HHS awarded Mathematica Inc. $14.97M for Head Start survey, with a 3301-day duration

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,973,829 ($15.0M)

Contractor: Mathematica Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2005-09-30

End Date: 2014-10-14

Contract Duration: 3,301 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: HEAD START FAMILY AND CHILD EXPERIENCES SURVEY (FACES) 2006 COHORT

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20024, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $15.0 million to MATHEMATICA INC. for work described as: HEAD START FAMILY AND CHILD EXPERIENCES SURVEY (FACES) 2006 COHORT Key points: 1. The contract's extended duration suggests a long-term research commitment. 2. The 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' NAICS code indicates a broad scope of work. 3. A Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize cost control while ensuring contractor effort. 4. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process. 5. The contract's value is moderate within the context of large-scale federal research initiatives.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $14.97 million over approximately 9 years for the FACES 2006 cohort study appears reasonable for a large-scale, longitudinal research project. Benchmarking against similar large federal surveys or data collection efforts would provide further context, but the scope and duration suggest a significant undertaking. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure aims to balance contractor effort with cost management.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This competitive process is generally expected to yield fair market pricing and encourage innovation. The presence of two bids (no) suggests a moderate level of competition for this specific requirement.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive award process that aims to secure the best value for public funds by fostering price discovery and encouraging efficient service delivery.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are researchers, policymakers, and the public who gain insights into early childhood education through the FACES survey data. The contract supports the delivery of critical data collection and analysis services for understanding the Head Start program's impact. The geographic impact is national, as the Head Start program serves children and families across the United States. Workforce implications include employment for researchers, data collectors, analysts, and administrative staff at Mathematica Inc. and potentially subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep given the broad NAICS code and long duration.
Ensuring continued relevance and data quality over a multi-year research period.
Managing the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure to prevent cost overruns while maintaining quality.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a fair and transparent process.
Long contract duration allows for in-depth longitudinal study, crucial for understanding developmental trends.
Mathematica Inc. is a well-established research firm with experience in large-scale federal surveys.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector, specifically under the 'All Other' category (NAICS 541990). This sector is characterized by a wide range of specialized services. Federal spending in this area often supports research, data analysis, and program evaluation. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other large-scale federal survey and data collection contracts, particularly those managed by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss=false, sb=false). As a large contract awarded through full and open competition, there is potential for subcontracting opportunities for small businesses, depending on the specific needs and structure of the research project. However, the primary awardee is a large business, indicating the main contract value flows to a major corporation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is likely managed by the contracting officer and program officials within the Department of Health and Human Services. Accountability measures would be tied to the delivery of milestones, data quality, and adherence to the research plan outlined in the contract. Transparency is facilitated through federal contract databases and public reporting of research findings, though the detailed internal management processes are not publicly disclosed.

Related Government Programs

Head Start Program
National Survey of Early Childhood Education
Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) studies
Early Childhood Longitudinal Study (ECLS)

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns in CPFF contract
Maintaining data quality over long duration
Ensuring participant retention in longitudinal study
Scope creep risk due to broad NAICS code

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $15.0 million to MATHEMATICA INC.. HEAD START FAMILY AND CHILD EXPERIENCES SURVEY (FACES) 2006 COHORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MATHEMATICA INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $15.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2005-09-30. End: 2014-10-14.

What is Mathematica Inc.'s track record with large federal research and survey contracts?

Mathematica Inc. has a significant track record of successfully executing large-scale federal research and survey contracts. They are a well-established research firm specializing in social policy and health. Their portfolio includes numerous contracts with agencies like HHS, the Department of Education, and the National Science Foundation. Examples include managing large longitudinal studies, program evaluations, and data collection efforts. Their experience suggests a capacity to handle complex projects like the FACES survey, including managing large datasets, ensuring data quality, and meeting rigorous research standards over extended periods. This history provides confidence in their ability to manage the current contract effectively.

How does the $14.97 million award compare to similar federal longitudinal studies?

The $14.97 million award for the FACES 2006 cohort study, spanning over 9 years, positions it as a substantial investment in early childhood education research. Comparing it to similar large-scale federal longitudinal studies requires looking at projects with comparable scope, duration, and data collection intensity. For instance, the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study (ECLS) program, also managed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), involves multi-year data collection and analysis and often involves budgets in the tens of millions of dollars over its lifecycle. While exact comparisons are difficult without detailed project specifications, the FACES award appears consistent with the scale and cost of major federal research initiatives designed to track developmental trends and program impacts over extended periods.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract of this duration?

The primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract, especially one with a long duration like this 3301-day award, revolve around cost control and ensuring value. For the government, there's a risk that the contractor's costs could escalate beyond initial projections, even with a fixed fee, if not managed diligently. The contractor is incentivized to perform the work but may face challenges in accurately estimating all costs over such a long period. For the contractor, the risk lies in underestimating costs and not being able to cover them within the fixed fee, or conversely, in the government scrutinizing costs closely. Effective oversight and clear definition of work are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure the fixed fee remains appropriate for the effort expended.

How effective is the 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' NAICS code in defining the contract's scope?

The NAICS code 541990, 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services,' is a broad category that encompasses a wide array of services not classified elsewhere. While it accurately reflects the diverse nature of research, data collection, and analysis involved in a project like the FACES survey, its generality can present challenges. For analysts and the public, it offers less specific insight into the precise nature of the work compared to more specialized codes. However, for a contract involving multifaceted research activities that may evolve over time, this broad classification can provide necessary flexibility. The detailed contract statement of work, rather than the NAICS code alone, is the primary determinant of the contract's specific scope and objectives.

What are the implications of awarding this contract through 'Full and Open Competition' with only two bidders?

Awarding this contract through 'Full and Open Competition' signifies that the opportunity was broadly advertised, allowing any responsible source to submit a bid. The fact that only two bids were received suggests a potentially limited competitive landscape for this specific requirement. While competition occurred, a lower number of bidders might indicate high barriers to entry (e.g., specialized expertise, past performance requirements), a niche market, or perhaps that the solicitation was highly specific. For taxpayers, two bidders generally offer some level of price discovery and comparison, but a higher number of bidders typically leads to more robust competition, potentially driving prices lower and fostering greater innovation. The government would have assessed whether the two bids represented adequate price competition.

How does the contract's duration (3301 days) impact the potential for program effectiveness and data relevance?

The contract's duration of 3301 days (approximately 9 years) is a significant factor influencing program effectiveness and data relevance for the FACES 2006 cohort study. A long duration is essential for longitudinal research, allowing for the tracking of participants over time and the observation of developmental trajectories and the long-term impacts of early childhood experiences and interventions. This extended period enables the collection of rich, nuanced data that would be impossible with shorter studies. However, it also presents challenges. Maintaining participant engagement, ensuring data quality remains high throughout, and adapting research methodologies to evolving contexts or technologies are critical for sustained effectiveness and relevance. The program's success hinges on robust management and adaptation strategies over its lengthy lifespan.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical 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: 05FOSTER01

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Mathematica Inc (UEI: 154125140)

Address: 600 ALEXANDER PARK, PRINCETON, NJ, 08540

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,973,830

Exercised Options: $14,973,830

Current Obligation: $14,973,829

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Timeline