NOAA Spends $96M on Scientific Support Services via Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $95,999,168 ($96.0M)
Contractor: I. M. Systems Group, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce
Start Date: 2010-04-26
End Date: 2018-01-26
Contract Duration: 2,832 days
Daily Burn Rate: $33.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: SCIENTIFIC SUPPORT SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: SILVER SPRING, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20910
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $96.0 million to I. M. SYSTEMS GROUP, INC. for work described as: SCIENTIFIC SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $96M over 8 years. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Risk appears moderate given the contract type and duration. 4. Spending falls within the 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $96M over 8 years averages $12M annually. Benchmarking against similar large-scale scientific support contracts is difficult without more granular data, but the duration suggests a stable, long-term need.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing and allows a broad range of vendors to participate. This method is generally effective in achieving fair market value.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently by leveraging market forces to obtain the best value.
Public Impact
Supports critical scientific research and technical consulting for NOAA. Long-term contract provides stability for scientific endeavors. Potential for innovation and specialized expertise through competitive bidding.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition
- Long contract duration indicating sustained need
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services,' a broad category encompassing specialized expertise. Spending benchmarks for this specific sub-sector are challenging to pinpoint due to its diverse nature, but $96M over 8 years represents a substantial investment.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small businesses were not a primary focus for this contract, as the 'sb' field is false. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities were available or pursued.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a structured procurement process. Oversight would focus on performance against the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure and adherence to scientific objectives.
Related Government Programs
- Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
- Department of Commerce Contracting
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to higher costs if not managed carefully.
- Long contract duration (8 years) may reduce flexibility to adapt to changing needs.
- Lack of specific small business participation noted.
Tags
other-scientific-and-technical-consultin, department-of-commerce, md, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Commerce awarded $96.0 million to I. M. SYSTEMS GROUP, INC.. SCIENTIFIC SUPPORT SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is I. M. SYSTEMS GROUP, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $96.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2010-04-26. End: 2018-01-26.
What specific scientific or technical services were provided under this contract?
The contract number (541690) indicates 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services.' Without further details, it's impossible to specify the exact services, but they likely relate to NOAA's mission, such as data analysis, research support, environmental monitoring, or specialized technical advice.
What were the key performance indicators and how was performance measured?
As a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, performance measurement likely focused on the efficient use of costs to achieve defined objectives and adherence to the fixed fee. Key performance indicators would be specific to the scientific tasks, such as timely delivery of research findings, accuracy of data analysis, or successful completion of technical consulting projects.
How did the fixed fee component impact the overall cost-effectiveness?
The fixed fee component provides a degree of cost certainty for the government by setting a predetermined profit margin for the contractor. This can incentivize efficiency, as the contractor aims to complete the work within the estimated costs to maximize their profit. However, the 'cost plus' aspect means the government still bears the risk of cost overruns.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: DG133W-10-RP-0006
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: I.M. Systems Group, Inc.
Address: 6309 EXECUTIVE BLVD, ROCKVILLE, MD, 20852
Business Categories: Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $132,629,846
Exercised Options: $118,322,578
Current Obligation: $95,999,168
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2010-04-26
Current End Date: 2018-01-26
Potential End Date: 2018-01-26 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2023-09-05
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