NIH's $47.6M R&D contract for social sciences research spanned 12 years, awarded via sole-source

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $47,595,120 ($47.6M)

Contractor: NO Data From D and B

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2000-11-15

End Date: 2012-08-31

Contract Duration: 4,307 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.1K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Sector: R&D

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $47.6 million to NO DATA FROM D AND B for work described as: Key points: 1. The contract's long duration and sole-source award raise questions about sustained value and competitive pricing. 2. Lack of competition suggests potential for above-market pricing and limited innovation. 3. Performance risks are moderate given the extended period, but oversight details are absent. 4. The contract's focus on social sciences research aligns with NIH's broader mission but lacks specific performance metrics. 5. This contract represents a small fraction of NIH's overall R&D spending, making sector-wide impact minimal.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

Benchmarking value for this sole-source contract is challenging due to the absence of competitive bids and detailed cost breakdowns. The extended 12-year performance period, from 2000 to 2012, suggests a long-term need, but without comparative data, it's difficult to assess if the $47.6 million expenditure represented a fair price. The lack of a defined period of performance or task orders within the provided data also hinders a precise value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed. This approach is typically used when only one responsible source can provide the required services or supplies. However, the lack of competition limits the government's ability to explore alternative solutions or secure the best possible pricing through a bidding process. The absence of multiple bidders means price discovery was not driven by market forces.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards can potentially lead to higher costs for taxpayers as competitive pressures are removed. This limits the opportunity to achieve cost savings through a robust bidding process.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely researchers and institutions conducting social sciences and humanities research funded by the National Institutes of Health. The contract supported research and development activities within the social sciences and humanities, contributing to a broader understanding of human behavior and societal issues. Geographic impact is likely national, supporting research across various institutions within the United States. Workforce implications include support for researchers, analysts, and administrative staff involved in the funded research projects.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits transparency and potential cost savings.
Extended contract duration without clear task order details raises concerns about ongoing necessity and scope creep.
Lack of competition may have resulted in suboptimal pricing.
Absence of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to evaluate research impact.
Limited data on contractor performance history or specific deliverables.

Positive Signals

Supported critical research in social sciences and humanities.
Long-term funding provided stability for research projects.
Contract aligned with NIH's mission to improve health through understanding human behavior.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls under the Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities sector. This sector is crucial for understanding human behavior, societal trends, and public health interventions. While specific market size data for this niche is not readily available, NIH's overall R&D spending is substantial, with a significant portion allocated to various scientific disciplines. This contract represents a focused investment within that broader landscape, contributing to the knowledge base that informs public policy and health initiatives.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any small business set-aside provisions for this contract. Given its sole-source nature and long duration, it is unlikely that subcontracting opportunities for small businesses were a primary consideration or explicitly mandated. Further investigation into the contractor's actual subcontracting practices would be needed to assess any indirect impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight mechanisms for this contract are not detailed in the provided data. As a sole-source award with a long performance period, robust oversight would be critical to ensure funds were used effectively and research objectives were met. Transparency is limited due to the lack of competitive bidding and public reporting on specific deliverables or milestones. The Inspector General's office for HHS would likely have jurisdiction, but specific audit or review activities are not mentioned.

Related Government Programs

NIH Research Grants
National Science Foundation (NSF) Social Sciences Programs
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Research

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Long contract duration
Lack of competition
Absence of performance metrics
Limited transparency

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $47.6 million to NO DATA FROM D AND B. See the official description on USAspending.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NO DATA FROM D AND B.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (National Institutes of Health).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $47.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2000-11-15. End: 2012-08-31.

What specific research projects or areas were funded under this contract?

The provided data does not specify the exact research projects or areas funded under this contract. It broadly categorizes the work as 'Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities.' To understand the specific impact, one would need to access contract line item details, progress reports, or final research publications associated with this award. Given the duration, it likely supported a portfolio of research activities rather than a single project. Further inquiry with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) would be necessary to obtain this granular information and assess the scientific contributions.

How does the $47.6 million expenditure compare to similar R&D contracts in social sciences at NIH or other agencies?

Direct comparison of the $47.6 million expenditure is difficult without knowing the specific scope and duration of comparable contracts. However, NIH's total R&D obligations often exceed tens of billions annually, with a significant portion dedicated to various scientific disciplines. Contracts for large-scale, long-term research initiatives can reach tens of millions. The sole-source nature of this award, however, prevents a direct value-for-money comparison against competitively bid contracts. To assess value, one would need to benchmark against contracts with similar objectives, durations, and research areas, considering factors like the number of researchers supported and the expected research outcomes. Without such comparative data, the $47.6 million figure remains an isolated data point.

What were the key performance indicators (KPIs) or milestones for this contract, and were they met?

The provided data does not include specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or milestones for this contract. As a sole-source award for research and development, performance might have been assessed based on progress reports, publications, or the achievement of specific research objectives outlined in the contract's statement of work. The extended duration (nearly 12 years) suggests a long-term research agenda. Without access to the contract's detailed SOW and subsequent performance reviews, it is impossible to determine if all objectives were met or if the research yielded significant findings. This lack of transparency regarding performance metrics is a notable gap.

What is the track record of the contractor in delivering R&D services for the federal government?

The provided data does not include information on the contractor's track record. To assess this, one would need to consult databases like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) for past performance information, past performance evaluations, and any history of contract disputes or awards. Given this was a sole-source award spanning over a decade, it suggests a pre-existing relationship or a perceived unique capability. However, a comprehensive review of their performance on this and other federal contracts is essential for a complete assessment.

Were there any specific justifications for awarding this contract as sole-source rather than through full and open competition?

The data indicates the contract was 'NOT COMPETED,' implying a sole-source justification was made. Typical justifications for sole-source awards include unique capabilities, urgent and compelling needs, or circumstances where only one responsible source can fulfill the requirement. For a research and development contract of this nature and duration, justifications might include proprietary technology, specialized expertise, or the need for continuity on an ongoing research project. However, the specific rationale documented by the agency at the time of award is not provided here and would be necessary for a full understanding of the decision.

How has NIH's spending on social sciences R&D evolved over the period this contract was active (2000-2012)?

The provided data focuses solely on this specific contract and does not offer insights into NIH's broader spending trends in social sciences R&D between 2000 and 2012. To analyze this evolution, one would need to examine NIH's historical budget allocations and contract award data across all relevant institutes and centers during that timeframe. Such an analysis would reveal whether this $47.6 million represented a consistent investment, an increase, or a decrease in NIH's focus on social sciences research relative to other scientific areas during that period.

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 › N – Health R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Contractor Details

Address: NO DATA FROM D AND B, NO DATA FROM D AND B

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $85,229,301

Exercised Options: $85,228,301

Current Obligation: $47,595,120

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline