RAND Corporation awarded $2.87M for law enforcement skills analysis by DHS, with no competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,873,289 ($2.9M)

Contractor: THE Rand Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2022-08-23

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,499 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.9K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: ANALYSIS OF ENTRY LEVEL LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CRIMINAL INVESTIGATOR SKILLS: TO ASSIST FLETC IN MEETING THE CHALLENGE AND THE OUTCOMES STATED PREVIOUSLY, HSOAC WILL PROVIDE ROBUST, DATA-DRIVEN ANALYSIS TO PINPOINT CURRENT JOB TASKS AND IDENTIFY GAPS IN

Place of Performance

Location: SANTA MONICA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 90401

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $2.9 million to THE RAND CORPORATION for work described as: ANALYSIS OF ENTRY LEVEL LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CRIMINAL INVESTIGATOR SKILLS: TO ASSIST FLETC IN MEETING THE CHALLENGE AND THE OUTCOMES STATED PREVIOUSLY, HSOAC WILL PROVIDE ROBUST, DATA-DRIVEN ANALYSIS TO PINPOINT CURRENT JOB TASKS AND IDENTIFY GAPS IN Key points: 1. The contract focuses on data-driven analysis to identify gaps in entry-level law enforcement and criminal investigator skills. 2. RAND Corporation, a well-established research organization, is the sole contractor for this analysis. 3. The contract duration extends over three years, suggesting a comprehensive research scope. 4. The 'Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities' NAICS code indicates a focus on qualitative and analytical work. 5. The absence of competition raises questions about potential cost efficiencies and alternative solutions. 6. The contract is a delivery order under a larger agreement, implying a pre-existing relationship or framework.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $2.87 million for research and analysis appears reasonable given the scope of work involving detailed skill assessment and gap analysis for law enforcement. However, without comparable contracts for similar skill analysis projects or detailed breakdowns of the labor hours and rates, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure allows for cost reimbursement plus a predetermined profit, which can incentivize efficiency but also carries some risk of cost overruns if not closely monitored.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning only one vendor, The RAND Corporation, was solicited. This approach bypasses the standard competitive bidding process. While sole-source awards can be justified for specialized expertise or urgent needs, they limit the government's ability to explore a wider range of solutions and potentially secure more favorable pricing through competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition means taxpayers may not benefit from the cost savings that could arise from a competitive bidding process, where multiple firms vie for the contract by offering their best prices.

Public Impact

Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) will benefit from improved understanding of entry-level skills, leading to more effective training programs. The analysis will directly impact the development and refinement of curricula for new law enforcement officers and criminal investigators. The findings could have a broad impact on the effectiveness and efficiency of federal law enforcement agencies nationwide. Workforce development within federal law enforcement will be informed by data-driven insights into skill requirements.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits potential for competitive pricing and alternative approaches.
Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type requires diligent oversight to manage costs and ensure value.
The specific outcomes and deliverables of the 'robust, data-driven analysis' need clear definition to ensure alignment with FLETC's needs.

Positive Signals

RAND Corporation is a highly reputable research institution with extensive experience in public policy and national security analysis.
The contract aims to address critical needs in law enforcement training, potentially improving officer preparedness and effectiveness.
The extended duration suggests a thorough and comprehensive approach to the research.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on social sciences and humanities. The market for such specialized analytical services is often dominated by a few well-established think tanks and research organizations. Comparable spending in this niche would involve contracts for policy analysis, program evaluation, and workforce development studies for government agencies. The $2.87 million award is moderate for a multi-year R&D project of this nature, especially when conducted by a high-caliber organization like RAND.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside component, nor is there an indication of specific subcontracting goals for small businesses. The nature of the work, requiring specialized research and analytical expertise, is typically performed by larger, established research institutions. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal, although RAND may engage small businesses for specific support services if deemed necessary.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) contracting officers and program managers. As a delivery order under a larger agreement, there may be existing oversight mechanisms in place. Transparency would be enhanced through the public availability of the contract award and any resulting public reports from the analysis. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

Federal Law Enforcement Training
Criminal Investigator Training
Workforce Skills Analysis
Public Policy Research
Homeland Security Research

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Potential for cost inefficiencies due to lack of competition
Need for strong oversight on cost-plus-fixed-fee contract

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $2.9 million to THE RAND CORPORATION. ANALYSIS OF ENTRY LEVEL LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CRIMINAL INVESTIGATOR SKILLS: TO ASSIST FLETC IN MEETING THE CHALLENGE AND THE OUTCOMES STATED PREVIOUSLY, HSOAC WILL PROVIDE ROBUST, DATA-DRIVEN ANALYSIS TO PINPOINT CURRENT JOB TASKS AND IDENTIFY GAPS IN

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 (Office of Procurement Operations).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-08-23. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the specific methodology RAND Corporation will employ to conduct the 'robust, data-driven analysis' of law enforcement skills?

The contract details do not specify the exact methodology. However, based on RAND's typical approach to such research, it would likely involve a multi-faceted strategy. This could include literature reviews of existing research on law enforcement skills, surveys and interviews with current law enforcement officers and trainers, focus groups to gather qualitative insights, and potentially observational studies or analysis of training data. The 'data-driven' aspect suggests a strong emphasis on empirical evidence, possibly involving statistical analysis of survey results or performance metrics to identify skill gaps and their impact. The final output is expected to provide actionable recommendations for FLETC's training programs.

How does the $2.87 million cost compare to similar government contracts for specialized research and analysis in the social sciences?

Benchmarking this $2.87 million contract is challenging without access to a comprehensive database of similar sole-source R&D contracts in the social sciences. However, for multi-year, in-depth analytical projects conducted by reputable 'think tanks' like RAND, this figure appears within a reasonable range. Contracts for comprehensive policy analysis, program evaluations, or complex workforce studies can easily reach several million dollars, depending on the scope, duration, and level of expertise required. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure means the final expenditure could vary slightly, but the fixed fee component provides a degree of cost predictability for the government.

What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source award for this type of analytical research?

The primary risks associated with this sole-source award include a lack of competitive pressure, which could lead to suboptimal pricing and potentially less innovative solutions compared to a competed contract. There's also a risk that the government might not be exposed to a broader range of methodologies or perspectives that could have been offered by other qualified research institutions. Furthermore, without a competitive process to validate the approach and cost, there's an inherent risk that the chosen solution might not be the most efficient or effective available. Ensuring robust oversight and clear performance metrics becomes even more critical in sole-source situations.

What specific outcomes or deliverables are expected from this contract to ensure FLETC's training needs are met?

While the contract abstract is brief, the expected outcomes revolve around providing FLETC with 'robust, data-driven analysis to pinpoint current job tasks and identify gaps' in entry-level law enforcement and criminal investigator skills. Deliverables would likely include detailed analytical reports, potentially a revised skills taxonomy, recommendations for curriculum adjustments, and possibly a framework for ongoing skills assessment. The ultimate goal is to ensure FLETC's training programs are aligned with the evolving demands of modern law enforcement, thereby improving the preparedness and effectiveness of federal officers upon entering service.

What is The RAND Corporation's track record with the Department of Homeland Security and similar federal agencies for research and analysis contracts?

The RAND Corporation has a long and extensive track record of conducting research and analysis for various U.S. federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its predecessor agencies, as well as the Department of Defense, intelligence agencies, and others. They are known for their high-quality, objective research on a wide range of policy issues, including national security, public safety, and workforce development. Their history with DHS likely includes numerous contracts related to security policy, emergency management, and law enforcement effectiveness, making them a well-established and trusted partner for this type of analytical work.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 22-0253

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: $2,873,289

Exercised Options: $2,873,289

Current Obligation: $2,873,289

Actual Outlays: $1,634,067

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $35,000

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70RSAT22D00000001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline