DoD's $13.5M R&D contract with University of Dayton for physical sciences research shows strong competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,570,104 ($13.6M)

Contractor: University of Dayton

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-01-25

End Date: 2028-05-22

Contract Duration: 1,579 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Place of Performance

Location: DAYTON, MONTGOMERY County, OHIO, 45469

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $13.6 million to UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON for work described as: TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust bidding process. 2. The contract focuses on research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 3. University of Dayton, a research institution, is the primary contractor. 4. The contract duration is over 4 years, suggesting a significant project scope. 5. The award type is a delivery order, implying it's part of a larger contract vehicle. 6. The contract is not set aside for small businesses, suggesting larger prime contractors are expected.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

Benchmarking the value of this specific R&D contract is challenging without more detailed cost breakdowns and comparable project data. However, the $13.5 million ceiling over approximately four years for specialized research suggests a reasonable investment for the Department of Defense. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure allows for flexibility in research while aiming for cost control through the fixed fee component. Further analysis would require comparing the scope of work and deliverables to similar R&D efforts within the physical sciences.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This typically leads to a more competitive environment, potentially driving down costs and encouraging innovation. The presence of two bids suggests a moderate level of competition for this specific R&D requirement.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by ensuring that the government receives the best possible value through a wide range of potential solutions and pricing.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the Department of the Air Force, which will receive advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences research. This contract supports cutting-edge research and development, potentially leading to new technologies and improved defense capabilities. The research is likely to be conducted in Ohio, benefiting the local economy and academic research ecosystem. The contract fosters scientific and engineering expertise within the University of Dayton, contributing to the national pool of researchers.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully.
The specific deliverables and milestones need close monitoring to ensure research objectives are met within budget.
Limited competition (two bidders) might indicate a niche area or high barriers to entry for other potential contractors.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, maximizing the potential for competitive pricing.
University of Dayton's role suggests a focus on academic rigor and potentially groundbreaking research.
The long-term nature of the contract (over 4 years) indicates a commitment to a significant research objective.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader 'Technology Research and Development' sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. This is a critical area for defense innovation, enabling the development of advanced capabilities. The market for such specialized R&D is often dominated by universities and specialized research firms. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within DoD's broader R&D portfolio, looking at contracts for similar scientific disciplines and research scopes.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. This suggests that the primary focus is on leveraging the research capabilities of a large institution like the University of Dayton, rather than specifically promoting small business participation. The absence of set-asides means that opportunities for small businesses would likely be through direct subcontracting if they possess specialized skills needed by the prime contractor.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of the Air Force, which is responsible for monitoring the contractor's performance, adherence to the contract terms, and the proper use of funds. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure necessitates careful financial oversight to ensure costs are reasonable and allocable. Transparency would be enhanced through regular reporting requirements from the contractor and potential reviews by the agency's program management office. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type requires careful monitoring of costs.
Limited number of bidders may indicate a specialized or niche research area.
R&D contracts inherently carry uncertainty regarding successful outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $13.6 million to UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON. TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

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 $13.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-01-25. End: 2028-05-22.

What is the University of Dayton's track record with similar government R&D contracts?

The University of Dayton has a significant history of engaging in government-funded research, particularly with defense agencies. While specific details on past contracts require deeper database searches, universities of this caliber typically have established research centers and a portfolio of successful projects. Their track record often includes work in areas like materials science, aerospace engineering, and advanced manufacturing, aligning with the 'physical, engineering, and life sciences' scope. Evaluating their past performance would involve reviewing project completion rates, adherence to budgets and timelines, and the impact of their research outcomes on previous government initiatives. A positive track record would indicate a lower risk for this current contract.

How does the $13.5 million contract value compare to similar R&D efforts in physical sciences?

The $13.5 million ceiling for a multi-year R&D effort in physical sciences is within a common range for significant research projects funded by agencies like the Department of Defense. However, a precise comparison is difficult without knowing the specific sub-disciplines and the scope of work. For instance, advanced materials research or complex engineering simulations could command higher values. Conversely, more focused theoretical research might be lower. Benchmarking would involve identifying contracts with similar NAICS codes (541715) and similar durations awarded by DoD or other federal agencies. The number of bidders (two) suggests this might be a specialized area where the pool of qualified research institutions is limited, potentially influencing the price.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for R&D?

The primary risks with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract, especially for R&D, revolve around cost control and scope definition. For the government, the risk is that actual costs could exceed initial estimates, although the fixed fee provides a ceiling on the contractor's profit. If the research proves more complex or requires more resources than anticipated, the total cost to the government could be higher than with a fixed-price contract. For the contractor, the risk lies in accurately estimating costs to ensure the fixed fee is sufficient compensation. In R&D, where outcomes are uncertain, there's a risk of scope creep or unforeseen technical challenges that could strain resources. Effective oversight and clear milestone definitions are crucial to mitigate these risks.

What is the expected impact of this R&D on the Department of the Air Force's capabilities?

The expected impact of this R&D contract on the Department of the Air Force's capabilities is potentially significant, though specific outcomes depend on the research's success. By investing in physical, engineering, and life sciences, the Air Force aims to foster innovation that could lead to advancements in areas such as materials science for aircraft, new sensor technologies, improved human-machine interfaces, or enhanced understanding of environmental factors affecting operations. These advancements could translate into more efficient, resilient, or technologically superior platforms and systems. The research could also inform future acquisition decisions and strategic planning, ensuring the Air Force maintains a technological edge.

How has federal spending in 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' evolved over the past five years?

Federal spending in the 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' category (NAICS 541715) has generally seen a steady increase over the past five years, driven by national security priorities, technological advancements, and a focus on scientific innovation. Agencies like the Department of Defense, National Science Foundation, and Department of Health and Human Services are major contributors to this spending. While specific year-over-year figures fluctuate based on budget appropriations and strategic initiatives, the overall trend indicates a sustained commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and its application. This particular contract aligns with that broader trend of federal investment in foundational and applied research.

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 › C – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 300 COLLEGE PARK, DAYTON, OH, 45469

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Private), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $25,569,766

Exercised Options: $24,819,785

Current Obligation: $13,570,104

Actual Outlays: $254,628

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA865021D2020

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline