DOT awards $2.7M task order to National Academy of Sciences for NRC Associates Program

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,735,202 ($2.7M)

Contractor: National Academy of Sciences

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2023-02-13

End Date: 2027-12-19

Contract Duration: 1,770 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.5K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: TASK ORDER FOR THE NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL (NRC) ASSOCIATES PROGRAM

Place of Performance

Location: MCLEAN, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22101

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $2.7 million to NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES for work described as: TASK ORDER FOR THE NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL (NRC) ASSOCIATES PROGRAM Key points: 1. The National Academy of Sciences, a non-profit organization, secured this contract. 2. The contract was not competed, raising questions about price discovery. 3. The Federal Highway Administration is the contracting agency. 4. This task order falls under 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services'.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract type is 'COST NO FEE', which makes a direct pricing assessment difficult. Without a competitive process, it's hard to benchmark against similar services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers.

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

Public Impact

The National Research Council Associates Program supports scientific and technical expertise. This award could impact the development of future transportation research and policy. The non-competitive nature of the award may limit opportunities for other qualified organizations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for overpayment due to sole-source award

Positive Signals

Supports a recognized research institution
Long-term engagement for research continuity

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under professional, scientific, and technical services, specifically within the research and development sector. Benchmarks for similar non-competed contracts are difficult to establish due to the unique nature of the NRC Associates Program.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this procurement, as it was a sole-source award to a large, established institution.

Oversight & Accountability

The non-competitive nature of this award warrants scrutiny to ensure the government is receiving fair value. Further review of the justification for the sole-source award is recommended.

Related Government Programs

All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Department of Transportation Contracting
Federal Highway Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of transparency in pricing
Potential for inflated costs
Limited opportunity for other research entities

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $2.7 million to NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. TASK ORDER FOR THE NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL (NRC) ASSOCIATES PROGRAM

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Federal Highway Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-02-13. End: 2027-12-19.

What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?

The provided data indicates the contract was 'NOT COMPETED'. A full justification for this sole-source award would typically be documented by the contracting agency, explaining why competition was not feasible or practicable. This could be due to the unique capabilities of the National Academy of Sciences or specific program requirements.

How does the 'COST NO FEE' contract type affect the government's oversight of expenses?

A 'COST NO FEE' contract means the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs but does not receive any fee or profit. While this might seem cost-saving, it shifts the focus to ensuring costs are reasonable and allocable. The government must still diligently monitor expenditures to prevent waste, even without a profit motive.

What is the expected impact of this program on transportation research and policy?

The National Research Council (NRC) Associates Program aims to provide scientific and technical advice. This task order likely supports research, analysis, and expert consultation that will inform the Federal Highway Administration's policies, standards, and future research directions in transportation.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Transportation R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

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: $2,735,202

Exercised Options: $2,735,202

Current Obligation: $2,735,202

Actual Outlays: $1,852,178

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 693JJ323D000004

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline