HHS Awards $26.4M for Clinical Research Management Support to Rho Federal Systems
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $26,368,370 ($26.4M)
Contractor: RHO Federal Systems Division Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2019-09-30
End Date: 2025-09-29
Contract Duration: 2,191 days
Daily Burn Rate: $12.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: TO PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE CLINICAL RESEARCH MANAGEMENT OVERSIGHT AND OPERATIONS SUPPORT FOR CLINICAL RESEARCHSUPPORTED BY THE NIDCR EXTRAMURAL AND INTRAMURAL RESEARCH DIVISIONS. THE CONTRACT WILL PROVIDE NIDCR STAFF WITHSYSTEMS AND TOOLS TO ASSIST IN
Place of Performance
Location: DURHAM, DURHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27713
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $26.4 million to RHO FEDERAL SYSTEMS DIVISION INC for work described as: TO PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE CLINICAL RESEARCH MANAGEMENT OVERSIGHT AND OPERATIONS SUPPORT FOR CLINICAL RESEARCHSUPPORTED BY THE NIDCR EXTRAMURAL AND INTRAMURAL RESEARCH DIVISIONS. THE CONTRACT WILL PROVIDE NIDCR STAFF WITHSYSTEMS AND TOOLS TO ASSIST IN Key points: 1. Contract supports NIDCR's extramural and intramural research divisions. 2. Rho Federal Systems Division Inc. is the awardee. 3. The contract aims to provide NIDCR staff with systems and tools for research support. 4. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences is the sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The total award amount is $26.4 million over approximately 6 years.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating a limited competition. This method may not have resulted in the most competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to support critical clinical research, aiming for efficient management and operations.
Public Impact
Supports vital research within the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Aims to improve the efficiency of clinical research management. Potential for advancements in health through supported research.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may impact price.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type carries inherent cost risk.
Positive Signals
- Supports critical government research mission.
- Long-term contract provides stability for research operations.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for scientific advancement and public health.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses, suggesting larger firms were likely the primary focus of this competition.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the National Institutes of Health, which has established oversight mechanisms for research grants and contracts to ensure accountability and proper use of funds.
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
- Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure.
- Limited competition may not yield best value.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical research support.
- Scope creep risk in complex research environments.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, nc, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $26.4 million to RHO FEDERAL SYSTEMS DIVISION INC. TO PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE CLINICAL RESEARCH MANAGEMENT OVERSIGHT AND OPERATIONS SUPPORT FOR CLINICAL RESEARCHSUPPORTED BY THE NIDCR EXTRAMURAL AND INTRAMURAL RESEARCH DIVISIONS. THE CONTRACT WILL PROVIDE NIDCR STAFF WITHSYSTEMS AND TOOLS TO ASSIST IN
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is RHO FEDERAL SYSTEMS DIVISION INC.
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 $26.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-09-30. End: 2025-09-29.
What specific systems and tools will be provided to NIDCR staff, and how will their effectiveness be measured?
The contract details do not specify the exact systems and tools. However, effectiveness will likely be measured through performance metrics related to research support efficiency, data management, and adherence to regulatory requirements. NIDCR staff feedback and project milestones will also be key indicators.
What were the reasons for excluding other sources in this 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' award?
The exclusion of sources typically occurs when only one or a limited number of responsible sources are capable of meeting the government's needs. This could be due to specialized expertise, proprietary technology, or unique capabilities required for the complex clinical research management support.
How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure balance cost control with the need for comprehensive research support?
A Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract allows the contractor to recover allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. While it incentivizes the contractor to control costs to maximize their fee, it also requires robust government oversight to prevent cost overruns and ensure the scope of work is met effectively.
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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: 75N92019R0005
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 2635 E NC HIGHWAY 54, DURHAM, NC, 27713
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $26,368,370
Exercised Options: $26,368,370
Current Obligation: $26,368,370
Actual Outlays: $17,069,668
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 4
Total Subaward Amount: $5,408,571
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-09-30
Current End Date: 2025-09-29
Potential End Date: 2025-09-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-08-27
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