Department of Education awards $13M contract for Social and Character Development Research to Mathematica Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $13,017,311 ($13.0M)
Contractor: Mathematica Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Education
Start Date: 2003-09-24
End Date: 2008-01-08
Contract Duration: 1,567 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: SOCIAL AND CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH PROGRAM
Place of Performance
Location: NEW JERSEY
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Education obligated $13.0 million to MATHEMATICA INC. for work described as: SOCIAL AND CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH PROGRAM Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Mathematica Inc. for research services. 2. Full and open competition was utilized. 3. The contract duration is over 4 years. 4. The NAICS code suggests management consulting services.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Award Fee, which can lead to higher costs if not managed carefully. The total award amount is $13,017,311 over approximately 4 years.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Full and open competition was used, which generally promotes competitive pricing. However, the Cost Plus Award Fee structure requires careful oversight to ensure cost efficiency.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for research into social and character development, with the effectiveness and value dependent on the quality of the research outcomes.
Public Impact
Supports research in a critical area of child and adolescent development. Potential for findings to inform educational policies and programs nationwide. Contract duration allows for in-depth, longitudinal study if applicable.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Award Fee contract type can incentivize higher costs.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
- Potential for scope creep in research projects.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition promotes market fairness.
- Focus on social and character development is a valuable societal goal.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under 'Other Management Consulting Services' (NAICS 541618). Spending in this sector can vary widely depending on the specific services required, but research and development contracts often represent significant investments.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates the contract was awarded through full and open competition, but does not specify if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or prime contractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The Cost Plus Award Fee contract type necessitates robust oversight to ensure the contractor meets performance objectives and manages costs effectively. The Department of Education is responsible for monitoring the research progress and outcomes.
Related Government Programs
- Other Management Consulting Services
- Department of Education Contracting
- Department of Education Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Award Fee contract type.
- Potential for research scope to expand beyond initial objectives.
- Long-term impact assessment may be challenging.
- Reliance on contractor's internal controls for quality assurance.
Tags
other-management-consulting-services, department-of-education, nj, do, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Education awarded $13.0 million to MATHEMATICA INC.. SOCIAL AND CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH PROGRAM
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 $13.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2003-09-24. End: 2008-01-08.
What specific research questions is this program designed to answer, and how will the findings contribute to the field of social and character development?
The program aims to fund research that deepens understanding of social and character development in children and adolescents. The findings are intended to inform evidence-based practices, educational strategies, and policy decisions, ultimately contributing to improved outcomes for young people. The specific research questions would be detailed in the program's solicitation and the contractor's proposal.
How will the Department of Education ensure cost control and value for money with a Cost Plus Award Fee contract for research services?
The Department will likely establish clear performance metrics and award fee criteria tied to research milestones and quality. Regular progress reviews, independent verification of results, and strict adherence to budget limitations will be crucial. Effective oversight will focus on ensuring the contractor achieves the desired research outcomes efficiently and avoids unnecessary expenditures.
What mechanisms are in place to assess the long-term impact and effectiveness of the research conducted under this program?
The effectiveness will be assessed through the quality and rigor of the research methodology, the clarity and applicability of the findings, and their subsequent adoption by educators and policymakers. The Department may require final reports, presentations, and potentially follow-on studies to evaluate the research's influence and impact over time.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Management Consulting Services
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Education, Training, Employment, and Social Services R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Mathematica Inc (UEI: 154125140)
Address: 600 ALEXANDER PARK, PRINCETON, NJ, 12
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $13,570,007
Exercised Options: $13,017,311
Current Obligation: $13,017,311
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: ED01CO0039
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2003-09-24
Current End Date: 2008-01-08
Potential End Date: 2008-01-08 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2009-12-12
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