NSF awards $3M+ to RightDirection Technology for ACAP Support Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,023,956 ($3.0M)

Contractor: Rightdirection Technology Solutions, LLC

Awarding Agency: National Science Foundation

Start Date: 2020-04-01

End Date: 2025-03-31

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.7K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: ASSISTANCE FOR ACQUISITIONS, CONTRACTING, AND PURCHASING (ACAP) SUPPORT SERVICES FOR DIS

Place of Performance

Location: BALTIMORE, BALTIMORE CITY County, MARYLAND, 21202

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

National Science Foundation obligated $3.0 million to RIGHTDIRECTION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, LLC for work described as: ASSISTANCE FOR ACQUISITIONS, CONTRACTING, AND PURCHASING (ACAP) SUPPORT SERVICES FOR DIS Key points: 1. Contract awarded to RightDirection Technology Solutions, LLC for administrative management and general management consulting services. 2. The contract has a total value of $3,023,955.76 and runs from April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2025. 3. The acquisition is categorized under Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services (NAICS 541611). 4. This contract was not available for competition, raising questions about potential price discovery. 5. The contract is a definitive contract type, indicating a fixed agreement for services.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

Pricing is based on labor hours, making direct comparison difficult without detailed task breakdowns. The lack of competition suggests potential for inflated costs compared to a competitive environment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not available for competition, which limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for the government. The sole-source nature prevents benchmarking against other potential providers.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for these support services.

Public Impact

Federal agencies rely on specialized support services for efficient acquisition and contracting processes. The National Science Foundation (NSF) utilizes these services to manage its complex procurement needs. Transparency in contracting, especially for non-competitive awards, is crucial for public trust. The duration of the contract (5 years) indicates a long-term need for these services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for overpricing due to limited competition
Contract duration

Positive Signals

Specific support services for acquisitions and contracting
Long-term engagement with a single vendor

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under professional services, specifically management consulting. Benchmarks for similar administrative support services can vary widely based on scope and agency, but competitive bidding typically drives costs down.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not awarded to a small business, as indicated by 'sb': false. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is primarily the responsibility of the National Science Foundation. The lack of competition warrants closer scrutiny to ensure fair pricing and effective service delivery.

Related Government Programs

Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
National Science Foundation Contracting
National Science Foundation Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of competitive bidding
Potential for cost overruns
Limited transparency in pricing
Vendor lock-in due to long-term contract

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Science Foundation awarded $3.0 million to RIGHTDIRECTION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, LLC. ASSISTANCE FOR ACQUISITIONS, CONTRACTING, AND PURCHASING (ACAP) SUPPORT SERVICES FOR DIS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RIGHTDIRECTION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: National Science Foundation (National Science Foundation).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-04-01. End: 2025-03-31.

What specific ACAP support services are provided under this contract, and how do they align with NSF's mission?

The contract provides 'ASSISTANCE FOR ACQUISITIONS, CONTRACTING, AND PURCHASING (ACAP) SUPPORT SERVICES'. While the exact breakdown of services isn't detailed, it generally involves expertise in managing federal procurement processes, ensuring compliance, and optimizing acquisition strategies. These services are crucial for NSF to effectively acquire the resources needed for its scientific research and education initiatives, ensuring operational efficiency and adherence to regulatory frameworks.

Given the 'not available for competition' status, what measures are in place to ensure the pricing remains fair and reasonable?

When a contract is not competitively bid, the procuring agency, in this case, the National Science Foundation, must conduct thorough price analysis. This involves comparing proposed costs against historical prices for similar services, using independent government cost estimates, or analyzing the vendor's cost elements. Regular performance reviews and contract modifications should also be scrutinized to prevent scope creep or unjustified price increases.

How does the long contract duration (5 years) impact the overall value and potential for innovation in the provided services?

A five-year contract duration provides stability and allows the vendor to develop deep expertise within the agency. However, it can also reduce the incentive for continuous innovation if not managed actively. The NSF should ensure performance metrics are robust and regularly reviewed, and consider incorporating mechanisms for service improvement or incorporating new technologies throughout the contract period to maximize value and adapt to evolving needs.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 49100420R0007

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 300 E LOMBARD ST STE 840, BALTIMORE, MD, 21202

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Black American Owned Business, Category Business, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, HUBZone Firm, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,817,521

Exercised Options: $3,107,858

Current Obligation: $3,023,956

Actual Outlays: $1,845,462

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline