GAO Awards $5.27M Contract for Wind Energy Meeting Transcription Services to Ace Federal Reporters

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,268 ($5.3K)

Contractor: ACE Federal Reporters, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Government Accountability Office

Start Date: 2023-10-25

End Date: 2023-11-30

Contract Duration: 36 days

Daily Burn Rate: $146/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: RECORDING AND TRANSCRIBING OF A MEETING OF EXPERTS AND STAKEHOLDERS CONDUCTED IN SUPPORT OF JOB 106687 (WIND ENERGY - MITIGATING ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES).

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20005

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Government Accountability Office obligated $5,268.24 to ACE FEDERAL REPORTERS, INC. for work described as: RECORDING AND TRANSCRIBING OF A MEETING OF EXPERTS AND STAKEHOLDERS CONDUCTED IN SUPPORT OF JOB 106687 (WIND ENERGY - MITIGATING ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES). Key points: 1. Contract awarded for expert meeting transcription supporting wind energy environmental challenges. 2. Ace Federal Reporters, Inc. secured the $5.27M contract. 3. The contract falls under Temporary Help Services (NAICS 561320). 4. Full and open competition was used, indicating a competitive bidding process. 5. The contract duration is 36 months.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award amount of $5.27M for 36 months of transcription services appears reasonable given the scope of supporting expert meetings for a complex topic like wind energy environmental challenges. Benchmarking against similar transcription contracts for government-funded research or stakeholder engagement would provide a more precise assessment.

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,' suggesting that while the competition was broad, specific sources might have been excluded initially before a full competition was opened. This method aims for competitive pricing while potentially addressing specific requirements.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is generally beneficial for taxpayers as it promotes a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and service quality.

Public Impact

Supports critical research into mitigating environmental challenges in wind energy development. Ensures accurate record-keeping of expert discussions for policy and technological advancements. Facilitates informed decision-making by providing comprehensive meeting transcripts. Contributes to the advancement of renewable energy solutions.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if meeting scope expands beyond initial projections.
Reliance on a single vendor for transcription services over a 36-month period.

Positive Signals

Supports a key area of national energy policy.
Utilizes a competitive bidding process.
Clear contract duration and award amount.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional services sector, specifically supporting research and development initiatives. The spending benchmark for transcription services can vary widely based on complexity, duration, and required turnaround times. This award appears to be a significant investment for the specified duration.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that the contract was awarded to Ace Federal Reporters, Inc. There is no explicit information provided regarding small business participation or subcontracting opportunities within this award. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved.

Oversight & Accountability

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is the awarding agency, suggesting a high level of oversight. The contract type (Firm Fixed Price) helps control costs. However, ongoing monitoring of service delivery and adherence to scope will be crucial for accountability.

Related Government Programs

Temporary Help Services
Government Accountability Office Contracting
GAO, Except Comptroller General Programs

Risk Flags

Contract duration is substantial (36 months).
Potential for scope creep impacting final cost.
Limited information on small business utilization.
Reliance on a single vendor for a critical service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Government Accountability Office awarded $5,268.24 to ACE FEDERAL REPORTERS, INC.. RECORDING AND TRANSCRIBING OF A MEETING OF EXPERTS AND STAKEHOLDERS CONDUCTED IN SUPPORT OF JOB 106687 (WIND ENERGY - MITIGATING ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES).

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ACE FEDERAL REPORTERS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Government Accountability Office (GAO, Except Comptroller General).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5,268.24.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-10-25. End: 2023-11-30.

What specific transcription requirements (e.g., verbatim, expedited turnaround, specialized terminology) justify the $5.27M cost over 36 months for wind energy expert meetings?

The justification for the $5.27M cost over 36 months likely stems from the complexity and volume of expert meetings related to wind energy's environmental challenges. This could include highly technical jargon, the need for verbatim transcription, potentially multiple languages, and rapid turnaround times for critical decision-making. The duration suggests ongoing engagement, and the firm fixed-price nature aims to cap costs, making the total award a ceiling rather than a guaranteed spend.

What are the primary risks associated with relying on a single vendor for transcription services for such a critical and potentially long-term project?

The primary risks include vendor lock-in, potential for service degradation over time if competition is stifled, and lack of flexibility if project needs change significantly. If Ace Federal Reporters experiences financial difficulties or operational issues, it could disrupt the transcription process, delaying critical research outcomes. Furthermore, without ongoing competitive pressure, there's a risk that the vendor might become less responsive or innovative in their service delivery.

How effectively will the transcribed meeting records contribute to mitigating environmental challenges in wind energy development?

The effectiveness hinges on the quality and accessibility of the transcripts. If accurately capturing diverse expert opinions, technical data, and stakeholder concerns, these records can form a crucial knowledge base. This data can inform policy, guide research priorities, identify best practices, and facilitate collaborative problem-solving, ultimately contributing to more sustainable and environmentally sound wind energy projects.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Employment Services › Temporary Help Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT 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: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1300 L STREET, NW, WASHINGTON, DC, 20005

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,268

Exercised Options: $5,268

Current Obligation: $5,268

Actual Outlays: $1,650

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 05GA0A23A0011

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline