Air Force awards $77.4M R&D contract to Battelle Memorial Institute for airbase infrastructure solutions
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $77,378,148 ($77.4M)
Contractor: Battelle Memorial Institute
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-09-15
End Date: 2026-09-19
Contract Duration: 1,830 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: RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, ENGINEERING, TECHNICAL ANALYSIS, AND SOLUTIONS FOR OPENING, RECOVERING, SUSTAINING AND SUPPORTING OPERATIONAL AIRBASE INFRASTRUCTURE EMERGING CAPABILITY AND PROTOTYPING FOR THE AIR FORCE CIVIL ENGINEER CENTER REQ. OFFICE
Place of Performance
Location: COLUMBUS, FRANKLIN County, OHIO, 43201
State: Ohio Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $77.4 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE for work described as: RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, ENGINEERING, TECHNICAL ANALYSIS, AND SOLUTIONS FOR OPENING, RECOVERING, SUSTAINING AND SUPPORTING OPERATIONAL AIRBASE INFRASTRUCTURE EMERGING CAPABILITY AND PROTOTYPING FOR THE AIR FORCE CIVIL ENGINEER CENTER REQ. OFFICE Key points: 1. This contract focuses on research and development for critical airbase infrastructure, a key area for military readiness. 2. Battelle Memorial Institute, a well-established research organization, is the sole awardee. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. 4. The sector is R&D, specifically physical and engineering sciences, supporting advanced technological development.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type allows for flexibility but carries inherent risk of cost escalation. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult without more granular cost data.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the specific award mechanism (Delivery Order) implies it might be part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract, which could limit the scope of initial competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced research and development, aiming to improve military capabilities. The effectiveness of this spending will depend on the successful outcomes of the R&D efforts.
Public Impact
Enhances operational capabilities for Air Force Civil Engineer Center. Supports innovation in airbase infrastructure and emerging technologies. Potential for long-term cost savings through improved infrastructure sustainment and recovery. Contributes to national security through advanced engineering solutions.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns.
- Limited visibility into specific R&D project milestones and deliverables.
- Potential for scope creep in research and development projects.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Contractor has expertise in R&D and engineering.
- Focus on critical infrastructure improvements for the Air Force.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on engineering and technical solutions for physical infrastructure. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining and modernizing military assets, with benchmarks varying widely based on the specific technological advancements sought.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this specific award. The contract was awarded to a large research institute, suggesting opportunities for subcontracting may exist but are not explicitly detailed.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be critical to manage the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure and ensure the R&D efforts align with Air Force objectives. Accountability for deliverables and cost control will be key responsibilities of the contracting officer and technical representatives.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Potential for R&D scope creep.
- Limited visibility into specific R&D deliverables.
- Sole awardee may limit competitive pressure on innovation.
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 $77.4 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE. RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, ENGINEERING, TECHNICAL ANALYSIS, AND SOLUTIONS FOR OPENING, RECOVERING, SUSTAINING AND SUPPORTING OPERATIONAL AIRBASE INFRASTRUCTURE EMERGING CAPABILITY AND PROTOTYPING FOR THE AIR FORCE CIVIL ENGINEER CENTER REQ. OFFICE
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 $77.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-09-15. End: 2026-09-19.
What specific metrics will be used to evaluate the success of the R&D efforts and ensure value for money?
Evaluation of success will likely involve a combination of technical performance milestones, prototype development, successful testing of new technologies, and the potential for cost savings or operational improvements identified during the R&D phase. The contracting officer's representative will monitor progress against defined objectives and deliverables outlined in the contract.
How will the government mitigate the risk of cost overruns inherent in a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for R&D?
Mitigation strategies include robust oversight of contractor expenditures, clear definition of project scope and objectives, regular performance reviews, and potentially establishing cost ceilings or incentive fees tied to performance. Effective communication and proactive management of any emerging issues are crucial.
What is the expected long-term impact of this R&D on Air Force operational readiness and infrastructure sustainment?
The R&D is expected to yield innovative solutions for opening, recovering, and sustaining airbase infrastructure, potentially leading to faster deployment, reduced downtime, and more resilient facilities. This could significantly enhance the Air Force's ability to operate in diverse and challenging environments.
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: 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: $112,290,474
Exercised Options: $112,290,474
Current Obligation: $77,378,148
Actual Outlays: $2,494,200
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 27
Total Subaward Amount: $18,652,968
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA807518D0005
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-09-15
Current End Date: 2026-09-19
Potential End Date: 2026-09-19 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-31
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