HHS Awards $28M for Lab Support to Battelle Memorial Institute Under Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $28,015,902 ($28.0M)

Contractor: Battelle Memorial Institute

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2019-09-10

End Date: 2024-09-09

Contract Duration: 1,826 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: DIVISION OF LABORATORY SCIENCES LABORATORY SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: COLUMBUS, FRANKLIN County, OHIO, 43201

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $28.0 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE for work described as: DIVISION OF LABORATORY SCIENCES LABORATORY SUPPORT Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $28 million awarded. 2. Battelle Memorial Institute is the sole awardee. 3. Contract spans five years, indicating long-term need. 4. Services fall under Administrative Management and General Management Consulting.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $28 million over five years suggests a substantial need for these services. Benchmarking against similar administrative and management consulting contracts would be necessary for a precise assessment, but the duration and scope appear reasonable for the stated purpose.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing and allows for a wide range of potential contractors to bid. This method is expected to yield fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives down costs and improves service quality.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operation of critical laboratory support services. Supports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's mission. Potential for innovation and efficiency improvements from the contractor.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
Potential for cost overruns in Time and Materials contracts if not managed closely.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Long-term contract indicates a stable and essential service.
Experienced contractor likely to provide reliable support.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the administrative and management consulting sector, which supports various government functions. Spending benchmarks for this sector can vary widely based on the specific services rendered and the agency's needs.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. Therefore, it is unclear what portion, if any, of this contract value will flow down to small business subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a component of HHS. Standard government oversight mechanisms for contract performance and financial management are expected to be in place.

Related Government Programs

Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Programs

Risk Flags

Time and Materials pricing structure.
Lack of detailed performance metrics.
Potential for scope creep without strict oversight.
No indication of small business participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $28.0 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE. DIVISION OF LABORATORY SCIENCES LABORATORY SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $28.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-09-10. End: 2024-09-09.

What specific laboratory support services are included in this contract?

The provided data classifies the contract under NAICS code 541611 (Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services). While the contract title mentions 'Laboratory Support,' the specific deliverables are not detailed. Further inquiry would be needed to understand the precise nature of the support, such as equipment maintenance, data management, or specialized scientific assistance.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract?

Key performance indicators are crucial for assessing the effectiveness and value of this contract. Without specific KPIs outlined in the provided data, it is difficult to objectively measure Battelle Memorial Institute's performance. Standard government contract oversight would typically involve defined metrics for timeliness, quality, and adherence to scope.

How does the Time and Materials pricing structure impact cost control?

Time and Materials (T&M) contracts can pose a risk for cost overruns if not rigorously managed. While offering flexibility, they rely heavily on contractor efficiency and government oversight to prevent scope creep and inflated labor hours. The CDC's active management and clear task orders are essential to ensure this $28 million award remains within budget and delivers 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: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS PROTECTION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 75D30119Q70403

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 505 KING AVE, COLUMBUS, OH, 43201

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $34,603,256

Exercised Options: $29,024,203

Current Obligation: $28,015,902

Actual Outlays: $16,914,270

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00F084CA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline