NSF Awards $5.9M for NRT Program Support to Creative Business Solutions, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,939,376 ($5.9M)

Contractor: Creative Business Solutions, Inc.

Awarding Agency: National Science Foundation

Start Date: 2021-02-04

End Date: 2026-08-03

Contract Duration: 2,006 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Official Description: SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE NSF RESEARCH TRAINEESHIP (NRT) PROGRAM

Place of Performance

Location: BOWIE, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20721

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

National Science Foundation obligated $5.9 million to CREATIVE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, INC. for work described as: SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE NSF RESEARCH TRAINEESHIP (NRT) PROGRAM Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Creative Business Solutions, Inc. for $5.9M. 2. Full and open competition was utilized. 3. The contract is for custom computer programming services. 4. The duration spans from February 2021 to August 2026. 5. This award is a delivery order under a larger contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract is a Time and Materials type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar custom programming contracts is difficult without more specific service details.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the Time and Materials pricing structure may limit price discovery and could lead to higher costs than fixed-price contracts.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may face variable costs due to the Time and Materials pricing, potentially exceeding initial estimates if project scope or hours increase significantly.

Public Impact

Supports the National Science Foundation's Research Traineeship (NRT) program, fostering future scientists. Funds custom computer programming services, likely for research or data management tools. The long duration (over 5 years) indicates a sustained need for these services. Awarded to a single vendor, Creative Business Solutions, Inc.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing.
Lack of specific details on the programming services provided.
Long contract duration could lead to scope creep.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Supports a critical NSF research program.
Vendor has a long-standing contract (indicated by 'dur': 2006).

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under IT services, specifically custom computer programming. Spending benchmarks for such services vary widely based on complexity and duration. The $5.9M over 5 years suggests a significant, ongoing project.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, small businesses were likely not the primary focus of this specific award, though they may be subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The award is a delivery order under a larger contract, suggesting existing oversight mechanisms. However, the Time and Materials nature requires diligent monitoring by the NSF to ensure cost-effectiveness and prevent scope creep.

Related Government Programs

Custom Computer Programming Services
National Science Foundation Contracting
National Science Foundation Programs

Risk Flags

Time and Materials pricing structure.
Long contract duration.
Lack of specific service details.
Potential for cost overruns.
No small business set-aside.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Science Foundation awarded $5.9 million to CREATIVE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, INC.. SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE NSF RESEARCH TRAINEESHIP (NRT) PROGRAM

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CREATIVE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-02-04. End: 2026-08-03.

What specific programming services are being provided under this contract, and how do they align with the NRT program's goals?

The provided data lacks specifics on the programming services. These likely involve developing or maintaining software, databases, or analytical tools crucial for the NRT program's research and training objectives. Understanding the exact deliverables would clarify the value proposition and ensure alignment with NSF's mission to promote science and engineering education.

What are the potential risks associated with the Time and Materials pricing structure for this long-term contract?

The primary risk of Time and Materials (T&M) pricing on a 5+ year contract is the potential for uncontrolled cost escalation. Without firm fixed-price deliverables, the vendor may have less incentive to optimize efficiency, and the government bears the risk of increased labor hours or rates, potentially exceeding the $5.9M ceiling.

How effectively does the 'full and open competition' ensure optimal value for taxpayer dollars given the T&M structure?

While 'full and open competition' is a positive indicator for initial price discovery, the T&M structure can undermine long-term value. It suggests the government secured competitive bids initially, but ongoing oversight is critical to ensure the vendor remains efficient and costs stay within reasonable bounds throughout the contract's life.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Custom Computer Programming Services

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: 49100421Q0001

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 13003 WINDING CREEK RD, BOWIE, MD, 20721

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, HUBZone Firm, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,098,286

Exercised Options: $6,012,412

Current Obligation: $5,939,376

Actual Outlays: $4,589,431

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS35F010DA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline