DOD awards $122M survey contract to Fors Marsh Group for spouse and family issues research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $122,232 ($122.2K)
Contractor: Fors Marsh Group LLC
Awarding Agency: General Services Administration
Start Date: 2020-09-17
End Date: 2025-09-17
Contract Duration: 1,826 days
Daily Burn Rate: $67/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: ANALYTICS 53 DOD SPOUSE AND FAMILY ISSUES SURVEYS
Place of Performance
Location: ALEXANDRIA, ALEXANDRIA CITY County, VIRGINIA, 22350
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
General Services Administration obligated $122,231.74 to FORS MARSH GROUP LLC for work described as: ANALYTICS 53 DOD SPOUSE AND FAMILY ISSUES SURVEYS Key points: 1. Contract value is $122.23M over 5 years. 2. Fors Marsh Group is the sole awardee. 3. Risk is moderate due to sole awardee and fixed-price structure. 4. Sector is R&D, specifically social sciences and humanities.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract is a delivery order under an existing GSA schedule, suggesting pre-negotiated rates. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded using full and open competition, likely through a GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS). This method allows for broad market participation and competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of competition and a fixed-price contract aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for research services.
Public Impact
Supports DOD's understanding of military family needs. Provides data for policy development and program improvement. Impacts military families through improved support services.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 67 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole awardee may limit future competition.
- Fixed-price contract could incentivize cost-cutting over quality if not managed well.
Positive Signals
- Leverages existing GSA schedule for efficiency.
- Addresses critical DOD mission area.
- Long-term contract provides stability for research.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities (NAICS 541720). Spending in this R&D subsector is typically focused on understanding human behavior and societal trends to inform policy and programs.
Small Business Impact
The awardee, Fors Marsh Group, is not identified as a small business in the provided data. The contract was awarded via full and open competition, which does not inherently exclude small businesses but does not guarantee their participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Acquisition Service, which typically oversees GSA Schedule contracts. Oversight would focus on performance delivery and adherence to contract terms.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities
- General Services Administration Contracting
- Federal Acquisition Service Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole awardee
- Fixed-price contract
- Potential for scope creep
- Reliance on contractor's data quality assurance
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-social-s, general-services-administration, va, delivery-order, 100k-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
General Services Administration awarded $122,231.74 to FORS MARSH GROUP LLC. ANALYTICS 53 DOD SPOUSE AND FAMILY ISSUES SURVEYS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is FORS MARSH GROUP LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $122,231.74.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-09-17. End: 2025-09-17.
What is the specific methodology used for these surveys and how will data quality be ensured?
The contract details should specify the survey methodologies, sampling techniques, and data collection instruments. Robust quality assurance plans, including data validation and verification processes, are crucial to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the findings. Independent review or audits could further enhance data quality assurance.
How will the findings from these surveys directly inform policy changes or program adjustments for DOD spouse and family support?
The contract should outline deliverables that include actionable insights and recommendations. Regular reviews between the DOD and Fors Marsh Group, focusing on translating survey results into concrete policy proposals or program modifications, are essential. Success metrics should track the implementation of these recommendations.
What mechanisms are in place to ensure the research remains objective and free from bias, especially given the sensitive nature of family issues?
Ensuring objectivity involves clear protocols for data collection and analysis, including blinding researchers to respondent identities where appropriate. The contract should mandate adherence to ethical research standards and may require independent review of findings. Transparency in methodology and reporting also contributes to perceived objectivity.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities
Product/Service Code: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: 47QFPA20F0055
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1010 N. GLEBE RD, STE 510, ARLINGTON, VA, 22201
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $122,232
Exercised Options: $122,232
Current Obligation: $122,232
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 47QFPA18D0004
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-09-17
Current End Date: 2025-09-17
Potential End Date: 2025-09-17 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-10
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