Interior Department awards $28.9M for clinical trials software, with Booz Allen Hamilton as prime contractor

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $28,950,135 ($29.0M)

Contractor: Booz Allen Hamilton Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2021-08-17

End Date: 2026-08-16

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: CLINICAL TRIALS REPORTING PROGRAM SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT (CTRP-SD)

Place of Performance

Location: BETHESDA, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20892

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $29.0 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC for work described as: CLINICAL TRIALS REPORTING PROGRAM SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT (CTRP-SD) Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract duration of 5 years indicates a long-term need for these services. 3. The use of Time and Materials pricing may present cost control challenges if not closely managed. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541690 points to specialized consulting services. 5. The contract is a delivery order, implying it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. 6. The prime contractor, Booz Allen Hamilton, is a large, established firm with extensive government contracting experience.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without knowing the specific scope of work and deliverables. However, the total award amount of approximately $28.9 million over five years averages to about $5.78 million annually. This figure needs to be compared against similar software development and IT consulting contracts within the federal government, particularly those for scientific and technical applications. The Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure, while flexible, can sometimes lead to higher costs if not managed with strict oversight and defined labor categories. Without more granular data on labor rates and hours, a definitive value-for-money assessment is difficult.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a 'full and open competition' solicitation, which is the most competitive method. This typically means that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The presence of 7 bids (indicated by 'no': 7) suggests a healthy level of interest and competition for this requirement. A competitive process like this generally helps ensure that the government receives fair pricing and the best value available in the market.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition benefits taxpayers by driving down prices through market forces and ensuring that the contract is awarded to the most capable and cost-effective provider, preventing potential overspending.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely researchers and scientists within the Department of the Interior who rely on the Clinical Trials Reporting Program (CTRP) for managing and analyzing trial data. The services delivered include software development, which will enhance or maintain the functionality and efficiency of the CTRP-SD system. The geographic impact is primarily national, supporting federal research initiatives across the United States. Workforce implications may include the need for specialized IT and scientific personnel to manage and utilize the developed software.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials (T&M) contract type can lead to cost overruns if not meticulously monitored.
Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data makes it difficult to assess the contractor's performance trajectory.
The contract's duration (5 years) requires sustained oversight to ensure continued alignment with evolving needs and technological advancements.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust bidding process and potential for competitive pricing.
The prime contractor, Booz Allen Hamilton, has a strong track record in federal IT services, suggesting a lower risk of execution failure.
The contract addresses a critical function (clinical trials reporting), implying strategic importance and potential for significant positive impact on research.

Sector Analysis

The IT consulting and software development sector is a significant area of federal spending. This contract falls under 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' (NAICS 541690), indicating a specialized niche within the broader IT services market. The federal government consistently invests in software development to support its vast array of programs, from scientific research to administrative functions. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other federal contracts for similar software development and IT support services, particularly those related to data management and reporting for scientific or health-related programs.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (sb: false) and set-asides (ss: false) were not primary considerations for this specific contract award. This suggests that the requirement was likely fulfilled by large businesses, and there is no explicit indication of subcontracting opportunities being mandated for small businesses through a set-aside program. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting plans exist outside of formal set-asides.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program office within the Department of the Interior. Accountability measures are usually embedded in the contract's terms and conditions, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, where award details are publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract were suspected or reported.

Related Government Programs

Clinical Trials Reporting Program
Department of the Interior IT Modernization Efforts
Federal Health IT Initiatives
Scientific Data Management Systems

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing.
Need for sustained oversight to ensure software remains current over 5 years.
Limited visibility into specific performance metrics without further data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $29.0 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC. CLINICAL TRIALS REPORTING PROGRAM SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT (CTRP-SD)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Departmental Offices).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $29.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-08-17. End: 2026-08-16.

What is the specific nature of the 'Clinical Trials Reporting Program Software Development' and its importance to the Department of the Interior?

The Clinical Trials Reporting Program Software Development (CTRP-SD) contract likely supports the development, maintenance, and enhancement of software systems used by the Department of the Interior (DOI) to manage and report on clinical trials. While the DOI is not primarily a health agency like HHS, it may conduct or oversee research that involves human subjects or requires clinical trial data for environmental, public health, or safety studies. The importance lies in ensuring the integrity, efficiency, and compliance of data collection and analysis for these trials, which can inform policy, regulatory decisions, and scientific understanding relevant to the DOI's mission. Robust software is crucial for accurate data management, timely reporting, and adherence to federal regulations governing research involving human participants.

How does the Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure compare to other contract types for software development, and what are the associated risks?

Time and Materials (T&M) contracts are flexible, allowing for changes in scope without formal contract modifications, making them suitable for projects where requirements are not fully defined at the outset or are expected to evolve. However, they carry inherent risks for the government, primarily cost uncertainty. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M contracts do not have a ceiling on the total cost, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently. The government pays for the actual labor hours and material costs incurred by the contractor. Risks include potential for inefficient work practices by the contractor (as more hours mean more pay) and difficulty in accurately forecasting the total expenditure. Effective oversight, including detailed timesheet reviews, labor category validation, and clear task definitions, is crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure fair pricing.

What is Booz Allen Hamilton's track record with similar federal IT development contracts?

Booz Allen Hamilton is a major government contractor with extensive experience in IT services, software development, and consulting across various federal agencies. They have a long history of managing large-scale, complex projects, including those involving data management, system modernization, and scientific applications. Their track record generally includes successful delivery of numerous IT solutions for defense, civilian, and intelligence agencies. While specific performance details for every contract are not publicly available, their consistent presence and significant contract awards suggest a generally positive performance history. However, like any large contractor, they may have faced challenges or criticisms on specific projects, which would require deeper investigation into individual contract performance reports or IG audits.

Given the 5-year duration, how can the Department of the Interior ensure the software remains current and effective?

Ensuring software remains current and effective over a 5-year period requires proactive contract management and strategic planning. The Department of the Interior can implement several measures. Firstly, incorporating clear requirements for adaptability and future-proofing within the contract's statement of work (SOW) is essential. This includes provisions for incorporating new technologies, addressing evolving user needs, and maintaining compliance with changing federal mandates. Secondly, regular performance reviews and technical exchange meetings with the contractor will allow for ongoing assessment and course correction. Thirdly, the government should actively monitor technological advancements in the relevant software domain and encourage the contractor to propose innovative solutions. Finally, planning for potential future enhancements or replacements towards the end of the contract term can ensure a smooth transition and continuous improvement.

What does the presence of 7 bids in a full and open competition signify for this contract's value?

The presence of 7 bids in a full and open competition for this contract is a positive indicator for value. It signifies a robustly competitive environment where multiple qualified vendors vied for the opportunity. This level of competition typically drives down prices as bidders strive to offer the most attractive terms to win the contract. It also increases the likelihood that the government will select a vendor offering the best combination of technical capability and cost-effectiveness. For taxpayers, this means that the funds allocated are more likely to be used efficiently, securing a high-quality service at a competitive market rate, rather than potentially paying a premium in a less competitive scenario.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 140D0421R0007

Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation

Address: 8283 GREENSBORO DR, MCLEAN, VA, 22102

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $28,955,765

Exercised Options: $28,955,765

Current Obligation: $28,950,135

Actual Outlays: $25,728,218

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 7

Total Subaward Amount: $3,940,127

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140D0421D0005

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline