DoD's $12.9M R&D contract for social sciences research awarded to Gestalt LLC shows fair value

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,905,769 ($12.9M)

Contractor: Accenture Federal Services LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2005-12-28

End Date: 2008-12-18

Contract Duration: 1,086 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: TAS::17 1804::TAS 200602!136918!1700!N61339!NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER !N6133906C0025 !A!N! !N! ! !20051228!20071215!043056196!043056196!043056196!N!GESTALT LLC !680 AMERICAN AVE STE 302 !KING OF PRUSSI !PA!19406!39736!091!42!KING OF PRUSSIA !MONTGOMERY !PENN !+000000192000!N!N!000018732423!AD21!RDTE/SERVICES-BASIC RESEARCH !S1 !SERVICES !000 !NOT DISCERNABLE !541720!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !A!U!U!1!001!E! !Z!N!Z! ! !N!B!N!N! ! !A! !A!A!000!A!B!N! ! ! !Y!1700!N61339!0001! !

Place of Performance

Location: KING OF PRUSSIA, MONTGOMERY County, PENNSYLVANIA, 19406, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $12.9 million to ACCENTURE FEDERAL SERVICES LLC for work described as: TAS::17 1804::TAS 200602!136918!1700!N61339!NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER !N6133906C0025 !A!N! !N! ! !20051228!20071215!043056196!043056196!043056196!N!GESTALT LLC !680 AMERICAN AVE STE 302 !KING OF PRUSSI !PA!19406!39736!091!42!KING OF… Key points: 1. Contract value of $12.9M for R&D in social sciences and humanities appears reasonable given the scope. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process, potentially leading to better pricing. 3. The contract duration of 1086 days indicates a long-term need for the services provided. 4. The contractor, Gestalt LLC, has a track record that warrants further investigation for performance history. 5. The contract is positioned within the broader R&D sector, specifically focusing on social sciences. 6. No small business set-aside was utilized, suggesting larger firms were likely primary bidders.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value of approximately $12.9 million over nearly three years for R&D services in social sciences and humanities appears to be within a reasonable range for such specialized work. Benchmarking against similar contracts for basic research in social sciences is challenging due to the unique nature of R&D, but the pricing structure (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) allows for flexibility while aiming for cost control. The fixed fee component provides a degree of certainty for the contractor's profit margin.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. While the specific number of bidders is not detailed, this method generally fosters a competitive environment. The open competition suggests that the government sought the best value from a wide range of potential contractors, which can lead to more favorable pricing and innovative solutions.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from full and open competition through potentially lower prices and higher quality services due to the pressure of multiple bidders vying for the contract.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely Department of Defense research initiatives focused on understanding human behavior, societal trends, and other social science-related areas. The services delivered are basic research and development in the social sciences and humanities, contributing to a deeper understanding of complex issues. The geographic impact is primarily within the United States, with potential applications for national security and policy development. Workforce implications include employment for researchers, analysts, and support staff within Gestalt LLC and potentially academic institutions involved in the research.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Contract awarded as Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), which can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not closely managed.
Limited public information on Gestalt LLC's specific past performance on similar large-scale R&D contracts.
The 'Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities' category is broad and may encompass sensitive or complex research areas.
The contract was awarded in 2005, and performance data from that period may not fully reflect current capabilities or market conditions.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
The contract duration of over 1000 days indicates a sustained need and potential for successful project completion.
The fixed fee component in the CPFF contract provides a ceiling on contractor profit, aiding in cost control.
The contract is for basic research, which is foundational for future technological and policy advancements.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on social sciences and humanities. This is a niche area within the broader R&D market, often characterized by long project timelines and specialized expertise. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish precisely due to the unique nature of social science R&D, but federal investment in basic research across various scientific disciplines is substantial, often measured in billions annually.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. The award to Gestalt LLC, a company with a significant contract value, suggests that the primary contractor is likely a mid-to-large-sized firm. The absence of small business participation could mean missed opportunities for smaller, specialized research firms to contribute to this government initiative.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Naval Air Warfare Center, which awarded the contract, and potentially the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA). Accountability measures would be embedded in the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, requiring detailed reporting and adherence to research milestones. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases, though specific research findings may be subject to classification or proprietary restrictions.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Research and Development Programs
Social Sciences Research Funding
Basic Research Contracts
Naval Air Warfare Center Contracts
Federal R&D Spending

Risk Flags

Contract awarded as Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF)
Limited public performance data for contractor on similar contracts
Basic research nature implies long-term, uncertain outcomes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $12.9 million to ACCENTURE FEDERAL SERVICES LLC. TAS::17 1804::TAS 200602!136918!1700!N61339!NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER !N6133906C0025 !A!N! !N! ! !20051228!20071215!043056196!043056196!043056196!N!GESTALT LLC !680 AMERICAN AVE STE 302 !KING OF PRUSSI !PA!19406!39736!091!42!KING OF PRUSSIA !MONTGOMERY !PENN !+000000192000!N!N!000018732423!AD21!RDTE/SERVICES-BASIC RESEARCH !S1 !SERVICES !000 !NOT DISCERNABLE !541720!E

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ACCENTURE FEDERAL SERVICES LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $12.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2005-12-28. End: 2008-12-18.

What is Gestalt LLC's specific track record and past performance on similar Department of Defense R&D contracts?

Detailed information regarding Gestalt LLC's specific past performance on similar Department of Defense R&D contracts is not readily available in the provided data snippet. While the contract was awarded to Gestalt LLC, further investigation into their project history, client feedback, and successful completion rates on comparable projects would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment. Publicly accessible contract databases and contractor performance systems (like the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS) would be the primary sources for this information. Understanding their experience in social sciences and humanities research, specifically, is crucial given the nature of this award.

How does the $12.9 million contract value compare to other federal R&D contracts in social sciences and humanities?

The $12.9 million contract value for R&D in social sciences and humanities is a significant but not extraordinary amount for a multi-year federal research initiative. Federal spending on R&D is vast, encompassing numerous scientific fields. While precise benchmarks for social science R&D are difficult to pinpoint due to the specialized nature and variability of projects, contracts of this magnitude are common for foundational research efforts. For context, the National Science Foundation (NSF) and other agencies fund numerous social science projects, with individual awards ranging from tens of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on scope, duration, and complexity. This particular contract's value suggests a substantial, long-term research undertaking.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for basic research?

The primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for basic research include potential cost overruns if the contractor's estimated costs are significantly underestimated, although the fixed fee provides a defined profit margin. For basic research, the inherent uncertainty in outcomes can make accurate cost estimation challenging. The government bears the risk of cost increases above the estimated amount, while the contractor is incentivized to complete the work within the estimated cost to maximize their fixed fee. Effective oversight and clear definition of research objectives are critical to mitigate these risks and ensure value for taxpayer money.

What is the expected program effectiveness or outcome of this contract?

The expected program effectiveness and outcomes of this contract are centered on advancing knowledge and understanding within the social sciences and humanities, as defined by the research objectives set by the Naval Air Warfare Center. As this is a basic research contract, the direct, immediate application of findings may not be the primary goal. Instead, the aim is to build a foundation of knowledge that could inform future policy, strategy, or technological development within the Department of Defense and potentially broader government functions. Specific metrics for success would likely be tied to research milestones, quality of research output (e.g., publications, reports), and the contribution to the broader scientific discourse.

How has federal spending in the 'Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities' category evolved over time?

Federal spending in the 'Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities' category has seen fluctuations over time, influenced by national priorities, budget allocations, and the perceived importance of these fields to national security, economic competitiveness, and societal well-being. While defense-related R&D often focuses on STEM fields, social science research plays a crucial role in understanding human factors, geopolitical dynamics, and behavioral sciences. Agencies like the NSF, NIH, and various defense research arms contribute to this spending. Tracking historical spending patterns requires analyzing specific agency budgets and research program solicitations, which can reveal trends in funding levels and areas of focus within these disciplines.

What is the significance of the contract being awarded by the Naval Air Warfare Center?

The significance of the contract being awarded by the Naval Air Warfare Center (NAWC) suggests that the research conducted under this contract is intended to support naval aviation or broader naval warfare objectives. NAWC is responsible for research, development, acquisition, and sustainment of naval air systems. Therefore, the social science and humanities research likely aims to address issues pertinent to naval operations, personnel, strategy, or the human-machine interface within naval aviation contexts. This focus provides a specific domain for the application of social science insights.

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: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Accenture Public Limited Company (UEI: 985015354)

Address: 11951 FREEDOM DR STE 1000, RESTON, VA, 20190

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline