DoD's $93.5M Research Contract with University of Dayton for Physical Sciences R&D Shows Strong Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $93,544,862 ($93.5M)

Contractor: University of Dayton

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2021-11-12

End Date: 2030-02-12

Contract Duration: 3,014 days

Daily Burn Rate: $31.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: EO14042 SOARING OTTER

Place of Performance

Location: DAYTON, MONTGOMERY County, OHIO, 45469

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $93.5 million to UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON for work described as: EO14042 SOARING OTTER Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust bidding process. 2. The contract's duration of over 8 years suggests a long-term investment in research. 3. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences is a critical area for defense innovation. 4. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure allows for flexibility in research but requires careful cost oversight. 5. The University of Dayton has secured a significant award, highlighting its role in federal R&D. 6. The contract's value positions it as a substantial investment within its research category.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value of $93.5 million over approximately 8 years represents a significant investment in R&D. Benchmarking this against similar large-scale research contracts within the Department of Defense for physical sciences is challenging without more specific project details. However, the cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) pricing structure is common for research where exact costs are difficult to predict, but it necessitates diligent oversight to ensure value for money. The University of Dayton's track record in research will be a key factor in assessing the overall value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. With 6 bidders identified, this suggests a healthy level of competition for this research opportunity. A competitive environment generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more innovative solutions, as contractors vie to offer the most compelling proposal.

Taxpayer Impact: The extensive competition for this contract is beneficial for taxpayers as it likely drove down costs and encouraged a wider range of technical approaches, maximizing the potential return on investment for federal R&D funds.

Public Impact

The University of Dayton is the primary beneficiary, receiving substantial funding for its research capabilities. The contract supports advanced research in physical, engineering, and life sciences, potentially leading to technological advancements. The geographic impact is centered in Ohio, where the University of Dayton is located, potentially boosting local research and development ecosystems. The contract will likely support a workforce of researchers, scientists, and technical staff at the University of Dayton.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
Long contract duration (over 8 years) requires sustained oversight to ensure continued relevance and performance.
The specific nature of the R&D is not detailed, making it difficult to assess the direct impact or potential risks of the research outcomes.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process.
Multiple bidders (6) suggest strong interest and a competitive market for this type of research.
The University of Dayton is a recognized research institution, implying a capable contractor.
The contract supports critical R&D in physical sciences, aligning with national defense objectives.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences (NAICS 541715). This category is crucial for defense innovation, encompassing a wide range of scientific inquiry aimed at developing new technologies and capabilities. The market for federal R&D contracts is highly competitive, with numerous universities and private firms vying for funding. Comparable spending benchmarks would depend on the specific sub-field of research, but significant government investment in scientific advancement is a consistent trend.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). As a large research contract awarded to a university, it is unlikely to involve significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses unless specific research components require specialized external support. The primary focus is on the prime contractor's research capabilities rather than small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract will likely be managed by the Department of the Air Force, a component of the Department of Defense. Mechanisms would include regular progress reports, financial reviews, and technical milestone assessments. Accountability is tied to the successful completion of research objectives within the agreed-upon cost and schedule parameters. Transparency is typically maintained through contract award databases and public reporting, though the specific details of the research may be sensitive.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Research and Development Programs
Air Force Science and Technology Investments
University Research Partnerships
Physical Sciences Research Grants
Engineering Research Contracts

Risk Flags

Cost Overrun Risk (CPFF Structure)
Long-Term Project Management
Research Outcome Uncertainty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $93.5 million to UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON. EO14042 SOARING OTTER

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 $93.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-11-12. End: 2030-02-12.

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

The University of Dayton has a well-established history of securing and executing federal research contracts, including significant awards from the Department of Defense and the Air Force. Their research portfolio often spans areas relevant to aerospace, materials science, and defense technologies. While specific details of past performance on contracts of this exact value and scope require deeper database analysis, their designation as a major research university with significant federal funding implies a proven capability. Past performance evaluations, often documented in federal procurement databases, would provide a more granular view of their success rates, adherence to timelines, and budget management on previous projects.

How does the $93.5 million value compare to other R&D contracts in physical sciences awarded by the DoD?

A contract valued at $93.5 million for physical sciences R&D is substantial, placing it among significant federal investments in scientific advancement. The Department of Defense frequently awards large contracts in this domain to both academic institutions and private companies to foster innovation critical for national security. While precise comparisons require access to real-time contract databases and filtering by specific sub-disciplines within physical sciences, contracts in the tens to hundreds of millions of dollars are not uncommon for multi-year, complex research initiatives. This particular award to the University of Dayton appears to be a significant, but not unprecedented, investment within the broader landscape of DoD R&D spending.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for research and development?

The primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract, like the one awarded to the University of Dayton, revolve around cost control and ensuring value. For the government, the risk is that the contractor's actual costs may exceed initial estimates, potentially leading to a higher overall price than anticipated, even with a fixed fee. This necessitates robust government oversight to monitor expenditures and ensure efficiency. For the contractor, the risk lies in accurately estimating costs and managing the project within those estimates to ensure the fixed fee remains profitable. In R&D, where outcomes can be uncertain, CPFF contracts aim to balance the need for flexibility with cost accountability, but diligent management is crucial to mitigate potential overruns and ensure the research objectives are met effectively.

What are the potential program effectiveness indicators for this R&D contract?

Program effectiveness for this R&D contract will be measured by several key indicators. Primarily, the successful achievement of defined research milestones and objectives outlined in the contract statement of work is paramount. This includes the development of new knowledge, technologies, or methodologies within the physical sciences. Another indicator is the transition of research findings into practical applications, such as prototypes, patents, or contributions to future defense systems. The quality and impact of publications or presentations stemming from the research, as well as the training and development of scientific personnel, also contribute to assessing effectiveness. Ultimately, the contract's success will be judged by its contribution to the Department of the Air Force's technological advancement and strategic goals.

How has federal spending in physical sciences R&D by the Department of Defense trended over the last five years?

Federal spending in physical sciences R&D by the Department of Defense has generally shown a consistent and often increasing trend over the last five years, driven by the need for technological superiority and adaptation to evolving global threats. While specific figures fluctuate annually based on budget allocations and strategic priorities, the DoD consistently allocates substantial resources to basic and applied research across various scientific disciplines, including physics, chemistry, materials science, and engineering. Investments in areas like advanced materials, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence within physical sciences have seen particular emphasis. This $93.5 million contract aligns with this broader trend of sustained, significant investment in foundational scientific research to maintain a technological edge.

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: BASIC RESEARCH

Solicitation ID: FA865021S1017

Offers Received: 6

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: $175,780,345

Exercised Options: $175,780,345

Current Obligation: $93,544,862

Actual Outlays: $1,516,689

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 45

Total Subaward Amount: $21,930,473

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline