DoD's $31.5M FORGE contract to Utah State University aims for open architecture in strategic warning

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $31,504,756 ($31.5M)

Contractor: Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2022-09-28

End Date: 2028-09-27

Contract Duration: 2,191 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.4K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: FUTURE OPERATIONALLY RESILIENT GROUND EVOLUTION(FORGE) MISSION DATA PROCESSING(MDP) OPEN REPOSITORY AND CODE ESCROW(FORCE): FORGE WILL ACHIEVE A MODERN AND OPEN ARCHITECTURE FOR STRATEGIC WARNING ACQUISITION DELTA (SNW) GROUND CAPABILITIES.

Place of Performance

Location: LOGAN, CACHE County, UTAH, 84341

State: Utah Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $31.5 million to UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY SPACE DYNAMICS LABORATORY for work described as: FUTURE OPERATIONALLY RESILIENT GROUND EVOLUTION(FORGE) MISSION DATA PROCESSING(MDP) OPEN REPOSITORY AND CODE ESCROW(FORCE): FORGE WILL ACHIEVE A MODERN AND OPEN ARCHITECTURE FOR STRATEGIC WARNING ACQUISITION DELTA (SNW) GROUND CAPABILITIES. Key points: 1. Focuses on modernizing ground capabilities for strategic warning acquisition. 2. Emphasizes an open architecture approach for future resilience. 3. Contract awarded to Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory. 4. Long-term effort with a duration of approximately 6 years. 5. Research and Development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 6. Potential for enhanced data processing and repository services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $31.5 million for a 6-year research and development effort appears within a reasonable range for specialized scientific services. However, without specific benchmarks for similar 'open architecture' development in strategic warning systems, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type allows for cost reimbursement plus a fixed fee, which can incentivize efficiency but also carries some risk of cost overruns if not closely managed.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed among multiple vendors. This approach is typically used when a specific contractor possesses unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or is the only responsible source capable of meeting the requirement. The lack of competition means that the government did not benefit from a bidding process that could have potentially driven down costs or spurred innovation through diverse proposals.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards limit opportunities for other businesses and may result in higher prices for taxpayers compared to a competitively bid contract.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the Department of Defense, specifically the Missile Defense Agency, which will gain enhanced strategic warning capabilities. The contract will deliver advancements in mission data processing, open repository, and code escrow services. The geographic impact is primarily within Utah, where the Space Dynamics Laboratory is located, but the strategic warning capabilities will have national implications. The contract supports specialized research and development roles, potentially impacting the scientific and engineering workforce in relevant fields.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competitive pricing and innovation.
Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires diligent oversight to manage costs.
Lack of public details on specific performance metrics and success criteria.

Positive Signals

Focus on 'open architecture' promotes future flexibility and interoperability.
Long-term contract provides stability for research and development.
Award to a university laboratory may foster academic-industry collaboration.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for strategic warning systems and associated data processing is highly specialized, often dominated by a few key players with deep expertise. The Missile Defense Agency's investment in an open architecture for its ground capabilities aligns with broader trends in defense modernization towards greater adaptability and reduced vendor lock-in. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the unique nature of strategic warning systems and the emphasis on open architecture.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside. Given the sole-source nature and the specialized research focus, it is unlikely that subcontracting opportunities for small businesses will be a primary driver unless specifically mandated or pursued by the prime contractor. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal for this particular award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract will likely be managed by the contracting officer and program management office within the Department of Defense. Accountability measures will be tied to the achievement of milestones and deliverables outlined in the contract. Transparency may be limited due to the sensitive nature of strategic warning systems, but standard contract reporting requirements should apply. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Missile Defense Systems
Strategic Warning Systems
Ground Systems Modernization
Research and Development Contracts
Data Processing Services

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Cost-plus contract type
Limited public information on performance metrics

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $31.5 million to UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY SPACE DYNAMICS LABORATORY. FUTURE OPERATIONALLY RESILIENT GROUND EVOLUTION(FORGE) MISSION DATA PROCESSING(MDP) OPEN REPOSITORY AND CODE ESCROW(FORCE): FORGE WILL ACHIEVE A MODERN AND OPEN ARCHITECTURE FOR STRATEGIC WARNING ACQUISITION DELTA (SNW) GROUND CAPABILITIES.

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 (Missile Defense Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $31.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-09-28. End: 2028-09-27.

What is the specific technical approach Utah State University will employ to achieve an 'open architecture' for the FORGE mission data processing?

The contract details do not specify the exact technical methodologies Utah State University will use to implement the 'open architecture' for the FORGE Mission Data Processing (MDP) Open Repository and Code Escrow (FORCE). However, an 'open architecture' typically involves using standardized interfaces, modular design principles, and open-source components where feasible. This approach aims to facilitate easier integration of new technologies, promote interoperability between different systems, and reduce reliance on proprietary solutions. The Space Dynamics Laboratory will likely focus on developing flexible data ingestion pipelines, a standardized data repository structure, and secure code escrow mechanisms that adhere to industry best practices and DoD standards for modularity and extensibility. Further details would likely be found in technical documentation and progress reports associated with the contract.

How does the $31.5 million contract value compare to similar investments in strategic warning system modernization?

Direct comparisons for the $31.5 million FORGE contract are challenging due to the specialized nature of strategic warning systems and the specific focus on an 'open architecture' for mission data processing. Investments in defense modernization, particularly in areas like intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and command and control (C2), can range from tens of millions to billions of dollars depending on the scope and complexity. However, for a 6-year research and development effort focused on a specific component like data processing and repository, $31.5 million appears to be a moderate investment. It suggests a focused effort rather than a full-scale system replacement. Benchmarking against other R&D contracts for similar technological advancements, such as AI/ML integration in data analysis or cloud-based data platforms for defense, would provide a more relevant context, but such data is often not publicly available at this level of detail.

What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source, Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for this type of R&D effort?

The primary risks associated with a sole-source, CPFF contract for this R&D effort are twofold. Firstly, the sole-source nature eliminates the potential benefits of competition, such as lower pricing and a wider range of innovative solutions that could emerge from multiple bidders. This can lead to higher costs for the government and potentially less optimal technical solutions. Secondly, the CPFF structure, while allowing for flexibility in R&D where costs can be unpredictable, carries the risk of cost overruns. If the contractor's actual costs exceed initial estimates, the government is obligated to pay these costs, plus the agreed-upon fixed fee. Effective oversight is crucial to mitigate these risks, ensuring that costs are reasonable and allocable, and that the contractor remains incentivized to achieve the project goals efficiently.

What performance metrics will be used to evaluate the success of the FORGE Mission Data Processing contract?

The specific performance metrics for the FORGE Mission Data Processing contract are not detailed in the provided summary. However, for an R&D effort focused on developing an open architecture for data processing and a repository, success would typically be evaluated based on several factors. These could include the successful implementation of standardized interfaces and modular components, the ability to ingest and process diverse data types efficiently, the security and reliability of the data repository, and the successful escrow of code. Key performance indicators (KPIs) might also relate to system uptime, data retrieval times, and the ease with which new data sources or analytical tools can be integrated. The Missile Defense Agency would establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals within the contract's statement of work and subsequent performance management plans.

How does this contract align with broader trends in defense spending towards open systems and data-centric approaches?

This contract directly aligns with broader trends in defense spending that emphasize the adoption of open systems and data-centric approaches. The DoD has increasingly recognized the limitations of proprietary, stove-piped systems, which are expensive to maintain, difficult to upgrade, and hinder interoperability. The move towards an 'open architecture' for the FORGE program is a strategic initiative to build more resilient, adaptable, and cost-effective ground capabilities. By focusing on open standards and modularity, the DoD aims to accelerate the integration of new technologies, foster innovation from a wider range of vendors (in future procurements), and ensure that data can be more easily shared and leveraged across different platforms and echelons. This aligns with initiatives like Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2), which relies heavily on seamless data flow and interoperability.

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

Solicitation ID: HQ085421R0002

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1695 N RESEARCH PARK WAY, 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: $52,894,362

Exercised Options: $52,894,362

Current Obligation: $31,504,756

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HQ085422D0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline