NSF Awards $2.46M to Institute for Defense Analyses for Technical Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,459,750 ($2.5M)

Contractor: Institute for Defense Analyses

Awarding Agency: National Science Foundation

Start Date: 2023-12-22

End Date: 2026-08-26

Contract Duration: 978 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: EO14042

Place of Performance

Location: ALEXANDRIA, ALEXANDRIA CITY County, VIRGINIA, 22305

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

National Science Foundation obligated $2.5 million to INSTITUTE FOR DEFENSE ANALYSES for work described as: EO14042 Key points: 1. Contract value is modest at $2.46M. 2. Full and open competition was used, suggesting a competitive process. 3. The contract is for 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services', a broad category. 4. The duration of 978 days indicates a medium-term engagement.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The awarded amount is within a reasonable range for the specified services, but without specific benchmarks for 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services', a precise valuation is difficult.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The use of full and open competition is a positive sign for price discovery. This method allows multiple vendors to bid, theoretically driving down costs and ensuring the government receives competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests that taxpayer funds are being used efficiently, though the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure warrants monitoring for potential cost increases.

Public Impact

Supports scientific and technical research services for the National Science Foundation. The Institute for Defense Analyses is a non-profit corporation that operates federally funded research and development centers. The broad service category may encompass a wide range of activities, impacting various scientific fields.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher costs.
Broad service category makes specific performance evaluation challenging.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition utilized.
Awarded to a reputable research institution.

Sector Analysis

The 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' category (NAICS 541990) is broad and can include a variety of specialized services. Benchmarks for this sector are difficult to establish due to its heterogeneity, but the contract value appears modest for a multi-year engagement.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, and there is no specific indication of small business participation. The nature of the services and the awardee suggest it may not be heavily geared towards small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The National Science Foundation is responsible for oversight. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates diligent monitoring of costs and performance to ensure accountability and prevent waste.

Related Government Programs

All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
National Science Foundation Contracting
National Science Foundation Programs

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
Broad and potentially vague service description.
Lack of specific small business participation noted.
Potential for cost overruns without stringent oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Science Foundation awarded $2.5 million to INSTITUTE FOR DEFENSE ANALYSES. EO14042

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INSTITUTE FOR DEFENSE ANALYSES.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: National Science Foundation (National Science Foundation).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-12-22. End: 2026-08-26.

What specific technical services will the Institute for Defense Analyses provide under this contract, and how do these align with NSF's strategic goals?

The contract is broadly defined as 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services'. To assess value, a detailed breakdown of the specific tasks and deliverables is needed. Understanding how these services directly support the National Science Foundation's mission and research objectives is crucial for determining the overall effectiveness and strategic alignment of this award.

What are the potential risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type for these services, and how are they being mitigated?

The primary risk with Cost Plus Fixed Fee is the potential for cost overruns, as the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs plus a fixed fee. Mitigation strategies should include robust oversight, clear performance metrics, and strict adherence to the contract's scope of work. Regular audits and detailed reporting are essential to ensure costs remain reasonable and within budget expectations.

How will the effectiveness of the 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' be measured to ensure taxpayer value?

Effectiveness measurement will depend on clearly defined deliverables and performance standards within the contract. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) should be established to track progress and outcomes. The National Science Foundation must actively monitor the quality and impact of the services rendered, ensuring they contribute meaningfully to scientific advancement and meet the intended objectives.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 24F0015

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4850 MARK CENTER DR, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 22311

Business Categories: Category Business, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,459,750

Exercised Options: $2,459,750

Current Obligation: $2,459,750

Actual Outlays: $2,018,880

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: NSFOIA0408601

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline