HHS Awards $23.4M for BARDA PCI SME Support to Tunnell Consulting Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $23,422,221 ($23.4M)
Contractor: Tunnell Consulting Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2023-08-02
End Date: 2025-08-31
Contract Duration: 760 days
Daily Burn Rate: $30.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: Other
Official Description: BARDA PCI SME SUPPORT SERVICES - PROVIDING ADVANCED SME SERVICES FOR PCI
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20001
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $23.4 million to TUNNELL CONSULTING INC for work described as: BARDA PCI SME SUPPORT SERVICES - PROVIDING ADVANCED SME SERVICES FOR PCI Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Tunnell Consulting Inc. for advanced SME services. 2. Focus on Program of Comprehensive Innovation (PCI) support for BARDA. 3. Spending is within the administrative management and general management consulting services sector. 4. Contract duration extends to August 2025.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $23.4 million appears reasonable for specialized SME support services over a two-year period. Benchmarking against similar contracts for advanced consulting in R&D program management would provide further context.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and ensures fair market value.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for critical support services to a government preparedness program, aiming for effective program execution.
Public Impact
Enhances BARDA's capability to manage complex innovation programs. Supports the development and implementation of critical public health initiatives. Ensures specialized expertise is available for program advancement.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in time and materials contracts.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical SME support.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition utilized.
- Contract supports a vital public health agency (BARDA).
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services (NAICS 541611). Spending in this sector can vary widely based on the complexity and duration of the services required.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation was sought or achieved through subcontracting.
Oversight & Accountability
The Office of Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) is overseeing this contract. Standard oversight mechanisms for delivery orders under a larger contract should be in place.
Related Government Programs
- Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- Office of Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Programs
Risk Flags
- Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost uncertainty.
- No small business set-aside noted.
- Potential for scope creep in consulting services.
- Dependence on specific expertise from a single vendor.
Tags
administrative-management-and-general-ma, 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 $23.4 million to TUNNELL CONSULTING INC. BARDA PCI SME SUPPORT SERVICES - PROVIDING ADVANCED SME SERVICES FOR PCI
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 $23.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-08-02. End: 2025-08-31.
What is the specific scope of 'advanced SME services' required for BARDA PCI?
The 'advanced SME services' likely encompass highly specialized technical, scientific, or management expertise crucial for the Program of Comprehensive Innovation (PCI) within BARDA. This could include strategic planning, technical assessments, market analysis, regulatory guidance, and project management support tailored to the unique challenges of advancing public health technologies and countermeasures.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for Tunnell Consulting Inc. under this contract?
Key performance indicators would likely focus on the successful execution of PCI objectives, timely delivery of expert advice, quality of strategic recommendations, and contribution to the advancement of BARDA's innovation pipeline. Specific metrics might relate to project milestones achieved, effectiveness of risk mitigation strategies proposed, and overall impact on program efficiency and outcomes.
How will the effectiveness of the SME support be measured to ensure value for taxpayer money?
Effectiveness will be measured through a combination of contractor performance evaluations, achievement of contract milestones, and the tangible progress made within the BARDA PCI program directly attributable to the SME support. Regular reviews by ASPR, assessment of the quality and impact of consultant recommendations, and ultimate success in advancing public health preparedness initiatives will be key indicators of value.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: 75A50123Q00003
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1235 WESTLAKES DRIVE, BERWYN, PA, 19312
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $83,253,368
Exercised Options: $23,422,221
Current Obligation: $23,422,221
Actual Outlays: $22,993,005
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 47QRAA18D0004
IDV Type: FSS
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-08-02
Current End Date: 2025-08-31
Potential End Date: 2025-08-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-09
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