and suggests a significant research undertaking. Benchmarking this against other university R&D contracts requires detailed comparison of scope, duration, and the specific scientific fields involved. However, major research universities often secure large, multi-year grants and contracts from federal agencies like the Department of Defense, with annual values ranging from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars, depending on the complexity and strategic importance of the research.

What are the potential risks associated with a 'Cost No Fee' contract of this duration?

A 'Cost No Fee' (CNF) contract, particularly one spanning a decade, presents specific risks. For the government, the primary risk is ensuring that the contractor diligently manages costs, as there is no direct financial incentive (fee) tied to cost efficiency. The contractor (University of Dayton) bears the financial risk if actual costs exceed the estimated costs. This structure necessitates robust government oversight to monitor expenditures and ensure compliance with the contract's research objectives. The long duration increases the potential for unforeseen cost escalations due to inflation, changes in research direction, or unexpected technical challenges.

What was the track record of the University of Dayton with DoD contracts prior to this award?

The provided data does not include information on the University of Dayton's prior contract history with the Department of Defense. However, the fact that they were awarded a significant, long-term R&D contract through full and open competition suggests they likely had demonstrated capabilities and potentially prior experience relevant to the Air Force's research needs. A comprehensive assessment would involve reviewing their historical performance on federal contracts, including past performance evaluations and any documented issues.

How does the 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' category align with Air Force priorities?

The Air Force consistently prioritizes advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences to maintain its technological edge. This includes research into areas like advanced materials for aircraft and spacecraft, propulsion systems, sensor technologies, cyber capabilities, human performance optimization, and autonomous systems. A contract under NAICS 541710 directly supports these strategic goals by funding the fundamental scientific inquiry and early-stage development necessary for future Air Force capabilities. The long-term nature of this specific contract suggests a focus on foundational research that could lead to breakthrough technologies.

What does the 'awarded by DCA' designation signify?

The designation 'awarded by DCA' likely refers to the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) or potentially a specific contracting activity within the Department of Defense. DCAA is responsible for auditing contractor financial systems and cost proposals to ensure compliance with federal regulations. If 'DCA' refers to a contracting office, it would indicate the specific entity within the DoD responsible for the procurement process and contract administration. Without further context, its precise meaning remains ambiguous but points to an official DoD entity involved in the contract's lifecycle.

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 › ECONOMIC GROWTH/PRODUCTIVITY R&D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 300 COLLEGE PARK, DAYTON, OH, 10

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline