NASA Awards $6.7M for STEM Engagement Support to Agile Decision Sciences, LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $6,741,265 ($6.7M)
Contractor: Agile Decision Sciences, LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2021-02-01
End Date: 2026-07-31
Contract Duration: 2,006 days
Daily Burn Rate: $3.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: NASA RESEARCH AND EDUCATION SUPPORT SERVICES (NRESS)-II OFFICE OF STEM ENGAGEMENT (OSTEM) SUPPORT
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20024
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $6.7 million to AGILE DECISION SCIENCES, LLC for work described as: NASA RESEARCH AND EDUCATION SUPPORT SERVICES (NRESS)-II OFFICE OF STEM ENGAGEMENT (OSTEM) SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Agile Decision Sciences, LLC for STEM engagement support. 2. The contract is valued at $6.7 million over its period of performance. 3. Competition method was 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources'. 4. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee. 5. This award falls under Office Administrative Services (NAICS 561110).
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type allows for flexibility but can lead to higher costs if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar administrative support contracts is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating a competitive process. However, the 'exclusion of sources' aspect warrants further review to understand its impact on price discovery and potential limitations.
Taxpayer Impact: The $6.7 million investment aims to enhance NASA's STEM outreach, potentially yielding long-term benefits in workforce development and public engagement, justifying the taxpayer expenditure.
Public Impact
Enhances NASA's reach to students and educators through STEM programs. Supports the development of future scientists, engineers, and innovators. Contributes to public understanding and appreciation of space exploration. Provides essential administrative services for critical NASA initiatives.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize cost overruns.
- Potential for limited competition due to 'exclusion of sources'.
Positive Signals
- Supports critical STEM education and outreach goals.
- Awarded through a competitive process.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under administrative and support services, a broad category. Spending benchmarks for such services vary widely depending on the specific functions and scale. NASA's focus on STEM engagement suggests a strategic allocation of resources towards educational outreach.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business (ss: false, sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses had opportunities to participate as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method requires clear justification for excluding specific sources. NASA's internal oversight should ensure this process was transparent and adhered to procurement regulations to maintain accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Office Administrative Services
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure.
- Lack of transparency regarding excluded sources could limit competition.
- No indication of small business participation as prime or subcontractor.
- Administrative services can be prone to scope creep if not tightly managed.
Tags
office-administrative-services, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, dc, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $6.7 million to AGILE DECISION SCIENCES, LLC. NASA RESEARCH AND EDUCATION SUPPORT SERVICES (NRESS)-II OFFICE OF STEM ENGAGEMENT (OSTEM) SUPPORT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AGILE DECISION SCIENCES, LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $6.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-02-01. End: 2026-07-31.
What specific services are included under 'Office Administrative Services' for NASA's STEM engagement?
The specific services likely encompass a range of administrative functions crucial for supporting NASA's Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM). This could include program coordination, logistical support for events and outreach activities, data management, communication services, financial administration, and general office management to ensure the smooth operation of OSTEM's educational initiatives and research support.
What is the justification for excluding certain sources in this 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' award?
The justification for excluding sources in a 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' award typically relates to specific technical requirements, unique capabilities, or prior performance that only a limited number of contractors can meet. For NASA's NRESS-II, it might be tied to specialized knowledge of their STEM programs, existing infrastructure, or proven success in similar educational support roles, necessitating a focused competition among qualified entities.
How will the effectiveness of the STEM engagement support be measured and reported under this contract?
The effectiveness of the STEM engagement support will likely be measured through key performance indicators (KPIs) outlined in the contract. These could include metrics such as the number of students and educators reached, the impact of programs on STEM interest and proficiency, successful execution of outreach events, and the quality of educational materials developed. Regular reporting by Agile Decision Sciences, LLC to NASA's OSTEM will be crucial for monitoring progress and ensuring accountability.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Office Administrative Services › Office Administrative Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Arctic Slope Regional Corporation
Address: 350 VOYAGER WAY STE 100B, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35806
Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $7,417,463
Exercised Options: $7,417,463
Current Obligation: $6,741,265
Actual Outlays: $6,270,799
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 80HQTR21D0002
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-02-01
Current End Date: 2026-07-31
Potential End Date: 2026-07-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-30
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