DoD's $13.8M Advanced Performance Materials contract to University of Dayton shows strong R&D focus

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,802,599 ($13.8M)

Contractor: University of Dayton

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2019-06-20

End Date: 2025-09-14

Contract Duration: 2,278 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: QRE III TASK ORDER 3 - ADVANCED PERFORMANCE MATERIALS

Place of Performance

Location: DAYTON, MONTGOMERY County, OHIO, 45469

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $13.8 million to UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON for work described as: QRE III TASK ORDER 3 - ADVANCED PERFORMANCE MATERIALS Key points: 1. Contract awarded for advanced performance materials research, aligning with Air Force's R&D priorities. 2. Full and open competition suggests a robust bidding process for this research initiative. 3. The contract duration of over 6 years indicates a long-term investment in materials science. 4. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences is a critical area for defense innovation. 5. The contract's value is moderate within the context of large-scale federal R&D investments. 6. Performance-based contract type (Cost No Fee) incentivizes efficient research outcomes.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $13.8 million over a 6-year period represents a significant investment in advanced materials research. Benchmarking this against similar R&D contracts is challenging without more specific details on the research scope. However, the Cost No Fee (CNF) contract type, while less common for complex R&D, suggests a focus on efficient resource utilization by the contractor. The absence of a fee implies that the primary motivation is research advancement rather than profit, which can be a positive indicator for value if the research objectives are met.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, potentially leading to better pricing and innovative solutions. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a deliberate effort to maximize competition for this research and development task order.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition process is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining the best value through a wider pool of potential contractors and encourages competitive pricing.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of the Air Force and the broader Department of Defense, gaining access to cutting-edge performance materials. The contract supports advanced research and development in materials science, potentially leading to new technologies and improved military capabilities. The geographic impact is centered in Ohio, where the University of Dayton is located, potentially fostering local economic and academic growth. The contract supports specialized research roles within the University of Dayton, contributing to the scientific workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for research scope creep given the long duration and R&D nature.
Reliance on a single academic institution for critical advanced materials research.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process.
Cost No Fee contract type may incentivize efficient research spending.
Long contract duration allows for in-depth research and development.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for advanced materials research is driven by innovation and the need for materials with enhanced properties for various applications, including defense. Federal spending in this area supports academic institutions and private companies pushing the boundaries of material science. Comparable spending benchmarks would depend on the specific sub-field of materials science being researched.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). As a research and development contract awarded to a university, it is unlikely to involve significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses unless specified within the task order's research objectives. The primary focus is on the core research capabilities of the University of Dayton.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program managers within the Department of the Air Force. The Cost No Fee structure implies a focus on the efficient use of funds towards research objectives. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases, though specific research progress reports may be sensitive. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Advanced Materials Research Programs
Department of Defense Research and Development
Air Force Science and Technology
University Research Partnerships

Risk Flags

Long-duration R&D contracts may face evolving technological landscapes.
Cost No Fee structure requires careful monitoring of research progress and resource allocation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $13.8 million to UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON. QRE III TASK ORDER 3 - ADVANCED PERFORMANCE MATERIALS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON.

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 $13.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-06-20. End: 2025-09-14.

What is the University of Dayton's track record with federal R&D contracts, particularly with the Department of Defense?

The University of Dayton has a history of engaging in research and development activities, often in collaboration with government agencies. While specific details on their entire federal R&D contract portfolio are not provided here, their selection for this advanced performance materials task order suggests they possess the requisite expertise and infrastructure. Universities often secure such contracts through competitive proposals that highlight their research capabilities, faculty expertise, and past performance. A deeper dive into the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or similar databases would reveal the extent and nature of their prior awards, including any specific performance metrics or challenges encountered on previous DoD contracts.

How does the $13.8 million value compare to other advanced materials R&D contracts awarded by the DoD?

The $13.8 million value for this specific task order is moderate within the broader landscape of Department of Defense research and development spending. The DoD invests billions annually in R&D across various scientific disciplines. Contracts for advanced materials can range from a few million dollars for focused studies to hundreds of millions for large-scale development programs. This particular contract's value suggests a focused, multi-year research effort rather than a program-wide development initiative. To provide a precise comparison, one would need to analyze contracts with similar scope, duration, and specific material focus within the DoD's R&D portfolio over a comparable timeframe.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or milestones expected under this 'Cost No Fee' contract?

Under a 'Cost No Fee' (CNF) contract, the contractor (University of Dayton, in this case) is reimbursed for allowable costs but does not receive a fee or profit. The performance indicators are typically tied to the successful completion of research objectives, milestones, and deliverables outlined in the contract statement of work. These could include the development of specific material prototypes, successful testing and validation of material properties, publication of research findings, or the transfer of technology. The 'no fee' aspect emphasizes the research mission over profit, implying that success is measured by scientific advancement and the achievement of technical goals rather than financial return for the contractor.

What are the potential risks associated with a long-duration (over 6 years) R&D contract like this?

Long-duration R&D contracts carry several inherent risks. Firstly, the rapid pace of technological advancement means that the initial research objectives might become outdated or less relevant by the contract's end. Secondly, there's a risk of 'scope creep,' where the research expands beyond its original intent, potentially leading to cost overruns (though less of a concern with CNF for the government) or delays. Thirdly, maintaining consistent focus and momentum over several years can be challenging for the research team. Finally, the transition of research findings into practical applications can be a lengthy and uncertain process, meaning the ultimate impact might not be realized within the contract period.

How does the NAICS code 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences) inform the nature of this contract?

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541715 signifies that this contract is for research and development activities conducted in the physical sciences (like materials science), engineering disciplines, and life sciences, excluding specific areas like nanotechnology and biotechnology which have their own codes. This code confirms the contract's focus on fundamental and applied research aimed at discovering new knowledge and developing new or improved products, processes, or services. For this contract, it specifically points to research into advanced materials, likely involving experimentation, analysis, and potentially the creation of novel substances or composites with superior performance characteristics relevant to defense applications.

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 › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 300 COLLEGE PARK, DAYTON, OH, 45469

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Private), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $13,806,200

Exercised Options: $13,806,200

Current Obligation: $13,802,599

Actual Outlays: $209,291

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 3

Total Subaward Amount: $7,176,786

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA865018D5600

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline