SSA's PROMISE Contract: $23.3M for SSI Minors' Readiness Services Awarded to Mathematica Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $23,365,612 ($23.4M)
Contractor: Mathematica Inc.
Awarding Agency: Social Security Administration
Start Date: 2013-09-30
End Date: 2023-01-31
Contract Duration: 3,410 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: PROMOTING READINESS OF MINORS IN SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME EVALUATION (PROMISE) IGF::OT::IGF
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20002
Plain-Language Summary
Social Security Administration obligated $23.4 million to MATHEMATICA INC. for work described as: PROMOTING READINESS OF MINORS IN SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME EVALUATION (PROMISE) IGF::OT::IGF Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Mathematica Inc. for administrative management and general management consulting services. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract has a significant duration of 3410 days, spanning from 2013 to 2023. 4. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires careful monitoring to ensure costs remain reasonable. Benchmarking against similar consulting contracts for program management is difficult without more granular cost data.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The use of full and open competition is a positive indicator for price discovery. However, the long duration and cost-plus nature of the contract warrant scrutiny to ensure continued cost-effectiveness.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for program evaluation and management services. The effectiveness and efficiency of these services will determine the ultimate taxpayer impact.
Public Impact
Supports the Social Security Administration's efforts to improve services for minors receiving SSI. The contract's long duration suggests a sustained need for these services. Potential impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of SSI evaluations for minors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure can incentivize higher costs.
- Long contract duration may reduce flexibility and increase risk of obsolescence.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes it hard to assess value.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition utilized.
- Contract supports a critical program for vulnerable minors.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on agency needs, but long-term contracts like this suggest a significant and ongoing requirement.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates the prime contractor is Mathematica Inc., a large business. There is no information provided regarding small business participation or subcontracting.
Oversight & Accountability
The Social Security Administration is responsible for oversight. The long duration and cost-plus nature necessitate robust oversight to ensure funds are used efficiently and effectively.
Related Government Programs
- Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
- Social Security Administration Contracting
- Social Security Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Long contract duration (3410 days).
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
- No indication of small business subcontracting.
Tags
administrative-management-and-general-ma, social-security-administration, dc, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Social Security Administration awarded $23.4 million to MATHEMATICA INC.. PROMOTING READINESS OF MINORS IN SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME EVALUATION (PROMISE) IGF::OT::IGF
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 $23.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2013-09-30. End: 2023-01-31.
What specific deliverables and performance metrics are associated with this contract to ensure value for money?
The provided data does not detail specific deliverables or performance metrics. A thorough review would require access to the contract's statement of work. Without these, assessing the precise value derived from the $23.3 million expenditure is challenging, making it difficult to confirm if the services rendered directly correlate to improved outcomes for SSI recipients.
How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure mitigate risks of cost overruns for this long-term contract?
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure inherently carries a risk of cost overruns as the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee. Mitigation relies heavily on the agency's robust oversight, clear definition of allowable costs, and regular audits. The long duration amplifies this risk, requiring continuous vigilance to prevent scope creep and ensure cost efficiencies are pursued throughout the contract's life.
What is the measurable impact of the PROMISE contract on the efficiency and effectiveness of SSI evaluations for minors?
The provided data lacks specific metrics to quantify the contract's impact on SSI evaluation efficiency and effectiveness for minors. While the contract aims to promote readiness, the actual outcomes—such as reduced processing times, improved accuracy, or better support for minors—are not detailed. Further analysis would require examining program performance reports and recipient feedback.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting 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-13-0018
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Mathematica Inc
Address: 1100 1ST ST NE FL 12, WASHINGTON, DC, 20024
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $23,365,612
Exercised Options: $23,365,612
Current Obligation: $23,365,612
Actual Outlays: $8,719,810
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2013-09-30
Current End Date: 2023-01-31
Potential End Date: 2023-01-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-05-18
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