DoD's $61.7M CBRND Testing Contract with Battelle Memorial Institute Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $61,761,148 ($61.8M)
Contractor: Battelle Memorial Institute
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2017-09-27
End Date: 2021-09-27
Contract Duration: 1,461 days
Daily Burn Rate: $42.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::CT::IGF CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL RADIOLOGICAL NUCLEAR DEFENSE (CBRND) TESTING AND ANALYTICS
Place of Performance
Location: COLUMBUS, FRANKLIN County, OHIO, 43201
State: Ohio Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $61.8 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE for work described as: IGF::CT::IGF CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL RADIOLOGICAL NUCLEAR DEFENSE (CBRND) TESTING AND ANALYTICS Key points: 1. Significant investment in critical CBRND testing capabilities. 2. Battelle Memorial Institute, a major research organization, holds the contract. 3. Contract awarded under full and open competition, suggesting market availability. 4. Research and Development sector, specifically physical, engineering, and life sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult due to the specialized nature of CBRND testing.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple bidders likely participated. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and value for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential national defense research and development, aiming to ensure readiness against CBRND threats.
Public Impact
Enhances national security by ensuring preparedness against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. Supports advanced research and development in critical defense technologies. Provides specialized testing and analytical services vital for military readiness.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type carries inherent risk of cost escalation.
- Specialized nature of CBRND testing may limit direct cost comparisons.
- Contract duration of nearly four years requires ongoing performance monitoring.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process.
- Contract supports a critical national security mission.
- Battelle Memorial Institute has a strong reputation in research and development.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically NAICS code 541712. Spending in this sector is crucial for technological advancement and maintaining a competitive edge in defense.
Small Business Impact
No specific information is provided regarding small business participation in this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Air Force awarded this contract, implying oversight from this branch of the DoD. Regular performance reviews and financial audits are standard for such contracts to ensure accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Potential for cost overruns.
- Limited transparency on specific performance metrics.
- Reliance on a single contractor for specialized services.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, oh, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $61.8 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE. IGF::CT::IGF CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL RADIOLOGICAL NUCLEAR DEFENSE (CBRND) TESTING AND ANALYTICS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE.
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 $61.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2017-09-27. End: 2021-09-27.
What is the estimated cost efficiency of this contract given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure?
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure inherently carries a risk of cost inefficiency as the contractor is reimbursed for actual costs plus a fixed fee. While it encourages innovation, it necessitates robust government oversight to manage expenditures and prevent unnecessary costs. Without detailed cost breakdowns and performance metrics, a precise efficiency assessment is challenging, but the CPFF model generally requires diligent management to achieve optimal value.
What are the primary risks associated with the specialized nature of CBRND testing and analytics?
The primary risks include the potential for unforeseen technical challenges, the need for highly specialized personnel and equipment, and the difficulty in establishing clear performance benchmarks. Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of testing results is paramount, as is maintaining the security of sensitive data. Furthermore, evolving threat landscapes require continuous adaptation of testing protocols, posing an ongoing risk of obsolescence if not proactively managed.
How effectively does this contract contribute to the Department of Defense's overall CBRND preparedness?
This contract is likely highly effective in contributing to DoD's CBRND preparedness by providing essential testing and analytical capabilities. By engaging a reputable research institution like Battelle, the DoD can ensure rigorous evaluation of materials, equipment, and response strategies. The full and open competition award suggests a commitment to securing the best available expertise and services, thereby strengthening the nation's defense posture against these specific threats.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: FA807512R0002
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 505 KING AVENUE, COLUMBUS, OH, 43201
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $64,650,770
Exercised Options: $64,650,770
Current Obligation: $61,761,148
Actual Outlays: $13,162,358
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 29
Total Subaward Amount: $28,431,795
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA807514D0003
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2017-09-27
Current End Date: 2021-09-27
Potential End Date: 2021-09-27 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-03-05
More Contracts from Battelle Memorial Institute
- Battelle Memorial Institute/Pacific Northwest Laboratory Operating and Managing Contract — $30.2B (Department of Energy)
- Fox/Bio Requirement — $387.6M (Department of Defense)
- Arctic Research Support and Logistics Services (arsls) — $249.0M (National Science Foundation)
- OF the Research Effort to Evaluate the Toxic and Carcinogenic Potential of Test Agents in Laboratory Animals for the NTP — $150.1M (Department of Health and Human Services)
- IAC MAC 2080 Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Defense Testing and Analytics for Joint Enterprise Fielding and Surveillance — $104.9M (Department of Defense)
Other Department of Defense Contracts
- Federal Contract — $51.3B (Humana Government Business Inc)
- Lrip LOT 12 Advance Acquisition Contract — $35.1B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- SSN 802 and 803 Long Lead Time Material — $34.7B (Electric Boat Corporation)
- 200204!008532!1700!AF600 !naval AIR Systems Command !N0001902C3002 !A!N! !N! !20011026!20120430!008016958!008016958!834951691!n!lockheed Martin Corporation !lockheed Blvd !fort Worth !tx!76108!27000!439!48!fort Worth !tarrant !texas !+000026000000!n!n!018981928201!ac15!rdte/Aircraft-Eng/Manuf Develop !a1a!airframes and Spares !2ama!jast/Jsf !336411!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !a!n!r!2!002!n!1a!a!n!z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! !Y! !N00019!0001! — $34.2B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- KC-X Modernization Program — $32.0B (THE Boeing Company)