NOAA's Research Associateship Program Management Contract Awarded to National Academy of Sciences
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $7,844,510 ($7.8M)
Contractor: National Academy of Sciences
Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce
Start Date: 2021-02-20
End Date: 2024-08-19
Sector: R&D
Official Description: PROGRAM MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE NOAA-WIDE RESIDENT RESEARCH ASSOCIATESHIP PROGRAM (RRAP)
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $7.8 million to NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES for work described as: PROGRAM MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE NOAA-WIDE RESIDENT RESEARCH ASSOCIATESHIP PROGRAM (RRAP) Key points: 1. Contract supports a vital program fostering scientific research and collaboration. 2. Competition was limited, with the National Academy of Sciences as the sole awardee. 3. Potential risk exists in the lack of competitive bidding for this service. 4. The contract value is substantial, requiring careful oversight.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of approximately $7.8 million over its period of performance is reasonable for comprehensive program management services. The National Academy of Sciences is a well-established entity with expertise in managing such programs.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis to the National Academy of Sciences. This suggests a pre-existing relationship or a determination that only this entity could provide the required specialized services.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used to procure specialized management services for a research program.
Public Impact
Supports scientific advancement and innovation. Provides opportunities for researchers. Enhances NOAA's research capabilities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award may limit competitive opportunities and potentially higher costs.
- Ensuring continued value and performance from the sole awardee is critical.
Positive Signals
- Supports a valuable research program.
- Leverages expertise of a reputable organization.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the scientific research and development sector, specifically supporting NOAA's mission through external research partnerships and program administration.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not set aside for small businesses. The awardee, National Academy of Sciences, is a large, non-profit organization.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be crucial to ensure the National Academy of Sciences effectively manages the RRAP, delivers on program objectives, and utilizes funds efficiently. Regular performance reviews and reporting are essential.
Related Government Programs
- Resident Research Associateship Program (RRAP)
- Program Management Support Services
Risk Flags
- Sole-source justification
- Performance monitoring
Tags
program-management, research-associateship, noaa, national-academy-of-sciences, sole-source, scientific-research, department-of-commerce
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Commerce awarded $7.8 million to NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. PROGRAM MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE NOAA-WIDE RESIDENT RESEARCH ASSOCIATESHIP PROGRAM (RRAP)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $7.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-02-20. End: 2024-08-19.
Analysis insight 1
The rationale for the sole-source award should be thoroughly documented to ensure fairness and efficiency.
Analysis insight 2
Performance metrics should be clearly defined and monitored to assess the effectiveness of the program management.
Analysis insight 3
The long-term benefits of this partnership to NOAA's research goals need to be evaluated.