Interior Dept. Spends $40.7M on R&D Support, Awarded via Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $40,723,010 ($40.7M)
Contractor: Strategic Analysis, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2015-12-18
End Date: 2020-12-17
Contract Duration: 1,826 days
Daily Burn Rate: $22.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::CT::IGF AEO SETA SUPPORT
Place of Performance
Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22203
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $40.7 million to STRATEGIC ANALYSIS, INC. for work described as: IGF::CT::IGF AEO SETA SUPPORT Key points: 1. Significant investment in specialized R&D support services. 2. Competition method suggests a potentially competitive market. 3. Contract duration of 5 years indicates long-term need. 4. Focus on R&D aligns with agency innovation goals.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. Benchmarking against similar R&D support contracts is difficult without more granular cost data.
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 an initial restriction but subsequent open competition. This method aims for best value but requires careful justification for source exclusion.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are utilized for specialized R&D support, aiming for innovation and agency advancement. The CPFF structure necessitates robust oversight to ensure cost-effectiveness.
Public Impact
Supports critical research and development initiatives within the Department of the Interior. The contract's outcome could influence future R&D strategies and technological advancements. Ensures access to specialized expertise not readily available internally.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- CPFF contract type can incentivize higher costs.
- Potential for scope creep in R&D projects.
- Limited transparency on specific R&D outcomes.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Supports essential agency mission functions.
- Long-term contract indicates sustained need.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology) sector. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement and agency modernization, with benchmarks varying widely based on research scope and complexity.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses participated in or benefited from this contract. Further analysis would be needed to assess small business inclusion.
Oversight & Accountability
The CPFF structure requires diligent oversight from the Department of the Interior to monitor costs, performance, and adherence to the Statement of Work. Regular reviews and audits are essential for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of the Interior Contracting
- Departmental Offices Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Potential for undefined scope in R&D.
- Lack of specific project outcome data.
- Complexity of 'Exclusion of Sources' justification.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-the-interior, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $40.7 million to STRATEGIC ANALYSIS, INC.. IGF::CT::IGF AEO SETA SUPPORT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is STRATEGIC ANALYSIS, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Departmental Offices).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $40.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2015-12-18. End: 2020-12-17.
What specific R&D projects were supported by this contract, and what were their measurable outcomes?
The provided data lacks specifics on the R&D projects undertaken. To assess value, a detailed review of project reports, deliverables, and their alignment with the Department of the Interior's strategic goals would be necessary. Understanding the tangible results and innovations stemming from this $40.7M investment is key to evaluating its true worth.
How effectively was the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' process managed to ensure fair pricing and prevent undue restrictions?
The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method implies a justification was made for excluding certain sources initially. Effective management would involve a transparent and well-documented rationale for exclusion, followed by a robust competitive process among the remaining eligible bidders to ensure fair price discovery and prevent market distortion.
What mechanisms are in place to control costs and prevent scope creep within this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for R&D services?
Given the CPFF structure and the nature of R&D, robust cost controls and scope management are critical. This includes detailed baseline budgets, regular performance reviews, strict change control processes, and clear performance metrics. The agency must actively monitor expenditures against the fixed fee and the estimated cost to prevent uncontrolled spending and ensure the project stays within defined objectives.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 4075 WILSON BLVD STE 200, ARLINGTON, VA, 22203
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $62,016,104
Exercised Options: $41,263,084
Current Obligation: $40,723,010
Actual Outlays: $7,591,061
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 40
Total Subaward Amount: $38,187,844
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS00Q14OADS434
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2015-12-18
Current End Date: 2020-12-17
Potential End Date: 2020-12-17 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2023-12-14
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