DoD's $17.4M R&D contract for JPEO-CBRND awarded to MRIGlobal, highlighting advanced defense capabilities

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,412,466 ($17.4M)

Contractor: Mriglobal

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-07-15

End Date: 2029-07-14

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: INFORMATION ANALYSIS CENTER MULTIPLE AWARD CONTRACT TASK ORDER PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS) RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST AND EVALUATION FOR THE JOINT PROGRAM EXECUTIVE OFFICE FOR CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICAL, AND NUCLEAR DEFENSE

Place of Performance

Location: ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, HARFORD County, MARYLAND, 21005

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $17.4 million to MRIGLOBAL for work described as: INFORMATION ANALYSIS CENTER MULTIPLE AWARD CONTRACT TASK ORDER PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS) RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST AND EVALUATION FOR THE JOINT PROGRAM EXECUTIVE OFFICE FOR CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICAL, AND NUCLEAR DEFENSE Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical R&D for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense. 2. MRIGlobal, a research institute, brings specialized expertise to this complex domain. 3. The contract's duration of five years suggests a long-term commitment to research objectives. 4. Performance work statement emphasizes test and evaluation, crucial for validating defense technologies. 5. The award is a delivery order under a multiple award contract, indicating a structured procurement process. 6. This contract supports the Department of Defense's strategic goals in national security. 7. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541715 points to significant R&D investment.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $17.4 million over five years appears reasonable for specialized R&D in a critical defense area. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts for advanced threat defense would provide further context. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type allows for flexibility while managing costs, though it requires diligent oversight to ensure value for money. The specific deliverables and milestones within the Performance Work Statement (PWS) will be key to assessing overall value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a broad solicitation process that likely attracted multiple qualified bidders. This competitive approach is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive offers. The presence of multiple bidders indicates a healthy market for these specialized R&D services.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition maximizes the potential for cost savings and ensures that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment among potential contractors.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and its components, receiving advanced research and development for critical defense capabilities. Services delivered include research, development, testing, and evaluation related to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. The geographic impact is national, supporting the U.S. military's readiness and response capabilities. Workforce implications include specialized scientific and technical roles within MRIGlobal and potentially its subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
The specialized nature of CBRND research may limit the pool of truly qualified bidders in future procurements.
Reliance on a single delivery order under a MAC could concentrate risk if the prime contract faces issues.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust bidding process.
MRIGlobal has a track record in research and development, suggesting technical capability.
The five-year duration allows for sustained focus on complex R&D challenges.
The contract supports a critical national security mission (CBRND defense).

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on defense applications for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. The market for such specialized R&D is often characterized by a limited number of highly capable research institutions and defense contractors. Spending in this niche area is driven by evolving threat landscapes and the need for advanced protective and response technologies. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within the broader DoD R&D budget for advanced materials, threat detection, and countermeasures.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside (SS=false, SB=false). However, the prime contractor, MRIGlobal, may engage small businesses as subcontractors to fulfill specific aspects of the research and development work. The extent of small business participation will depend on MRIGlobal's subcontracting plan and the specific technical requirements of the task order. Further analysis of subcontracting reports would be needed to assess the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the awarding agency, the Department of the Air Force, on behalf of the JPEO-CBRND. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure necessitates close monitoring of costs, progress, and adherence to the Performance Work Statement (PWS). Transparency will be maintained through regular reporting requirements from the contractor and potential reviews by the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) and the Inspector General, particularly concerning financial aspects and performance metrics.

Related Government Programs

Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND)
Department of Defense Research and Development Programs
Chemical and Biological Defense Program
Radiological and Nuclear Defense Program
Advanced Threat Research Contracts

Risk Flags

Contract type (CPFF) requires diligent cost oversight.
Long contract duration (5 years) may pose risks related to evolving threats and technological obsolescence.
Specialized R&D field may limit future competition.
Performance Work Statement (PWS) details are critical for assessing value and risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $17.4 million to MRIGLOBAL. INFORMATION ANALYSIS CENTER MULTIPLE AWARD CONTRACT TASK ORDER PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS) RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST AND EVALUATION FOR THE JOINT PROGRAM EXECUTIVE OFFICE FOR CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICAL, AND NUCLEAR DEFENSE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MRIGLOBAL.

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 $17.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-07-15. End: 2029-07-14.

What is MRIGlobal's specific expertise in CBRND research and development?

MRIGlobal is a non-profit research organization with a long history of supporting government and industry clients in areas relevant to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense. Their expertise often includes developing advanced materials, detection systems, decontamination technologies, and medical countermeasures. They have a proven track record in conducting complex R&D projects, often involving rigorous testing and evaluation, which aligns directly with the requirements of this contract. Their capabilities typically encompass laboratory research, prototype development, and field testing, making them well-suited for the PWS outlined for the JPEO-CBRND.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type influence value for money in this R&D context?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type is common for research and development efforts where the scope of work may evolve or is not precisely defined at the outset. It allows the contractor to incur allowable costs and receive a predetermined fixed fee, which represents their profit. For value for money, this structure requires robust government oversight to ensure that costs are reasonable and allocable, and that the fixed fee is appropriate for the level of risk and effort involved. While it provides flexibility for innovation, it also places a greater burden on the government to manage the contractor's spending and ensure that the R&D objectives are met efficiently and effectively within the overall contract ceiling.

What are the potential risks associated with a five-year R&D contract for CBRND defense?

A five-year R&D contract in the CBRND defense sector carries several potential risks. Firstly, the threat landscape can evolve rapidly, potentially rendering the research objectives obsolete or requiring significant shifts in focus, which can be challenging to manage within a fixed contract structure. Secondly, the specialized nature of the work means that contractor performance is highly dependent on retaining key scientific personnel; staff turnover can disrupt progress. Thirdly, technological breakthroughs or setbacks can significantly impact project timelines and costs. Finally, ensuring continued relevance and applicability of the research outcomes over such a long period requires proactive program management and adaptation to emerging scientific and geopolitical developments.

How does this contract compare to other R&D spending within the Department of Defense?

This $17.4 million contract for JPEO-CBRND R&D represents a specific, targeted investment within the broader Department of Defense (DoD) R&D portfolio. The DoD's total R&D budget typically runs into the tens of billions of dollars annually, encompassing a vast array of programs from basic research to advanced weapon system development. Contracts like this, focused on niche but critical areas like CBRND defense, are essential for maintaining specialized capabilities. While the dollar amount may seem modest in the context of the entire DoD budget, its strategic importance in addressing existential threats is significant. Its value is best understood relative to other CBRND-specific R&D efforts rather than the overall DoD R&D spend.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar CBRND research and development contracts?

Historical spending on CBRND research and development contracts within the DoD has been substantial and consistent, reflecting the enduring nature of these threats. Agencies like JPEO-CBRND, DARPA, and various service-specific research commands regularly award contracts for developing detection, protection, and response capabilities. Spending often fluctuates based on perceived threat levels, technological advancements, and specific program requirements. While precise historical figures for this exact type of R&D are difficult to isolate without specific program data, the overall trend indicates a sustained commitment to investing in CBRND defense technologies, often involving multi-year, multi-million dollar awards to specialized research institutions and defense contractors.

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: 425 VOLKER BLVD, KANSAS CITY, MO, 64110

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $97,999,633

Exercised Options: $97,999,633

Current Obligation: $17,412,466

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 5

Total Subaward Amount: $2,758,126

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA807518D0017

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline