NSF's $1.8M Contract for Survey of Earned Doctorates: Administrative Management Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,174,059 ($18.2M)

Contractor: National Opinion Research Center

Awarding Agency: National Science Foundation

Start Date: 2007-09-14

End Date: 2014-03-14

Contract Duration: 2,373 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.7K/day

Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: SURVEY OF EARNED DOCTORATES

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22203

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

National Science Foundation obligated $18.2 million to NATIONAL OPINION RESEARCH CENTER for work described as: SURVEY OF EARNED DOCTORATES Key points: 1. Contract awarded to National Opinion Research Center for administrative management services. 2. Significant duration of 2373 days suggests a long-term need for data collection and analysis. 3. The contract's value of $1.8M over its term warrants scrutiny for efficiency and effectiveness. 4. Focus on administrative management and general consulting services indicates a support function rather than direct research.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $1.8M over nearly 7 years averages to approximately $247,000 per year. This seems reasonable for a large-scale survey operation, but a direct per-unit cost is not applicable without knowing the survey's scope and output.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The contract type is listed as 'COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER', but the specific competition method and the number of bidders are not detailed. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to assess if competitive pricing was fully leveraged.

Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is tied to the efficiency and effectiveness of the $1.8M spent. If the survey provides valuable data for policy and research, the expenditure could be justified. However, without clear competition details, the potential for overspending exists.

Public Impact

Supports the collection of vital data on doctoral graduates, informing educational and workforce policies. The National Science Foundation's investment aids in understanding the landscape of advanced degrees in the US. Long-term data collection ensures trend analysis and historical context for academic and career pathways.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed competition information.
Time and Materials pricing could lead to cost overruns if not managed strictly.
Long contract duration without clear performance milestones.

Positive Signals

Supports a critical national data collection effort.
Awarded to a known research organization (NORC).
Potential for valuable insights into the US doctoral workforce.

Sector Analysis

The sector involves administrative and management consulting services supporting a large-scale data collection initiative. Benchmarks for similar long-term data survey contracts are difficult to establish without more specific details on the scope and deliverables.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication of small business participation in this contract. The award was made to the National Opinion Research Center, which is likely a large research organization, suggesting limited opportunities for small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically be managed by the National Science Foundation program officers responsible for the Survey of Earned Doctorates. The effectiveness of oversight depends on the rigor of performance monitoring and financial controls.

Related Government Programs

Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
National Science Foundation Contracting
National Science Foundation Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of detailed justification for sole-source or limited competition.
Potential for cost escalation due to Time and Materials contract type.
Long contract duration without clear performance metrics.
Limited transparency on specific deliverables and outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Science Foundation awarded $18.2 million to NATIONAL OPINION RESEARCH CENTER. SURVEY OF EARNED DOCTORATES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NATIONAL OPINION RESEARCH CENTER.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: National Science Foundation (National Science Foundation).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $18.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-09-14. End: 2014-03-14.

What specific administrative and management services were provided under this contract, and how did they contribute to the Survey of Earned Doctorates?

The contract likely encompassed project management, data processing, quality control, and reporting services essential for the successful execution of the Survey of Earned Doctorates. These services ensure the integrity and usability of the data collected, which informs policy decisions regarding education and workforce development.

Given the Time and Materials pricing structure, what measures were in place to control costs and prevent overruns?

While Time and Materials contracts offer flexibility, they carry inherent cost risks. Effective oversight would involve rigorous monitoring of labor hours, rates, and material expenses, coupled with clear task definitions and budget ceilings to prevent uncontrolled spending and ensure value for taxpayer money.

How does the data collected by the Survey of Earned Doctorates, facilitated by this contract, translate into tangible benefits for the public?

The survey provides critical data on the demographics, fields of study, and career trajectories of doctoral graduates. This information is invaluable for universities, policymakers, and industry leaders to understand workforce trends, identify skill gaps, and allocate resources effectively, ultimately benefiting the public through improved educational programs and economic development.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: DACS07Q2186

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1155 E 60TH ST, CHICAGO, IL, 90

Business Categories: Category Business, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $19,384,725

Exercised Options: $19,384,725

Current Obligation: $18,174,059

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS10F0033M

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline