EPA Spends $54M on NAS Transportation Research Board Core Support via Non-Competitive Delivery Order
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $54,082 ($54.1K)
Contractor: National Academy of Sciences
Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Start Date: 2024-11-21
End Date: 2025-07-31
Contract Duration: 252 days
Daily Burn Rate: $215/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: NAS TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH BOARD CORE SUPPORT
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20001
Plain-Language Summary
Environmental Protection Agency obligated $54,082.38 to NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES for work described as: NAS TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH BOARD CORE SUPPORT Key points: 1. The contract is for core support services for the Transportation Research Board. 2. The National Academy of Sciences is the sole provider, raising competition concerns. 3. The fixed-price contract structure aims to control costs, but lack of competition may limit price discovery. 4. This spending falls under 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services'.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a firm-fixed-price delivery order. Without a competitive benchmark, assessing value for money is difficult. The total award is $54.08M.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award to the National Academy of Sciences. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs than a competitive process.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may be paying a premium due to the lack of competition for these essential research support services.
Public Impact
Essential research support for transportation policy and innovation will continue. Lack of competition could mean less efficient use of taxpayer funds. Transparency in the justification for sole-source procurement is crucial for public trust.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award
- Lack of competition
- Potential for overpayment
Positive Signals
- Continued support for critical transportation research
- Fixed-price contract limits cost uncertainty
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services'. Spending in this category can vary widely, but a $54M sole-source award warrants scrutiny for its necessity and pricing.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this sole-source contract, which is typical for large, specialized support services.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award necessitates robust oversight to ensure the National Academy of Sciences is providing services efficiently and at a fair price, despite the lack of competition.
Related Government Programs
- Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
- Environmental Protection Agency Contracting
- Environmental Protection Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Potential for inflated pricing due to lack of competitive pressure.
- Limited transparency on the necessity of sole-source procurement.
- No clear mechanism for small business participation.
Tags
other-scientific-and-technical-consultin, environmental-protection-agency, dc, delivery-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Environmental Protection Agency awarded $54,082.38 to NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. NAS TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH BOARD CORE SUPPORT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Environmental Protection Agency (Environmental Protection Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $54,082.38.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-11-21. End: 2025-07-31.
What is the justification for awarding this contract sole-source to the National Academy of Sciences?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, specialized knowledge, or a critical need that only a specific entity can fulfill. For the National Academy of Sciences, this often relates to their established expertise and role in providing independent, objective advice to the government on science and technology matters, including transportation.
How can the EPA ensure fair pricing without a competitive bidding process?
The EPA can ensure fair pricing by conducting thorough cost analyses, benchmarking against similar services (if available), reviewing the contractor's cost proposals in detail, and negotiating profit margins. Regular performance reviews and audits can also help identify inefficiencies and ensure value for money is being achieved.
What is the long-term impact of relying on sole-source contracts for core support services?
Long-term reliance on sole-source contracts can stifle innovation and competition within a sector, potentially leading to complacency and higher costs over time. It also reduces opportunities for new or smaller entities to enter the market and offer alternative solutions, potentially limiting the government's access to the best available services.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
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: $400,137
Exercised Options: $54,082
Current Obligation: $54,082
Actual Outlays: $54,082
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 68HERC24D0007
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-11-21
Current End Date: 2025-07-31
Potential End Date: 2029-07-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-07
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