NSF Awards $40.6M for Data Warehouse & BI Services to Synectics, Full & Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $40,612,953 ($40.6M)

Contractor: Synectics for Management Decisions, Inc.

Awarding Agency: National Science Foundation

Start Date: 2014-01-10

End Date: 2020-05-29

Contract Duration: 2,331 days

Daily Burn Rate: $17.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Official Description: DATA WAREHOUSE AND BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE SERVICES. IGF::OT::IGF

Place of Performance

Location: PHELPS, PIKE County, KENTUCKY, 41553

State: Kentucky Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

National Science Foundation obligated $40.6 million to SYNECTICS FOR MANAGEMENT DECISIONS, INC. for work described as: DATA WAREHOUSE AND BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE SERVICES. IGF::OT::IGF Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Synectics for Management Decisions, Inc. for data warehouse and business intelligence services. 2. The contract utilized full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating a competitive bidding process. 3. The total award value is $40,612,953.33 over a period of 2331 days. 4. The National Science Foundation (NSF) is the awarding agency, with services to be performed in Kentucky. 5. The contract type is Time and Materials, which can pose cost control challenges.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely managed. Benchmarking against similar data warehouse and BI service 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.' This suggests an initial restriction or consideration of specific sources, followed by a broader competitive process. The price discovery impact is likely positive due to competition, but the initial exclusion warrants scrutiny.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is a positive for taxpayers, suggesting fair market pricing was sought. However, the Time and Materials structure requires diligent oversight to ensure value.

Public Impact

Enhances NSF's data management capabilities, potentially improving research support and operational efficiency. Supports scientific research by providing better access to and analysis of data. The long duration of the contract (over 6 years) suggests a significant, ongoing need for these services. Services are performed in Kentucky, potentially benefiting the local economy.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials contract type
Long contract duration
Exclusion of sources in initial phase

Positive Signals

Full and open competition utilized
Significant award value indicates critical need
Supports scientific research mission

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Computer Systems Design Services (NAICS 541512). Spending in this sector is substantial across government, supporting IT infrastructure and data analytics. Benchmarks vary widely based on complexity and duration.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved as subcontractors. The primary awardee, Synectics for Management Decisions, Inc., is not typically classified as a small business.

Oversight & Accountability

The Time and Materials contract type necessitates robust oversight from the National Science Foundation to monitor labor hours, rates, and ensure the efficient use of funds. Regular performance reviews and audits are crucial.

Related Government Programs

Computer Systems Design Services
National Science Foundation Contracting
National Science Foundation Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials contract type.
Long contract duration increases risk exposure.
Initial exclusion of sources may have limited competition.
Lack of transparency on small business participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Science Foundation awarded $40.6 million to SYNECTICS FOR MANAGEMENT DECISIONS, INC.. DATA WAREHOUSE AND BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE SERVICES. IGF::OT::IGF

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SYNECTICS FOR MANAGEMENT DECISIONS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: National Science Foundation (National Science Foundation).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $40.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2014-01-10. End: 2020-05-29.

What specific data warehouse and business intelligence capabilities are being procured, and how do they align with NSF's strategic goals?

The contract aims to provide essential data warehousing and business intelligence services. These likely support NSF's mission by enabling better data-driven decision-making, improving the management of research grants, and facilitating the analysis of scientific trends. Specific capabilities would include data integration, storage, reporting, and advanced analytics tools tailored to NSF's unique data environment.

What risks are associated with the Time and Materials contract structure for a six-year duration?

The primary risk of a Time and Materials (T&M) contract is the potential for cost escalation, as the government pays for actual labor hours and materials used. For a long-duration contract like this (2331 days), the risk is amplified. Without strict controls, ceilings, and diligent oversight, costs can exceed initial estimates significantly. Ensuring efficient work and fair pricing requires continuous monitoring by the agency.

How effectively did the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' process ensure optimal value for the taxpayer?

This procurement method suggests an initial phase where certain sources were considered or excluded, followed by a broader competition. While the 'full and open' aspect is positive for taxpayer value, the initial exclusion warrants understanding. If the exclusion was based on specific capabilities or past performance, it could be justified. However, it could also limit competition. The ultimate value depends on the rigor of the evaluation criteria and the competitiveness of the final bids received.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1101 WILSON BLVD STE 1500, ARLINGTON, VA, 22209

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $41,070,363

Exercised Options: $41,070,363

Current Obligation: $40,612,953

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $18,221,715

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HHSN316201200174W

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline