DoD's $22.3M Coastal Infrastructure Protection R&D Contract Awarded to University of Hawaii
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $22,335,922 ($22.3M)
Contractor: University of Hawaii
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2022-06-03
End Date: 2026-05-31
Contract Duration: 1,458 days
Daily Burn Rate: $15.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 18
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: REEFENSE PROGRAM SEEKS TO DEVELOP A SOLUTION THAT RAPIDLY PROVIDES PROTECTION FOR US DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE COASTAL INFRASTRUCTURE.
Place of Performance
Location: HONOLULU, HONOLULU County, HAWAII, 96822
State: Hawaii Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $22.3 million to UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII for work described as: REEFENSE PROGRAM SEEKS TO DEVELOP A SOLUTION THAT RAPIDLY PROVIDES PROTECTION FOR US DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE COASTAL INFRASTRUCTURE. Key points: 1. The contract focuses on developing solutions for coastal infrastructure protection, a critical need for the DoD. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a robust price discovery process. 3. The award is for Research and Development in Biotechnology, a specialized sector. 4. The project duration is over 3 years, indicating a significant development effort.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts in biotechnology is difficult due to the specialized nature of the work.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, allowing multiple vendors to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing, but the specialized nature of R&D can limit the pool of qualified bidders.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced research into critical infrastructure protection, which has long-term security benefits. The CPFF structure requires careful oversight to ensure cost efficiency.
Public Impact
Enhances coastal defense capabilities for the U.S. military. Supports innovation in biotechnology for defense applications. Invests in research that could have broader applications beyond military use. Promotes scientific advancement within the United States.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to higher costs if not managed effectively.
- R&D projects are inherently uncertain and may not yield desired results.
- Limited information on specific performance metrics and deliverables.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical national security need.
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Supports advanced research and development.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in Biotechnology sector. Spending in this area is crucial for national security and technological advancement, but often involves high costs and long development cycles. Benchmarks are difficult due to the specialized nature of the research.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses, as the primary awardee is the University of Hawaii. There is no information provided on subcontracting opportunities for small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), known for its rigorous oversight of high-risk, high-reward research projects. However, the CPFF structure necessitates close monitoring of costs and progress to ensure accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure.
- Inherent uncertainty in R&D outcomes.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
- Specialized nature of biotechnology may limit competition.
- Long project duration increases risk exposure.
Tags
research-and-development-in-biotechnolog, department-of-defense, hi, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $22.3 million to UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII. REEFENSE PROGRAM SEEKS TO DEVELOP A SOLUTION THAT RAPIDLY PROVIDES PROTECTION FOR US DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE COASTAL INFRASTRUCTURE.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $22.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-06-03. End: 2026-05-31.
What is the specific technological innovation expected from this biotechnology R&D, and how does it directly address coastal infrastructure protection challenges?
The specific innovation is not detailed in the provided data. However, biotechnology solutions for coastal defense could involve developing materials resistant to erosion, creating biological sensors for threat detection, or engineering natural systems for shoreline stabilization. The direct link to coastal infrastructure protection implies the research aims to enhance the resilience and security of naval bases, ports, and other critical assets against environmental threats and potential adversaries.
Given the CPFF contract type, what mechanisms are in place to mitigate the risk of cost overruns and ensure the government receives value for its investment?
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type requires robust oversight. Mechanisms to mitigate cost overruns include detailed cost tracking, regular progress reviews, and strict adherence to the fixed fee negotiated. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) typically employs program managers who closely monitor contractor performance and expenditures. Milestone-based payments and clear deliverable requirements also help ensure value by tying payments to tangible progress and outcomes.
How will the effectiveness of the developed biotechnology solution be measured, and what are the key performance indicators for this R&D project?
Effectiveness measurement for R&D projects, especially in biotechnology for defense, often involves a phased approach. Key performance indicators (KPIs) would likely be defined in the contract's statement of work and could include metrics related to material durability, sensor accuracy, environmental impact, or integration feasibility with existing systems. Initial phases might focus on lab-based testing and simulations, with later phases involving field trials and operational assessments to validate real-world effectiveness.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)
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: HR001121S0012
Offers Received: 18
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 2444 DOLE ST, HONOLULU, HI, 96822
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Government, Higher Education, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public), U.S. Regional/State Government
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $35,468,912
Exercised Options: $22,335,922
Current Obligation: $22,335,922
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 26
Total Subaward Amount: $9,609,867
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-06-03
Current End Date: 2026-05-31
Potential End Date: 2027-06-02 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-10-21
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