Department of Education's $24.2M study on youth disability transitions awarded to Mathematica Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $24,242,982 ($24.2M)
Contractor: Mathematica Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Education
Start Date: 2010-09-27
End Date: 2018-02-26
Contract Duration: 2,709 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: STUDY OF TRANSITION OUTCOMES FOR YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES, PHASE I
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20202
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Education obligated $24.2 million to MATHEMATICA INC. for work described as: STUDY OF TRANSITION OUTCOMES FOR YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES, PHASE I Key points: 1. The contract focuses on research and development in social sciences and humanities. 2. Awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Award Fee, which incentivizes performance. 4. The project duration is substantial at 2709 days, indicating a long-term research effort.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $24.2M over nearly 7.5 years is difficult to benchmark without specific details on the scope and deliverables. The Cost Plus Award Fee structure allows for performance-based incentives, but the base cost needs careful evaluation against similar R&D contracts.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing and allows for a wide range of potential contractors to bid. This method aims to ensure the government receives the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process is intended to secure a fair price for taxpayers, although the Cost Plus Award Fee structure requires ongoing monitoring to ensure cost efficiency and value.
Public Impact
Research findings could inform policies and programs supporting youth with disabilities. Improved transition outcomes can lead to greater independence and employment for individuals. The study's long duration suggests a comprehensive and in-depth analysis. Potential impact on educational institutions and support service providers.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Award Fee contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
- The long duration may present challenges in adapting to evolving research needs or policy changes.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes it hard to assess award fee justification.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust selection process.
- Focus on a critical area of social science research with significant public benefit.
- Contract structure includes award fees, potentially driving contractor performance.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities. Spending in this sector can vary widely, but long-term, comprehensive studies like this are typical for understanding complex social issues.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates the prime contractor is Mathematica Inc., a large research firm. There is no explicit information on small business participation in this contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Education is responsible for oversight. The Cost Plus Award Fee structure necessitates diligent monitoring of costs and performance to ensure accountability and value for taxpayer money.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities
- Department of Education Contracting
- Department of Education Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Award Fee structure requires strong oversight.
- Long contract duration may pose adaptability challenges.
- Potential for cost overruns if not managed effectively.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-social-s, department-of-education, dc, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Education awarded $24.2 million to MATHEMATICA INC.. STUDY OF TRANSITION OUTCOMES FOR YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES, PHASE I
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 $24.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2010-09-27. End: 2018-02-26.
How effectively did the competitive process ensure value for money given the Cost Plus Award Fee structure?
The full and open competition likely established a baseline for pricing. However, the Cost Plus Award Fee structure's effectiveness in ensuring value hinges on the clarity and measurability of award criteria. Without insight into these criteria and the awarded fees, it's difficult to definitively assess value. Diligent oversight by the Department of Education is crucial to ensure the contractor met performance expectations and that awarded fees were justified.
What are the primary risks associated with the long duration and Cost Plus Award Fee structure of this contract?
The primary risks include potential cost escalation due to the Cost Plus structure, especially if performance metrics are not well-defined or managed. The long duration (2709 days) increases the risk of scope creep, evolving research needs not being met, or contractor performance degradation over time. Ensuring continuous alignment with the Department's objectives and maintaining contractor motivation throughout the project lifecycle are key challenges.
How will the findings from this study be utilized to improve outcomes for youth with disabilities?
The study's findings are intended to provide critical data and insights into the transition outcomes for youth with disabilities. This information can inform the development and refinement of federal, state, and local policies, educational programs, and support services. The research aims to identify effective strategies and interventions that can lead to better post-secondary education, employment, and independent living opportunities for this population.
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: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: ED-IES-10-R-0050
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Mathematica Inc
Address: 600 ALEXANDER PARK, PRINCETON, NJ, 08540
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $24,243,400
Exercised Options: $24,242,982
Current Obligation: $24,242,982
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 2
Total Subaward Amount: $2,117,399
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2010-09-27
Current End Date: 2018-02-26
Potential End Date: 2018-02-26 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-09-21
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