Air Force's $3.19M RAND Corp. R&D Contract for Social Sciences Lacks Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $31,873,680 ($31.9M)
Contractor: THE Rand Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2016-09-30
End Date: 2017-09-30
Contract Duration: 365 days
Daily Burn Rate: $87.3K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF PROJECT AIR FORCE (PAF) SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20301
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $31.9 million to THE RAND CORPORATION for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF PROJECT AIR FORCE (PAF) SERVICES Key points: 1. Significant R&D spending on social sciences by the Air Force. 2. Sole-source award to RAND Corporation, a well-known research entity. 3. Potential for limited competition impacting price discovery. 4. Focus on research and development in social sciences and humanities.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $3.19M for a 1-year duration is moderate. Without comparable contracts for similar R&D services, a precise pricing assessment is difficult. However, RAND's established reputation suggests a potentially fair price for specialized research.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning competition was not sought. This limits the government's ability to explore alternative providers and potentially secure lower prices through a competitive bidding process.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds were used for this sole-source award, potentially foregoing savings that could have been achieved through a competitive procurement.
Public Impact
Research into social sciences and humanities by a major defense agency. Potential insights into societal trends or human behavior relevant to Air Force operations. Limited public visibility due to the specialized nature of the research and sole-source award.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Lack of transparency in pricing due to no competition.
- Potential for higher costs without competitive pressure.
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable research institution (RAND Corp.).
- Focus on R&D, potentially yielding valuable insights.
Sector Analysis
The contract falls under Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities (NAICS 541720). Spending in this sector can vary widely, but defense-related social science research often focuses on areas like behavioral science, policy analysis, and strategic studies.
Small Business Impact
This contract was not awarded to a small business. The nature of specialized R&D services often leads to awards to established research institutions rather than small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants oversight to ensure the research objectives were met and the pricing was reasonable, even without competition. Further review of the justification for the sole-source award would be beneficial.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competitive bidding.
- Potential for inflated costs.
- Limited transparency on research outcomes.
- No small business participation.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-social-s, department-of-defense, dc, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $31.9 million to THE RAND CORPORATION. IGF::OT::IGF PROJECT AIR FORCE (PAF) SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THE RAND CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Air Force).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $31.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2016-09-30. End: 2017-09-30.
What specific research questions or objectives were addressed by this contract, and how do they align with the Air Force's strategic goals?
The contract likely focused on research areas pertinent to Air Force operations, such as understanding adversary motivations, assessing the impact of social or political factors on military effectiveness, or developing strategies for engaging with local populations. The specific objectives would be detailed in the contract's statement of work, aiming to provide actionable insights for decision-makers within the Department of the Air Force.
Given the sole-source nature, what mechanisms were in place to ensure the RAND Corporation's pricing was fair and reasonable?
Even with sole-source awards, contracting officers are required to obtain a fair and reasonable price. This typically involves reviewing the contractor's cost and pricing data, comparing it to historical data for similar services, or obtaining independent government cost estimates. For a reputable entity like RAND, the government likely relied on their established pricing structures and prior experience.
What is the expected long-term impact or application of the social science research conducted under this contract for the Department of the Air Force?
The long-term impact could range from informing strategic planning and policy development to enhancing operational effectiveness in complex environments. Research findings might influence doctrine, training programs, or diplomatic engagement strategies. The value lies in providing a deeper understanding of human and societal factors critical to national security and military success.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities
Product/Service Code: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: FA701415R1007
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1776 MAIN ST, SANTA MONICA, CA, 90401
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: $31,873,680
Exercised Options: $31,873,680
Current Obligation: $31,873,680
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA701416D1000
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2016-09-30
Current End Date: 2017-09-30
Potential End Date: 2017-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-05-24
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