DOT awards $7M task order for motor vehicle crash insights analysis to National Opinion Research Center

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,076,285 ($7.1M)

Contractor: National Opinion Research Center

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2025-01-27

End Date: 2027-01-26

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IS TO ISSUE A NEW TWO (02) YEAR BASE PLUS THREE (03) OPTION PERIODS TASK ORDER FOR STATISTICAL ANALYSIS FOR MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH INSIGHTS.

Place of Performance

Location: CHICAGO, COOK County, ILLINOIS, 60603

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $7.1 million to NATIONAL OPINION RESEARCH CENTER for work described as: IS TO ISSUE A NEW TWO (02) YEAR BASE PLUS THREE (03) OPTION PERIODS TASK ORDER FOR STATISTICAL ANALYSIS FOR MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH INSIGHTS. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on statistical analysis for motor vehicle crash insights, a critical area for public safety. 2. The award represents a significant investment in understanding and mitigating traffic-related incidents. 3. National Opinion Research Center, a long-standing research institution, is the selected contractor. 4. The contract duration spans two base years with three option periods, indicating a long-term need. 5. The fixed-price contract type suggests a defined scope and predictable costs for the government. 6. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, implying a robust bidding process.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value of approximately $7.08 million over a potential five-year period for statistical analysis appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the work. Benchmarking against similar contracts for large-scale data analysis and research in the transportation safety sector would provide further context. The fixed-price nature of the contract suggests that the government has a clear understanding of the scope and associated costs, which can be advantageous for value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This process typically fosters a competitive environment, encouraging bidders to offer their best pricing and technical solutions. The presence of six bidders suggests a healthy level of interest and competition for this type of specialized research.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down prices and ensuring that the government receives the most advantageous offer available in terms of both cost and quality.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT), who will gain deeper insights into motor vehicle crashes. The services delivered will involve complex statistical analysis to identify trends, causes, and potential solutions related to vehicle accidents. The geographic impact is national, as the findings are intended to inform policies and safety measures across the United States. The contract supports the research and analytical workforce, potentially involving statisticians, data scientists, and transportation safety experts.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if the definition of 'crash insights' is not tightly managed.
Reliance on the accuracy and completeness of underlying crash data, which can have inherent limitations.
Ensuring the statistical methodologies employed are robust and appropriate for the complex nature of crash data.

Positive Signals

The use of full and open competition suggests a strong market response and potentially competitive pricing.
The fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The long-term nature of the contract (base plus options) indicates a sustained commitment to addressing motor vehicle safety.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on social sciences and humanities (NAICS 541720). The market for transportation safety research is driven by government agencies like NHTSA, academic institutions, and private research firms. Spending in this area is crucial for informing policy, improving vehicle design, and enhancing road safety initiatives. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve other large-scale data analysis and research contracts awarded by federal agencies for similar public safety objectives.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information about subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Given the specialized nature of statistical analysis for crash insights, it is possible that larger research institutions or firms with established expertise are better positioned to compete. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses have opportunities to participate in subcontracting roles.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures will be tied to the successful completion of task orders and the delivery of accurate statistical analysis. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting, though the specific methodologies and detailed findings may be subject to confidentiality or proprietary considerations.

Related Government Programs

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Research Programs
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
Department of Transportation Data Analysis Initiatives
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Investigations

Risk Flags

Data Quality and Integrity
Scope Definition and Management
Methodological Rigor
Contractor Performance History (requires further review)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $7.1 million to NATIONAL OPINION RESEARCH CENTER. IS TO ISSUE A NEW TWO (02) YEAR BASE PLUS THREE (03) OPTION PERIODS TASK ORDER FOR STATISTICAL ANALYSIS FOR MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH INSIGHTS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NATIONAL OPINION RESEARCH CENTER.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $7.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-01-27. End: 2027-01-26.

What is the historical spending pattern of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on statistical analysis for motor vehicle crash insights?

Analyzing NHTSA's historical spending on similar statistical analysis contracts provides crucial context for the current $7.08 million award. While specific historical data for this exact task order is not provided, NHTSA consistently invests in research to understand crash causation, injury mechanisms, and vehicle performance. Past contracts have likely varied in scope and duration, ranging from smaller, focused studies to larger, multi-year data collection and analysis efforts. Examining trends in contract values, the types of statistical methodologies employed, and the contractors historically selected can reveal patterns of agency priorities and the evolution of research needs. For instance, shifts towards analyzing real-world data from connected vehicles or advanced driver-assistance systems might indicate increasing contract values or a focus on new analytical techniques. Understanding this historical context helps assess whether the current award is in line with past investments or represents a significant increase or decrease in funding for this area.

How does the National Opinion Research Center's (NORC) track record compare for similar government research contracts?

The National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago has a long and established history of conducting large-scale research projects for government agencies, including the Department of Transportation and other federal entities. Their expertise typically lies in survey research, data analysis, and program evaluation across various social science domains. For contracts involving statistical analysis of complex datasets, such as motor vehicle crash data, NORC's extensive experience suggests a strong capability. Benchmarking their performance on similar past contracts would involve reviewing their success in meeting deadlines, delivering high-quality analytical products, and managing budgets effectively. Positive indicators would include a history of repeat awards from agencies like NHTSA or successful completion of complex data-intensive projects. Conversely, any past performance issues, such as missed deadlines or challenges with data integrity, would be relevant considerations.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Several risks are inherent in a contract focused on statistical analysis of motor vehicle crash data. A primary risk is data quality and completeness; if the underlying crash data is inaccurate, incomplete, or biased, the resulting analysis will be flawed. Mitigation involves rigorous data validation protocols and clear specifications for data sources. Another risk is the complexity of statistical methodologies required to derive meaningful insights from vast datasets, potentially leading to misinterpretation or incorrect conclusions. This is addressed by requiring qualified personnel and potentially peer review of analytical approaches. Scope creep is also a concern; the definition of 'crash insights' could expand beyond the original intent, leading to cost overruns or delays. The fixed-price contract type and clear task order definitions aim to mitigate this. Finally, ensuring the contractor maintains data security and privacy is paramount, addressed through standard government security clauses and protocols.

How does the $7.08 million value compare to other federal contracts for similar statistical analysis services?

The $7.08 million value for a two-year base period with three option years for statistical analysis of motor vehicle crash insights is a substantial but not necessarily outlier figure for large-scale federal research. To benchmark effectively, one would compare it to contracts awarded by agencies like NHTSA, the National Science Foundation (NSF), or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for similar data analysis, survey research, or program evaluation services. Factors influencing the value include the scope of analysis, the complexity of the data, the required statistical expertise, the duration of the contract, and the number of bidders. If comparable contracts for similar durations and complexity have values in the multi-million dollar range, then this award appears reasonable. Conversely, if similar analyses have been conducted for significantly less, it might warrant further scrutiny regarding pricing or scope. The fixed-price nature suggests a defined scope, which aids in value assessment.

What are the potential implications of this contract for future motor vehicle safety policies and regulations?

The insights derived from this contract have the potential to significantly influence future motor vehicle safety policies and regulations. By providing robust statistical analysis of crash data, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) can identify emerging trends, pinpoint critical safety issues, and evaluate the effectiveness of existing safety measures. For example, the analysis might reveal a correlation between specific vehicle technologies and reduced crash severity, leading to recommendations for broader adoption or standardization. Conversely, it could highlight new patterns of accidents involving autonomous or semi-autonomous driving systems, prompting regulatory bodies to develop new guidelines or performance standards. The findings could also inform public awareness campaigns, driver education programs, and infrastructure improvements. Ultimately, the data-driven evidence generated by this contract serves as a critical foundation for evidence-based policymaking aimed at reducing fatalities and injuries on U.S. roadways.

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: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 55 E MONROE ST, CHICAGO, IL, 60603

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: $7,076,285

Exercised Options: $7,076,285

Current Obligation: $7,076,285

Actual Outlays: $3,265,357

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00Q14OADU213

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline