Air Force awards $29.8M for thermal integration and controls R&D to University of Dayton

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $29,818,777 ($29.8M)

Contractor: University of Dayton

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2022-10-26

End Date: 2026-05-12

Contract Duration: 1,294 days

Daily Burn Rate: $23.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: POWER, ENERGY, THERMAL, INTEGRATION AND CONTROLS SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

Place of Performance

Location: DAYTON, MONTGOMERY County, OHIO, 45469

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $29.8 million to UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON for work described as: POWER, ENERGY, THERMAL, INTEGRATION AND CONTROLS SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH Key points: 1. Contract focuses on scientific research in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. University of Dayton, a research institution, is the sole awardee. 3. The contract duration is over three years, indicating a sustained research effort. 4. Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a broad search for qualified contractors. 5. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, common for research and development projects. 6. Geographic location of the awardee is Ohio.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this specific R&D contract is challenging due to its specialized nature and the lack of directly comparable public contracts. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure allows for flexibility in research but can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. The fixed fee component provides some predictability for the contractor's profit.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that the Department of the Air Force sought proposals from all responsible sources. The number of bidders is not specified, but the competition type suggests a robust process aimed at identifying the best value. This approach generally promotes competitive pricing and innovation.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining research services at a reasonable cost by leveraging market forces.

Public Impact

The University of Dayton will benefit from this funding, supporting its research capabilities and personnel. The research aims to advance scientific understanding in thermal integration and controls. The geographic impact is primarily within Ohio, where the University of Dayton is located. This contract will likely support researchers, scientists, and technical staff at the university.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can incentivize cost overruns if not closely monitored.
The specialized nature of R&D makes direct cost comparisons difficult, potentially obscuring value for money.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process.
The contractor is a university with a stated focus on research, implying relevant expertise.
The contract duration supports a sustained research effort, potentially leading to significant advancements.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for specialized scientific research is often characterized by a limited number of highly qualified institutions and firms. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult due to the unique nature of each research project, but the overall federal spending on R&D is substantial.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside. Given the nature of advanced scientific research, it is common for such contracts to be awarded to larger institutions or specialized firms rather than small businesses, unless specific R&D capabilities are identified within the small business sector.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of the Air Force contracting and program management offices. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires diligent monitoring of costs incurred by the contractor to ensure adherence to the contract's objectives and budget. Transparency will depend on the agency's reporting practices for R&D expenditures.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Research and Development Contracts
Air Force Scientific Research Programs
University Research Grants
Thermal Sciences Research

Risk Flags

Cost Overrun Risk (CPFF)
Scope Creep Potential
Difficulty in Benchmarking Specialized R&D

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $29.8 million to UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON. POWER, ENERGY, THERMAL, INTEGRATION AND CONTROLS SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

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 $29.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-10-26. End: 2026-05-12.

What is the University of Dayton's track record in securing and executing federal research grants, particularly within the Department of Defense?

The University of Dayton has a history of engaging in research funded by federal agencies, including the Department of Defense. As a research-intensive institution, it actively pursues grants and contracts to support its scientific endeavors. Specific details on its track record for this particular type of research (thermal integration and controls) would require a deeper dive into its past performance reports and awarded contracts. However, its designation as a research university suggests a foundational capability to manage and execute such projects, often involving complex scientific methodologies and reporting requirements.

How does the $29.8 million award compare to typical funding levels for similar R&D projects in thermal sciences?

Determining a precise comparison for this $29.8 million award is challenging without more specific details on the project's scope and objectives. Research and Development projects, especially those in specialized fields like thermal integration and controls, can vary significantly in cost based on complexity, duration, required personnel, and equipment. While $29.8 million over approximately three years is a substantial investment, it is not uncommon for large-scale, multi-disciplinary R&D efforts funded by agencies like the Department of Defense. Benchmarking would ideally involve comparing it to other contracts for similar scientific research with comparable durations and objectives, which are often not publicly detailed.

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

The primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for scientific research revolve around cost control and potential for scope creep. For the government, the risk is that the contractor may not be sufficiently incentivized to control costs, as all allowable costs are reimbursed. While the fixed fee provides a predictable profit margin, the contractor might incur higher costs to achieve the research objectives, potentially exceeding initial budget expectations if not managed rigorously. For the contractor, the risk lies in accurately estimating the costs required to complete the research and ensuring all incurred costs are allowable under the contract terms. Effective oversight and clear definition of research milestones are crucial to mitigate these risks.

What are the expected outcomes or deliverables from this research contract?

The expected outcomes and deliverables from this research contract are centered around advancements in 'POWER, ENERGY, THERMAL, INTEGRATION AND CONTROLS SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH.' While specific deliverables are not detailed in the provided data, typical outcomes for such R&D contracts include the development of new theories, methodologies, prototypes, or improved technologies related to thermal management, energy efficiency, and system integration. Deliverables often include technical reports, research papers, data sets, and potentially demonstrations of new concepts or technologies. The ultimate goal is to enhance the Department of the Air Force's capabilities in areas related to power and thermal systems.

What is the historical spending pattern for research and development in thermal sciences by the Department of the Air Force?

Analyzing the historical spending patterns for research and development in thermal sciences by the Department of the Air Force requires access to comprehensive historical contract data. However, it is generally understood that the Air Force, like other branches of the DoD, invests significantly in R&D across various scientific disciplines to maintain technological superiority. Thermal management and energy efficiency are critical areas for aerospace applications, including aircraft, spacecraft, and ground support systems. Therefore, consistent funding for research in these areas can be expected, although specific amounts fluctuate annually based on strategic priorities, technological advancements, and budget allocations. This $29.8 million award represents a specific investment within that broader historical context.

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 › General Science and Technology 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: $30,749,999

Exercised Options: $30,749,999

Current Obligation: $29,818,777

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 17

Total Subaward Amount: $3,232,049

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA865019D2905

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline