DARPA Awards $6.7M Contract to SRI International for Physical and Engineering Research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $6,669,076 ($6.7M)
Contractor: SRI International
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-04-02
End Date: 2026-05-01
Contract Duration: 759 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 16
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: DARPA RESEARCH PROJECT
Place of Performance
Location: PRINCETON, MERCER County, NEW JERSEY, 08540
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $6.7 million to SRI INTERNATIONAL for work described as: DARPA RESEARCH PROJECT Key points: 1. Contract awarded to SRI International for R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration is 759 days, with an estimated completion date in May 2026. 4. This award falls under the 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' NAICS code.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which is common for R&D projects where final costs are uncertain. The total award amount of $6.7M for a 759-day project appears reasonable for specialized research.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment among potential contractors.
Public Impact
Advancement of scientific knowledge and technological capabilities in physical and engineering sciences. Potential for new innovations and solutions to defense-related challenges. Support for research and development activities within the United States.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully.
- Specific research outcomes and their direct applicability are not detailed in the award notice.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Supports critical R&D for the Department of Defense.
- Contract awarded to a reputable research institution (SRI International).
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically NAICS code 541715. Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation and maintaining technological superiority, particularly for defense applications. Benchmarks vary widely based on the specific research area.
Small Business Impact
The award notice does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. SRI International is a large research organization, suggesting this contract was likely not awarded to a small business.
Oversight & Accountability
DARPA is known for its rigorous oversight of research projects. The definitive contract structure implies specific deliverables and reporting requirements, subject to oversight by the Department of Defense.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns inherent in CPFF contracts.
- Lack of specific detail on research objectives and expected outcomes.
- No explicit mention of small business participation.
- Long project duration increases exposure to changing technological landscapes.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, nj, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $6.7 million to SRI INTERNATIONAL. DARPA RESEARCH PROJECT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SRI INTERNATIONAL.
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 $6.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-04-02. End: 2026-05-01.
What specific research objectives does this DARPA project aim to achieve, and how do they align with current defense priorities?
The award notice specifies 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)'. While the exact objectives are not detailed, DARPA's mission is to invest in breakthrough technologies for national security. This project likely aims to advance fundamental scientific understanding or develop novel engineering solutions relevant to future defense capabilities, potentially in areas like advanced materials, robotics, or complex systems.
What are the potential risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for this R&D project, and how are they mitigated?
CPFF contracts carry the risk of cost overruns if the contractor's estimated costs are inaccurate or if unforeseen technical challenges arise. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust government oversight, detailed cost tracking, regular progress reviews, and clear definition of fixed-fee milestones. DARPA's expertise in managing complex R&D ensures close monitoring to control expenditures while allowing flexibility for scientific exploration.
How will the effectiveness and impact of this research be measured and evaluated by DARPA upon completion?
DARPA evaluates research effectiveness through a combination of technical milestones, peer reviews, demonstrations, and the potential for transition to other programs or operational use. For this project, effectiveness will likely be assessed based on the successful advancement of scientific knowledge, the development of prototypes or methodologies, and the potential to address identified defense challenges. SRI International will be required to provide regular reports and final documentation.
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: BASIC RESEARCH
Solicitation ID: HR001123S0041
Offers Received: 16
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 333 RAVENSWOOD AVE, MENLO PARK, CA, 94025
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $16,800,423
Exercised Options: $6,669,076
Current Obligation: $6,669,076
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 3
Total Subaward Amount: $5,578,482
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-04-02
Current End Date: 2026-05-01
Potential End Date: 2026-05-01 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-17
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