DoD's $15.2M TRICORDER PROGRAM contract awarded to University of Illinois for R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,204,272 ($15.2M)

Contractor: University of Illinois

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2007-09-30

End Date: 2012-03-28

Contract Duration: 1,641 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: TRICORDER PROGRAM

Place of Performance

Location: FALLS CHURCH, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22041

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $15.2 million to UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS for work described as: TRICORDER PROGRAM Key points: 1. Contract awarded for research and development, indicating investment in innovation. 2. Full and open competition suggests a robust bidding process. 3. Firm Fixed Price contract type may offer cost certainty. 4. Long duration of over 1600 days suggests a complex, multi-year project. 5. Awarded by the Department of the Air Force, aligning with defense research priorities. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541710 points to significant R&D activity.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific deliverables or performance metrics. The $15.2 million over approximately 4.5 years averages to roughly $3.38 million annually. This figure needs to be compared against similar R&D initiatives within the Department of Defense or other federal agencies to assess if it represents a reasonable investment for the expected outcomes. The firm fixed price structure, however, provides a degree of cost control for the government.

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 a bid. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, potentially leading to better pricing and innovative solutions. The fact that it was competed openly suggests that the Department of Defense sought the best available research capabilities.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it maximizes the potential for competitive pricing and ensures that the government receives the best value by considering a wide range of potential contractors.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the Department of Defense and potentially the University of Illinois' research departments and personnel. The services delivered are in the realm of research and development, aiming to advance scientific and technological capabilities. The geographic impact is primarily within the United States, specifically where the University of Illinois conducts its research. Workforce implications include opportunities for researchers, scientists, and support staff at the university.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the ultimate value and success of the R&D investment.
The long contract duration could introduce risks related to technological obsolescence or shifts in research priorities.
Without detailed reporting, it's hard to gauge the specific advancements or breakthroughs achieved under this contract.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a fair and competitive process.
Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost predictability for the government.
The contract supports critical research and development within the Department of Defense, potentially leading to technological advancements.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically NAICS code 541710. This sector is characterized by innovation and the pursuit of new knowledge and applications. Federal spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority and addressing future challenges. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other large-scale R&D contracts awarded by defense agencies for similar scientific or engineering endeavors.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information suggesting significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. The award to a university suggests a focus on academic research capabilities rather than a typical prime-subcontractor relationship involving small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program managers within the Department of the Air Force. Accountability measures would be tied to the research milestones and deliverables outlined in the contract. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases, though specific research outcomes may be subject to classification or proprietary considerations.

Related Government Programs

Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) funding
National Science Foundation (NSF) research grants
Department of Energy (DOE) R&D programs
National Institutes of Health (NIH) research contracts

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may increase risk of scope creep or obsolescence.
R&D contracts inherently carry uncertainty regarding successful outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $15.2 million to UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS. TRICORDER PROGRAM

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS.

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 $15.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-09-30. End: 2012-03-28.

What specific research objectives were outlined in the TRICORDER PROGRAM contract?

The provided data does not detail the specific research objectives of the TRICORDER PROGRAM contract. However, given the NAICS code 541710 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences) and the awarding agency (Department of the Air Force), the objectives likely pertained to advancing technologies relevant to national defense. This could encompass areas such as sensor technology, advanced materials, computational modeling, or biomedical applications for military personnel. A full review of the contract's statement of work would be necessary to ascertain the precise goals and expected outcomes of the research.

How does the $15.2 million contract value compare to other R&D investments by the Air Force in similar fields?

Comparing the $15.2 million TRICORDER PROGRAM contract value to other Air Force R&D investments requires access to comprehensive spending data for similar projects. Without specific details on the scope and duration of comparable contracts, a direct benchmark is difficult. However, R&D investments by major defense agencies often range from millions to hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the complexity and strategic importance of the research. The University of Illinois' award appears to be a significant, multi-year investment, suggesting a project of substantial scope within its domain. Further analysis would involve identifying contracts with similar NAICS codes and research areas awarded over comparable timeframes.

What were the key performance indicators (KPIs) or milestones for this contract?

The provided data does not include specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or milestones for the TRICORDER PROGRAM contract. For R&D contracts, milestones often include the successful completion of research phases, development of prototypes, validation of scientific principles, or publication of findings. The firm fixed price nature of the contract suggests that specific deliverables or outcomes were defined, and payment was contingent upon their achievement. A detailed review of the contract's statement of work and any associated amendments would be required to identify these performance metrics.

What is the track record of the University of Illinois as a federal contractor, particularly with the Department of Defense?

The University of Illinois has a history of receiving federal contracts, particularly for research and development activities, given its status as a major research institution. While specific details on its overall track record with the Department of Defense are not provided here, universities are common recipients of such awards due to their expertise and infrastructure. Their performance is typically evaluated based on the successful completion of research objectives, adherence to timelines, and responsible financial management. Federal databases often track contract awards and payment histories, which can provide a broader picture of their engagement with government agencies.

Were there any identified risks or challenges associated with this R&D contract?

Research and Development contracts inherently carry risks, such as the possibility of research not yielding the desired results, technological challenges, or shifts in scientific understanding or strategic priorities. For the TRICORDER PROGRAM, potential risks could include the complexity of the research, the long duration of the project (over 1600 days), and the inherent uncertainty in scientific discovery. The firm fixed price structure might also pose a risk if unforeseen costs arise that exceed the contract value, although this is mitigated by careful initial pricing. The Department of Defense likely had risk mitigation strategies in place, such as phased funding or regular technical reviews.

What was the total spending on NAICS code 541710 by the Department of the Air Force during the contract period (2007-2012)?

To determine the total spending on NAICS code 541710 by the Department of the Air Force during the contract period of 2007-2012, one would need to query federal procurement databases (like FPDS-NG or USASpending.gov) for all contracts awarded under this code by the specified agency within those fiscal years. This would involve filtering for contracts awarded between October 1, 2007, and March 28, 2012. The TRICORDER PROGRAM contract represents a portion of that total spending. Without direct access to query these databases for that specific historical period and agency, an exact figure cannot be provided here.

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 › N – Health R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 809 S MARSHFIELD RM 520, CHICAGO, IL, 90

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $15,215,084

Exercised Options: $15,215,084

Current Obligation: $15,204,272

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline