HUD awards $4.05M RAD Evaluation contract to Econometrica, Inc. for 5-year research project

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,049,269 ($4.0M)

Contractor: Econometrica, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Housing and Urban Development

Start Date: 2013-12-30

End Date: 2018-12-29

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: R&D

Official Description: CONDUCT RENTAL ASSISTANCE DEMONSTRATION (RAD) EVALUATION IGF::OT::IGF

Place of Performance

Location: BETHESDA, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20814

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Housing and Urban Development obligated $4.0 million to ECONOMETRICA, INC. for work described as: CONDUCT RENTAL ASSISTANCE DEMONSTRATION (RAD) EVALUATION IGF::OT::IGF Key points: 1. Econometrica, Inc. secured a significant contract for a long-term research initiative. 2. The contract focuses on social science research, a niche but important sector. 3. Potential risks include the long duration and the specific nature of the research. 4. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $4.05M over 5 years averages to $810k annually. Benchmarking this against similar social science research contracts is difficult without more specific data on the scope and deliverables.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust process to solicit bids. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for a demonstration evaluation, aiming to provide insights that could inform future housing policies and programs, potentially leading to more efficient resource allocation.

Public Impact

Evaluation of rental assistance programs could lead to improved housing affordability and stability for vulnerable populations. Research findings may influence federal housing policy, impacting millions of Americans. The project's duration suggests a deep dive into complex social and economic factors related to housing.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long project duration (5 years) increases risk of scope creep or changing research needs.
Specific research focus may limit broader applicability of findings.
Reliance on 'Labor Hours' pricing can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.

Positive Signals

Awarded via full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
Research aims to improve critical social programs.
Contract awarded to a single entity, potentially allowing for focused expertise.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities. Spending in this area is typically lower than in areas like defense or IT, focusing on policy analysis and program evaluation.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Econometrica, Inc., a single entity. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award, suggesting it was not set aside for small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Housing and Urban Development is the awarding agency. Oversight would typically involve monitoring the research progress, deliverables, and adherence to the contract terms to ensure effective use of funds.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities
Department of Housing and Urban Development Contracting
Department of Housing and Urban Development Programs

Risk Flags

Long contract duration (5 years).
Research and Development in Social Sciences (niche area).
Awarded on 'Labor Hours' basis.
No explicit mention of small business subcontracting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded $4.0 million to ECONOMETRICA, INC.. CONDUCT RENTAL ASSISTANCE DEMONSTRATION (RAD) EVALUATION IGF::OT::IGF

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ECONOMETRICA, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Housing and Urban Development (Department of Housing and Urban Development).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2013-12-30. End: 2018-12-29.

What specific metrics will be used to evaluate the success of the RAD program?

The contract likely specifies key performance indicators (KPIs) and evaluation methodologies. These would detail how the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of the Rental Assistance Demonstration program will be measured. The evaluation would focus on outcomes related to housing stability, affordability, resident satisfaction, and potential cost savings or efficiencies for public housing authorities.

What are the primary risks associated with a 5-year social science research contract?

Key risks include the potential for research objectives to become outdated over the 5-year period due to evolving policy landscapes or societal changes. There's also a risk of 'scope creep' if the research expands beyond initial parameters. Furthermore, maintaining consistent research quality and managing the 'labor hours' pricing model effectively over such a long duration requires diligent oversight to prevent cost overruns and ensure timely delivery of meaningful results.

How will the findings of this evaluation impact future federal housing policies?

The evaluation is designed to provide data-driven insights into the effectiveness and efficiency of the RAD program. These findings will inform HUD and potentially Congress about the program's strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. Recommendations derived from the research could lead to policy adjustments, program expansions, or the development of new initiatives aimed at improving rental assistance and public housing outcomes.

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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: DU204SA-13-R-0006

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4416 EAST WEST HWY STE 215, BETHESDA, MD, 20814

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,049,269

Exercised Options: $4,049,269

Current Obligation: $4,049,269

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HUDDCCHI01067

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline