DoD's $63M Force Health Protection Analysis Contract Awarded to Battelle Memorial Institute

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $63,081,437 ($63.1M)

Contractor: Battelle Memorial Institute

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-04-03

End Date: 2026-04-02

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $57.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: ONGOING FORCE HEALTH PROTECTION ANALYSIS, ASSESSMENT, AND EVALUATION FOR NAVY AND MARINE CORPS PUBLIC HEALTH CENTER

Place of Performance

Location: PORTSMOUTH, PORTSMOUTH CITY County, VIRGINIA, 23708

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $63.1 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE for work described as: ONGOING FORCE HEALTH PROTECTION ANALYSIS, ASSESSMENT, AND EVALUATION FOR NAVY AND MARINE CORPS PUBLIC HEALTH CENTER Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical public health analysis for Navy and Marine Corps. 2. Awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a robust market. 3. Performance period of three years indicates a medium-term engagement. 4. Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) pricing structure requires careful monitoring of costs. 5. The contract's R&D nature aligns with advanced scientific support needs. 6. Virginia is the primary state for contract performance. 7. No small business set-aside was utilized for this award.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value of $63 million over three years for specialized R&D services appears reasonable given the critical nature of force health protection. Benchmarking against similar large-scale R&D contracts within the Department of Defense for public health analysis would provide further context. The CPFF structure necessitates diligent oversight to ensure costs remain aligned with the fixed fee and project scope, mitigating potential overruns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of three bidders suggests a competitive environment, which typically aids in price discovery and achieving fair market value. The agency's decision to use full and open competition implies confidence in the market's ability to provide suitable solutions.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that is designed to secure the best value and price for essential public health research and analysis services.

Public Impact

Enhances the health and readiness of Navy and Marine Corps personnel through advanced analysis. Supports critical public health initiatives and evaluations within military operations. Benefits military families and communities by ensuring force protection measures are effective. Contributes to the development of evidence-based strategies for disease prevention and health management in deployed environments. Impacts the broader defense sector by advancing understanding of health challenges in military settings.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts can incentivize contractors to increase costs to maximize their fee if not properly managed.
The duration of the contract (3 years) requires sustained oversight to ensure continued value and performance.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical force health protection analysis could pose a risk if performance falters.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a healthy market and potential for competitive pricing.
The contract addresses a vital area of military readiness and personnel well-being.
Battelle Memorial Institute has a strong reputation in research and development, suggesting technical capability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on life sciences and public health within a defense context. The market for specialized defense R&D is significant, with agencies like the Department of Defense consistently investing in advanced analytical capabilities to support operational readiness and personnel welfare. Comparable spending benchmarks would likely be found in contracts related to medical research, epidemiological studies, and health system analysis for military populations.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses mentioned in the provided data. This suggests that the primary award went to a large business, and opportunities for small businesses would likely be through subcontracting if Battelle Memorial Institute chooses to engage them. Further analysis of the subcontracting plan would be needed to assess the full impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract will likely be managed by the contracting officer and the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA). Accountability measures will focus on performance against contract requirements, adherence to cost ceilings, and timely delivery of analytical reports. Transparency is typically maintained through contract reporting mechanisms and potential reviews by the Inspector General's office, particularly concerning cost management and program effectiveness.

Related Government Programs

DoD Public Health
Military Health System Research
Force Readiness Programs
Naval Health Research Center
Marine Corps Combat Development Command

Risk Flags

Cost Overrun Risk (CPFF)
Performance Dependency
Scope Creep Potential

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $63.1 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE. ONGOING FORCE HEALTH PROTECTION ANALYSIS, ASSESSMENT, AND EVALUATION FOR NAVY AND MARINE CORPS PUBLIC HEALTH CENTER

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 $63.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-04-03. End: 2026-04-02.

What is Battelle Memorial Institute's track record with similar large-scale R&D contracts for the Department of Defense?

Battelle Memorial Institute has a substantial history of performing complex research and development contracts for the Department of Defense and other federal agencies. Their expertise spans various scientific and engineering disciplines, including life sciences and public health. While specific contract details are not provided here, Battelle's general profile suggests they are well-equipped to handle the technical demands of force health protection analysis. A deeper dive into their past performance ratings, any past performance issues, and the scale of previous similar contracts would offer more precise insights into their suitability and potential risks associated with this specific award.

How does the $63 million value compare to other force health protection analysis contracts within the DoD?

The $63 million value for a three-year contract focused on force health protection analysis for the Navy and Marine Corps appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized R&D services of this nature. However, a precise comparison requires benchmarking against contracts with similar scopes of work, duration, and complexity. Factors such as the specific analytical methodologies required, the breadth of public health domains covered (e.g., infectious diseases, environmental health, occupational health), and the level of scientific rigor demanded will influence cost. Without access to a comprehensive database of comparable DoD contracts, it is difficult to definitively state whether this represents exceptional value, a fair market price, or a potential outlier.

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

The primary risk with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract, especially for R&D, is the potential for cost overruns. While the 'fixed fee' component provides the contractor with a defined profit margin, the 'cost plus' element means the government reimburses the contractor's allowable costs. If the contractor's costs exceed initial estimates, the government bears that burden. This structure can sometimes disincentivize cost control by the contractor, as their fee remains constant regardless of cost efficiency. Effective oversight, detailed cost tracking, and clear definition of allowable costs are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure the government receives good value.

How effective are current force health protection analysis programs in ensuring military readiness?

The effectiveness of force health protection analysis programs is critical to maintaining military readiness, as they aim to prevent illness and injury that could incapacitate service members. These programs provide essential data and insights for commanders to make informed decisions regarding troop health, deployment safety, and medical resource allocation. While specific metrics for this particular contract are not yet available, the ongoing nature of such analyses suggests a recognized need and continuous effort to improve health outcomes. The success of these programs is often measured by reductions in disease incidence, improved medical surveillance, and the ability to rapidly respond to emerging health threats, thereby minimizing readiness impacts.

What has been the historical spending trend for force health protection analysis within the Navy and Marine Corps?

Historical spending on force health protection analysis within the Navy and Marine Corps has likely been consistent, reflecting the enduring importance of safeguarding personnel health in diverse operational environments. While specific figures for this category are not provided, defense budgets typically allocate significant resources to medical research, public health initiatives, and operational health support. Trends may show increases during periods of heightened global health concerns or new operational demands. Understanding the historical context of spending can help assess whether the current $63 million award represents a typical investment, an increase due to new requirements, or a decrease reflecting shifting priorities.

What specific types of analysis are included under 'Force Health Protection Analysis, Assessment, and Evaluation'?

Force Health Protection (FHP) analysis, assessment, and evaluation encompass a broad range of activities designed to safeguard the health and readiness of military personnel. This typically includes epidemiological surveillance and analysis to track and predict disease outbreaks, environmental health assessments to identify and mitigate hazards in operational areas, occupational health studies to address workplace risks, and medical readiness evaluations. It also involves analyzing the impact of health threats on mission effectiveness and developing strategies to counter them. The scope can extend to areas like infectious disease control, chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) defense support, and mental health resilience programs, all aimed at ensuring service members can perform their duties effectively and safely.

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: 3

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: $108,372,086

Exercised Options: $63,581,437

Current Obligation: $63,081,437

Actual Outlays: $7,260,838

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 8

Total Subaward Amount: $4,752,328

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