DHS Awards $15.9M for R&D Technical Support, Battelle Memorial Institute Selected

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,890,693 ($15.9M)

Contractor: Battelle Memorial Institute

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2009-02-12

End Date: 2012-05-31

Contract Duration: 1,204 days

Daily Burn Rate: $13.2K/day

Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: R&D

Official Description: DIVISION: OFFICE OF NATIONAL LABS PPA: LABORATORY FACILITIES THRUST: OPERATIONS PROGRAM: TSL OPERATIONS PROJECT: RESEARCH, ENGINEERING AND DEVELOPMENT, DEVELOPMENT TEST AND EVALUATION TECHNICAL SUPPORT PERFORMER: TBD APPROPRIATION YEAR: FY08 (8X FUNDS) BUDGET AUTHORITY: NO YEAR R&D FUNDS PROGRAM MANAGER: JOSH RUBENSTEIN ALC: 70-08-1513 APS: 70X0800 DESCRIPTION: THE PURPOSE OF THE REQUISITION IS TO AMEND PR RSLF-08-00084 TO CHANGE THE SCOPE AND ADD ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR $200,000 AS DESCRIBED IN THE ATTACHED STATEMENT OF WORK . THIS AMENDMENT WILL USE FUNDS FROM HUMAN FACTORS ACCS CODE 8X-34-01-03-001 AND WILL BE AWARDED AS PART OF THE HOMELAND SECURITY RESEARCH, ENGINEERING AND DEVELOPMENT (RE&D) AND DEVELOPMENTAL TEST AND EVALUATION (T&E) TECHNICAL SUPPORT CONTRACT THAT WILL SUPPORT THE DHS TRANSPORTATION SECURITY LABORATORY (TSL), LOCATED AT THE WILLIAM J. HUGHES TECHNICAL CENTER ATLANTIC CITY

Place of Performance

Location: ATLANTIC CITY, ATLANTIC County, NEW JERSEY, 08401

State: New Jersey Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $15.9 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE for work described as: DIVISION: OFFICE OF NATIONAL LABS PPA: LABORATORY FACILITIES THRUST: OPERATIONS PROGRAM: TSL OPERATIONS PROJECT: RESEARCH, ENGINEERING AND DEVELOPMENT, DEVELOPMENT TEST AND EVALUATION TECHNICAL SUPPORT PERFORMER: TBD APPROPRIATION YEAR: FY08 (8X FUNDS) BUDGET AUTHORITY: NO… Key points: 1. The contract is for Research, Engineering, and Development (RE&D) and Developmental Test and Evaluation (T&E) technical support. 2. Battelle Memorial Institute is the performer, with the contract awarded by the Department of Homeland Security. 3. The total value is approximately $15.9 million, with an amendment adding $200,000 for engineering services. 4. The contract type is Time and Materials, indicating potential for cost overruns if not managed carefully. 5. The sector is primarily R&D and Engineering Services, supporting national laboratory operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total value of $15.9 million for a multi-year R&D technical support contract appears reasonable given the scope. The amendment of $200,000 for additional engineering services is a small percentage of the total, suggesting controlled scope expansion.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The contract was awarded as a competitive delivery order, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This competitive process is expected to lead to fair pricing and good value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process is designed to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by securing the best possible price for the required services.

Public Impact

Supports critical research and development for homeland security initiatives. Enhances the capabilities of national laboratories through specialized technical support. The funding supports long-term projects, contributing to advancements in technology and security. The contract's duration of over 1000 days indicates a significant and ongoing need for these services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.
The specific technical capabilities of Battelle Memorial Institute are not detailed, requiring further due diligence.
The 'TBD' performer for the initial requisition suggests potential initial planning or procurement challenges.

Positive Signals

Awarded through a competitive process, indicating potential for good value.
Supports critical national security research and development.
Long contract duration suggests a stable and ongoing requirement, allowing for efficient resource allocation.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research & Development (R&D) and Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting technical operations for national laboratories. Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation and national security, with benchmarks varying widely based on project complexity and duration.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. The primary performer is Battelle Memorial Institute, a large research organization. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Procurement Operations. Oversight would involve monitoring performance against the statement of work, managing expenditures under the Time and Materials contract, and ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
Office of Procurement Operations Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials contract.
Lack of specific details on the scope of work and deliverables.
No clear indication of small business participation.
The 'TBD' performer in the initial requisition raises questions about early planning efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $15.9 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE. DIVISION: OFFICE OF NATIONAL LABS PPA: LABORATORY FACILITIES THRUST: OPERATIONS PROGRAM: TSL OPERATIONS PROJECT: RESEARCH, ENGINEERING AND DEVELOPMENT, DEVELOPMENT TEST AND EVALUATION TECHNICAL SUPPORT PERFORMER: TBD APPROPRIATION YEAR: FY08 (8X FUNDS) BUDGET AUTHORITY: NO YEAR R&D FUNDS PROGRAM MANAGER: JOSH RUBENSTEIN ALC: 70-08-1513 APS: 70X0800 DESCRIPTION: THE PURPOSE OF THE REQUISITION IS TO AMEND PR RSLF-08-00084 TO CHANGE THE SCOPE AND ADD ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR $200,000 A

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Office of Procurement Operations).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $15.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-02-12. End: 2012-05-31.

What specific R&D and T&E activities are encompassed by this contract, and how do they align with current homeland security priorities?

The provided data lacks specific details on the R&D and T&E activities. However, the contract supports 'TSL Operations' and is part of the 'Homeland Security Research, Engineering and Development (RE&D) and Developmental Test and Evaluation (T&E) Technical Support Contract.' This suggests activities related to advancing technologies and testing systems relevant to national security threats and infrastructure protection.

What is the justification for using a Time and Materials contract, and what measures are in place to control costs and prevent overruns?

Time and Materials contracts are often used when the extent or duration of the work cannot be estimated accurately. For this contract, the R&D nature likely necessitates flexibility. DHS should have robust oversight mechanisms, including detailed tracking of labor hours and material costs, regular performance reviews, and potentially cost ceilings to manage expenditures effectively.

How does the $15.9 million expenditure compare to similar R&D technical support contracts within the federal government, and what is the expected return on investment?

Benchmarking this specific R&D contract value requires access to a broader dataset of comparable federal procurements. However, for complex, multi-year technical support for national laboratories, $15.9 million is within a plausible range. The return on investment is measured by the successful development and implementation of technologies that enhance homeland security capabilities.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - CONSTRUCTION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: HSHQDC-08-Q-00401

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 505 KING AVENUE, COLUMBUS, OH, 43201

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $18,403,502

Exercised Options: $15,957,505

Current Obligation: $15,890,693

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS23F0011L

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline