DOI Awards Duke University $5M for National Data Archive on Child Abuse and Neglect Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $5,011,417 ($5.0M)
Contractor: Duke University
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2022-09-26
End Date: 2026-09-29
Contract Duration: 1,464 days
Daily Burn Rate: $3.4K/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: THIS ACQUISITION IS FOR COMMERCIAL OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE NATIONAL DATA ARCHIVE ON CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT (NDACAN) DATABASE. THE ACF IS THE AGENCY WITHIN HHS THAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR FEDERAL PROGRAMS THAT PROMOTE THE ECONO
Place of Performance
Location: DURHAM, DURHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27708
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $5.0 million to DUKE UNIVERSITY for work described as: THIS ACQUISITION IS FOR COMMERCIAL OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE NATIONAL DATA ARCHIVE ON CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT (NDACAN) DATABASE. THE ACF IS THE AGENCY WITHIN HHS THAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR FEDERAL PROGRAMS THAT PROMOTE THE ECONO Key points: 1. The contract supports critical data infrastructure for child abuse and neglect research. 2. Competition was limited, raising questions about price discovery and potential cost savings. 3. The firm fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks. 4. Spending is within the 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' category.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The $5.01M award for 4 years of support appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the NDACAN database. Benchmarking against similar data archive maintenance contracts is difficult due to unique data sensitivity and scope.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting limited competition. While SAP can expedite acquisition, it may not yield the best prices compared to full and open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition may result in higher costs than potentially achievable through broader market engagement, impacting taxpayer value.
Public Impact
Ensures continuity of operations for a vital national database on child abuse and neglect. Supports research and policy development aimed at protecting children. Potential for higher costs due to limited competition could impact the efficient use of federal funds.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition under SAP
- Lack of clear small business participation
Positive Signals
- Firm fixed-price contract
- Supports critical national data archive
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services,' a broad category. Spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without more specific service details, but the duration and value suggest a significant, long-term operational support requirement.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates the awardee is Duke University, a large institution, and that small business participation was not explicitly noted (sb: false). Further analysis is needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities were offered or utilized by small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Interior is the awarding agency, with oversight likely managed through its relevant program offices. The use of SAP warrants scrutiny to ensure fair pricing and adequate competition were pursued.
Related Government Programs
- Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
- Department of the Interior Contracting
- Departmental Offices Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition may lead to suboptimal pricing.
- Lack of transparency regarding small business utilization.
- Potential for vendor lock-in due to specialized nature of services.
- Need for robust performance monitoring to ensure service quality.
Tags
other-scientific-and-technical-consultin, department-of-the-interior, nc, purchase-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $5.0 million to DUKE UNIVERSITY. THIS ACQUISITION IS FOR COMMERCIAL OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE NATIONAL DATA ARCHIVE ON CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT (NDACAN) DATABASE. THE ACF IS THE AGENCY WITHIN HHS THAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR FEDERAL PROGRAMS THAT PROMOTE THE ECONO
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is DUKE UNIVERSITY.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Departmental Offices).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $5.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-09-26. End: 2026-09-29.
What is the specific value proposition of using Duke University for these services compared to other potential providers?
The value proposition likely centers on Duke University's established expertise and infrastructure in managing large, sensitive datasets like the NDACAN. Their long-term involvement may offer institutional knowledge and continuity, reducing transition risks and ensuring specialized data handling protocols are maintained effectively. However, without competitive bidding, the extent of this value relative to cost is not fully validated.
What are the primary risks associated with the limited competition procurement method used?
The primary risks of using Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) for this contract include potentially higher prices due to a lack of robust competition, and a reduced opportunity for innovative solutions from a wider market. There's also a risk that the government may not achieve the best possible value for taxpayer dollars if a more competitive process could have driven down costs or improved service quality.
How effective is the firm fixed-price contract in ensuring the government receives the intended services within budget?
The firm fixed-price (FFP) contract is generally effective in controlling costs, as the contractor assumes the risk of cost overruns. For this acquisition, the FFP structure provides budget certainty for the government, ensuring the $5.01M award covers the defined scope of services. This structure is beneficial for predictable operational support, minimizing the risk of unexpected cost increases.
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 - DATA CENTER
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Solicitation ID: 140D0422Q0548
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 2200 W MAIN ST STE 710, DURHAM, NC, 27708
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Private), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $6,459,954
Exercised Options: $5,063,966
Current Obligation: $5,011,417
Actual Outlays: $3,992,785
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 11
Total Subaward Amount: $1,187,640
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-09-26
Current End Date: 2026-09-29
Potential End Date: 2027-09-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-06
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