Department of Education awarded $11.3M for logistical and technical support to the Interagency Committee on Disability Research

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,292,413 ($11.3M)

Contractor: Cherry Engineering Support Services, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Education

Start Date: 2005-10-01

End Date: 2010-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.2K/day

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE AWARD FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: LOGISTICAL, ADMINISTRATIVE, AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR THE INTERAGENCY COMMITTEE ON DISABILITY RESEARCH (ICDR). THE ICDR, THROUGH NIDRR, WILL UTILIZE A CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE LOGISTICAL, ADMINISTRATIVE, AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT TO ONGOING MEETINGS AND OTHER PLANNED ACTIVITIES OF THE ICDR, AND ITS FIVE EXISTING SUBCOMMITTEES.

Place of Performance

Location: MC LEAN, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22101

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Education obligated $11.3 million to CHERRY ENGINEERING SUPPORT SERVICES, INC. for work described as: LOGISTICAL, ADMINISTRATIVE, AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR THE INTERAGENCY COMMITTEE ON DISABILITY RESEARCH (ICDR). THE ICDR, THROUGH NIDRR, WILL UTILIZE A CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE LOGISTICAL, ADMINISTRATIVE, AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT TO ONGOING MEETINGS AND OTHER PLANNED ACTIVITIES OF THE … Key points: 1. Contract provides essential support for disability research coordination across federal agencies. 2. The fixed-price award fee structure incentivizes performance while managing cost. 3. Limited competition may have influenced pricing, requiring careful benchmarking. 4. Contract duration of five years suggests a stable, ongoing need for these services. 5. The services are critical for the effective functioning of the ICDR and its subcommittees. 6. Focus on administrative and technical support ensures smooth operations for disability research initiatives.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total award amount of $11.3 million over five years averages approximately $2.26 million annually. This figure appears reasonable for comprehensive logistical, administrative, and technical support to a multi-agency committee. Benchmarking against similar contracts for interagency coordination or specialized research support would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, given the specialized nature of disability research and the need for consistent support, the allocated funds seem appropriate for the scope of work.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under a limited competition, with two bidders participating. While not a full and open competition, the presence of two bidders suggests some level of market interest and potential for price negotiation. The limited nature of the competition means that the government may not have received the full benefit of a broader market response, potentially impacting the final price and the range of innovative solutions considered.

Taxpayer Impact: A limited competition may result in higher costs for taxpayers compared to a fully open process, as fewer vendors compete, potentially reducing downward pressure on pricing.

Public Impact

Federal agencies involved in disability research benefit from streamlined coordination and administrative support. The Interagency Committee on Disability Research (ICDR) and its subcommittees receive essential logistical and technical assistance. The contract supports the advancement of disability research across the United States. Workforce implications include employment for individuals providing specialized support services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for increased costs due to limited competition.
Risk of vendor lock-in if transition is complex.
Ensuring consistent quality of support across the five-year term.

Positive Signals

Contractor's ability to provide specialized logistical and technical support.
Stable, long-term support for a critical interagency function.
Fixed-price award fee structure encourages performance.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Management Consulting Services sector, specifically focusing on administrative and technical support for interagency coordination. The market for such specialized support services is driven by government needs for efficient program management and research facilitation. Comparable spending benchmarks would likely involve contracts supporting other interagency committees or research initiatives, where the focus is on operational efficiency and stakeholder engagement rather than direct service delivery.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any small business set-aside provisions or subcontracting requirements for this contract. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal, unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses in its subcontracting efforts. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were excluded or if opportunities were missed.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically reside with the Department of Education's contracting officers and program managers responsible for the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR). Accountability measures are likely embedded within the fixed-price award fee structure, which ties a portion of the payment to performance outcomes. Transparency would be facilitated through contract reporting requirements and public contract databases, though specific details of performance may not be publicly disclosed.

