Interior Department's $16.7M R&D Contract Awarded to Noblis, Inc. with No Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $16,694,555 ($16.7M)
Contractor: Noblis, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2002-11-15
End Date: 2005-07-21
Contract Duration: 979 days
Daily Burn Rate: $17.1K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Place of Performance
Location: FALLS CHURCH, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22042
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $16.7 million to NOBLIS, INC. for work described as: Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a cost-plus-fixed-fee basis, which can incentivize cost overruns. 2. The contract was not competed, raising questions about potential price efficiencies. 3. A duration of 979 days suggests a significant, long-term engagement. 4. The contract falls under the 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' NAICS code. 5. The award was made to Noblis, Inc., a significant player in government contracting. 6. The contract's value of approximately $16.7 million warrants scrutiny for value for money.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
Benchmarking the value of this Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract is challenging without detailed cost breakdowns and performance metrics. CPFF contracts inherently carry higher risk for the government due to potential for cost escalation. Comparing it to similar R&D contracts within the Department of the Interior or across federal agencies would require access to granular data on scope, deliverables, and contractor overhead. The lack of competition further complicates a direct value assessment, as there was no market pressure to drive down costs.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed among multiple vendors. The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, urgent needs, or a lack of other qualified sources. Without further information on the specific circumstances, it is difficult to assess the extent to which this limited competition impacted price discovery and potentially led to a higher cost for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards can mean taxpayers may not be getting the best possible price, as competitive pressures that drive down costs were absent.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are likely the researchers and technical staff at Noblis, Inc., who will perform the R&D services. The contract supports research and development activities within the physical, engineering, and life sciences, potentially leading to advancements in areas relevant to the Department of the Interior's mission. The geographic impact is primarily centered in Virginia, where the contractor is located. Workforce implications include employment for scientists, engineers, and support staff at Noblis.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition may have led to suboptimal pricing.
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee structure can incentivize higher costs if not tightly managed.
- Limited transparency on specific R&D deliverables and outcomes.
Positive Signals
- Noblis, Inc. is a reputable contractor with experience in government R&D.
- Contract supports critical research and development for the agency.
- Fixed fee component provides some cost certainty compared to pure cost-plus contracts.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically NAICS code 541710. This sector is characterized by innovation and scientific advancement. Federal spending in R&D is crucial for driving technological progress and addressing national challenges. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other R&D contracts awarded by the Department of the Interior and other agencies for similar scientific disciplines, considering factors like contract type, duration, and scope of work.
Small Business Impact
This contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Therefore, it does not directly contribute to the small business contracting goals. The lack of a small business set-aside means that opportunities for smaller, specialized R&D firms to compete for this specific work were likely absent.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight mechanisms for this contract would typically involve the Department of the Interior's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures would be tied to the performance metrics and deliverables outlined in the contract. Transparency is often limited for R&D contracts due to proprietary information and the nature of scientific inquiry. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.
Related Government Programs
- Department of the Interior Research and Development Programs
- Federal Scientific Research Contracts
- Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee Contracts
- Sole-Source Contract Awards
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Cost-plus contract type
Tags
research-and-development, department-of-the-interior, noblis-inc, cost-plus-fixed-fee, sole-source, virginia, naics-541710, federal-contract, science-and-technology, government-spending
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $16.7 million to NOBLIS, INC.. See the official description on USAspending.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is NOBLIS, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Departmental Offices).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $16.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2002-11-15. End: 2005-07-21.
What specific research and development activities were undertaken under this contract?
The contract falls under NAICS code 541710, 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.' While the specific projects are not detailed in the provided data, such contracts typically involve scientific investigation, experimentation, and analysis aimed at discovering or improving knowledge and capabilities. For the Department of the Interior, this could encompass areas like environmental science, resource management, geological surveys, or engineering solutions relevant to public lands and infrastructure. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure suggests that the contractor, Noblis, Inc., was reimbursed for allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee, indicating a focus on achieving specific research objectives within a defined budget framework for the fee component.
How does the $16.7 million contract value compare to similar R&D contracts within the Department of the Interior?
Direct comparison of the $16.7 million value is difficult without knowing the specific scope and duration of comparable contracts. However, for R&D services under NAICS 541710, this amount represents a significant investment. The Department of the Interior, like other large federal agencies, awards numerous R&D contracts annually, ranging from small, specialized studies to large, multi-year programs. A contract of this magnitude suggests a substantial research effort. To provide a precise benchmark, one would need to analyze contracts with similar objectives, complexity, and contract types (e.g., CPFF) awarded over a comparable timeframe to ensure a fair comparison of value for money.
What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source, Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for R&D?
Sole-source contracts eliminate competition, which can lead to higher prices and reduced innovation as there's less pressure to be efficient or cost-effective. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure, while providing some cost control through the fixed fee, still carries risks. The 'cost-plus' element means the government reimburses the contractor's expenses, which can escalate if not rigorously monitored. This structure can incentivize contractors to incur more costs, as their fee is fixed regardless of the total cost. For R&D, where outcomes can be uncertain, managing cost overruns while ensuring the research objectives are met requires strong government oversight and clearly defined milestones.
What is Noblis, Inc.'s track record with federal R&D contracts?
Noblis, Inc. is a well-established non-profit organization that provides professional and technical services to the government, including significant work in R&D. They have a history of performing complex scientific and engineering tasks for various federal agencies. Their track record generally indicates experience in areas aligned with NAICS 541710. However, a comprehensive assessment would require reviewing their performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS) on specific contracts, including their history with CPFF contracts and sole-source awards, to gauge their reliability, cost management, and success in meeting R&D objectives.
What historical spending patterns exist for R&D contracts awarded by the Department of the Interior?
The Department of the Interior historically spends significant funds on R&D to support its diverse mission, which includes managing natural resources, protecting ecosystems, and ensuring the sustainable use of land and water. Spending patterns vary by fiscal year and agency priorities, often reflecting needs in areas like climate change research, geological surveys, wildlife conservation, and infrastructure resilience. Analyzing historical data would reveal trends in contract types (e.g., FFP, CPFF, T&M), dominant NAICS codes, and key contractors. This specific $16.7 million contract, awarded in 2002, fits within the broader pattern of the Department investing in scientific and technical expertise to address its operational and policy challenges.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Contractor Details
Address: 3150 FAIRVIEW PARK DR, FALLS CHURCH, VA, 08
Business Categories: Category Business, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $16,694,555
Exercised Options: $16,694,555
Current Obligation: $16,694,555
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: IND02PC60080
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2002-11-15
Current End Date: 2005-07-21
Potential End Date: 2005-07-21 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2012-06-27
More Contracts from Noblis, Inc.
- Epics Unrestricted Contract; Noblis; # Dtfawa-17-D-00014 on Task Order # 0005 Enterprise Engineering Services Support — $280.0M (Department of Transportation)
- Advisory and Assistance Services — $231.1M (Department of Defense)
- Epics Unrestricted Contract Noblis # Dtfawa-17-D-00014 for Task Order # 0004 NAS Voice Systems (NVS) PMO) Support — $135.1M (Department of Transportation)
- Ecss T.0. 0020 - Enterprise Engineering Services TAS::69 1301::TAS Igf::ot::igf — $121.7M (Department of Transportation)
- This Procurement Will Require Project Management Advice, Guidance and Support Services Under the Oversight of the Office of Information Technology (OIT) to Facilitate Consistent and Effective Planning, Control, and Monitoring of the Progress and Stat — $80.4M (Department of Health and Human Services)
Other Department of the Interior Contracts
- Department of Health and Human Services, Administration of Children and Families, Office of Refugee Resettlement's Legal Services for Unaccompanied Children — $832.4M (Acacia Center for Justice)
- Military Family Life Counseling Program Igf::ot::igf — $638.8M (MHN Government Services LLC)
- Military Family Life Counseling Program — $637.0M (Magellan Healthcare Inc)
- Grants Program Solutions and Information Technology Support Services — $446.3M (Guidehouse Digital LLC)
- THE Purpose of This Requirement for Grants Program Solutions and IT Support Services IS to Provide Efficient and Effective Grant, Financial, and Contract Management Services, IT Solutions, and Support to the Grantsolutions and ITS Partners — $403.1M (Guidehouse Inc.)