DoD's $57.2M R&D Contract for Advanced Enterprise Systems Awarded to Utah State University
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $57,208,168 ($57.2M)
Contractor: Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2022-03-16
End Date: 2027-03-15
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $31.3K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SNAPET TO 08 ADVANCED ENTERPRISE SYSTEMS
Place of Performance
Location: LOGAN, CACHE County, UTAH, 84341
State: Utah Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $57.2 million to UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY SPACE DYNAMICS LABORATORY for work described as: SNAPET TO 08 ADVANCED ENTERPRISE SYSTEMS Key points: 1. Significant investment in advanced enterprise systems research. 2. Sole source award raises questions about competition and potential cost savings. 3. Focus on R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 4. Long-term contract duration (5 years) suggests ongoing need.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $57.2M over five years needs comparison to similar R&D contracts. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if this price represents fair market value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and may lead to higher costs compared to a competitive process.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition could result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for these research and development services.
Public Impact
Advanced technology development could lead to future defense capabilities. Potential for innovation in enterprise systems impacting military operations. Research funding directed to a specific academic institution.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost-plus contract type
- Sole-source award
Positive Signals
- Supports critical R&D needs
- Long-term engagement
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Federal spending in this NAICS code can vary widely based on specific research areas and agency priorities.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Utah State University, a large research institution, and there is no indication of small business involvement in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure the contractor is delivering value and that costs are reasonable throughout the contract period.
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
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Cost-plus contract type can incentivize higher spending.
- Lack of transparency on specific research objectives.
- Potential for cost overruns without strong oversight.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ut, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $57.2 million to UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY SPACE DYNAMICS LABORATORY. SNAPET TO 08 ADVANCED ENTERPRISE SYSTEMS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY SPACE DYNAMICS LABORATORY.
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 $57.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-03-16. End: 2027-03-15.
What specific advanced enterprise systems are being researched, and what is the expected technological advancement?
The contract details are limited, but the NAICS code 541715 suggests research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. Specifics on the 'SNAPET TO 08 ADVANCED ENTERPRISE SYSTEMS' would require further investigation into the SOW and technical documentation to understand the precise nature of the research and its intended outcomes.
Given the sole-source award, what mechanisms are in place to ensure cost control and prevent overspending?
As a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract awarded sole-source, robust oversight is crucial. The Air Force should implement stringent monitoring of expenditures, regular performance reviews, and potentially independent cost analyses to ensure the fixed fee remains justified and overall costs are controlled.
How does this investment align with broader DoD strategic goals for enterprise systems and R&D?
The alignment depends on the specific objectives of the 'SNAPET TO 08 ADVANCED ENTERPRISE SYSTEMS' project. Without access to the SOW, it's difficult to ascertain the strategic fit. However, significant R&D investments typically aim to enhance future capabilities, improve efficiency, or address emerging technological challenges relevant to DoD missions.
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: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 416 E INNOVATION AVE, NORTH LOGAN, UT, 84341
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Foundation, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $99,794,412
Exercised Options: $99,794,412
Current Obligation: $57,208,168
Actual Outlays: $373,421
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA945322D0005
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-03-16
Current End Date: 2027-03-15
Potential End Date: 2027-03-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-20
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