DoD's $55.5M R&D Contract with University of Washington for AMFIP Production Raises Questions on Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $55,495,826 ($55.5M)
Contractor: University of Washington
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-09-08
End Date: 2026-09-26
Contract Duration: 1,114 days
Daily Burn Rate: $49.8K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: FY23 STAFAC AMFIP PRODUCTION
Place of Performance
Location: SEATTLE, KING County, WASHINGTON, 98105
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $55.5 million to UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON for work described as: FY23 STAFAC AMFIP PRODUCTION Key points: 1. Significant investment in advanced research and development. 2. Sole-source award to a single academic institution. 3. Potential for limited competition impacting price discovery. 4. Focus on specialized R&D within physical, engineering, and life sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $55.5 million for R&D is substantial. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if this price is optimal compared to similar research endeavors or if alternative solutions were explored.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, indicating no other vendors were considered. This limits price discovery and may not leverage the full spectrum of available expertise or innovation.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are committed without a competitive process to ensure the best value or most cost-effective solution.
Public Impact
Funding advanced scientific research with potential long-term benefits. Investment in a specific university's research capabilities. Lack of transparency in the procurement process due to sole-source award.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source procurement
- Lack of price competition
- Limited small business participation potential
Positive Signals
- Supports critical R&D for the Department of the Navy
- Partnership with a known research institution
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for innovation but requires careful oversight to ensure value.
Small Business Impact
The contract does not indicate any specific provisions for small business participation. Given the sole-source nature and the recipient being a university, small businesses are unlikely to be direct beneficiaries.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source award warrants scrutiny to ensure the justification for not competing the contract is robust and that the terms are fair and reasonable.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Navy Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and potential cost savings.
- Lack of transparency in the procurement process.
- Potential for cost overruns in a CPFF contract without strong oversight.
- Limited visibility into alternative research capabilities.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, wa, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $55.5 million to UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON. FY23 STAFAC AMFIP PRODUCTION
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $55.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-09-08. End: 2026-09-26.
What is the justification for awarding this significant R&D contract on a sole-source basis?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, critical needs, or the unavailability of other sources. For this contract, the Department of the Navy would need to provide specific documentation detailing why the University of Washington was the only viable option for the AMFIP production research and development.
How will the effectiveness of the AMFIP production research be measured and validated?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through defined milestones, deliverables, and performance metrics outlined in the contract. The Department of the Navy's technical team will be responsible for monitoring progress, reviewing research outcomes, and ensuring the R&D meets the specified objectives for AMFIP production.
What is the potential risk of cost overruns in this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract?
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts carry a risk of cost overruns if the fixed fee is not adequately calculated or if unforeseen complexities arise during the R&D process. Robust oversight and clear scope definition are crucial to mitigate this risk and ensure the total cost remains within reasonable bounds.
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: 4333 BROOKLYN AVE NE, SEATTLE, WA, 98195
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Government, Higher Education, U.S. Local Government, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public)
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $55,495,826
Exercised Options: $55,495,826
Current Obligation: $55,495,826
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: N0002421D6400
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-09-08
Current End Date: 2026-09-26
Potential End Date: 2026-09-26 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-15
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