VA awards $2.3M contract to National Academy of Sciences for research guide revisions

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,338,458 ($2.3M)

Contractor: National Academy of Sciences

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2020-09-22

End Date: 2025-09-21

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.3K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES GUIDE REVISIONS

Place of Performance

Location: PITTSBURGH, ALLEGHENY County, PENNSYLVANIA, 15212

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $2.3 million to NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES for work described as: NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES GUIDE REVISIONS Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single, non-competitive source. 2. Focuses on R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 3. Potential for limited competition due to specialized nature. 4. Long-term contract duration of 5 years.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract type is 'COST NO FEE', which offers no incentive for cost control. The total award amount is $2,338,457.88. Without comparable contracts or pricing data, assessing value is difficult.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract is not available for competition, indicating a sole-source or limited competition scenario. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition and cost-plus contract type may result in suboptimal value for taxpayer funds.

Public Impact

Impacts research standards and methodologies in scientific fields. Ensures updated guidance for federally funded research. Supports the Department of Veterans Affairs' research initiatives.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Cost-plus contract type
Long contract duration

Positive Signals

Supports critical research infrastructure
Addresses specific scientific guidance needs

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically for physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation but requires careful oversight to ensure efficiency.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that small businesses are involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The 'COST NO FEE' contract type and lack of competition warrant close oversight to ensure the VA receives fair value and that funds are used effectively.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to 'COST NO FEE' structure.
Lack of competitive bidding may lead to inflated prices.
Long contract duration limits flexibility and future cost savings.
Absence of small business participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $2.3 million to NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES GUIDE REVISIONS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Veterans Affairs (Department of Veterans Affairs).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-09-22. End: 2025-09-21.

What is the justification for the limited competition for this contract?

The justification for limited competition is not provided in the data. Typically, such awards are made when a specific entity possesses unique qualifications or capabilities essential for the research or service, and no other source can fulfill the requirement. Further investigation into the VA's procurement records would be needed to ascertain the specific rationale.

How will the VA ensure cost control with a 'COST NO FEE' contract?

With a 'COST NO FEE' contract, the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs but receives no fee. The VA must rely on robust monitoring of the contractor's performance and adherence to the scope of work. Clear deliverables, regular progress reports, and independent verification of research outcomes are crucial to ensure the funds are used appropriately and effectively.

What is the expected impact of these guide revisions on scientific research?

The revisions are expected to update and standardize methodologies, best practices, and ethical considerations within specific scientific domains. This ensures that research funded by the VA and potentially other agencies adheres to the latest scientific advancements and regulatory requirements, thereby improving the quality, reproducibility, and impact of the research outcomes.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 36C24E20R0038

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2101 CONSTITUTION AVE NW, WASHINGTON, DC, 20418

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,338,458

Exercised Options: $2,338,458

Current Obligation: $2,338,458

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline