NSF Awards $21M to Institute for Defense Analyses for Technical and Analytic Support Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $20,969,236 ($21.0M)
Contractor: Institute for Defense Analyses
Awarding Agency: National Science Foundation
Start Date: 2008-12-04
End Date: 2014-12-04
Contract Duration: 2,191 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.6K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: TECHNICAL AND ANALYTIC SUPPORT SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: ALEXANDRIA, ALEXANDRIA CITY County, VIRGINIA, 22311
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Science Foundation obligated $21.0 million to INSTITUTE FOR DEFENSE ANALYSES for work described as: TECHNICAL AND ANALYTIC SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $20.97 million over six years. 2. Sole-source award to a well-established research institute. 3. Potential for limited competition due to specialized nature of services. 4. Focus on professional, scientific, and technical services within the 'Other' sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking is difficult without specific service details, but the overall value suggests a substantial investment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and may not yield the best value for taxpayers.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not be receiving the most competitive pricing due to the lack of competition.
Public Impact
Award supports critical technical and analytical functions for the National Science Foundation. Long-term engagement (6 years) suggests ongoing need for these specialized services. The 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' NAICS code indicates a broad range of potential activities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Long contract duration without re-competition
Positive Signals
- Award to a known entity (IDA)
- Supports essential government functions
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under professional, scientific, and technical services, a broad category. The value is significant for this type of service, suggesting a high level of expertise required.
Small Business Impact
The awardee is the Institute for Defense Analyses, a large research institute. There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this specific contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure the services provided are necessary and priced appropriately. The fixed fee component should be rigorously monitored.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- National Science Foundation Contracting
- National Science Foundation Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and potential cost savings.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type carries inherent risk of cost overruns.
- Lack of detailed service description makes independent value assessment challenging.
- Long contract duration without re-competition may reduce incentive for efficiency.
Tags
all-other-professional-scientific-and-te, national-science-foundation, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Science Foundation awarded $21.0 million to INSTITUTE FOR DEFENSE ANALYSES. TECHNICAL AND ANALYTIC SUPPORT SERVICES
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 $21.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2008-12-04. End: 2014-12-04.
What specific technical and analytic support services are being provided under this contract?
The NAICS code 541990, 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services,' is very broad. Without further details, it's impossible to ascertain the exact nature of the support. This could range from data analysis and modeling to specialized scientific research or engineering consulting, making it difficult to assess value or effectiveness without more granular information.
What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?
Sole-source awards are typically justified when only one responsible source is available or capable of meeting the agency's needs. For specialized research institutions like IDA, this might be due to unique expertise, existing infrastructure, or prior work. However, the agency must provide a clear justification to ensure fair and transparent government spending.
How is the effectiveness of the 'technical and analytic support' being measured and ensured?
Effectiveness is likely measured through performance metrics outlined in the contract's statement of work. The National Science Foundation would need to establish clear deliverables, milestones, and quality standards. Regular progress reviews and acceptance of work products would be crucial to ensure the support provided is meeting the agency's objectives and contributing to its mission.
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: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 1
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: $21,016,081
Exercised Options: $21,016,081
Current Obligation: $20,969,236
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NSFOIA0408601
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2008-12-04
Current End Date: 2014-12-04
Potential End Date: 2014-12-04 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2020-09-16
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