Education Department awards $2M+ for policy support and meeting logistics to MDB, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,041,384 ($2.0M)
Contractor: MDB, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Education
Start Date: 2020-06-30
End Date: 2024-01-12
Contract Duration: 1,291 days
Daily Burn Rate: $1.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: THIS CONTRACT TO PROVIDES SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF POLICY-RELATED MATERIALS IN ADDITION TO LOGISTICAL SUPPORT FOR A VARIETY OF MEETINGS INCLUDING LOCAL MEETINGS, WORKGROUP MEETINGS AND ANNUAL STATE DIRECTOR MEETINGS.
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20036
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Education obligated $2.0 million to MDB, INC. for work described as: THIS CONTRACT TO PROVIDES SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF POLICY-RELATED MATERIALS IN ADDITION TO LOGISTICAL SUPPORT FOR A VARIETY OF MEETINGS INCLUDING LOCAL MEETINGS, WORKGROUP MEETINGS AND ANNUAL STATE DIRECTOR MEETINGS. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on administrative management and consulting services. 2. MDB, Inc. is the sole awardee. 3. The contract spans over 3 years with a firm fixed price. 4. No small business participation is noted.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $2,041,384.20 over 1291 days suggests a moderate daily rate. Benchmarking against similar administrative and management consulting contracts would be necessary for a precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating a limited competition. This method may impact price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs compared to broader solicitations.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for expert policy support and logistical services, the value of which depends on the effectiveness and necessity of these services.
Public Impact
Supports policy development and dissemination within the Department of Education. Facilitates crucial meetings for state directors and workgroups. Ensures continuity in administrative and management consulting services.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may not yield the best price.
- Lack of small business participation.
Positive Signals
- Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty.
- Long-term duration allows for sustained support.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services (NAICS 541611). Spending in this sector is common across government agencies for specialized expertise and operational support.
Small Business Impact
The contract data indicates that small business participation was not a factor in this award (sb: false). This suggests the prime contractor is not a small business, and subcontracting opportunities for small businesses were not specified or utilized.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by the Department of Education. Oversight would involve monitoring performance against contract requirements and ensuring adherence to terms and conditions, particularly regarding deliverables and financial expenditures.
Related Government Programs
- Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
- Department of Education Contracting
- Department of Education Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition may result in suboptimal pricing.
- Lack of small business involvement.
- Potential for vendor lock-in due to long duration.
- Need to verify the necessity and impact of policy materials.
Tags
administrative-management-and-general-ma, department-of-education, dc, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Education awarded $2.0 million to MDB, INC.. THIS CONTRACT TO PROVIDES SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF POLICY-RELATED MATERIALS IN ADDITION TO LOGISTICAL SUPPORT FOR A VARIETY OF MEETINGS INCLUDING LOCAL MEETINGS, WORKGROUP MEETINGS AND ANNUAL STATE DIRECTOR MEETINGS.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MDB, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Education (Department of Education).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $2.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-06-30. End: 2024-01-12.
What specific policy-related materials were produced under this contract, and what was their impact?
The contract focused on providing subject matter expertise for policy-related materials. Without specific details on the materials produced (e.g., reports, analyses, guidance documents) and their subsequent adoption or influence, it's difficult to quantify their direct impact. Further review of deliverables and agency outcomes would be needed to assess the value derived from these materials.
How did the 'exclusion of sources' in the competition impact the final price and quality of services?
The 'exclusion of sources' suggests that not all potential offerors were considered, potentially limiting the competitive landscape. This could lead to a higher price than if a broader competition had been held. Assessing the quality impact requires comparing the awarded vendor's performance against industry standards and the specific needs outlined in the solicitation.
What is the long-term strategic value of MDB, Inc.'s subject matter expertise to the Department of Education?
The long-term strategic value hinges on the continuity and quality of the expertise provided. If MDB, Inc. consistently delivers high-caliber policy support and logistical management that aligns with the Department's evolving strategic goals, the value is significant. However, the value diminishes if the expertise becomes outdated or if the Department develops internal capabilities.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting 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
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1730 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW STE 1200, WASHINGTON, DC, 20036
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $2,041,384
Exercised Options: $2,041,384
Current Obligation: $2,041,384
Actual Outlays: $2,041,384
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 2
Total Subaward Amount: $400,000
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-06-30
Current End Date: 2024-01-12
Potential End Date: 2024-01-12 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-27
Other Department of Education Contracts
- Administrative Action — $2.2B (Conduent Education Solutions, LLC)
- - Tivod Supports the Origination, Disbursement, and Reporting of Title IV Federal Student AID Programs, Including - BUT NOT Limited to - Direct Loans, Pell Grants, and the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grants. the Title IV Solution Shall Also Provide Ongoing Support for the Discontinued Title IV Federal Student AID Programs, Including - BUT NOT Limited to - Academic Competitiveness Grants and National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grants — $1.5B (Accenture Federal Services LLC)
- Federal Student AID Common Origination and Disbursement Services — $1.1B (Accenture LLP)
- Provide Direct Loan Services Such AS Call Center and Financial Reporting - Nelnet From 12/15/2019 Through 12/14/2020 — $983.7M (Nelnet Servicing LLC)
- Debt Management and Collections System (dmcs) Igf::ct::igf — $906.9M (Maximus Federal Services, Inc.)