Department of Education awards $8M+ contract to Mathematica Inc. for social science R&D, with full and open competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $8,024,798 ($8.0M)
Contractor: Mathematica Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Education
Start Date: 2023-01-11
End Date: 2026-09-29
Contract Duration: 1,357 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: REL PEER REVIEW
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20002
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Education obligated $8.0 million to MATHEMATICA INC. for work described as: REL PEER REVIEW Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Mathematica Inc. for $8.02M. 2. Focuses on Research and Development in Social Sciences and Humanities. 3. Utilized full and open competition. 4. Contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee. 5. Performance period spans over 1357 days.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $8.02M for a period of over 3.7 years appears reasonable for specialized R&D services. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for social science research would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The use of full and open competition suggests a robust price discovery process. This method allows multiple vendors to bid, potentially leading to more competitive pricing and a wider range of innovative solutions.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down costs and improve service quality.
Public Impact
Supports critical research in social sciences and humanities. Potential for advancements in policy and understanding. Contract duration allows for in-depth study and analysis.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 59 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can incentivize cost overruns if not closely monitored.
- The specific deliverables and success metrics are not detailed, posing a potential risk to achieving desired outcomes.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition is a positive signal for fair pricing.
- The contract supports important R&D in social sciences.
- Long contract duration allows for comprehensive research.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on social sciences and humanities. Government spending in this area supports evidence-based policymaking and societal understanding. Benchmarks for similar R&D contracts vary widely based on scope and duration.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, and the prime contractor is Mathematica Inc., a large business. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business subcontracting.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the Department of Education. Standard oversight mechanisms for federal contracts, including performance reviews and financial audits, should be in place to ensure accountability and proper use of funds.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities
- Department of Education Contracting
- Department of Education Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
- Potential for cost overruns inherent in CPFF structure.
- No indication of small business subcontracting goals.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-social-s, department-of-education, dc, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Education awarded $8.0 million to MATHEMATICA INC.. REL PEER REVIEW
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MATHEMATICA INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Education (Department of Education).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $8.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-01-11. End: 2026-09-29.
What specific research questions or objectives will this contract address, and how will their successful completion be measured?
The contract aims to support research and development in social sciences and humanities. Specific objectives and measurement criteria are not detailed in the provided data. A thorough review of the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) is necessary to understand the precise research questions, expected outcomes, and the metrics used to evaluate the contractor's performance and the overall success of the research.
What are the potential risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract structure for this type of R&D work?
CPFF contracts can pose risks if not managed diligently. While the fixed fee provides incentive for the contractor, the cost-plus nature means the government bears the risk of cost overruns. For R&D, where outcomes can be uncertain, this structure might lead to higher overall costs if the contractor does not maintain strict cost controls or if unforeseen challenges arise during the research process.
How does the awarded amount compare to typical government investments in similar social science R&D initiatives?
The $8.02 million award for over 1300 days of R&D in social sciences and humanities appears to be a substantial investment. Without specific benchmarks for comparable projects, it's difficult to definitively assess its competitiveness. However, the full and open competition suggests an effort to secure value for this investment, and the duration indicates a commitment to in-depth research.
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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: 91990022R0067
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 600 ALEXANDER PARK, PRINCETON, NJ, 08540
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $14,042,902
Exercised Options: $8,024,798
Current Obligation: $8,024,798
Actual Outlays: $5,644,770
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-01-11
Current End Date: 2026-09-29
Potential End Date: 2027-09-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-11
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