Commerce's Census Bureau Awards $9.7M to MITRE for Decennial Research and Design Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $9,728,868 ($9.7M)
Contractor: THE Mitre Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce
Start Date: 2024-02-13
End Date: 2027-02-12
Contract Duration: 1,095 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.9K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: FFRDC 2030 DECENNIAL RESEARCH AND DESIGN SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: SUITLAND, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20746
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $9.7 million to THE MITRE CORPORATION for work described as: FFRDC 2030 DECENNIAL RESEARCH AND DESIGN SERVICES Key points: 1. MITRE Corporation, a well-known FFRDC, secured the contract. 2. The contract is for 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services'. 3. The award is a Delivery Order under an existing contract. 4. The contract duration is 1095 days. 5. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value is $9.7 million over three years. Benchmarking against similar FFRDC contracts for research and design services is difficult without more specific task details. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure suggests potential for cost overruns if not managed tightly.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded as a Delivery Order under an existing FFRDC agreement, implying a sole-source or limited competition scenario. FFRDCs are typically established to provide specialized, objective advice to the government, often in areas where full and open competition is not feasible or optimal.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for specialized research and design services. The lack of full competition means potential savings from a competitive bidding process are not realized, but the value is derived from the unique capabilities of the FFRDC.
Public Impact
Ensures continued research and design support for the Census Bureau's critical decennial operations. Leverages the expertise of a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) for specialized technical services. Supports the government's ability to conduct accurate and efficient decennial censuses. Potential for innovation and improved methodologies in census data collection and analysis.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competitive pricing.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure carries inherent cost risk.
- FFRDC reliance may limit broader market engagement.
Positive Signals
- Utilizes a trusted FFRDC with proven expertise.
- Ensures continuity of essential research and design services.
- Supports a critical government function (decennial census).
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under professional, scientific, and technical services, specifically research and design. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on project scope and agency needs. FFRDCs like MITRE often command higher rates due to their specialized knowledge and government-specific mission.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded to MITRE Corporation, a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC). As an FFRDC, it is not typically structured to engage small businesses as prime contractors. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not specified in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
As a Delivery Order under an existing FFRDC agreement, oversight may be integrated into the broader FFRDC contract management. The Census Bureau is responsible for ensuring the effective use of funds and the delivery of required services. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates close monitoring of costs and performance.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Department of Commerce Contracting
- U.S. Census Bureau Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Lack of detailed task description
- Potential for cost overruns
- Limited transparency on FFRDC specific pricing benchmarks
Tags
all-other-professional-scientific-and-te, department-of-commerce, md, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Commerce awarded $9.7 million to THE MITRE CORPORATION. FFRDC 2030 DECENNIAL RESEARCH AND DESIGN SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THE MITRE CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (U.S. Census Bureau).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $9.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-02-13. End: 2027-02-12.
What specific research and design tasks will MITRE undertake for the Decennial Census, and how do these align with the FFRDC's core mission?
The specific tasks are not detailed in the award notice. However, FFRDCs like MITRE typically provide objective analysis, systems engineering, and research to support complex government programs. For the Decennial Census, this could involve improving data collection methodologies, developing new analytical tools, assessing technological solutions, or providing independent evaluation of program effectiveness and security.
What is the justification for a sole-source award, and what mechanisms are in place to ensure fair pricing despite the lack of competition?
FFRDCs are often awarded contracts on a sole-source basis due to their unique capabilities and established relationship with the government. The justification likely stems from MITRE's designation as an FFRDC serving the Department of Commerce. Fair pricing in Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts is managed through negotiation of the fixed fee, detailed cost accounting, and ongoing oversight to prevent unnecessary expenditures.
How will the effectiveness of MITRE's research and design services be measured to ensure value for taxpayer investment?
Effectiveness will likely be measured against predefined milestones, deliverables, and performance metrics outlined in the contract. The Census Bureau will monitor progress and evaluate the quality and impact of MITRE's research and design recommendations. Regular reviews and reporting will ensure alignment with program objectives and accountability for the funds expended.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 7515 COLSHIRE DR, MC LEAN, VA, 22102
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $13,221,283
Exercised Options: $9,728,868
Current Obligation: $9,728,868
Actual Outlays: $817,050
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 1331L523D13OS0003
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-02-13
Current End Date: 2027-02-12
Potential End Date: 2027-02-12 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-10
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