SSA's $18.6M Contract with Mathematica Inc. for Consulting Services Awarded in 2003
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $18,619,937 ($18.6M)
Contractor: Mathematica Inc.
Awarding Agency: Social Security Administration
Start Date: 2003-05-15
End Date: 2012-06-29
Contract Duration: 3,333 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Place of Performance
Location: PRINCETON, MERCER County, NEW JERSEY, 08540
Plain-Language Summary
Social Security Administration obligated $18.6 million to MATHEMATICA INC. for work described as: Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Mathematica Inc. for "Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services". 2. The contract value is $18,619,937. 3. Awarded under full and open competition. 4. The contract duration was 3333 days, ending in 2012. 5. No indication of small business participation.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract was Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to higher costs if not managed carefully. The total award value of $18.6M over nearly 9 years suggests a moderate annual spend, but without specific deliverables or performance metrics, a precise value assessment is difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure might allow for cost overruns, potentially impacting the final price discovered through competition.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is a positive for taxpayer value. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type warrants scrutiny to ensure costs remained controlled and reasonable.
Public Impact
Consulting services for the Social Security Administration could impact program efficiency and public service delivery. Long-term contracts can provide stability but may also reduce agility in adapting to changing needs. The significant contract value suggests a substantial investment in external expertise.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Long contract duration (3333 days)
- No small business participation reported
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition utilized
- Awarded to a single vendor, suggesting specialized expertise
Sector Analysis
The "Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services" sector is broad and can encompass a wide range of support for government agencies. Benchmarks are difficult without knowing the specific nature of the consulting provided.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract did not involve small businesses. This could be due to the nature of the services required or a lack of outreach to small business vendors.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by the Social Security Administration, implying internal oversight mechanisms. However, the long duration and Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitate robust oversight to ensure cost control and effective service delivery.
Related Government Programs
- Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
- Social Security Administration Contracting
- Social Security Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to higher costs.
- Long contract duration may indicate potential for scope creep or reduced flexibility.
- Lack of small business participation.
- Limited detail on specific services provided and performance metrics.
Tags
other-scientific-and-technical-consultin, social-security-administration, nj, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Social Security Administration awarded $18.6 million to MATHEMATICA INC.. See the official description on USAspending.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MATHEMATICA INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Social Security Administration (Social Security Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $18.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2003-05-15. End: 2012-06-29.
What specific technical and scientific consulting services were provided under this contract, and how did they contribute to the SSA's mission?
The provided data lacks specifics on the exact nature of the 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services'. To assess value, understanding if these services directly supported critical SSA functions like data analysis, system modernization, or policy development is crucial. Without this detail, it's difficult to quantify the direct impact on the agency's mission effectiveness or public service delivery.
What were the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how was Mathematica Inc.'s performance measured against them?
The data does not specify any Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or performance metrics used to evaluate Mathematica Inc.'s work. For a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, especially one spanning nearly a decade, clearly defined and measurable KPIs are essential for ensuring accountability, managing costs, and verifying that the services delivered met the government's needs effectively and efficiently.
Given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure and long duration, what measures were in place to prevent cost overruns and ensure the government received fair value?
While the contract utilized full and open competition, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure inherently carries a risk of cost escalation. Effective oversight, including regular audits, detailed cost reviews, and strict adherence to the fixed fee component, would be critical. Without specific details on these oversight mechanisms, it's challenging to definitively assess the measures taken to ensure fair value and prevent excessive spending over the contract's long lifespan.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Mathematica Inc (UEI: 154125140)
Address: 600 ALEXANDER PARK, PRINCETON, NJ, 12
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $14,431,932
Exercised Options: $14,431,932
Current Obligation: $18,619,937
Timeline
Start Date: 2003-05-15
Current End Date: 2012-06-29
Potential End Date: 2012-06-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2012-06-07
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