Related Government Programs

National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) programs
Interagency Committee on Disability Research (ICDR) activities
Federal research coordination initiatives
Disability policy and research support services

Risk Flags

Limited competition may impact price discovery.
Contract duration requires ongoing performance monitoring.
Potential for vendor lock-in if transition planning is inadequate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Education awarded $11.3 million to CHERRY ENGINEERING SUPPORT SERVICES, INC.. LOGISTICAL, ADMINISTRATIVE, AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR THE INTERAGENCY COMMITTEE ON DISABILITY RESEARCH (ICDR). THE ICDR, THROUGH NIDRR, WILL UTILIZE A CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE LOGISTICAL, ADMINISTRATIVE, AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT TO ONGOING MEETINGS AND OTHER PLANNED ACTIVITIES OF THE ICDR, AND ITS FIVE EXISTING SUBCOMMITTEES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CHERRY ENGINEERING SUPPORT SERVICES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Education (Department of Education).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $11.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2005-10-01. End: 2010-09-30.

What is the track record of Cherry Engineering Support Services, Inc. in providing similar logistical and technical support to federal agencies?

A thorough review of Cherry Engineering Support Services, Inc.'s past performance is crucial for assessing their capability to fulfill this contract. Information regarding their experience with interagency committees, research support, and administrative functions would be key. Analyzing past contract awards, performance evaluations, and any reported issues or successes would provide insight into their reliability and expertise. Without specific data on their prior performance in similar roles, it is difficult to definitively gauge their suitability beyond the fact that they were selected in a limited competition.

How does the annual cost of this contract compare to similar support services for other interagency committees?

The annual cost of approximately $2.26 million for logistical, administrative, and technical support to the ICDR needs to be benchmarked against comparable contracts. Similar interagency committees or research coordination bodies may have contracts for similar services. A comparative analysis would involve identifying contracts with similar scopes of work, durations, and agency types. Factors such as the complexity of the committee's mandate, the number of participating agencies, and the required level of technical expertise would influence cost. Without specific comparative data, it is challenging to definitively state whether this contract represents excellent or fair value.

What are the primary risks associated with a limited competition award for these essential support services?

The primary risks associated with a limited competition award for essential support services include potentially higher costs due to reduced vendor pressure, a narrower range of innovative solutions, and a potential lack of robust competition driving efficiency. If only two bidders participated, there's a risk that the selected vendor may not have been the most cost-effective or technically superior option available in the broader market. Furthermore, reliance on a limited pool of contractors could create future challenges if those contractors are unwilling or unable to bid on subsequent solicitations, potentially leading to sole-source awards or extended contract negotiations.

How effective has the ICDR been in achieving its objectives, and how does this contract contribute to that effectiveness?

The effectiveness of the Interagency Committee on Disability Research (ICDR) is directly linked to its ability to coordinate research efforts, share findings, and foster collaboration among federal agencies. This contract's contribution lies in providing the essential logistical, administrative, and technical support that enables the ICDR and its subcommittees to function smoothly. This includes organizing meetings, managing documentation, and facilitating communication, all of which are critical for the committee to execute its mandate. Improved coordination and information dissemination, facilitated by this contract, can lead to more efficient research funding, reduced duplication of efforts, and ultimately, greater progress in understanding and addressing disability issues.

What is the historical spending pattern for logistical and technical support related to the ICDR or similar interagency research bodies?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for the ICDR or comparable interagency research bodies is vital for understanding cost trends and budget predictability. This contract, awarded in late 2005 for a five-year term, represents a significant investment. Examining previous contracts for similar support services, their values, durations, and any changes in scope or pricing over time would reveal whether spending has been consistent, increasing, or decreasing. Understanding these patterns helps in assessing the current award's reasonableness and forecasting future budgetary needs for such essential support functions.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Management Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Contractor Details

Address: 6858 OLD DOMINION DRIVE, MCLEAN, VA, 90

Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Minority Owned Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $15,538,740

Exercised Options: $11,292,413

Current Obligation: $11,292,413

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: EDED04CO0032

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline