DoD's $2.6M contract for officer talent management research awarded to ICF Incorporated, highlighting R&D in social sciences

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,639,483 ($2.6M)

Contractor: ICF Incorporated, L.L.C.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2020-05-20

End Date: 2024-09-14

Contract Duration: 1,578 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: RESEARCH&DEVELOPMENT SERVICES- "OFFICER TALENT MANAGEMENT ASSESSMENT RESEARCH"

Place of Performance

Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20190

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $2.6 million to ICF INCORPORATED, L.L.C. for work described as: RESEARCH&DEVELOPMENT SERVICES- "OFFICER TALENT MANAGEMENT ASSESSMENT RESEARCH" Key points: 1. Contract focuses on research and development in social sciences and humanities, specifically officer talent management. 2. Awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. 4. Performance period spans over four years, indicating a long-term research initiative. 5. The small business set-aside status is false, meaning large businesses were eligible and likely participated. 6. The contract is categorized under Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities. 7. The value of the contract is approximately $2.6 million.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $2.6 million for officer talent management research appears to be within a reasonable range for a multi-year R&D effort in the social sciences. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized research services is difficult without more specific details on the scope of work. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type introduces a degree of risk regarding cost control, as the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee. This necessitates robust oversight to ensure value for money.

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. The data does not specify the number of bidders, but this method of procurement generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and innovation. The agency's decision to use full and open competition suggests confidence in the market's ability to provide suitable solutions.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining competitive pricing and high-quality services, maximizing the return on investment for public funds.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and the U.S. Army, who will receive insights into improving officer talent management. The services delivered include research and development focused on assessment methodologies and talent strategies for military officers. The geographic impact is national, as findings could influence personnel policies across the entire armed forces. Workforce implications include potential improvements in military leadership development and retention strategies.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can incentivize cost overruns if not closely monitored.
Lack of specific details on performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the true value and effectiveness of the research.
The duration of the contract (over 4 years) requires sustained oversight to ensure continued relevance and quality of research.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust and competitive selection process.
The contract addresses a critical area of military readiness: effective officer talent management.
The contractor, ICF Incorporated, is a known entity in government contracting, potentially bringing relevant expertise.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on social sciences and humanities (NAICS code 541720). This sector involves systematic study to gain new knowledge and understanding, often applied to policy, human behavior, and organizational effectiveness. Spending in this area by the Department of Defense is crucial for strategic planning, human capital management, and adapting to evolving geopolitical landscapes. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other R&D contracts related to human resources, organizational psychology, or defense policy analysis.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). This indicates that the competition was open to businesses of all sizes, and it is likely that a large business or a joint venture involving large businesses was awarded the contract. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses within the provided data, which could be a missed opportunity for small business participation in specialized research areas.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of the Army, a component of the Department of Defense. The agency is responsible for monitoring the contractor's performance, ensuring compliance with contract terms, and managing the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure to control costs. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, but detailed performance reports and specific oversight mechanisms are not publicly detailed. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Research and Development
Army Personnel Management Programs
Military Officer Development
Human Capital Management Research
Social Science Research Contracts

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires careful monitoring to prevent cost overruns.
Scope definition for R&D can be challenging, potentially leading to scope creep or unclear deliverables.
Long contract duration necessitates sustained oversight and adaptability to changing needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $2.6 million to ICF INCORPORATED, L.L.C.. RESEARCH&DEVELOPMENT SERVICES- "OFFICER TALENT MANAGEMENT ASSESSMENT RESEARCH"

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ICF INCORPORATED, L.L.C..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-05-20. End: 2024-09-14.

What is ICF Incorporated's track record with similar Department of Defense contracts, particularly in R&D for human capital or talent management?

ICF Incorporated has a significant history of contracting with the federal government, including the Department of Defense. While specific details on their track record for officer talent management research are not provided in this data snippet, ICF is known for providing a wide range of professional services, including management consulting, technology, and research. They have been involved in various projects related to human capital, workforce development, and organizational effectiveness for government agencies. A deeper dive into contract databases like FPDS or SAM.gov would reveal the extent and nature of their past performance in similar R&D areas for the DoD, including their success rates, any past performance issues, and the types of research methodologies they typically employ.

How does the $2.6 million contract value compare to similar R&D efforts in social sciences and humanities for defense applications?

The $2.6 million contract value for officer talent management research is moderate for a multi-year R&D effort within the social sciences and humanities sector for defense applications. Contracts in this domain can range widely, from smaller, focused studies costing hundreds of thousands of dollars to large-scale, multi-year programs exceeding tens of millions. Factors influencing cost include the complexity of the research questions, the required methodologies (e.g., surveys, simulations, qualitative studies), the need for specialized expertise, and the duration of the research. Without specific details on the scope and deliverables, it's challenging to provide a precise benchmark. However, this value suggests a substantial research undertaking rather than a preliminary study.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for research and development, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risk with a CPFF contract is that the contractor may have less incentive to control costs compared to fixed-price contracts, as they are reimbursed for allowable expenses plus a predetermined fee. This can lead to cost overruns if the contractor's actual costs exceed initial estimates. For R&D, where the scope and outcomes can be uncertain, this risk is amplified. Mitigation strategies employed by the government include rigorous monitoring of contractor expenditures, detailed audits of costs, clearly defined allowable costs, and strong contract management oversight. The fixed fee itself acts as a ceiling on the profit, and the government's ability to disallow costs provides a crucial control mechanism. The agency must ensure that the scope of work is well-defined and that performance metrics are established to guide the research effectively.

What is the expected impact of this research on the Department of the Army's officer corps and overall military readiness?

The expected impact of this research is to provide actionable insights and data-driven recommendations for improving the Department of the Army's officer talent management systems. This could encompass areas such as recruitment, selection, training, professional development, retention, and performance evaluation. By better understanding the factors that contribute to effective officer leadership, the Army aims to enhance the quality and capabilities of its officer corps. Improved talent management can lead to better decision-making, increased unit cohesion, higher morale, and ultimately, enhanced overall military readiness and operational effectiveness in complex environments.

How has federal spending on R&D in social sciences and humanities, particularly for defense, trended over the past five years?

Federal spending on R&D in social sciences and humanities, particularly for defense, has generally seen fluctuations but has remained a consistent area of investment. While specific figures for the 'Social Sciences and Humanities' category within defense R&D are not always granularly reported, overall defense R&D budgets have seen increases driven by evolving threats and technological advancements. Investments in areas like human factors, behavioral sciences, and organizational research are critical for understanding adversary strategies, optimizing personnel performance, and improving military operations. Trends indicate a growing recognition of the importance of non-traditional R&D areas, including those focused on human capital and cognitive sciences, to complement technological advancements in defense.

What does the 'Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities' (NAICS 541720) classification entail for government contracts?

NAICS code 541720, 'Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities,' covers establishments primarily engaged in conducting research and experimental development in social sciences and humanities. This includes fields such as economics, sociology, psychology, political science, anthropology, history, and linguistics. For government contracts, this classification signifies that the work involves systematic investigation to gain new knowledge and understanding of human behavior, social structures, and cultural phenomena. Projects under this code could range from analyzing public opinion and policy impacts to studying organizational dynamics, leadership effectiveness, or historical trends relevant to government missions.

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 › General Science and Technology R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH

Solicitation ID: W911NF18S0005

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: ICF International, Inc.

Address: 1902 RESTON METRO PLZ, RESTON, VA, 20190

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,659,728

Exercised Options: $2,659,728

Current Obligation: $2,639,483

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline