Labor Department awards $13.2M contract for post-separation surveys to Decision Information Resources, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,236,651 ($13.2M)

Contractor: Decision Information Resources, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Labor

Start Date: 2023-04-28

End Date: 2027-04-30

Contract Duration: 1,463 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: OFFICE OF JOB CORPS NATIONAL DATA COLLECTION POST-SEPARATION SURVEYS

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20210

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Labor obligated $13.2 million to DECISION INFORMATION RESOURCES, INC for work described as: OFFICE OF JOB CORPS NATIONAL DATA COLLECTION POST-SEPARATION SURVEYS Key points: 1. Contract focuses on administrative management consulting, a common service area for federal agencies. 2. The contract duration of 1463 days suggests a long-term need for data collection and analysis. 3. Awarded via full and open competition, indicating a broad search for qualified contractors. 4. The use of Time and Materials pricing may present cost control challenges if not closely managed. 5. The specific service relates to understanding outcomes for individuals after leaving Job Corps programs. 6. The geographic scope is limited to the District of Columbia for the primary contractor location.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $13.2 million over approximately four years for post-separation surveys appears reasonable for a specialized data collection and analysis service. Benchmarking against similar contracts for survey administration and data analysis services is difficult without more specific details on the scope and methodology. However, the pricing structure (Time and Materials) warrants careful monitoring to ensure cost-effectiveness and prevent scope creep, which could inflate the overall cost beyond initial expectations.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of four bids (implied by 'no': 4) indicates a moderate level of competition for this requirement. While full and open competition is generally preferred for ensuring fair pricing and access to the best value, the specific number of bidders can influence the intensity of price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down prices and encouraging innovation among contractors.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Labor and the Job Corps program, which will gain insights into participant outcomes. The services delivered include data collection, survey administration, and analysis of post-separation data. The geographic impact is primarily national in terms of data collection, though the contractor is based in Washington D.C. The contract supports administrative and analytical functions within the federal government, rather than direct service delivery to the public.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials pricing can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently.
The long contract duration may require adjustments for evolving data collection technologies or methodologies.
Reliance on a single contractor for a critical data function could pose a risk if performance falters.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
The contract aims to improve understanding of program effectiveness, a positive step for accountability.
The contractor, Decision Information Resources, Inc., likely has specialized expertise in data collection and analysis.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional services sector, specifically administrative management and general management consulting. This sector is characterized by a wide range of firms offering expertise in areas such as data analysis, program evaluation, and operational efficiency. The market size for such services is substantial, with numerous government contractors vying for these types of awards. This specific contract addresses a niche within program evaluation, focusing on post-program participant outcomes.

Small Business Impact

The data provided does not indicate whether this contract included specific set-asides for small businesses or if subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are mandated. Given the nature of administrative consulting services, it is possible that smaller, specialized firms could be involved as subcontractors if not the prime awardee. Further investigation would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically reside within the Department of Labor's Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management (OASAM). Accountability measures would be defined in the contract's statement of work, performance standards, and delivery schedules. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases, but specific performance metrics and reporting details may not be publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Job Corps Program Evaluation
Department of Labor Data Collection Contracts
Federal Survey Administration Services
Post-Program Outcome Analysis
Administrative Management Consulting Services

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing.
Need for robust government oversight to manage contractor performance and costs.
Ensuring data quality and representativeness from post-separation surveys.
Adapting data collection methods to evolving technologies and participant engagement strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Labor awarded $13.2 million to DECISION INFORMATION RESOURCES, INC. OFFICE OF JOB CORPS NATIONAL DATA COLLECTION POST-SEPARATION SURVEYS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DECISION INFORMATION RESOURCES, INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Labor (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $13.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-04-28. End: 2027-04-30.

What is the track record of Decision Information Resources, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly in survey administration and data analysis?

Decision Information Resources, Inc. (DIR) has a history of performing federal contracts, primarily within the Department of Labor and other agencies requiring data collection, survey research, and analytical services. Their expertise often lies in understanding workforce development programs and participant outcomes. While specific details on past performance for similar large-scale post-separation surveys are not detailed here, their award for this significant contract suggests they meet the government's criteria for relevant experience and capability. A deeper dive into their contract history, including past performance reviews and any reported issues, would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability and effectiveness in executing such projects.

How does the $13.2 million contract value compare to similar federal contracts for post-separation surveys or program evaluation data collection?

The $13.2 million contract value for post-separation surveys, spanning approximately four years, appears to be within a reasonable range for a comprehensive data collection and analysis effort for a large federal program like Job Corps. However, direct comparisons are challenging without knowing the exact scope, methodology (e.g., number of participants surveyed, complexity of data analysis, required reporting), and specific performance standards. Contracts for large-scale program evaluations or longitudinal studies can range from a few million to tens of millions of dollars. The Time and Materials pricing structure, while flexible, necessitates close oversight to ensure the final cost remains competitive relative to the value delivered and comparable projects.

What are the primary risks associated with the Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure for this contract?

The primary risk with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract is the potential for cost overruns if not managed effectively. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M agreements reimburse the contractor for the actual labor hours and material costs incurred. This can lead to increased costs if the project scope expands beyond initial estimates, if the contractor is inefficient, or if there is a lack of rigorous oversight from the government. For this $13.2 million contract, the Department of Labor must implement strong project management and surveillance to ensure that the hours billed and materials used are reasonable, necessary, and directly related to the contract's objectives. Without such controls, the final cost could significantly exceed the initial award amount.

What is the expected impact of this contract on the Job Corps program's ability to assess its effectiveness?

This contract is expected to significantly enhance the Job Corps program's ability to assess its effectiveness by providing crucial data on what happens to participants after they leave the program. Understanding post-separation outcomes—such as employment rates, wages, further education, and long-term career trajectories—is vital for program evaluation, identifying areas for improvement, and demonstrating the program's value to stakeholders and policymakers. The systematic collection and analysis of this data will allow the Department of Labor to make evidence-based decisions regarding program design, resource allocation, and strategic direction, ultimately aiming to improve participant success and program outcomes.

How has federal spending on administrative management and general management consulting services trended in recent years, and where does this contract fit?

Federal spending on administrative management and general management consulting services (NAICS code 541611) has historically been substantial, reflecting agencies' needs for expertise in areas like organizational efficiency, strategic planning, program management, and data analysis. Spending in this category often fluctuates based on agency priorities, budget cycles, and the need for specialized support that cannot be met internally. This $13.2 million contract for post-separation surveys fits within this broader category by providing specialized consulting services focused on program evaluation and data analytics. It represents a specific investment aimed at improving the understanding and effectiveness of a key workforce development initiative.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 1605C2-23-Q-00003

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3900 ESSEX LN STE 900, HOUSTON, TX, 77027

Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $21,541,058

Exercised Options: $16,950,403

Current Obligation: $13,236,651

Actual Outlays: $9,490,092

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS10F0427Y

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline