FEMA awards $27.6M Rand Corp. contract for Puerto Rico disaster recovery analytics

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $27,561,543 ($27.6M)

Contractor: THE Rand Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2018-02-16

End Date: 2020-12-15

Contract Duration: 1,033 days

Daily Burn Rate: $26.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF TASK ORDER FOR DR 4339PR PUERTO RICO ECONOMIC&DISASTER RECOVERY PLAN: INTEGRATION&ANALYTIC SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: SAN JUAN, SAN JUAN County, PUERTO RICO, 00910

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $27.6 million to THE RAND CORPORATION for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF TASK ORDER FOR DR 4339PR PUERTO RICO ECONOMIC&DISASTER RECOVERY PLAN: INTEGRATION&ANALYTIC SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract awarded to The Rand Corporation for extensive analytic support. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration is over 1000 days, indicating a long-term need. 4. Focus on Puerto Rico disaster recovery highlights a critical, high-impact area.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar R&D support contracts is difficult without more granular cost data.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing. However, the specific pricing mechanisms within a Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure require careful monitoring to ensure value.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for critical disaster recovery planning and analysis in Puerto Rico, aiming to improve the effectiveness of aid distribution.

Public Impact

Supports vital economic and disaster recovery efforts in Puerto Rico. Leverages research and development expertise for complex analytical challenges. Ensures continued support for post-disaster planning and resource allocation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher costs.
  • Long contract duration may indicate potential for scope creep.
  • Geographic focus on Puerto Rico presents unique logistical challenges.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded through full and open competition.
  • Addresses critical disaster recovery needs.
  • Utilizes specialized R&D expertise.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities, a sector often characterized by complex analytical needs and long-term projects. Spending benchmarks for similar large-scale R&D support contracts can vary widely.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to The Rand Corporation, a large research organization. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific task order.

Oversight & Accountability

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is responsible for overseeing this contract. Robust oversight is crucial given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure and the critical nature of disaster recovery efforts.

Related Government Programs

  • Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities
  • Department of Homeland Security Contracting
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency Programs

Risk Flags

  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
  • Long contract duration.
  • Potential for cost overruns.
  • Complexity of disaster recovery operations.
  • Geographic challenges in Puerto Rico.

Tags

research-and-development-in-the-social-s, department-of-homeland-security, pr, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $27.6 million to THE RAND CORPORATION. IGF::CL::IGF TASK ORDER FOR DR 4339PR PUERTO RICO ECONOMIC&DISASTER RECOVERY PLAN: INTEGRATION&ANALYTIC SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE RAND CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Federal Emergency Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $27.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-02-16. End: 2020-12-15.

How effectively did the analytic support provided by The Rand Corporation contribute to the economic and disaster recovery plan for Puerto Rico?

Assessing the effectiveness requires examining deliverables against the stated objectives of the task order. Key performance indicators should track improvements in resource allocation, policy recommendations, and the overall efficiency of recovery operations. Without specific outcome data, it's challenging to quantify the precise impact on Puerto Rico's recovery.

What were the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type for this disaster recovery support, and how were they mitigated?

The primary risk of CPFF is the potential for cost overruns, as the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs plus a fixed fee. Mitigation strategies would include stringent cost monitoring, detailed review of invoices, clear definition of allowable costs, and robust performance metrics to ensure the contractor remains focused on efficient service delivery within the scope.

To what extent did the full and open competition ensure optimal value for taxpayer dollars in this significant R&D contract?

Full and open competition is designed to maximize value by encouraging multiple bidders to offer competitive pricing and innovative solutions. The success in achieving optimal value depends on the clarity of the solicitation, the responsiveness of bidders, and the agency's ability to evaluate proposals effectively. The final price and quality of services rendered are the ultimate indicators of value achieved.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesScientific Research and Development ServicesResearch and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities

Product/Service Code: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&DSPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1776 MAIN ST, SANTA MONICA, CA, 90401

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $27,561,543

Exercised Options: $27,561,543

Current Obligation: $27,561,543

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 15

Total Subaward Amount: $4,887,978

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSHQDC16D00007

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2018-02-16

Current End Date: 2020-12-15

Potential End Date: 2020-12-15 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2021-09-27

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