DoD's Air Force awards $8.98M contract for R&D support services to Credence Management Solutions
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $8,981,495 ($9.0M)
Contractor: Credence Management Solutions Limited Liability Company
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-09-01
End Date: 2026-03-31
Contract Duration: 211 days
Daily Burn Rate: $42.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SCAT I ENGINEERING, PROFESSIONAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES - AFIT BRIDGE
Place of Performance
Location: DAYTON, GREENE County, OHIO, 45433
State: Ohio Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $9.0 million to CREDENCE MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY for work described as: SCAT I ENGINEERING, PROFESSIONAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES - AFIT BRIDGE Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract is for Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 3. Services are to be performed in Ohio. 4. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can incentivize cost control. 5. This is a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle. 6. The contract duration is approximately 211 days.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $8.98 million for a period of roughly 7 months appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized R&D support services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' is difficult without more specific service details. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type, while allowing for flexibility, can sometimes lead to higher costs if not managed tightly compared to fixed-price contracts. The limited duration suggests a specific project or phase.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources'. This indicates that while the competition was open, certain sources were excluded, which warrants further investigation into the reasons for exclusion. The number of bidders is not specified, but the 'full and open' nature suggests an intent to maximize competition. The exclusion of sources could potentially limit price discovery if the excluded entities were significant market players.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the potential for competitive pricing, but the exclusion of sources may have limited the extent of that benefit. Transparency regarding the exclusion criteria is important for ensuring fair competition and optimal use of funds.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are likely the Department of the Air Force and its research initiatives within the specified R&D domain. Services delivered will support research and development activities, potentially leading to advancements in physical, engineering, or life sciences. The geographic impact is concentrated in Ohio, where the services will be performed. Workforce implications include the creation of specialized technical and administrative support roles within the contractor's organization.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- The 'Exclusion of Sources' clause in the competition type requires scrutiny to ensure it was justified and did not unduly restrict competition.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can carry a risk of cost overruns if not meticulously monitored.
- The limited duration of the contract may indicate a short-term need, raising questions about long-term strategic planning for these R&D support services.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, indicating an effort to solicit a broad range of potential offerors.
- The contract type (CPFF) allows for flexibility in research environments where project scope may evolve.
- The contractor, Credence Management Solutions, is likely experienced in providing professional and administrative support services.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. This is a critical area for government innovation and technological advancement. The market for R&D support services is competitive, with numerous firms offering specialized expertise. Comparable spending benchmarks would depend heavily on the specific scientific disciplines and the level of support required, but government R&D spending is substantial across various agencies.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a primary set-aside consideration for this specific contract. This suggests that the primary focus was on securing the best technical solution through open competition, rather than specifically targeting small businesses. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses, which would be a key area to monitor for potential downstream impacts on the small business ecosystem.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will likely be managed by the Department of the Air Force contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures would be tied to the performance work statement and the Cost Plus Fixed Fee terms, requiring detailed reporting and justification of costs. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract awards databases, but specific project details and performance metrics may not be publicly disclosed.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development Services
- Professional and Administrative Support Services
- Department of the Air Force Contracts
- Cost-Plus Contracts
Risk Flags
- Potential for limited competition due to source exclusion.
- Risk of cost overruns inherent in CPFF contracts.
- Lack of transparency regarding specific R&D activities supported.
Tags
research-and-development, department-of-defense, department-of-the-air-force, cost-plus-fixed-fee, full-and-open-competition, professional-services, ohio, delivery-order, research-and-development-in-the-physical-engineering-and-life-sciences
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $9.0 million to CREDENCE MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. SCAT I ENGINEERING, PROFESSIONAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES - AFIT BRIDGE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CREDENCE MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY.
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 $9.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-09-01. End: 2026-03-31.
What specific R&D activities will Credence Management Solutions be supporting under this contract?
The contract specifies 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)' (NAICS code 541715). However, the precise nature of the R&D activities is not detailed in the provided data. This could range from basic scientific research to applied engineering projects or life science studies. The 'AFIT Bridge' designation suggests a connection to the Air Force Institute of Technology, implying support for educational, research, or training programs within that institution. Further details on the Statement of Work (SOW) would be necessary to understand the specific scientific or engineering challenges being addressed.
How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure impact potential cost overruns and contractor incentives?
The CPFF contract type involves the contractor being reimbursed for all allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. This structure is often used when the scope of work is uncertain or subject to change, common in R&D. While the fixed fee provides a predictable profit margin for the contractor, it can incentivize cost control as the contractor aims to complete the work within the estimated cost to maximize their return on the fixed fee. However, it also places a significant burden on the government to meticulously audit and approve all costs incurred. Without robust oversight, there is a risk of cost escalation if the government does not effectively manage and challenge incurred expenses.
What are the implications of 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' for this contract?
This contract type indicates that the solicitation was open to all responsible sources, but certain potential offerors were explicitly excluded from consideration. The reasons for exclusion are not provided but could stem from various factors such as past performance issues, inability to meet specific technical requirements, or pre-existing contractual relationships. While 'full and open' aims to maximize competition, the exclusion of sources inherently limits the pool of potential bidders. This could potentially impact price discovery and the overall competitiveness of the bidding process. Transparency regarding the justification for excluding specific sources is crucial for ensuring fairness and optimal value for the government.
What is the significance of the 'AFIT Bridge' designation in the contract title?
The 'AFIT Bridge' designation strongly suggests that this contract is linked to the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT). AFIT is a key educational and research institution within the U.S. Air Force, providing graduate-level education and research opportunities. A 'bridge' contract typically signifies a mechanism to connect or facilitate ongoing activities, potentially bridging gaps between different phases of research, funding cycles, or operational needs. This contract likely supports research, development, or related professional services that align with AFIT's mission, possibly involving faculty, students, or specific research projects managed by the institute.
How does the contract value of approximately $9 million compare to typical R&D support service contracts of similar duration?
The contract value of $8.98 million for a period of approximately 7 months (211 days) translates to a monthly burn rate of roughly $1.28 million. For specialized R&D support services, particularly those involving scientific expertise, engineering, or advanced technical assistance, this rate is not inherently excessive. However, a direct comparison is challenging without knowing the specific skill sets, labor mix, and overhead involved. Contracts for R&D support can vary widely in cost based on the complexity of the research, the required qualifications of personnel, and the specific deliverables. This value suggests a significant scope of work or highly specialized expertise is being procured.
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: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: FA862225RB005
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1775 TYSONS BLVD, MCLEAN, VA, 22102
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $23,107,488
Exercised Options: $12,375,729
Current Obligation: $8,981,495
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 47QRCA25DS569
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-09-01
Current End Date: 2026-03-31
Potential End Date: 2026-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-29
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