Youth Transition Demonstration contract awarded to Mathematica Inc. for over $47 million to aid disabled youth

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $47,045,005 ($47.0M)

Contractor: Mathematica Inc.

Awarding Agency: Social Security Administration

Start Date: 2005-09-30

End Date: 2014-12-29

Contract Duration: 3,377 days

Daily Burn Rate: $13.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE YOUTH TRANSITION DEMONSTRATION WILL ESTABLISH A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH FOR THE TRANSITION YOUTHS WITH DISABILITIES FROM SCHOOL TO POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION OR EMPLOYMENT. SPLIT FUNDING SSI/SSDI.

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20024

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Social Security Administration obligated $47.0 million to MATHEMATICA INC. for work described as: THE YOUTH TRANSITION DEMONSTRATION WILL ESTABLISH A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH FOR THE TRANSITION YOUTHS WITH DISABILITIES FROM SCHOOL TO POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION OR EMPLOYMENT. SPLIT FUNDING SSI/SSDI. Key points: 1. The contract aims to improve post-secondary education and employment outcomes for youth with disabilities. 2. Funding is split between SSI and SSDI programs, indicating a focus on financial support during transition. 3. The contract duration of over 9 years suggests a long-term commitment to program development and evaluation. 4. The award was made under full and open competition, implying a robust selection process. 5. The primary contractor, Mathematica Inc., has a track record in social science research and program evaluation. 6. The contract's geographic focus is the District of Columbia, suggesting a localized pilot or implementation.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of over $47 million over nearly a decade represents a significant investment in a critical social program. Benchmarking this against similar large-scale demonstration projects for vulnerable populations would be necessary for a precise value-for-money assessment. However, the long duration and comprehensive approach suggest a potentially high return on investment if successful in improving long-term outcomes for participants.

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 process is generally expected to yield competitive pricing and innovative solutions. The presence of four bids suggests a reasonable level of interest and competition for this specialized service.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition process helps ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by driving down costs through market forces and encouraging the selection of the most capable and cost-effective provider.

Public Impact

Youths with disabilities in the District of Columbia will benefit from enhanced transition services. The program aims to improve access to post-secondary education and employment opportunities. Services are delivered through a comprehensive approach designed to address the multifaceted needs of transitioning youth. The contract's focus on the District of Columbia implies a concentrated impact on the local workforce and social services sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep given the long duration and comprehensive nature of the demonstration.
Ensuring sustained participant engagement over the multi-year program could be a challenge.
Measuring long-term impact effectively requires robust data collection and analysis methodologies.

Positive Signals

The long contract duration allows for thorough program development, implementation, and evaluation.
The use of a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract structure provides incentives for efficient performance while managing costs.
The focus on a specific demographic (youth with disabilities) allows for tailored and potentially more effective interventions.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the social services sector, specifically focusing on programs designed to assist vulnerable populations during critical life transitions. The market for such services involves research firms, non-profits, and specialized consulting groups with expertise in disability services, education, and workforce development. The spending level is substantial for a demonstration project, reflecting the complexity and importance of improving outcomes for youth with disabilities.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans was not explicitly detailed in the provided data. However, given the nature of the contract and the prime contractor's specialization, it is possible that smaller, specialized firms could be engaged as subcontractors for specific components of the demonstration project.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically be managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA) through contract officers and program managers. The long duration suggests regular performance reviews and milestone assessments. Transparency would depend on the public release of program findings and evaluation reports, which are common for large federal demonstration projects.

Related Government Programs

Youth Development Programs
Disability Services
Workforce Development Initiatives
Social Security Administration Research Grants

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may lead to challenges in maintaining program relevance and participant engagement.
Measuring long-term impact requires robust and potentially costly evaluation methodologies.
Potential for external socio-economic factors to influence program outcomes over the extended period.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Social Security Administration awarded $47.0 million to MATHEMATICA INC.. THE YOUTH TRANSITION DEMONSTRATION WILL ESTABLISH A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH FOR THE TRANSITION YOUTHS WITH DISABILITIES FROM SCHOOL TO POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION OR EMPLOYMENT. SPLIT FUNDING SSI/SSDI.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MATHEMATICA INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Social Security Administration (Social Security Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $47.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2005-09-30. End: 2014-12-29.

What is Mathematica Inc.'s track record with similar federal contracts, particularly those involving youth or disability services?

Mathematica Inc. has a significant track record with federal agencies, including the Social Security Administration (SSA), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and Department of Labor (DOL). They have extensive experience conducting research and evaluations on programs related to disability, employment, education, and social welfare. For instance, they have been involved in studies on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) programs, as well as initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for youth and individuals with disabilities. Their expertise in program design, data analysis, and policy research positions them well for managing complex demonstration projects like the Youth Transition Demonstration.

How does the cost of this contract compare to other federal initiatives aimed at improving transition outcomes for youth with disabilities?

The total award of over $47 million for a nearly 9-year demonstration project is substantial, reflecting the comprehensive nature and long-term evaluation goals. Direct comparisons are challenging without knowing the specific scope and scale of other initiatives. However, large-scale federal demonstration projects often involve multi-million dollar investments over several years. The cost per year averages around $5.3 million, which, for a program involving extensive research, participant services, and evaluation across a significant cohort, appears within the expected range for such complex social policy experiments. The value is contingent on the demonstrable improvements in post-secondary education and employment rates achieved by the participants.

What are the primary risks associated with the long duration and comprehensive scope of this contract?

The primary risks associated with this contract stem from its long duration (over 9 years) and comprehensive scope. Firstly, participant engagement and retention over such an extended period can be challenging, potentially impacting the validity of outcome data. Secondly, the program's effectiveness might be influenced by external socio-economic factors or changes in policy landscapes that are difficult to predict or control over nearly a decade. Thirdly, ensuring consistent program quality and fidelity across all service delivery points and over time requires robust management and oversight. Finally, the complexity of measuring long-term impacts accurately necessitates sophisticated evaluation methodologies and sustained data collection efforts, which carry inherent risks of methodological challenges or data limitations.

What are the expected program effectiveness metrics and how will they be measured?

While specific metrics are not detailed in the provided data, the program's objective is to improve transition outcomes for youth with disabilities. Expected effectiveness metrics would likely include increased rates of high school completion, successful enrollment in post-secondary education or vocational training, attainment of competitive employment, and improved self-sufficiency. Measurement would involve rigorous data collection on participant progress, including academic achievements, employment status, earnings, and utilization of support services. The contract's duration suggests a comprehensive evaluation plan, potentially employing quasi-experimental designs or longitudinal tracking to assess the program's impact compared to control groups or baseline data.

How has federal spending in youth transition services for individuals with disabilities evolved over time, and where does this contract fit?

Federal spending in youth transition services for individuals with disabilities has generally increased over time, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of early intervention and support for successful integration into education and employment. Agencies like the Department of Education (Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services) and the Social Security Administration play key roles. This contract, with its substantial funding and long-term demonstration focus, represents a significant, targeted investment aimed at developing and testing a comprehensive model. It fits within a broader federal strategy to enhance vocational rehabilitation, educational support, and income security for this population, moving beyond traditional service models to explore innovative, integrated approaches.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Individual and Family Services › Child and Youth Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: SSA-RFP-05-1025

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Mathematica Inc (UEI: 154125140)

Address: 600 MARYLAND AVE SW, WASHINGTON, DC, 98

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $47,045,005

Exercised Options: $47,045,005

Current Obligation: $47,045,005

Timeline