Treasury's IRS renews Forrester Research online access for $2.3M over 4 years via full and open competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,328,878 ($2.3M)
Contractor: Forrester Research, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of the Treasury
Start Date: 2021-09-15
End Date: 2025-09-14
Contract Duration: 1,460 days
Daily Burn Rate: $1.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: THIS REQUIREMENT IS FOR THE RENEWAL OF FORRESTER RESEARCH FOR EOPS EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP ONLINE ACCESS SUBSCRIPTION.
Place of Performance
Location: CAMBRIDGE, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02140
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Treasury obligated $2.3 million to FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC. for work described as: THIS REQUIREMENT IS FOR THE RENEWAL OF FORRESTER RESEARCH FOR EOPS EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP ONLINE ACCESS SUBSCRIPTION. Key points: 1. Spending on executive leadership online research tools is common across government. 2. The contract value is moderate for a multi-year subscription service. 3. Risk is low due to the nature of the service and established vendor. 4. This falls under IT services, specifically data and research subscriptions.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The price of $2.3M over four years for online research access appears reasonable given the vendor and scope. Benchmarking against similar executive research subscriptions would provide a clearer picture of value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing process. The use of a Delivery Order under an existing contract vehicle (MAS) indicates a streamlined procurement.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from informed executive decision-making, potentially leading to more efficient agency operations and resource allocation.
Public Impact
Provides executives with critical market intelligence and research to support strategic planning. Ensures leadership has access to up-to-date data and analysis for informed decision-making. Supports agency modernization and efficiency efforts through access to best practices and trends.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for price increases in future renewals.
- Reliance on a single vendor for critical research data.
Positive Signals
- Awarded via full and open competition.
- Long-term access to valuable research resources.
- Supports executive decision-making and strategic planning.
Sector Analysis
This spending falls within the IT services sector, specifically for data and research subscriptions. Government spending on such services is typical for agencies needing external expertise and market intelligence to support executive functions.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this procurement. The vendor listed is Forrester Research, Inc., a large established company.
Oversight & Accountability
The use of a Delivery Order under an existing contract vehicle suggests some level of prior oversight. Further review of the specific MAS contract and the justification for this renewal would be needed for a full assessment.
Related Government Programs
- Other Computer Related Services
- Department of the Treasury Contracting
- Internal Revenue Service Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for price creep in future renewals.
- Dependence on a single vendor for critical research.
- Need to ensure ongoing alignment of research content with IRS strategic priorities.
- Limited visibility into specific usage metrics and ROI.
Tags
other-computer-related-services, department-of-the-treasury, ma, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Treasury awarded $2.3 million to FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.. THIS REQUIREMENT IS FOR THE RENEWAL OF FORRESTER RESEARCH FOR EOPS EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP ONLINE ACCESS SUBSCRIPTION.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of the Treasury (Internal Revenue Service).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $2.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-09-15. End: 2025-09-14.
What is the specific value proposition of Forrester Research for the IRS executives compared to alternative research sources?
The value proposition likely lies in Forrester's specialized focus on technology, customer experience, and business strategy relevant to the IRS's modernization and operational challenges. Their reports and data provide actionable insights and benchmarks that internal resources might not easily replicate, aiding in strategic decision-making and identifying best practices.
What are the risks associated with relying on a single vendor for executive research, even with a competitive award?
The primary risk is vendor lock-in and potential price escalation in future renewals, despite the initial competitive award. There's also a risk of the vendor's research focus becoming misaligned with the IRS's evolving needs or that the quality of insights may decline over time, impacting the value received.
How effectively does this subscription contribute to the IRS's overall mission and strategic goals?
The subscription's effectiveness hinges on how well the research insights are integrated into strategic planning and decision-making processes by IRS executives. If the information directly informs policy, technology adoption, or operational improvements that enhance tax administration or taxpayer services, its contribution is high. Regular assessment of usage and impact is key.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services
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
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 60 ACORN PARK DR, CAMBRIDGE, MA, 02140
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $2,902,654
Exercised Options: $2,328,878
Current Obligation: $2,328,878
Actual Outlays: $2,328,878
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 47QTCA18D001C
IDV Type: FSS
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-09-15
Current End Date: 2025-09-14
Potential End Date: 2025-09-14 08:39:17
Last Modified: 2026-01-08
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