NOAA's $20.3M R&D Contract Awarded to Global Science & Technology, LLC Under Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $20,346,345 ($20.3M)

Contractor: Global Science & Technology, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2013-02-14

End Date: 2017-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,781 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: R&D

Official Description: PROFESSIONAL SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL SERVICES "CLOSELY ASSOCIATED" - IGF::CL::IGF

Place of Performance

Location: LANHAM, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20706

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $20.3 million to GLOBAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, LLC for work described as: PROFESSIONAL SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL SERVICES "CLOSELY ASSOCIATED" - IGF::CL::IGF Key points: 1. The contract, valued at $20.3 million, was awarded for Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 2. Global Science & Technology, LLC secured the award through full and open competition after exclusion of sources. 3. The contract duration was 1781 days, indicating a significant, long-term engagement. 4. The award falls under the Professional Scientific and Technical Services category, specifically R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $20.3 million over approximately 5 years appears reasonable for specialized R&D services. Benchmarking against similar NOAA or Commerce Department contracts for scientific research would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded using 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' suggesting a competitive process that initially considered multiple sources but ultimately excluded some. This method aims for price discovery while potentially narrowing the field.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process is intended to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for necessary research and development services.

Public Impact

Supports critical research for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Advances scientific understanding and technological capabilities in physical, engineering, and life sciences. Potential for innovation and new discoveries benefiting the public. Contracting process aimed for competitive pricing, potentially saving taxpayer money.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Exclusion of sources in competition method warrants further review for potential impact on price.
Time and Materials contract type can pose cost control challenges if not managed diligently.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust selection process.
Contract supports vital scientific research for a key federal agency.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Professional Scientific and Technical Services sector, specifically R&D. Federal spending in this area is substantial, supporting innovation across various government missions. Benchmarks for similar R&D contracts would be necessary for a precise comparison.

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 business participation was sought or achieved through subcontracting.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made by the Department of Commerce to NOAA. Standard federal procurement oversight processes would apply to ensure contract performance and financial accountability.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Department of Commerce Contracting
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials contract type.
Lack of clarity on the 'exclusion of sources' rationale.
No indication of small business subcontracting participation.
Broad R&D description limits immediate assessment of specific value.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $20.3 million to GLOBAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, LLC. PROFESSIONAL SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL SERVICES "CLOSELY ASSOCIATED" - IGF::CL::IGF

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GLOBAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $20.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2013-02-14. End: 2017-12-31.

What specific R&D activities were undertaken, and did they align with NOAA's strategic goals?

The contract description 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)' is broad. To assess value, a detailed review of the specific tasks, deliverables, and outcomes achieved under this contract would be necessary. Comparing these against NOAA's stated research priorities and mission objectives would determine if the $20.3 million investment yielded strategic scientific advancements and fulfilled agency needs effectively.

How did the 'exclusion of sources' in the competition impact the final price and vendor pool?

The 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' method suggests that while the competition was initially broad, certain sources were later excluded. Understanding the rationale for this exclusion is crucial. If legitimate technical or capability-based reasons existed, the resulting competition among the remaining vendors might still yield a fair price. However, if exclusions were arbitrary, it could limit competition and potentially lead to a higher price for taxpayers.

What was the effectiveness of the Time and Materials (T&M) contract type in managing costs for this R&D effort?

Time and Materials contracts can be effective for R&D where the scope is not fully defined, allowing flexibility. However, they carry inherent risks of cost overruns if not rigorously monitored. Assessing the effectiveness requires examining the contractor's labor hour reporting, the agency's oversight of hours and rates, and whether the final cost was within reasonable expectations for the work performed. Strong government oversight is critical to mitigate T&M cost risks.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)

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

Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7855 WALKER DRIVE, STE 200, GREENBELT, MD, 20770

Business Categories: Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $20,346,345

Exercised Options: $20,346,345

Current Obligation: $20,346,345

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: DOCDG133E10CQ0034

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline