DoD's $32M R&D Contract with National Academy of Sciences: A Decade of Research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $32,268,379 ($32.3M)
Contractor: National Academy of Sciences
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2001-12-03
End Date: 2011-11-30
Contract Duration: 3,649 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.8K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20418
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $32.3 million to NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES for work described as: Key points: 1. Significant long-term investment of $32.3M in R&D. 2. Sole-source award to a highly specialized entity. 3. Potential for high-impact scientific advancements. 4. Long contract duration raises questions about adaptability.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $32.3M over 10 years is substantial. Without comparable contracts for similar R&D services from the National Academy of Sciences, assessing its value for money is difficult. The 'Cost No Fee' structure implies costs are reimbursed but profit is not explicitly defined, making direct price comparison challenging.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, indicating the National Academy of Sciences was deemed the only capable provider. This lack of competition limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs than a competitive process might yield.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed to a single entity without competitive pressure, potentially reducing the overall value obtained for the investment.
Public Impact
Supports critical research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. Long-term funding allows for sustained scientific inquiry and potential breakthroughs. The National Academy of Sciences' reputation suggests high-quality scientific advice and research.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Long contract duration
- Cost No Fee structure opacity
Positive Signals
- High-value R&D focus
- Specialized expertise
- Long-term research commitment
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' NAICS code. Federal spending in this sector is crucial for innovation, but often involves long-term, high-risk projects where competitive benchmarking can be complex.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to involve small businesses, as it was awarded directly to the National Academy of Sciences, a large, established institution. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
The long duration and sole-source nature of this contract warrant close oversight to ensure continued alignment with DoD objectives and efficient use of taxpayer funds. Periodic reviews of research progress and necessity would be prudent.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Long contract duration may reduce flexibility.
- Lack of clear performance metrics for R&D.
- Potential for cost overruns without strict oversight.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, dc, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $32.3 million to NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. See the official description on USAspending.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES.
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 $32.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2001-12-03. End: 2011-11-30.
What specific research outcomes were achieved over the decade-long contract, and how did they advance the Department of the Air Force's mission?
The contract's primary objective was 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.' Without detailed reporting on specific projects and their deliverables, it's difficult to quantify the exact scientific advancements or their direct impact on Air Force capabilities. The 'Cost No Fee' structure suggests a focus on research execution rather than profit generation, but the ultimate value lies in the knowledge and innovation produced.
Given the sole-source nature, how was the necessity and cost-effectiveness of this long-term R&D engagement validated?
The sole-source award implies the National Academy of Sciences was deemed uniquely qualified. Validation of necessity and cost-effectiveness would typically rely on documented justifications for why no other entity could perform the research and why this specific scope and duration were essential for achieving the desired R&D outcomes. The 'Cost No Fee' structure means costs are reimbursed, so oversight would focus on the reasonableness of incurred expenses.
What mechanisms were in place to ensure the research remained relevant and adaptable to evolving Air Force needs over the 10-year period?
A 10-year R&D contract requires robust mechanisms for adapting to changing requirements. This could include regular review meetings, phased research objectives, and flexibility clauses within the contract. The effectiveness of these mechanisms would depend on the specific contract terms and the ongoing communication and collaboration between the Department of the Air Force and the National Academy of Sciences.
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 › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 500 FIFTH STREET NW, WASHINGTON, DC, 20001
Business Categories: Category Business, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $32,268,379
Current Obligation: $32,268,379
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2001-12-03
Current End Date: 2011-11-30
Potential End Date: 2011-11-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2017-09-28
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