DHHS awards $13.2M for Scientific & Technical Consulting Services to Nevada System of Higher Education
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $13,253,599 ($13.3M)
Contractor: Board of Regents, Nevada System of Higher Education
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2003-09-15
End Date: 2009-08-31
Contract Duration: 2,177 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: Other
Place of Performance
Location: RENO, WASHOE County, NEVADA, 89557
State: Nevada Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $13.3 million to BOARD OF REGENTS, NEVADA SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION for work described as: Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single entity, the Board of Regents, Nevada System of Higher Education. 2. Services fall under 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services'. 3. Full and open competition was utilized. 4. Contract duration is over 2000 days, indicating a long-term need. 5. No specific performance metrics or outcomes are detailed in the provided data.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $13.2M over approximately 6 years suggests a moderate annual spend. Without specific deliverables or benchmarks, assessing value for money is difficult. The 'COST NO FEE' pricing structure implies costs are reimbursed, requiring careful monitoring.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which is generally positive for price discovery. However, the specific nature of 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' might limit the number of truly competitive bids.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for consulting services. The effectiveness and efficiency of these services will determine the ultimate taxpayer impact.
Public Impact
Public funds are allocated for specialized consulting, potentially impacting research or policy development. The long duration suggests ongoing support for a critical function within DHHS. Transparency in how the awarded funds are utilized is crucial for public trust.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 60 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific performance metrics.
- Potential for cost overruns with 'COST NO FEE' structure.
- Limited insight into the specific nature of the consulting services.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Long-term contract indicates a sustained need for services.
- Awarded to a system of higher education, suggesting potential for expertise.
Sector Analysis
The 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' category is broad. Spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without knowing the specific sub-sector. However, consulting services can represent a significant portion of agency budgets for specialized expertise.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to the Board of Regents, Nevada System of Higher Education, which is not typically considered a small business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would focus on ensuring the consulting services align with DHHS objectives and that costs are reasonable and justified. Regular reviews of deliverables and performance against any defined (though not provided) metrics are essential.
Related Government Programs
- Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of specific deliverables.
- Potential for scope creep.
- Difficulty in measuring ROI.
- Reliance on contractor's self-reporting for costs.
Tags
other-scientific-and-technical-consultin, department-of-health-and-human-services, nv, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $13.3 million to BOARD OF REGENTS, NEVADA SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION. See the official description on USAspending.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BOARD OF REGENTS, NEVADA SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $13.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2003-09-15. End: 2009-08-31.
What specific scientific and technical consulting services are being provided under this contract, and how do they align with DHHS's mission?
The provided data lacks specifics on the exact nature of the 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services.' To assess alignment, a detailed review of the Statement of Work (SOW) is necessary. This would clarify if the services support critical DHHS functions like research, program evaluation, policy analysis, or technical assistance, thereby contributing to public health and well-being.
What mechanisms are in place to ensure cost control and prevent overruns, given the 'COST NO FEE' pricing structure?
The 'COST NO FEE' structure typically means the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs. Effective oversight requires robust auditing and review processes by DHHS to verify the necessity and reasonableness of all claimed expenses. Clear guidelines on allowable costs and regular financial reporting are crucial to manage and control spending throughout the contract's duration.
How will the effectiveness and impact of these consulting services be measured to ensure value for taxpayer money?
Measuring effectiveness requires clearly defined performance metrics and deliverables within the contract's SOW. DHHS should establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to the consulting services' outcomes, such as improved program efficiency, successful research findings, or enhanced policy recommendations. Regular performance reviews and post-contract evaluations are vital to determine the overall value and impact.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
Product/Service Code: SOCIAL SERVICES › SOCIAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Contractor Details
Parent Company: State of Nevada (UEI: 067808063)
Address: 2601 ENTERPRISE RD, RENO, NV, 02
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $6,725,697
Exercised Options: $15,746,143
Current Obligation: $13,253,599
Timeline
Start Date: 2003-09-15
Current End Date: 2009-08-31
Potential End Date: 2009-08-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2009-09-11
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