NOAA Awards $40.5M for Atmospheric Science R&D to I. M. Systems Group
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $40,463,581 ($40.5M)
Contractor: I. M. Systems Group, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce
Start Date: 2018-06-01
End Date: 2024-03-20
Contract Duration: 2,119 days
Daily Burn Rate: $19.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF TASK ORDER AWARD FOR ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS
Place of Performance
Location: ROCKVILLE, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20852
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $40.5 million to I. M. SYSTEMS GROUP, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF TASK ORDER AWARD FOR ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS Key points: 1. Significant investment in atmospheric science research and development. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Contract type is Time and Materials, which can pose cost control risks. 4. The sector is R&D, a critical area for scientific advancement.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a delivery order with a Time and Materials pricing structure. While the total award is substantial, the lack of a fixed price or capped ceiling makes it difficult to assess value without further data on labor hours and rates. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts would be necessary for a more definitive assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and allows the government to select the best value. However, the Time and Materials contract type may limit the extent of price discovery compared to fixed-price arrangements.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is positive for taxpayers, as it aims to secure the best possible pricing. However, the Time and Materials structure warrants careful monitoring to ensure costs remain reasonable and within expected parameters.
Public Impact
Advancement in atmospheric science and technology applications. Potential for improved weather forecasting and climate modeling. Supports research critical to national environmental and safety concerns.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Time and Materials contract type
- Long duration of the contract
- No small business participation noted
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition
- Focus on critical R&D area
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is crucial for innovation and technological advancement. Benchmarks for R&D contracts can vary widely based on scope and duration, but this award represents a significant investment.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not awarded to small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). This suggests that the prime contractor is likely a large business, and there is no explicit indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this award notice.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) within the Department of Commerce. The effectiveness of oversight will depend on the agency's ability to monitor labor hours, rates, and deliverables under the Time and Materials structure to ensure cost control and performance.
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 pricing.
- Lack of small business participation.
- Long contract duration may indicate complex or ongoing research needs.
- Performance metrics and deliverables not specified in award notice.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-commerce, md, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Commerce awarded $40.5 million to I. M. SYSTEMS GROUP, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF TASK ORDER AWARD FOR ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is I. M. SYSTEMS GROUP, INC..
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 $40.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2018-06-01. End: 2024-03-20.
What is the estimated total cost if the contract were fixed-price, and how does that compare to the current Time and Materials spending?
Determining a fixed-price equivalent requires detailed knowledge of the labor categories, hours, and rates utilized. Without this granular data, a direct comparison is impossible. However, the Time and Materials structure inherently carries a risk of exceeding initial cost expectations if not rigorously managed, potentially leading to higher overall expenditure than a well-defined fixed-price contract for the same scope.
What are the specific performance metrics and deliverables tied to this atmospheric science R&D contract?
The provided data does not detail the specific performance metrics or deliverables for this atmospheric science R&D contract. Effective oversight and value assessment would necessitate a clear understanding of the expected scientific outcomes, research milestones, and reporting requirements to ensure the $40.5 million investment yields tangible advancements in the field.
How will NOAA ensure accountability for the research outcomes and scientific integrity given the Time and Materials contract type?
NOAA can ensure accountability by establishing robust technical monitoring and evaluation processes. This includes regular reviews of research progress, scientific methodologies, and data analysis. Clear milestones and reporting requirements, coupled with strong project management, will help maintain scientific integrity and ensure the contractor is delivering on the research objectives despite the flexible pricing structure.
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
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: I.M. Systems Group, Inc.
Address: 3206 TOWER OAKS BLVD STE 300, ROCKVILLE, MD, 20852
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $41,202,622
Exercised Options: $41,202,622
Current Obligation: $40,463,581
Actual Outlays: $6,397,987
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: DOCST133017CQ0052
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2018-06-01
Current End Date: 2024-03-20
Potential End Date: 2024-03-20 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-03-08
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