DoD's $22.6M R&D Contract for Metals Performance Analysis Awarded to University of Dayton Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $22,664,254 ($22.7M)
Contractor: University of Dayton
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2019-10-15
End Date: 2026-10-15
Contract Duration: 2,557 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: METALS PERFORMANCE AND UNCERTAINTY PREDICTION
Place of Performance
Location: DAYTON, MONTGOMERY County, OHIO, 45469
State: Ohio Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $22.7 million to UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON for work described as: METALS PERFORMANCE AND UNCERTAINTY PREDICTION Key points: 1. The contract focuses on critical research and development in physical sciences, aiming to improve materials performance. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a robust market for these specialized R&D services. 3. Potential risks include the long duration and cost-plus fixed-fee structure, which may not always yield the most cost-effective outcomes. 4. The sector is R&D, specifically within physical sciences, a key area for defense technological advancement.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to higher costs if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult due to the specialized nature of the research.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple bidders likely participated. This method generally promotes competitive pricing, but the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure can still influence the final cost.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting advanced research, with the potential for long-term defense benefits. The competitive award process aims to ensure reasonable pricing for the research conducted.
Public Impact
Advancement in materials science could lead to more durable and effective military equipment. Research findings may have broader applications in various industries beyond defense. Investment in R&D supports technological innovation and national security capabilities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure
- Long contract duration
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition
- Focus on critical R&D
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining a technological edge, with benchmarks varying widely based on research scope and complexity.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to the University of Dayton, which is not typically classified as a small business. There is no indication that small businesses were subcontracted for this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Air Force is the awarding agency, implying oversight through their research and development programs. Accountability will likely be tied to research milestones and deliverables.
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 structure can lead to cost overruns.
- Long contract duration increases exposure to changing requirements or economic conditions.
- Specialized R&D may have uncertain or long-term payoff.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
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 $22.7 million to UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON. METALS PERFORMANCE AND UNCERTAINTY PREDICTION
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 $22.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-10-15. End: 2026-10-15.
What specific advancements in metals performance are anticipated from this research, and how will they directly benefit Air Force operations?
The research aims to predict metals performance and uncertainty, likely focusing on improving the durability, reliability, and safety of aircraft components and other critical systems. Anticipated benefits include reduced maintenance costs, enhanced operational readiness, and potentially the development of lighter, stronger materials for future aircraft designs, directly impacting mission success and personnel safety.
Given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, what mechanisms are in place to control cost overruns and ensure the government receives value for its investment?
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure requires robust oversight. The Air Force likely employs regular progress reviews, audits of incurred costs, and strict adherence to the defined scope of work. Fixed fee components incentivize contractor efficiency, but continuous monitoring of expenditures against the research plan is crucial to prevent unnecessary cost escalation and ensure the government achieves its research objectives within budget.
How will the findings from this R&D contract be transitioned into practical applications or policy changes within the Department of Defense?
Transitioning R&D findings typically involves a phased approach. This may include technical reports, prototype development, and pilot programs to test the practical application of the research. The Air Force will likely establish a technology transfer plan, potentially involving collaboration with engineering units or program offices responsible for specific weapon systems to integrate the new knowledge or materials into existing or future platforms.
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
Solicitation ID: FA865019S5011
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
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: $31,499,999
Exercised Options: $31,499,999
Current Obligation: $22,664,254
Actual Outlays: $504,525
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 16
Total Subaward Amount: $1,899,516
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA865020D5211
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-10-15
Current End Date: 2026-10-15
Potential End Date: 2026-10-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-18
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