HHS awards $19.1M for QPP MIPS Customer Support Services to American Institutes for Research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $19,122,931 ($19.1M)
Contractor: American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2022-09-01
End Date: 2026-08-31
Contract Duration: 1,460 days
Daily Burn Rate: $13.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: Healthcare
Official Description: RESEARCH, MEASUREMENT, ASSESSMENT, DESIGN, AND ANALYSIS (RMADA 2) QUALITY PAYMENT PROGRAM (QPP) MERIT-BASED INCENTIVE SYSTEM (MIPS) CUSTOMER AND PROGRAM SUPPORT SERVICES TASK ORDER
Place of Performance
Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22202
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $19.1 million to AMERICAN INSTITUTES FOR RESEARCH IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES for work described as: RESEARCH, MEASUREMENT, ASSESSMENT, DESIGN, AND ANALYSIS (RMADA 2) QUALITY PAYMENT PROGRAM (QPP) MERIT-BASED INCENTIVE SYSTEM (MIPS) CUSTOMER AND PROGRAM SUPPORT SERVICES TASK ORDER Key points: 1. The contract supports the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) within the Quality Payment Program (QPP). 2. Competition was full and open, indicating a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract type is Time and Materials, which can pose cost control risks. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541720 suggests R&D in Social Sciences and Humanities.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a Delivery Order under a larger IDIQ, making direct pricing comparison difficult. Time and Materials contracts can lead to cost overruns if not closely managed.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. However, the Time and Materials pricing structure may not be the most cost-effective for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential program support, but the T&M structure warrants careful monitoring to ensure value for money.
Public Impact
Ensures continued operation and support for the Quality Payment Program's MIPS. Supports data collection, analysis, and reporting for healthcare provider performance. Impacts healthcare providers participating in Medicare by facilitating program administration.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Time and Materials contract type
- Potential for cost overruns
- Long contract duration
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition
- Supports critical healthcare program
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities, specifically supporting healthcare policy and program administration. Benchmarks for similar R&D support services can vary widely.
Small Business Impact
The data provided does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses on this contract. Further investigation would be needed to determine small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is responsible for oversight. The Time and Materials contract type necessitates diligent monitoring of labor hours and rates to ensure accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Programs
Risk Flags
- Time and Materials contract type may lead to cost overruns.
- Long contract duration (4 years) increases exposure to potential inefficiencies.
- Lack of specific small business participation data.
- Reliance on contractor performance for critical program support.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-social-s, department-of-health-and-human-services, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $19.1 million to AMERICAN INSTITUTES FOR RESEARCH IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES. RESEARCH, MEASUREMENT, ASSESSMENT, DESIGN, AND ANALYSIS (RMADA 2) QUALITY PAYMENT PROGRAM (QPP) MERIT-BASED INCENTIVE SYSTEM (MIPS) CUSTOMER AND PROGRAM SUPPORT SERVICES TASK ORDER
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AMERICAN INSTITUTES FOR RESEARCH IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $19.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-09-01. End: 2026-08-31.
What is the primary objective of the RMADA 2 QPP MIPS Customer and Program Support Services contract?
The primary objective is to provide essential research, measurement, assessment, design, and analysis services for the Quality Payment Program's Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS). This includes supporting the operational needs and ongoing development of MIPS, ensuring healthcare providers can effectively participate and receive feedback on their performance.
What are the key risks associated with the Time and Materials (T&M) contract type for this service?
The main risk with T&M contracts is the potential for cost escalation, as the government pays for actual labor hours and material costs incurred by the contractor. Without strict oversight and well-defined ceilings, this can lead to the contract exceeding its estimated value and potentially not achieving the best value for taxpayer dollars.
How does this contract contribute to the effectiveness of the Quality Payment Program?
This contract is crucial for the effective functioning of the QPP by providing the necessary analytical and support infrastructure. It ensures that the program's complex requirements are met, data is accurately processed, and feedback mechanisms for providers are robust, ultimately aiming to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare services.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › N – Health R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: 221116
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1400 CRYSTAL DR 10TH FLR, ARLINGTON, VA, 22202
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $24,157,071
Exercised Options: $19,122,931
Current Obligation: $19,122,931
Actual Outlays: $15,555,753
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 1
Total Subaward Amount: $8,713,963
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 75FCMC19D0082
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-09-01
Current End Date: 2026-08-31
Potential End Date: 2027-08-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-08-27
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