NSF awards $3.57M to Digital Science for Dimensions software, impacting research data access

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,574,581 ($3.6M)

Contractor: Digital Science & Research Solutions Inc

Awarding Agency: National Science Foundation

Start Date: 2025-04-14

End Date: 2027-03-31

Contract Duration: 716 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.0K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: LICENSES TO THE DIGITAL SCIENCE PRODUCT, DIMENSIONS, AND ASSOCIATED IMPROVEMENTS.

Place of Performance

Location: CAMBRIDGE, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02139

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

National Science Foundation obligated $3.6 million to DIGITAL SCIENCE & RESEARCH SOLUTIONS INC for work described as: LICENSES TO THE DIGITAL SCIENCE PRODUCT, DIMENSIONS, AND ASSOCIATED IMPROVEMENTS. Key points: 1. The contract focuses on software licenses for research data management. 2. Digital Science & Research Solutions Inc. is the sole awardee. 3. The contract duration is 2 years, with a fixed price. 4. Potential impact on scientific collaboration and data accessibility.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $3.57M over approximately two years for software licenses appears within a reasonable range for specialized research data platforms. Benchmarking against similar enterprise-level data analytics or research management software would provide a clearer picture of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and competitive pressure, potentially leading to higher costs than if multiple vendors had bid.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used for this sole-source acquisition, highlighting the importance of ensuring fair pricing and necessity through robust justification.

Public Impact

Enhances access to scientific literature and research data for NSF-funded projects. Supports data analysis and discovery for researchers across various disciplines. Potential for improved efficiency in research workflows and collaboration.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may lead to inflated costs.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical research infrastructure.

Positive Signals

Provides access to a valuable research data platform.
Supports the National Science Foundation's mission.

Sector Analysis

The Software Publishers sector (NAICS 513210) encompasses companies that produce and distribute software. Spending in this sector for research and development tools is common, with costs varying widely based on product complexity and user base.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded to Digital Science & Research Solutions Inc., a large business. There is no indication of specific provisions or efforts to include small businesses in this particular award.

Oversight & Accountability

The National Science Foundation is responsible for oversight. The sole-source nature of the award necessitates careful review of the justification and pricing to ensure accountability and responsible use of federal funds.

Related Government Programs

Software Publishers
National Science Foundation Contracting
National Science Foundation Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks competitive pricing.
Potential for vendor lock-in.
Limited transparency in price determination.
No small business participation noted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Science Foundation awarded $3.6 million to DIGITAL SCIENCE & RESEARCH SOLUTIONS INC. LICENSES TO THE DIGITAL SCIENCE PRODUCT, DIMENSIONS, AND ASSOCIATED IMPROVEMENTS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DIGITAL SCIENCE & RESEARCH SOLUTIONS INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-04-14. End: 2027-03-31.

What is the justification for the sole-source award, and how was the fair and reasonable price determined?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or the absence of adequate competition. The determination of a fair and reasonable price would involve market research, cost analysis, and comparison to similar products or services, even if not directly competed. The NSF should have documentation supporting these decisions.

What are the long-term implications of relying on a single vendor for this critical research data platform?

Long-term reliance on a single vendor can create vendor lock-in, making it difficult and costly to switch providers in the future. It also concentrates risk, as any issues with the vendor's stability, product development, or support could directly impact research operations. The NSF should consider contingency plans and future procurement strategies.

How will the effectiveness of the 'Dimensions' product be measured to ensure it meets NSF's research support objectives?

Effectiveness will likely be measured through user adoption rates, feedback from researchers, and the product's ability to facilitate data access, analysis, and collaboration. Performance metrics should be defined in the contract or through ongoing performance reviews to ensure the software is delivering tangible benefits to the scientific community.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Information › Software Publishers › Software Publishers

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 25C0006

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 625 MASSACHUSETTS AVE, CAMBRIDGE, MA, 02139

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,901,431

Exercised Options: $3,574,581

Current Obligation: $3,574,581

Actual Outlays: $1,748,345

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline