CMS awards $3.7M contract for CCBHC demonstration planning grants, with 6 bidders competing

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,703,379 ($3.7M)

Contractor: National Opinion Research Center

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2023-08-01

End Date: 2026-07-31

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: THIS IS FOR PROJECT 003915, APP 231057. THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO ACQUIRE CONTRACTOR SUPPORT TO ASSIST CMS IN PROVIDING TA SERVICES TO PLANNING GRANT STATES DURING THE BASE YEAR PLANNING PHASE OF THE CCBHC DEMONSTRATION AND THROUGH TWO OPTIO

Place of Performance

Location: GWYNN OAK, BALTIMORE County, MARYLAND, 21207

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $3.7 million to NATIONAL OPINION RESEARCH CENTER for work described as: THIS IS FOR PROJECT 003915, APP 231057. THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO ACQUIRE CONTRACTOR SUPPORT TO ASSIST CMS IN PROVIDING TA SERVICES TO PLANNING GRANT STATES DURING THE BASE YEAR PLANNING PHASE OF THE CCBHC DEMONSTRATION AND THROUGH TWO OPTIO Key points: 1. Contract aims to provide technical assistance to states for the CCBHC demonstration's planning phase. 2. Competition was robust with 6 bidders, suggesting a healthy market for these specialized services. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can incentivize cost control but requires careful oversight. 4. Performance period spans three years, indicating a need for sustained support during the planning and initial phases. 5. The awardee, National Opinion Research Center, has a track record in research and analysis. 6. This contract supports a key initiative to expand Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $3.7 million over three years for technical assistance services appears reasonable given the scope of supporting state planning grants for a complex demonstration program. Benchmarking against similar technical assistance contracts for federal health initiatives would provide further context, but the number of bidders suggests competitive pricing was likely achieved. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates diligent oversight to ensure value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, with six bidders submitting proposals. This level of competition is a positive indicator, suggesting that the marketplace has multiple capable providers for these specialized technical assistance services. A higher number of bidders generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more innovative solutions.

Taxpayer Impact: The robust competition for this contract is beneficial for taxpayers as it likely drove down costs and ensured the government received competitive proposals, maximizing the value of federal funds allocated to this initiative.

Public Impact

States receiving planning grants for the CCBHC demonstration will benefit from contractor support. The services delivered will facilitate the planning and implementation of the CCBHC model. The geographic impact is national, as it supports states participating in the demonstration. Workforce implications include potential support roles for researchers and technical experts at the awardee organization.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require rigorous monitoring to prevent cost overruns and ensure performance aligns with the fixed fee.
The duration of the contract (3 years) necessitates ongoing performance evaluation to ensure sustained quality of technical assistance.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition with 6 bidders, indicating a competitive market.
The contract supports a significant federal initiative (CCBHC demonstration) aimed at improving behavioral health services.
The awardee, National Opinion Research Center, is a reputable research organization.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities sector (NAICS 541720). The market for technical assistance and research services supporting federal health initiatives is substantial, with numerous organizations capable of providing such expertise. This specific contract supports the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' efforts to expand access to community-based behavioral healthcare.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate a specific small business set-aside. While the prime contractor is not a small business, there may be opportunities for small businesses to participate as subcontractors, depending on the awardee's subcontracting plan and the nature of the technical assistance required.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). As a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, CMS will need to closely monitor costs incurred by the contractor to ensure they are reasonable and allocable to the contract. Transparency will be maintained through regular reporting requirements and performance reviews.

Related Government Programs

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Demonstration Program
Technical Assistance Providers
Behavioral Health Services Grants

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent oversight to manage costs.
Performance monitoring is crucial throughout the three-year contract duration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $3.7 million to NATIONAL OPINION RESEARCH CENTER. THIS IS FOR PROJECT 003915, APP 231057. THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO ACQUIRE CONTRACTOR SUPPORT TO ASSIST CMS IN PROVIDING TA SERVICES TO PLANNING GRANT STATES DURING THE BASE YEAR PLANNING PHASE OF THE CCBHC DEMONSTRATION AND THROUGH TWO OPTIO

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NATIONAL OPINION RESEARCH CENTER.

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 $3.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-08-01. End: 2026-07-31.

What is the track record of the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) in providing technical assistance for federal health programs?

NORC at the University of Chicago has a long history of conducting research and providing technical assistance for federal agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services. They have been involved in numerous projects related to healthcare policy, program evaluation, and implementation support. Their experience often includes working with state and local governments on complex initiatives. For instance, NORC has supported projects related to Medicaid, Medicare, and public health programs. Their expertise in survey research, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement positions them well to provide the technical assistance required for the CCBHC demonstration planning grants. Specific details on past CCBHC-related work would require deeper investigation into their project portfolio.

How does the $3.7 million contract value compare to similar technical assistance contracts for health demonstrations?

The $3.7 million contract value over three years for technical assistance to support state planning grants for the CCBHC demonstration appears to be within a reasonable range for such specialized services. Federal technical assistance contracts can vary widely based on scope, duration, and the complexity of the program being supported. Given that this contract involves supporting multiple states through the planning phase of a demonstration, and considering the competitive nature indicated by the six bidders, the value seems proportionate. Comparable contracts supporting large-scale health demonstrations or state-level technical assistance initiatives often fall within similar dollar ranges, particularly when they involve research, policy analysis, and direct support to government entities.

What are the primary risks associated with this Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type?

The primary risk with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract is that the contractor may have less incentive to control costs compared to fixed-price contracts, as their costs are reimbursed. While the fixed fee provides a ceiling for profit, the contractor's primary goal is to cover all allowable costs. This necessitates robust government oversight to ensure that all costs incurred are reasonable, allocable, and allowable. There's also a risk that the contractor might prioritize completing tasks to incur costs rather than focusing on the most efficient or effective methods if not properly managed. The government must actively monitor expenditures and performance to mitigate these risks and ensure value for money.

How effective is technical assistance in supporting the planning phase of federal demonstrations like CCBHC?

Technical assistance (TA) is generally considered highly effective in supporting the planning phase of federal demonstrations. TA providers can offer crucial expertise, best practices, and guidance that participating entities (in this case, states) may lack internally. For the CCBHC demonstration, TA can help states navigate complex requirements, develop robust operational plans, establish necessary infrastructure, and align with federal guidelines. This support is vital for ensuring that the demonstration is set up for success from the outset, potentially leading to better outcomes and smoother implementation. The involvement of experienced organizations like NORC suggests a commitment to providing high-quality support.

What is the historical spending trend for technical assistance related to behavioral health initiatives by CMS?

Historical spending by CMS on technical assistance for behavioral health initiatives has generally been significant, reflecting the federal government's commitment to improving mental health and substance use disorder services. While specific figures for CCBHC-related TA would require detailed analysis of past budgets and contract awards, CMS consistently invests in programs designed to enhance service delivery, support state efforts, and promote evidence-based practices. This includes funding for grants, research, and direct technical support to states and providers. The current $3.7 million award aligns with the ongoing strategic focus on expanding access to comprehensive behavioral healthcare through models like the CCBHC.

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

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1155 E 60TH ST, CHICAGO, IL, 60637

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: $3,703,379

Exercised Options: $3,703,379

Current Obligation: $3,703,379

Actual Outlays: $2,602,066

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 3

Total Subaward Amount: $832,283

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75FCMC19D0092

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline