DHHS awards $43.6M contract to Jackson State University for research services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $43,565,154 ($43.6M)
Contractor: Jackson State University
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 1999-06-01
End Date: 2013-08-15
Contract Duration: 5,189 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Place of Performance
Location: JACKSON, HINDS County, MISSISSIPPI, 39217
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $43.6 million to JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY for work described as: Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single university, potentially limiting broader research participation. 2. Long contract duration (14 years) suggests a sustained need for the services. 3. No small business participation noted, impacting economic diversity goals. 4. The contract type (Cost No Fee) focuses on research completion rather than cost efficiency.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $43.6 million over 14 years averages approximately $3.1 million annually. Benchmarking this against similar research contracts is difficult without specific service details, but it appears to be a substantial investment for a single institution.
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 were eligible to bid. However, the award went to a single entity, Jackson State University, suggesting they were the most qualified or best value offeror.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed towards research services, with the value determined through a competitive process. The long duration implies a consistent allocation of resources for this specific research area.
Public Impact
Supports research and development within Mississippi, potentially fostering local expertise. Funding allocated for a significant period, indicating a long-term commitment to the research area. Lack of small business involvement may limit opportunities for smaller research firms or subcontractors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited visibility into specific research outcomes and their impact.
- Potential for cost overruns given the 'Cost No Fee' contract type.
- Long contract duration may not adapt well to evolving research needs.
Positive Signals
- Supports a recognized institution for research services.
- Awarded through full and open competition, ensuring a fair process.
- Long-term funding provides stability for the research project.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the research and development sector, specifically supporting health-related research. Annual spending in this sector can vary widely based on federal priorities and agency budgets. The $3.1M annual average is moderate for a long-term research endeavor.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates no small business participation in this contract. This suggests that the primary awardee, Jackson State University, did not subcontract with small businesses, or that the nature of the services did not lend itself to small business involvement.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would typically be managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) through contract officers and technical monitors. The long duration necessitates ongoing monitoring to ensure progress, adherence to scope, and responsible use of funds.
Related Government Programs
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- National Institutes of Health Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration may lead to outdated research objectives or methodologies.
- Cost No Fee structure offers limited incentive for cost efficiency.
- Absence of small business participation.
- Lack of specific research details limits assessment of scientific merit and impact.
Tags
department-of-health-and-human-services, ms, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $43.6 million to JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY. See the official description on USAspending.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY.
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 $43.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 1999-06-01. End: 2013-08-15.
What specific research areas are being funded by this contract, and what are the expected outcomes or deliverables?
The provided data does not specify the research areas or expected outcomes. Further investigation into the contract's statement of work and associated documentation would be required to understand the specific scientific or health-related objectives and the measurable results anticipated from Jackson State University's efforts.
How does the 'Cost No Fee' contract type impact the government's ability to control costs and ensure value for money?
A 'Cost No Fee' contract reimburses the contractor for allowable costs but does not provide a profit incentive. This can be suitable for research where outcomes are uncertain, but it shifts the risk of cost overruns to the government. It emphasizes completing the research scope over strict cost management, potentially leading to higher overall expenditures if not closely monitored.
What is the justification for awarding a 14-year contract to a single entity under full and open competition?
A 14-year award under full and open competition suggests that Jackson State University was deemed the best value offeror for a long-term, specialized research need. Justification likely stems from unique capabilities, established track record, or the nature of the research requiring sustained institutional commitment and infrastructure, making a single, long-term award more efficient than multiple shorter contracts.
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1400 LYNCH ST, JACKSON, MS, 39217
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Higher Education (Minority Serving), Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $253,699,729
Exercised Options: $147,526,184
Current Obligation: $43,565,154
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 1999-06-01
Current End Date: 2013-08-15
Potential End Date: 2013-08-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2018-02-15
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