HHS Awards $35.6M for Biomedical R&D Consulting, Driven by Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $35,567,025 ($35.6M)
Contractor: Tunnell Consulting Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2020-04-08
End Date: 2021-05-21
Contract Duration: 408 days
Daily Burn Rate: $87.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS
Sector: R&D
Official Description: T.O. NO. 3 FOR OPT YR 2 PROFESSIONAL STAFFING CONSULTING SERVICES LABOR AND TRAVEL COSTS FOR THE ASPR BIOMEDICAL ADVANCED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY.
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20515
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $35.6 million to TUNNELL CONSULTING INC for work described as: T.O. NO. 3 FOR OPT YR 2 PROFESSIONAL STAFFING CONSULTING SERVICES LABOR AND TRAVEL COSTS FOR THE ASPR BIOMEDICAL ADVANCED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY. Key points: 1. The contract focuses on critical R&D support for the ASPR Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority. 2. Competition was conducted under a 'full and open after exclusion of sources' model, indicating a specific justification for limiting initial bidders. 3. The total award value is $35,567,025.17, with a significant portion allocated to labor and travel costs. 4. The primary sector is Research and Development in Biotechnology, highlighting a specialized area of government spending.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's value of $35.6M for consulting services appears substantial. Benchmarking against similar R&D consulting contracts would be necessary to determine if the pricing is competitive, especially given the 'after exclusion of sources' clause which might limit price discovery.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources.' This suggests that while competition was sought, specific sources may have been excluded, potentially impacting the breadth of price discovery and the final negotiated price.
Taxpayer Impact: The significant award value means taxpayer funds are being utilized for specialized R&D support. Ensuring cost-effectiveness through robust negotiation and oversight is crucial for maximizing taxpayer value.
Public Impact
Supports critical biomedical research and development initiatives for national health security. The contract's duration and value indicate a substantial investment in specialized consulting expertise. Potential for advancements in biotechnology and public health preparedness stemming from the R&D activities. Transparency in the 'exclusion of sources' justification is important for public trust.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Justification for exclusion of sources needs clear documentation.
- Potential for cost overruns if labor rates are not tightly managed.
- Ensuring deliverables align with strategic R&D goals.
Positive Signals
- Supports a critical government function (ASPR).
- Utilizes specialized R&D expertise.
- Awarded after a competitive process, albeit with exclusions.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development in Biotechnology sector, a high-priority area for government investment. Spending benchmarks in this sector are often characterized by high R&D costs and the need for specialized expertise, making direct cost comparisons challenging without detailed project scope.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this specific contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to assess small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be critical to ensure that the consulting services provided are effective, align with ASPR's strategic objectives, and that labor and travel costs remain within negotiated limits. The 'exclusion of sources' clause warrants particular attention from oversight bodies.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- Office of Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition due to source exclusion.
- Potential for higher costs compared to fully open competition.
- Need for strong oversight on labor and travel expenses.
- Complexity of R&D sector makes direct cost comparison difficult.
Tags
research-and-development-in-biotechnolog, department-of-health-and-human-services, dc, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $35.6 million to TUNNELL CONSULTING INC. T.O. NO. 3 FOR OPT YR 2 PROFESSIONAL STAFFING CONSULTING SERVICES LABOR AND TRAVEL COSTS FOR THE ASPR BIOMEDICAL ADVANCED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TUNNELL CONSULTING INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Office of Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $35.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-04-08. End: 2021-05-21.
What was the specific justification for excluding certain sources in the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' award process, and how did this impact the final price?
The justification for excluding sources typically relates to factors such as unique capabilities, prior performance, or specific security requirements. Without access to the detailed justification documentation, it's difficult to definitively state the impact on price. However, excluding potential competitors can sometimes lead to less competitive pricing than a truly open competition.
How does the awarded amount of $35.6M compare to the estimated value or benchmark for similar R&D consulting services, considering the specialized nature of ASPR's mission?
Benchmarking this $35.6M award requires detailed comparison with contracts for similar R&D consulting services, factoring in the specific expertise required by ASPR, the duration, and the scope of work. Given the specialized nature of biomedical advanced research and development, costs can vary significantly. A thorough analysis would involve comparing labor rates, overhead, and project management fees against industry standards and government databases for comparable services.
What mechanisms are in place to ensure the effectiveness and accountability of the consulting services provided under this delivery order, particularly concerning labor and travel costs?
Mechanisms for ensuring effectiveness and accountability typically include detailed performance work statements, regular progress reviews, milestone tracking, and defined deliverables. For labor and travel costs, contract clauses often stipulate pre-approved rates, expense reporting requirements, and limitations on travel. The government contracting officer is responsible for monitoring performance and approving invoices, ensuring adherence to the contract terms.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Tunnell Consulting Inc
Address: 6701 DEMOCRACY BLVD STE 405, BETHESDA, MD, 20817
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $35,567,025
Exercised Options: $35,567,025
Current Obligation: $35,567,025
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HHSO100201800001I
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-04-08
Current End Date: 2021-05-21
Potential End Date: 2021-05-21 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-03-14
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