FTC awards $15.4M contract for expert support services to CRA International, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $15,400,000 ($15.4M)
Contractor: CRA International, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Federal Trade Commission
Start Date: 2023-01-18
End Date: 2027-03-17
Contract Duration: 1,519 days
Daily Burn Rate: $10.1K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: Other
Official Description: EXPERT SUPPORT SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: BOSTON, SUFFOLK County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02116
Plain-Language Summary
Federal Trade Commission obligated $15.4 million to CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC. for work described as: EXPERT SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded to CRA International, Inc. for expert support services. 2. The contract has a total value of $15.4 million. 3. This is a definitive contract with a Time and Materials pricing structure. 4. The contract is for Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services. 5. The contract duration is 1519 days.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is priced on a Time and Materials basis, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar contracts for expert support services is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.
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 potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers compared to a competitive process.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in a higher cost to taxpayers than if the services were procured through a competitive bidding process.
Public Impact
Consumers may be indirectly impacted by the FTC's enhanced support capabilities. The services provided could influence regulatory decisions affecting various industries. Transparency in the use of these expert services is crucial for public trust.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Time and Materials pricing
- Potential for cost overruns
Positive Signals
- Expert support for FTC
- Long-term contract duration
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under professional services, specifically scientific and technical consulting. Benchmarks for similar services vary widely based on specialization and duration, but $15.4M over approximately 4 years suggests a significant engagement.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to CRA International, Inc., a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The Federal Trade Commission is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard oversight procedures for definitive contracts should apply, focusing on performance and cost management.
Related Government Programs
- Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
- Federal Trade Commission Contracting
- Federal Trade Commission Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Time and Materials pricing structure
- Potential for cost escalation
- Limited transparency on specific services
Tags
other-scientific-and-technical-consultin, federal-trade-commission, ma, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Federal Trade Commission awarded $15.4 million to CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.. EXPERT SUPPORT SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Federal Trade Commission (Federal Trade Commission).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $15.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-01-18. End: 2027-03-17.
What specific expertise does CRA International, Inc. provide under this contract, and how does it align with the FTC's mission?
The contract specifies 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services.' While the exact nature of the expertise is not detailed, it likely supports the FTC's investigations, litigation, or policy development in areas requiring specialized knowledge, such as economic analysis, data science, or specific industry expertise, thereby enhancing the agency's ability to fulfill its regulatory and consumer protection mandates.
What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source, Time and Materials contract for expert support services?
The primary risks include potential cost overruns due to the open-ended nature of Time and Materials pricing, lack of competitive pressure to ensure the best value for taxpayer money, and the possibility that the selected contractor may not be the most innovative or cost-effective solution available in the market. Effective oversight is critical to mitigate these risks.
How will the effectiveness of these expert support services be measured to ensure value for the FTC and the public?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through performance metrics defined in the contract, such as timely delivery of expert analysis, quality of reports and testimony, and the impact of the services on FTC case outcomes or policy recommendations. Regular performance reviews and feedback from FTC program managers will be crucial for assessing value and ensuring accountability.
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: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 200, CLARENDON STREET, BOSTON, MA, 02116
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $15,400,000
Exercised Options: $15,400,000
Current Obligation: $15,400,000
Actual Outlays: $15,294,486
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-01-18
Current End Date: 2027-03-17
Potential End Date: 2028-03-17 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-30
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