NSF Awards $56M for Science and Technology Policy Institute Operations to IDA

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $56,194,295 ($56.2M)

Contractor: Institute for Defense Analyses

Awarding Agency: National Science Foundation

Start Date: 2015-02-03

End Date: 2027-01-25

Contract Duration: 4,374 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT OF THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY INSTITUTE

Place of Performance

Location: ALEXANDRIA, ALEXANDRIA CITY County, VIRGINIA, 22305

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

National Science Foundation obligated $56.2 million to INSTITUTE FOR DEFENSE ANALYSES for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT OF THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY INSTITUTE Key points: 1. IDA, a non-profit, holds this contract for essential policy analysis. 2. The contract spans over 12 years, indicating long-term strategic importance. 3. Competition was full and open, suggesting a robust price discovery process. 4. The sector focuses on professional, scientific, and technical services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure allows for cost reimbursement plus a fixed fee. This is common for R&D and complex services where costs can be unpredictable. Benchmarking CPFF contracts requires detailed cost breakdowns, but the fixed fee component provides some cost control.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple bidders participated. This method generally leads to competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value. The award was a delivery order against an IDIQ, suggesting a structured procurement process.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition aims to secure the best value for taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment, potentially leading to lower overall costs for the services provided.

Public Impact

Supports critical science and technology policy analysis for the NSF. Long-term contract duration suggests sustained need for these specialized services. The institute plays a role in advising on national research and innovation strategies. Operations management ensures continuity of vital policy support functions.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns in CPFF contracts if not closely monitored.
Long contract duration may not adapt quickly to evolving policy needs.
Reliance on a single entity (IDA) for a critical function.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Long-term commitment indicates strategic importance and stable support.
Experienced contractor (IDA) with a history in defense and policy analysis.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (NAICS 541990). Spending in this sector is broad, encompassing research, consulting, and specialized analytical services. Benchmarks vary widely, but long-term, high-value contracts like this often represent significant investments in expertise.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA), a non-profit research and development organization. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award, which is common for large, specialized service contracts.

Oversight & Accountability

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is the contracting agency. Oversight would involve monitoring IDA's performance, adherence to the CPFF terms, and the quality of policy analysis delivered. The long duration necessitates ongoing review to ensure continued relevance and value.

Related Government Programs

All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
National Science Foundation Contracting
National Science Foundation Programs

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type.
Long contract duration (over 12 years).
Sole contractor (IDA) for a critical function.
No explicit small business participation noted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Science Foundation awarded $56.2 million to INSTITUTE FOR DEFENSE ANALYSES. IGF::OT::IGF OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT OF THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY INSTITUTE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INSTITUTE FOR DEFENSE ANALYSES.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $56.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2015-02-03. End: 2027-01-25.

How does the fixed fee component of the CPFF contract compare to industry standards for similar policy analysis services?

Assessing the fixed fee requires detailed knowledge of IDA's cost structure and the specific scope of work. Generally, fixed fees in CPFF contracts aim to incentivize efficiency while covering the contractor's overhead and profit. Benchmarking would involve comparing this fee percentage against other government contracts for comparable analytical services, considering the complexity and duration.

What are the primary risks associated with the long duration (over 12 years) of this contract for policy analysis?

The primary risks include the potential for the policy landscape to shift significantly, rendering the institute's focus outdated. There's also a risk of contractor complacency or reduced innovation over such an extended period. Furthermore, the government might miss opportunities to leverage newer analytical methods or contractors if the contract isn't periodically re-evaluated for scope and performance.

How effectively does the 'full and open competition' method ensure optimal value for taxpayer money in specialized policy analysis contracts?

Full and open competition is designed to maximize value by encouraging multiple qualified bidders to offer their best technical solutions and pricing. For specialized services like policy analysis, it helps ensure the government selects a contractor with the right expertise at a competitive price. However, the effectiveness depends on the clarity of the solicitation and the evaluation criteria used to assess both technical merit and cost.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4850 MARK CENTER DR, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 22311

Business Categories: Category Business, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $57,247,885

Exercised Options: $57,247,885

Current Obligation: $56,194,295

Actual Outlays: $16,722,887

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: NSFOIA0408601

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline