NSF Awards $1.28M to National Academy of Sciences for Rural STEM Research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $1,276,190 ($1.3M)
Contractor: National Academy of Sciences
Awarding Agency: National Science Foundation
Start Date: 2023-05-01
End Date: 2025-04-30
Contract Duration: 730 days
Daily Burn Rate: $1.7K/day
Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: CHIPS ACT RURAL STEM
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20418
Plain-Language Summary
National Science Foundation obligated $1.3 million to NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES for work described as: CHIPS ACT RURAL STEM Key points: 1. The award focuses on Research and Development in Social Sciences and Humanities. 2. Competition was not available for this contract. 3. The contract type is a Definitive Contract with a Cost No Fee payment. 4. This award supports rural STEM education initiatives.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract type is Cost No Fee, making direct pricing assessment difficult. Benchmarking is challenging due to the specific nature of the research and the lack of competitive bids.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was not available for competition, indicating a limited source selection. This limits price discovery and potentially impacts the overall value for taxpayer dollars.
Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition raises questions about whether the most cost-effective solution was secured for this $1.28 million investment in rural STEM research.
Public Impact
Supports the development of STEM education in underserved rural areas. Funds research into social science aspects of STEM education. The National Academy of Sciences is a non-profit organization chartered by Congress.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost No Fee contract type
- Limited transparency on specific deliverables
Positive Signals
- Focus on rural STEM education
- Utilizes a reputable research institution
Sector Analysis
This award falls under the Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities sector (NAICS 541720). Spending in this area is often project-specific and less prone to standardized benchmarks compared to other R&D fields.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small business participation was not a factor in this award, as the contract was awarded directly to the National Academy of Sciences.
Oversight & Accountability
The National Science Foundation is responsible for oversight. The Cost No Fee structure requires careful monitoring of expenditures to ensure alignment with research objectives.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities
- National Science Foundation Contracting
- National Science Foundation Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition raises concerns about potential overpricing.
- Cost No Fee contract type offers less direct price transparency.
- Lack of clear performance metrics in the provided data.
- Potential for scope creep in research-oriented contracts.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-social-s, national-science-foundation, dc, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Science Foundation awarded $1.3 million to NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. CHIPS ACT RURAL STEM
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: National Science Foundation (National Science Foundation).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $1.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-05-01. End: 2025-04-30.
What specific research methodologies will be employed to assess the impact of STEM education in rural areas?
The National Academy of Sciences will likely employ a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative data from interviews and case studies with quantitative data from surveys and educational outcome metrics. The focus on social sciences suggests an emphasis on understanding community engagement, teacher training effectiveness, and student motivation within rural contexts.
How will the NSF ensure accountability for the $1.28 million awarded, given the Cost No Fee structure and limited competition?
NSF will likely require detailed progress reports, financial statements, and final research publications from the National Academy of Sciences. Regular reviews of milestones and deliverables will be conducted. The Cost No Fee structure implies that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, but NSF will still monitor adherence to the approved budget and research scope.
What are the expected long-term outcomes and scalability of the research findings for improving rural STEM education nationwide?
The research aims to identify best practices and effective strategies for rural STEM education that can be replicated or adapted across different regions. Expected outcomes include policy recommendations, curriculum development frameworks, and evidence-based models for community-school partnerships. Scalability will depend on the generalizability of the findings and the dissemination plan developed by the Academy.
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: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: 29100423R0004
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 2101 CONSTITUTION AVE NW, WASHINGTON, DC, 20418
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $1,352,369
Exercised Options: $1,352,369
Current Obligation: $1,276,190
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-05-01
Current End Date: 2025-04-30
Potential End Date: 2025-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-07
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