NASA's SMD Awards $102.7M Contract for Peer Review Support to Agile Decision Sciences
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $102,709,691 ($102.7M)
Contractor: Agile Decision Sciences, LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2021-02-01
End Date: 2026-07-31
Contract Duration: 2,006 days
Daily Burn Rate: $51.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: IT
Official Description: SCIENCE MISSION DIRECTORATE (SMD) SOLICITATION PEER REVIEW PROGRAM PORTFOLIO SUPPORT
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20024
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $102.7 million to AGILE DECISION SCIENCES, LLC for work described as: SCIENCE MISSION DIRECTORATE (SMD) SOLICITATION PEER REVIEW PROGRAM PORTFOLIO SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Agile Decision Sciences, LLC for portfolio support within NASA's Science Mission Directorate. 2. The contract has a duration of over 5 years, indicating a long-term need for these services. 3. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a robust process for selecting the vendor. 4. The sector is primarily IT and professional services supporting scientific research administration.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to higher costs if not managed carefully. However, the fixed fee component provides some cost control.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating a competitive process that aimed to ensure fair pricing and access for qualified vendors.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests that taxpayer funds are being used efficiently by selecting a vendor through a structured procurement process.
Public Impact
Supports critical scientific research by ensuring quality through peer review. Enhances the efficiency of NASA's Science Mission Directorate operations. The long-term nature of the contract provides stability for ongoing scientific endeavors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires careful monitoring to prevent cost overruns.
- Potential for vendor lock-in due to the long contract duration.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition ensures a fair selection process.
- Long-term contract provides stability for essential scientific support services.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the professional services sector, specifically supporting scientific and technical administration. Spending benchmarks for similar IT and administrative support contracts for federal agencies vary widely but are generally competitive when full and open competition is employed.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the awardee is not listed as a small business. Therefore, there is no direct small business participation evident in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The use of full and open competition suggests a degree of oversight in the procurement process. Further oversight would involve monitoring the performance and cost management of the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract.
Related Government Programs
- Office Administrative Services
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently.
- Long contract duration may limit future opportunities for other vendors.
- Potential for contractor performance issues impacting the scientific review process.
- Lack of small business participation in this specific award.
Tags
office-administrative-services, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, dc, delivery-order, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $102.7 million to AGILE DECISION SCIENCES, LLC. SCIENCE MISSION DIRECTORATE (SMD) SOLICITATION PEER REVIEW PROGRAM PORTFOLIO SUPPORT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AGILE DECISION SCIENCES, LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $102.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-02-01. End: 2026-07-31.
What is the specific breakdown of costs within the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, and how is the fixed fee determined?
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure involves reimbursing the contractor for allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. The fixed fee is negotiated upfront and remains constant regardless of the final cost. Detailed cost breakdowns and the methodology for determining the fixed fee are typically outlined in the contract's negotiated cost proposals and are subject to audit.
How will NASA ensure that the peer review process remains objective and free from bias with a single long-term contractor providing support?
NASA likely employs strict protocols and oversight mechanisms to maintain the integrity of the peer review process. This includes clear guidelines for reviewers, conflict of interest management, and potentially independent quality assurance checks on the administrative support provided by the contractor to ensure objectivity and prevent bias.
What performance metrics are in place to measure the effectiveness of Agile Decision Sciences, LLC in supporting the peer review program?
Effectiveness is likely measured through key performance indicators (KPIs) related to timeliness of review cycles, accuracy of administrative support, adherence to budget, and feedback from the scientific community and internal NASA stakeholders. Regular performance reviews and quality assurance checks would be conducted to ensure the contractor meets these metrics.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Office Administrative Services › Office Administrative Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Arctic Slope Regional Corporation
Address: 350 VOYAGER WAY STE 100B, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35806
Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $118,678,680
Exercised Options: $118,678,680
Current Obligation: $102,709,691
Actual Outlays: $92,470,433
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 28
Total Subaward Amount: $28,903,979
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 80HQTR21D0002
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-02-01
Current End Date: 2026-07-31
Potential End Date: 2026-07-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-30
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