GSA awards $8.7M contract for graduate research education and technology support to Applied Research Solutions, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $8,678,968 ($8.7M)

Contractor: Applied Research Solutions, Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2025-03-01

End Date: 2027-02-28

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: R&D

Official Description: GRADUATE RESEARCH EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY GREAT SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: DAYTON, GREENE County, OHIO, 45433

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $8.7 million to APPLIED RESEARCH SOLUTIONS, INC. for work described as: GRADUATE RESEARCH EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY GREAT SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized research support services. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process. 3. Contract duration of two years provides a stable period for service delivery. 4. Focus on engineering services indicates a specialized technical requirement. 5. Geographic location in Ohio may impact local workforce and economic development. 6. The contract is not set aside for small businesses, indicating larger prime contractors are expected.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $8.7 million over two years for graduate research education and technology support appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized engineering services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for research and development support would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The use of labor hours suggests flexibility in tasking, which can be cost-effective if managed efficiently. Without specific performance metrics or detailed cost breakdowns, a definitive assessment of optimal pricing is challenging, but the overall value seems fair given the specialized nature of the work.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this method generally fosters a competitive environment, which is expected to drive down prices and encourage innovation. The agency's choice of full and open competition suggests confidence in the market's ability to provide qualified offerors for this type of specialized engineering and research support.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the competitive nature of the procurement, which aims to secure the best possible services at a fair and reasonable price. The open competition increases the likelihood that the government is not overpaying for the required expertise.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely research institutions and educational programs that require advanced technology support. Services delivered will focus on enhancing graduate research education and technological capabilities. The geographic impact is centered in Ohio, potentially creating or sustaining high-skilled jobs in the region. Workforce implications include the potential for employment of engineers, researchers, and technical support staff.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the effectiveness of the services.
The absence of small business set-aside may limit opportunities for smaller, specialized firms.
Details on the specific technologies or research areas are not provided, limiting insight into the contract's scope.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust and fair bidding process.
Contract duration of two years provides stability for service delivery and planning.
The contract addresses a critical need for graduate research and technology support.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting research and technology initiatives. This sector is characterized by high specialization and often involves close collaboration between government agencies and private firms to advance scientific and technological frontiers. Comparable spending benchmarks in this area are highly dependent on the specific research domain and the level of technological sophistication required. The market size for such specialized support services is significant, driven by ongoing government investment in R&D across various scientific disciplines.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it indicate any specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the prime contractor, Applied Research Solutions, Inc., is expected to perform the majority of the work. The lack of a small business focus may limit opportunities for smaller, niche firms to participate in this specific contract, though they may compete for other government contracts.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the General Services Administration (GSA) through its Federal Acquisition Service. Accountability measures are typically embedded in the contract terms, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of federal contract awards. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

Graduate Education Funding
Research and Development Contracts
Engineering Services
Technology Support Services
Federal Research Grants

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to labor-hour contract type.
Risk of contractor underperformance in specialized research areas.
Limited transparency on specific performance metrics and evaluation criteria.
Lack of explicit small business subcontracting goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $8.7 million to APPLIED RESEARCH SOLUTIONS, INC.. GRADUATE RESEARCH EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY GREAT SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is APPLIED RESEARCH SOLUTIONS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $8.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-03-01. End: 2027-02-28.

What is the track record of Applied Research Solutions, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly in R&D and technology support?

Applied Research Solutions, Inc. has a history of performing federal contracts, though specific details on their track record in R&D and technology support require deeper analysis of their contract portfolio. A review of their past performance with agencies like GSA, DOD, or other research-focused bodies would reveal their success rates, any past performance issues, and their experience with similar scope requirements. Understanding their financial stability and capacity to handle a contract of this magnitude is also crucial. Without access to detailed contract performance databases or past performance reviews, it's difficult to provide a definitive assessment, but their ability to win this contract suggests they meet basic qualification criteria.

How does the awarded amount of $8.7 million compare to similar graduate research education and technology support contracts?

The awarded amount of approximately $8.7 million over two years for graduate research education and technology support is a moderate figure for specialized federal contracting. To benchmark effectively, one would need to compare it against contracts with similar scopes of work, service levels, and durations, ideally awarded by the same or similar agencies. Factors such as the specific technologies involved, the level of expertise required, and the geographic location can significantly influence pricing. A preliminary assessment suggests this value is reasonable, assuming the services are highly specialized and require advanced technical expertise, but a detailed market analysis of comparable contracts would be necessary for a definitive conclusion on value for money.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks for this contract include potential performance shortfalls if the contractor fails to deliver the expected level of research support or technological expertise. There's also a risk of cost overruns if the labor-hour contract is not managed efficiently. Scope creep, where the project's requirements expand beyond the initial agreement, is another common risk. Mitigation strategies likely include robust contract management by GSA, clearly defined performance work statements, regular progress reviews, and potentially performance-based payment structures. The contractor's own risk management processes would also play a role in ensuring successful delivery.

How effective is the General Services Administration (GSA) in overseeing contracts of this nature?

The GSA's Federal Acquisition Service is generally experienced in managing a wide range of federal contracts, including those for professional services and R&D support. Their effectiveness in overseeing contracts like this one depends on factors such as the contracting officer's technical expertise, the adequacy of resources allocated for contract administration, and the clarity of the contract's performance requirements. GSA utilizes established oversight mechanisms, including performance monitoring and reporting requirements, to ensure contractor compliance. However, the effectiveness can vary, and independent reviews or Inspector General reports sometimes highlight areas for improvement in contract oversight.

What is the historical spending trend for graduate research education and technology support services by the GSA or similar agencies?

Historical spending on graduate research education and technology support services by agencies like GSA and others involved in R&D has generally shown an increasing trend, reflecting the government's continued investment in innovation and technological advancement. Specific spending patterns can fluctuate based on budgetary priorities, national research initiatives, and evolving technological needs. Analyzing historical data would reveal whether this $8.7 million award is consistent with past spending levels for similar services, or if it represents an increase or decrease. This context is vital for understanding the long-term financial commitment to such support.

What are the implications of awarding this contract through 'full and open competition' versus a set-aside for small businesses?

Awarding this contract through 'full and open competition' means that all eligible businesses, regardless of size, were allowed to bid. This approach typically maximizes the pool of potential offerors, potentially leading to a wider range of solutions and more competitive pricing. However, it may also favor larger, established companies with the resources to compete effectively. In contrast, a small business set-aside would have specifically targeted small businesses, potentially fostering their growth and ensuring they receive a share of federal contracting dollars. The choice of full and open competition here suggests the agency prioritized the broadest possible competition and access to the most capable providers, rather than prioritizing small business participation for this specific requirement.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 47QFLA24R0013

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 51 PLUM ST, BEAVERCREEK, OH, 45440

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $44,960,081

Exercised Options: $15,493,167

Current Obligation: $8,678,968

Actual Outlays: $3,405,397

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline