GSA awards $749K contract for analytics task order to Fors Marsh Group LLC for R&D in social sciences

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $749,069 ($749.1K)

Contractor: Fors Marsh Group LLC

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2027-04-09

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: ANALYTICS TASK ORDER 20 FY 2026 - 2028 OPA SURVEYS INFRASTRUCTURE AND SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: ALEXANDRIA, ALEXANDRIA CITY County, VIRGINIA, 22350

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $749,068.65 to FORS MARSH GROUP LLC for work described as: ANALYTICS TASK ORDER 20 FY 2026 - 2028 OPA SURVEYS INFRASTRUCTURE AND SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. The contract value of $749,068.65 over one year appears reasonable for specialized analytics and survey support. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process, likely leading to fair market pricing. 3. The contract is for Research and Development in Social Sciences and Humanities, a niche but important area for federal insights. 4. The task order is a Delivery Order under an existing contract, indicating a pre-established relationship and procurement vehicle. 5. The fixed-price contract type shifts performance risk to the contractor, incentivizing efficient delivery. 6. The contractor, Fors Marsh Group LLC, has experience in government contracting, suggesting a degree of reliability.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $749,000 for a one-year period for specialized analytics and survey support appears to be within a reasonable range for this type of service. Benchmarking against similar task orders for R&D in social sciences and humanities would provide a more precise assessment, but the scope suggests a moderate investment. The firm fixed-price structure is advantageous as it caps the government's financial exposure and encourages the contractor to manage costs effectively.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this procurement method generally fosters a competitive environment, which is expected to result in price discovery and potentially more favorable pricing for the government compared to limited or sole-source procurements.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it maximizes the pool of potential offerors, driving down costs through market forces and ensuring the government receives the best value.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are federal agencies requiring advanced analytics and survey research in social sciences and humanities. The services delivered will support research initiatives, policy development, and understanding of societal trends. The geographic impact is likely national, supporting federal decision-making across various departments and programs. Workforce implications may include specialized roles for researchers, analysts, and survey specialists within the contractor's organization.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data makes it difficult to assess the quality and impact of the delivered analytics.
The duration of the contract (one year) might limit the ability to conduct long-term, in-depth research projects.
Reliance on a single task order for critical analytics could pose a risk if the contractor underperforms or faces unforeseen issues.

Positive Signals

The contract is awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process and potential for high-quality service.
The firm fixed-price contract type aligns incentives for efficient and cost-effective service delivery.
The contractor, Fors Marsh Group LLC, is likely selected based on demonstrated capabilities and past performance in relevant fields.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities sector (NAICS 541720). This sector encompasses a wide range of activities, including social science research, market research, opinion polling, and humanities research. Federal spending in this area supports evidence-based policymaking and a deeper understanding of societal issues. Comparable spending benchmarks would depend on the specific sub-discipline and scope of the analytics required, but government investment in social science research is consistent across many agencies.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a specific set-aside requirement for this contract. Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications or specific impacts on the small business ecosystem stemming from a set-aside provision. The primary contractor is not identified as a small business, and the contract was awarded through full and open competition.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically the Federal Acquisition Service, which awarded the contract. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services within the agreed-upon price. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS, where this award is recorded. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Research and Development Spending
Social Science Research Grants
Government Analytics Services
Survey and Opinion Polling Contracts
GSA Federal Acquisition Service Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for underperformance in delivering complex analytics.
Risk of scope creep due to undefined requirements.
Dependency on a single contractor for critical insights.
Limited contract duration may not support long-term research needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $749,068.65 to FORS MARSH GROUP LLC. ANALYTICS TASK ORDER 20 FY 2026 - 2028 OPA SURVEYS INFRASTRUCTURE AND SUPPORT SERVICES

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 $749,068.65.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-10. End: 2027-04-09.

What is the specific nature of the 'analytics task order' and the 'OPA surveys' mentioned?

The provided data identifies the contract as an 'ANALYTICS TASK ORDER 20' for 'OPA SURVEYS' covering 'INFRASTRUCTURE AND SUPPORT SERVICES' from FY 2026-2028. While the exact nature of 'OPA surveys' is not detailed, 'OPA' often refers to 'Office of Public Affairs' or similar entities within government that conduct public opinion research, surveys, and data analysis. The 'analytics task order' implies a requirement for specialized data analysis, interpretation, and reporting services related to these surveys. These services likely support federal agencies in understanding public sentiment, evaluating program effectiveness, or informing policy decisions through empirical data derived from surveys concerning infrastructure or other relevant areas.

How does the contract value of $749,068.65 compare to similar analytics contracts in the social sciences R&D sector?

The contract value of approximately $749,000 for a one-year period for specialized analytics and survey support in social sciences R&D is moderate. Without specific details on the scope of work, deliverables, and the exact nature of the 'OPA surveys,' a precise comparison is challenging. However, contracts for similar R&D analytics can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on complexity, duration, and the specific research questions being addressed. Given the fixed-price nature and one-year term, this value suggests a focused project rather than a large-scale, multi-year research initiative. It appears reasonable for a defined task order requiring expert analysis of survey data.

What are the potential risks associated with awarding this contract to Fors Marsh Group LLC?

Potential risks associated with this contract, despite Fors Marsh Group LLC's likely experience, include performance risk, where the contractor may not deliver the analytics or survey insights to the required standard or on time. Given the fixed-price nature, there's a risk of scope creep if requirements are not clearly defined, potentially leading to disputes or the contractor cutting corners to maintain profitability. Another risk is the dependency on a single contractor for critical insights; if Fors Marsh Group encounters internal issues or fails to meet expectations, the government's ability to gather necessary data and analysis could be significantly hampered. The limited duration of one year also poses a risk if the analytics require longitudinal study or ongoing support beyond the contract period.

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

The General Services Administration (GSA), particularly through its Federal Acquisition Service (FAS), is a major procurer of a wide range of services, including analytics and survey support, for various federal agencies. Historical spending patterns show GSA consistently awards numerous contracts for professional services, IT, and administrative support. While specific aggregate data for 'analytics task orders' or 'OPA surveys' is not provided here, GSA's overall spending in professional services, which encompasses R&D, consulting, and data analysis, runs into billions of dollars annually. Their role as a central procurement agency means they facilitate numerous task orders under larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts, making detailed historical analysis of specific service types complex without granular data.

How does the 'Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities' classification impact the contract's objectives and potential outcomes?

The classification 'Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities' (NAICS 541720) indicates that the contract's objectives are focused on generating new knowledge, understanding, or insights related to human society, behavior, culture, and history. This contrasts with R&D in STEM fields. Outcomes are likely to be qualitative or quantitative findings, reports, policy recommendations, or improved theoretical frameworks rather than technological innovations. The 'OPA surveys' component suggests a focus on public perception, social trends, or the impact of government programs. The success of such a contract hinges on the rigor of the research methodology, the quality of data collection, and the analytical depth in interpreting findings relevant to societal or governmental concerns.

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: 47QFPA26R0005

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4250 FAIRFAX DR, ARLINGTON, VA, 22203

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: $2,292,458

Exercised Options: $749,069

Current Obligation: $749,069

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QFPA23D0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline