GSA awards $34.77M contract for administrative and technical services to Gauss Management Research and Engineering Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $34,771,177 ($34.8M)

Contractor: Gauss Management Research and Engineering Inc

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2020-01-10

End Date: 2025-01-09

Contract Duration: 1,826 days

Daily Burn Rate: $19.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: R&D

Official Description: ADMINSTRATIVE AND TECHNICAL SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: TUCSON, PIMA County, ARIZONA, 85706

State: Arizona Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $34.8 million to GAUSS MANAGEMENT RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING INC for work described as: ADMINSTRATIVE AND TECHNICAL SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract provides administrative and technical services, indicating a need for specialized support functions. 2. The contract duration of 1826 days suggests a long-term requirement for these services. 3. Awarded under full and open competition, implying a broad search for qualified vendors. 4. The contract type is Time and Materials, which can pose cost control challenges if not managed carefully. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541712 points to research and development activities. 6. The contract is a delivery order, suggesting it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific service details or comparable contract data. The Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure, while flexible, can lead to higher costs if not closely monitored for efficiency and necessity. The total award amount of $34.77 million over approximately five years suggests a significant investment in administrative and technical support.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This competitive process is generally expected to yield fair market prices. The presence of 4 bids (no: 4) suggests a moderate level of interest and competition for this requirement.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is favorable for taxpayers as it encourages a wider range of offers, potentially leading to better pricing and service quality.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely federal agencies requiring administrative and technical support services. Services delivered are expected to encompass research and development support, administrative functions, and technical expertise. The contract's geographic impact is primarily within Arizona (AZ), where the contractor is located. Workforce implications may include the creation or maintenance of jobs for administrative and technical professionals employed by Gauss Management Research and Engineering Inc.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of services rendered.
The broad nature of 'administrative and technical services' could lead to scope creep if not clearly defined and monitored.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust vetting of potential contractors.
Contract duration indicates a stable, long-term need, potentially leading to efficiencies through established processes.
Contractor's involvement in R&D sector aligns with specialized technical support requirements.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically related to research and development. The market for such services is substantial, driven by government needs for specialized expertise. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing other federal contracts for similar administrative and technical support, particularly those under NAICS code 541712.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (sb: false). There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses. Without a small business set-aside or specific subcontracting goals, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this particular award is likely minimal, though the prime contractor may engage small businesses as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program managers within the General Services Administration (GSA). Accountability measures are embedded in the contract terms, including performance standards and payment schedules. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

General Services Administration (GSA) Contracts
Research and Development Services
Administrative Support Services
Technical Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Time and Materials contract type requires diligent oversight to control costs.
Lack of specific service details may hinder performance assessment.
Contract duration of five years necessitates sustained monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $34.8 million to GAUSS MANAGEMENT RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING INC. ADMINSTRATIVE AND TECHNICAL SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GAUSS MANAGEMENT RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $34.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-01-10. End: 2025-01-09.

What is the track record of Gauss Management Research and Engineering Inc. in performing similar federal contracts?

Assessing the track record of Gauss Management Research and Engineering Inc. requires a review of their past performance on federal contracts. This would involve examining contract databases for previous awards, their value, duration, and performance ratings. Key indicators include on-time delivery, adherence to budget, and customer satisfaction feedback. A history of successful contract completion, particularly in administrative and technical services or R&D support, would suggest a lower risk profile for this current award. Conversely, past performance issues, such as contract terminations, disputes, or negative past performance reviews, would raise concerns about their ability to meet the requirements of this $34.77 million contract.

How does the pricing structure (Time and Materials) compare to other federal contracts for similar services?

Time and Materials (T&M) contracts are often used when the scope of work is not clearly defined or is expected to change. Compared to fixed-price contracts, T&M contracts can offer flexibility but also carry a higher risk of cost overruns for the government if not managed stringently. Federal agencies often prefer firm-fixed-price contracts for well-defined requirements to ensure cost certainty. When T&M is used, robust oversight, detailed labor category rates, and strict limitations on liability are crucial. Benchmarking would involve comparing the hourly rates for labor categories and the overhead/profit margins proposed by Gauss Management Research and Engineering Inc. against government estimates or rates paid to other contractors for comparable T&M services.

What are the specific administrative and technical services being provided under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'ADMINISTRATIVE AND TECHNICAL SERVICES' under NAICS code 541712, 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)'. While the specific services are not detailed, this suggests the support is likely related to R&D activities. This could encompass tasks such as project management, data analysis, technical writing, laboratory support, administrative coordination, procurement assistance, and other specialized functions required to facilitate research and development projects. The 'Delivery Order' nature implies these services are being procured under a broader IDIQ contract, and the specifics would be detailed in the individual delivery order documents.

What is the historical spending pattern for administrative and technical services by the General Services Administration (GSA)?

The General Services Administration (GSA) is a major procurer of administrative and technical services, often acting as a shared service provider for other federal agencies. Historical spending patterns reveal a consistent and significant investment in these areas, driven by the need for operational efficiency and specialized expertise across government functions. GSA's spending on such services can fluctuate based on agency needs, budget allocations, and the initiation of new programs or initiatives. Analyzing GSA's historical spending data, particularly within the professional, scientific, and technical services categories, would provide context for the $34.77 million awarded to Gauss Management Research and Engineering Inc., indicating whether this award is typical, above, or below average for similar procurements.

What are the potential risks associated with a five-year Time and Materials contract?

A significant risk with a five-year Time and Materials (T&M) contract is the potential for cost escalation. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M contracts do not have a ceiling on the total cost, making it imperative for the government to actively manage contractor performance and expenditures. Risks include inefficient labor utilization, scope creep where unapproved work is performed, and potentially inflated labor rates or overhead charges. Without strong oversight, the government could end up paying significantly more than initially anticipated. Additionally, the long duration might lead to complacency if performance monitoring is not continuous and rigorous, potentially impacting the quality and timeliness of the services provided.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: ID09190008

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5875 S ADAMS AVE PKWY STE 2A, SOUTH OGDEN, UT, 84405

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $48,141,927

Exercised Options: $40,270,126

Current Obligation: $34,771,177

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS10F0028W

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline