Connecticut's SEER Program Awarded $25.6M for Public Health Research, Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $25,626,111 ($25.6M)

Contractor: Department of Public Health Connecticut

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2018-05-01

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 2,921 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 20

Pricing Type: COST SHARING

Sector: R&D

Official Description: SURVEILLANCE, EPIDEMIOLOGY, AND END RESULTS (SEER) PROGRAM

Place of Performance

Location: HARTFORD, HARTFORD County, CONNECTICUT, 06134

State: Connecticut Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $25.6 million to DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH CONNECTICUT for work described as: SURVEILLANCE, EPIDEMIOLOGY, AND END RESULTS (SEER) PROGRAM Key points: 1. The contract supports vital public health surveillance and research for Connecticut. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The award value of $25.6M over approximately 8 years warrants scrutiny for cost-effectiveness. 4. The NAICS code 541715 indicates a focus on physical, engineering, and life sciences R&D.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $25.6M over nearly 8 years averages around $3.2M annually. Benchmarking this against similar public health research contracts is difficult without more specific details on the scope of work.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing and allows all responsible sources to submit offers. This method is generally expected to yield fair market prices.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is a positive indicator for taxpayer value, as it aims to secure the best possible price and quality for the services rendered.

Public Impact

Enhances public health surveillance capabilities in Connecticut. Supports critical epidemiological research to understand disease trends. Provides data for evidence-based public health policy and interventions. Contributes to national health research efforts through the SEER program.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 70 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in long-term research contracts.
Ensuring continued relevance and impact of research findings.

Positive Signals

Commitment to public health and disease prevention.
Utilizes a competitive procurement process.
Long-term investment in health data and research infrastructure.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is crucial for scientific advancement and public well-being, with significant government investment annually.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific set-asides or participation goals for small businesses in this contract. Further investigation may be needed to assess small business involvement.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Department of Health and Human Services, specifically the National Institutes of Health, suggesting established oversight mechanisms. Regular reporting and performance reviews are likely in place.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
National Institutes of Health Programs

Risk Flags

Long-term contract duration may pose risks of obsolescence or changing priorities.
Need to verify the specific deliverables and performance metrics.
Potential for cost overruns if research scope is not tightly managed.
Ensuring data integrity and security for sensitive health information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $25.6 million to DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH CONNECTICUT. SURVEILLANCE, EPIDEMIOLOGY, AND END RESULTS (SEER) PROGRAM

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH CONNECTICUT.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (National Institutes of Health).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $25.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-05-01. End: 2026-04-30.

What specific research outcomes are expected from this $25.6M investment, and how will their impact be measured?

The expected outcomes likely include enhanced understanding of cancer incidence, mortality, and survival rates within Connecticut, contributing to the broader SEER program's national data. Impact measurement would typically involve tracking the utilization of SEER data by researchers, policymakers, and public health officials, as well as its influence on cancer control initiatives and public health strategies.

Given the 8-year duration, what mechanisms are in place to ensure the research remains relevant and adaptable to evolving public health challenges?

Mechanisms for ensuring relevance might include periodic reviews of research objectives, incorporating stakeholder feedback, and allowing for adjustments to research methodologies or focus areas based on emerging public health trends. The contract may also include provisions for phased research or milestone-based funding that allows for re-evaluation and adaptation.

How does the cost-sharing component (PT) contribute to the overall value and efficiency of this public health research program?

Cost-sharing implies that the recipient (Department of Public Health Connecticut) is contributing resources alongside federal funding. This can indicate a strong commitment from the state and potentially leverage federal dollars more effectively. It may also ensure that the research is aligned with state priorities and needs, enhancing its practical application and value.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

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: N01PC6500374

Offers Received: 20

Pricing Type: COST SHARING (T)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 410 CAPITOL AVE, HARTFORD, CT, 06134

Business Categories: Category Business, Government, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, U.S. Regional/State Government

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $35,017,534

Exercised Options: $25,626,111

Current Obligation: $25,626,111

Actual Outlays: $12,025,618

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75N91018D00002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline