DoD's $10.9M Aerospace Tech Contract Awarded to University of Dayton Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $10,916,606 ($10.9M)
Contractor: University of Dayton
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-12-21
End Date: 2026-10-21
Contract Duration: 304 days
Daily Burn Rate: $35.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: DESIGN, ANALYSIS, BUILDING, AND TESTING OF MULTI-DISCIPLINARY AEROSPACE SYSTEM TECHNOLOGIES (DABT)
Place of Performance
Location: DAYTON, MONTGOMERY County, OHIO, 45469
State: Ohio Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $10.9 million to UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON for work described as: DESIGN, ANALYSIS, BUILDING, AND TESTING OF MULTI-DISCIPLINARY AEROSPACE SYSTEM TECHNOLOGIES (DABT) Key points: 1. The contract focuses on research and development in aerospace system technologies. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a robust price discovery process. 3. The award is a Delivery Order under a larger contract, indicating phased funding. 4. The sector is R&D, specifically physical, engineering, and life sciences. 5. The University of Dayton is the sole awardee for this specific order.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking CPFF contracts in R&D is challenging due to inherent uncertainties.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing. However, the specific price discovery for this delivery order is not detailed.
Taxpayer Impact: The $10.9 million award represents a specific investment in advanced aerospace R&D, with taxpayer impact dependent on the successful development of the technologies.
Public Impact
Advancement of critical aerospace technologies for national security. Potential for innovation and spin-off technologies benefiting the civilian sector. Investment in academic research capabilities within the United States. Long-term implications for the U.S. Air Force's technological superiority.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- CPFF contract type risk
- Potential for scope creep in R&D projects
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition
- Focus on critical aerospace R&D
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced aerospace system technologies. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority but carries inherent risks due to the exploratory nature of R&D.
Small Business Impact
This award went to the University of Dayton, an academic institution, and does not appear to directly involve small businesses as prime contractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Air Force is the awarding agency. Oversight will be critical to manage the CPFF contract, ensuring adherence to scope and budget, and maximizing the return on investment for R&D efforts.
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 contract type
- Uncertainty inherent in R&D projects
- Potential for cost overruns
- Reliance on academic institution for critical defense technology development
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 $10.9 million to UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON. DESIGN, ANALYSIS, BUILDING, AND TESTING OF MULTI-DISCIPLINARY AEROSPACE SYSTEM TECHNOLOGIES (DABT)
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 $10.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-12-21. End: 2026-10-21.
What are the specific performance metrics and milestones for this delivery order to ensure accountability and value for money?
Specific performance metrics and milestones are crucial for R&D contracts, especially those using a CPFF structure. These should detail expected technological advancements, research outcomes, and deliverables within the defined period. Regular progress reviews by the Department of the Air Force will be essential to track adherence to these metrics and ensure the project remains on track and within budget, thereby safeguarding taxpayer investment.
How will the Department of Defense mitigate the inherent risks associated with Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts in this R&D project?
Mitigation strategies for CPFF contracts in R&D typically involve stringent oversight, clearly defined scopes of work with phased deliverables, and robust communication channels. The DoD should implement detailed progress reporting requirements, conduct regular technical reviews, and establish clear change control processes. Independent cost estimates and audits can also help ensure that costs are reasonable and allocable to the contract objectives.
What is the long-term strategic importance of the technologies being developed under this contract for the Air Force's future capabilities?
The long-term strategic importance hinges on the successful development of multi-disciplinary aerospace system technologies. These advancements could enhance the Air Force's operational effectiveness, introduce new mission capabilities, or provide a technological edge over adversaries. The specific impact will depend on the nature of the breakthroughs achieved and how effectively they are integrated into future platforms and systems.
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: 1
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: $17,499,982
Exercised Options: $17,499,982
Current Obligation: $10,916,606
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 7
Total Subaward Amount: $1,113,017
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA865019D2242
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-12-21
Current End Date: 2026-10-21
Potential End Date: 2026-10-21 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-16
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