DoD Awards $50M Research Contract to J.F. Taylor, Inc. for Physical Sciences R&D
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $49,999,950 ($50.0M)
Contractor: J.F. Taylor, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2019-08-22
End Date: 2024-09-07
Contract Duration: 1,843 days
Daily Burn Rate: $27.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: LABOR CEILING FOR CLINS 0002-0005
Place of Performance
Location: PATUXENT RIVER, SAINT MARYS County, MARYLAND, 20670
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $50.0 million to J.F. TAYLOR, INC. for work described as: LABOR CEILING FOR CLINS 0002-0005 Key points: 1. Contract value of $49.9M for R&D in physical sciences. 2. Competition method: Full and Open after exclusion of sources. 3. Risk: Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns. 4. Sector: Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, which can be less price-efficient than fixed-price contracts. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources.' This suggests a competitive process, but the exclusion of specific sources may limit the breadth of competition and potentially impact price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced research and development, with the potential for significant technological advancements. The cost-plus nature warrants close monitoring to ensure value for money.
Public Impact
Supports advanced research in physical sciences, potentially leading to new technologies. Contract duration of nearly 5 years indicates a long-term investment. Awarded by the Department of the Navy, suggesting alignment with defense priorities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Potential for cost overruns
- Limited competition due to source exclusion
Positive Signals
- Full and Open Competition
- Supports critical R&D for the Navy
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for innovation but can be subject to cost uncertainties inherent in research projects.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further investigation would be needed to assess small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' contract type necessitates robust oversight to manage costs and ensure the contractor is meeting performance objectives efficiently. The Department of the Navy's contracting office is responsible for this oversight.
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
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Potential for cost overruns
- Limited competition due to source exclusion
- Lack of detailed cost breakdown for benchmarking
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, md, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $50.0 million to J.F. TAYLOR, INC.. LABOR CEILING FOR CLINS 0002-0005
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is J.F. TAYLOR, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $50.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-08-22. End: 2024-09-07.
What specific research outcomes are expected from this $50M contract, and how will their value be measured?
The contract focuses on 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.' Specific outcomes are not detailed in the provided data. Measuring value will likely involve assessing the successful development of new technologies, prototypes, or scientific advancements that meet the Navy's operational or strategic requirements. Performance metrics and milestones within the contract's Statement of Work will be key to tracking progress and evaluating the ultimate value delivered.
What are the primary risks associated with the 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' structure in this R&D contract?
The primary risk of a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract is that the government bears the cost risk. If the contractor's actual costs exceed the estimated costs, the government pays the difference, plus the fixed fee. This can lead to cost overruns if the project scope is not well-defined or if unforeseen technical challenges arise. For R&D, where outcomes are uncertain, CPFF can incentivize less cost-consciousness from the contractor compared to fixed-price arrangements.
How does the 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources' method impact the overall effectiveness and cost of this contract?
This competition method aims to balance broad market access with specific needs. While 'Full and Open' suggests an attempt at wide competition, the 'Exclusion of Sources' implies that certain potential bidders were deliberately not considered. This could be due to specific technical requirements, security concerns, or prior relationships. The effectiveness hinges on whether the excluded sources were critical for achieving the best price or most innovative solution. It may limit the competitive pressure on price discovery compared to a truly unrestricted full and open competition.
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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID
Solicitation ID: N0042118R0035
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 21610 SOUTH ESSEX DR, LEXINGTON PARK, MD, 20653
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $53,536,863
Exercised Options: $53,536,863
Current Obligation: $49,999,950
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 118
Total Subaward Amount: $24,187,493
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: N0042119D0074
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-08-22
Current End Date: 2024-09-07
Potential End Date: 2024-09-07 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-01-28
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