CDRH contracts Tunnell Consulting Inc. for advanced scientific consultants, totaling $14.95M over 366 days

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,949,594 ($14.9M)

Contractor: Tunnell Consulting Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2025-07-28

End Date: 2026-07-29

Contract Duration: 366 days

Daily Burn Rate: $40.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: PROVIDE THE CDRH WITH UP TO THIRTY-TWO (32) ADVANCED SCIENTIFIC CONSULTANTS TO ASSIST CDRH?S OFFICES WITH PROJECT/PROGRAM AND PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH CDRH'S MISSION.

Place of Performance

Location: BERWYN, CHESTER County, PENNSYLVANIA, 19312

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $14.9 million to TUNNELL CONSULTING INC for work described as: PROVIDE THE CDRH WITH UP TO THIRTY-TWO (32) ADVANCED SCIENTIFIC CONSULTANTS TO ASSIST CDRH?S OFFICES WITH PROJECT/PROGRAM AND PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH CDRH'S MISSION. Key points: 1. The contract aims to bolster project and program management within the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH). 2. Focus is on advanced scientific consultants, suggesting a need for specialized expertise beyond general administrative support. 3. The contract duration of approximately one year indicates a need for ongoing, but not necessarily long-term, support. 4. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process. 5. The use of a BPA Call indicates a pre-negotiated framework agreement, potentially streamlining the award process. 6. The contract's value of $14.95 million warrants scrutiny for cost-effectiveness and alignment with CDRH's strategic goals.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific deliverables or performance metrics. The per-day cost is approximately $40,846. While this figure may seem high, it reflects the specialized nature of 'advanced scientific consultants.' A direct comparison to similar contracts for highly specialized advisory services would be necessary for a more precise assessment of value for money. The absence of detailed performance data makes it difficult to definitively assess if the pricing is competitive for the expertise provided.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this method generally promotes price discovery and allows the government to select the best value offer. The use of a BPA Call suggests that a broader competition may have occurred at the BPA level, with this call representing a further competition or task order.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it encourages a wider range of offers, potentially leading to more competitive pricing and better service quality.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the offices within CDRH, which will receive enhanced project and program management support. The services delivered will assist CDRH in managing its mission-critical projects and programs related to medical devices and radiological health. The geographic impact is primarily within the Food and Drug Administration's operational centers, likely in Maryland. The contract supports specialized scientific and management roles, potentially impacting the workforce by bringing in external expertise.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to gauge the true value and effectiveness of the consultants.
The high daily rate, implied by the total contract value and duration, could indicate a premium for specialized expertise that needs justification.
Potential for over-reliance on external consultants, which could impact internal knowledge development and capacity building within CDRH.
The 'advanced scientific consultant' designation is broad and may require closer monitoring to ensure the expertise aligns precisely with CDRH's needs.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process that should yield good value.
The use of a BPA Call indicates a pre-vetted pool of vendors, potentially leading to faster and more efficient service delivery.
The contract directly addresses CDRH's need for specialized project and program management, indicating a strategic alignment with agency goals.
The duration of the contract allows for sustained support, which can be beneficial for complex projects.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the management consulting services sector, specifically focusing on administrative and general management consulting. The market for such services is large and competitive, with numerous firms offering specialized expertise. Within the healthcare and regulatory sector, consulting services are often utilized to manage complex projects, navigate regulatory landscapes, and improve operational efficiency. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing other government contracts for similar advisory roles within scientific or regulatory agencies.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation (sb) is false, and it was not a small business set-aside (ss). This suggests that the primary award was not specifically targeted towards small businesses. There is no information provided on subcontracting plans, so the impact on the small business ecosystem is unclear. Without specific subcontracting requirements, it is unlikely that this contract will significantly benefit small businesses unless Tunnell Consulting Inc. voluntarily engages them.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the contracting officers within the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH). The contract's performance will likely be monitored through regular progress reports, performance reviews, and adherence to the terms and conditions of the BPA Call. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of contract awards, but detailed operational oversight and accountability measures are internal to the agency. The Inspector General's office for the Department of Health and Human Services may conduct audits or investigations if specific concerns arise.

Related Government Programs

CDRH Project Management Support Contracts
FDA Scientific Advisory Services
Management and Consulting Services for Federal Health Agencies
BPA Call Awards for Specialized Expertise
Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

Risk Flags

Potential for high cost without clearly defined deliverables.
Ambiguity in 'advanced scientific consultant' role.
Lack of small business subcontracting requirements.
Limited transparency on number of bidders.
Dependence on external expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $14.9 million to TUNNELL CONSULTING INC. PROVIDE THE CDRH WITH UP TO THIRTY-TWO (32) ADVANCED SCIENTIFIC CONSULTANTS TO ASSIST CDRH?S OFFICES WITH PROJECT/PROGRAM AND PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH CDRH'S MISSION.

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 (Food and Drug Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $14.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-07-28. End: 2026-07-29.

What is the specific expertise Tunnell Consulting Inc. brings to CDRH's project and program management?

The contract specifies 'advanced scientific consultants' to assist with project/program and portfolio management. This implies expertise beyond standard project management, likely encompassing deep understanding of scientific principles relevant to medical devices and radiological health, regulatory pathways, and complex data analysis. Tunnell Consulting Inc. is expected to provide personnel capable of advising on strategic planning, risk assessment, resource allocation, and potentially the scientific merit or feasibility of projects within CDRH's purview. The 'advanced' nature suggests consultants with advanced degrees, significant relevant experience, or specialized certifications in scientific fields pertinent to the FDA's mission.

How does the $14.95 million contract value compare to similar FDA or CDRH consulting contracts?

Directly comparing the $14.95 million value requires access to a database of similar contracts with detailed scopes of work and durations. However, for specialized scientific and management consulting services within federal health agencies, contract values can range significantly. Contracts for high-level strategic advice, regulatory expertise, or advanced scientific program management often command substantial budgets. The daily rate implied by this contract ($40,846/day) is high, suggesting a need for very specific, high-demand expertise. Without more granular data on comparable contracts for 'advanced scientific consultants' within CDRH or similar FDA centers, a definitive value comparison is difficult. It is crucial to assess if the scope of work justifies this investment compared to internal hiring or less specialized external support.

What are the key risks associated with this contract for CDRH?

Key risks include the potential for misaligned expectations regarding the 'advanced scientific consultant' role, leading to consultants providing advice outside their core expertise or failing to integrate effectively with CDRH staff. There's also a risk of cost overruns if the scope expands or if consultant rates are higher than anticipated for the actual work performed. Over-reliance on external consultants could hinder the development of internal CDRH expertise. Furthermore, ensuring the confidentiality and security of sensitive scientific and regulatory information handled by consultants is paramount. Finally, if the consultants do not deliver tangible improvements in project/program management efficiency or effectiveness, the return on investment will be questionable.

What is the historical spending pattern for project and program management support at CDRH?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for CDRH's project and program management support requires access to historical contract databases. Generally, federal agencies like the FDA utilize a mix of internal staff and external contractors for such functions. Spending can fluctuate based on agency priorities, new initiatives, and budget allocations. Contracts for specialized consulting services, especially those involving scientific expertise, tend to be awarded on an as-needed basis or through task orders against broader agreements like Basic Ordering Agreements (BOAs) or Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts. The current contract, awarded via a BPA Call, suggests a recurring need for such support, but its specific value relative to past spending would need detailed historical analysis.

How will the performance of Tunnell Consulting Inc. be measured and evaluated?

Performance evaluation for this contract will likely be based on adherence to the terms outlined in the BPA Call and any specific task orders issued. CDRH will monitor the consultants' ability to provide timely and relevant advice on project/program and portfolio management. Key performance indicators (KPIs) may include the quality of recommendations, the impact on project timelines and budgets, adherence to scientific and regulatory standards, and the consultants' responsiveness and collaboration with CDRH staff. Regular performance reviews, feedback from CDRH project managers, and potentially formal evaluations at contract milestones will be used to assess Tunnell Consulting Inc.'s effectiveness and ensure accountability.

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

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

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: $14,949,594

Exercised Options: $14,949,594

Current Obligation: $14,949,594

Actual Outlays: $3,442,114

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75F40121A00040

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline