HHS awards $33.4M contract to National Collegiate Inventors & Innovators Alliance for ITAP consulting and infrastructure support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $33,379,628 ($33.4M)

Contractor: National Collegiate Inventors & Innovators Alliance, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2022-04-01

End Date: 2023-03-31

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $91.7K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: RAPID ACCELERATION OF DIAGNOSTICS (RADX) FOR ITAP CONSULTANTS AND INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: BETHESDA, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20892

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $33.4 million to NATIONAL COLLEGIATE INVENTORS & INNOVATORS ALLIANCE, INC. for work described as: RAPID ACCELERATION OF DIAGNOSTICS (RADX) FOR ITAP CONSULTANTS AND INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT Key points: 1. The contract value is $33.4 million, awarded to a single vendor. 2. This is a definitive contract with a firm fixed price, indicating clear cost expectations. 3. The contract was not competed, raising questions about potential price discovery. 4. The sector is IT consulting and infrastructure support, a critical area for government operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $33.4 million for one year of support is substantial. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if this price is optimal compared to market rates for similar IT consulting and infrastructure services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

The contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and may result in higher costs for taxpayers as there was no market pressure to achieve the best possible price.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition on a $33.4 million contract means taxpayers may not have received the most cost-effective solution available.

Public Impact

Government reliance on a single vendor for critical IT infrastructure support. Potential for increased costs due to lack of competitive bidding. Impact on innovation if alternative solutions were not considered. Ensuring continued operational efficiency of ITAP services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Sole-source award
High contract value for a single vendor

Positive Signals

Firm fixed price contract type
Clear scope for ITAP consultants and infrastructure support

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services sector, specifically related to IT infrastructure. Spending in this area is significant across federal agencies, with benchmarks varying widely based on the complexity and criticality of the IT systems supported.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to National Collegiate Inventors & Innovators Alliance, Inc. and there is no indication that small businesses were involved as subcontractors. This represents a missed opportunity for small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The lack of competition for this significant contract warrants oversight to ensure the government received fair value and that the sole-source justification was robust. Accountability for the procurement process and vendor performance is crucial.

Related Government Programs

Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
National Institutes of Health Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of competition
Sole-source award
Potential for overpayment
Limited small business participation
High contract value

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $33.4 million to NATIONAL COLLEGIATE INVENTORS & INNOVATORS ALLIANCE, INC.. RAPID ACCELERATION OF DIAGNOSTICS (RADX) FOR ITAP CONSULTANTS AND INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NATIONAL COLLEGIATE INVENTORS & INNOVATORS ALLIANCE, 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 $33.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-04-01. End: 2023-03-31.

What was the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and were alternative solutions explored?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, urgent needs, or specific circumstances where only one vendor can meet the requirement. Without access to the contract file, it's impossible to determine the exact justification. However, for a contract of this magnitude and duration, a thorough exploration of competitive alternatives is generally expected to ensure taxpayer value and promote a fair marketplace.

How does the $33.4 million contract value compare to industry benchmarks for similar IT consulting and infrastructure support services?

Benchmarking this contract's value requires detailed analysis of the specific services provided, the level of expertise required, and the duration. Given the lack of competition, a direct comparison is challenging. However, $33.4 million for one year of comprehensive IT support suggests a need for robust justification to ensure it aligns with or is demonstrably cost-effective compared to market rates for similar-sized government or private sector contracts.

What mechanisms are in place to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of the ITAP consultants and infrastructure support provided under this sole-source contract?

Effectiveness and efficiency are typically monitored through performance metrics, service level agreements (SLAs), and regular progress reviews outlined in the contract. For a sole-source award, the agency must be particularly diligent in tracking performance to ensure the vendor is meeting all requirements and delivering value. This includes regular reporting and feedback loops to address any issues promptly.

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: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 75N92022Q0328

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 100 VENTURE WAY STE 8, HADLEY, MA, 01035

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: $33,379,628

Exercised Options: $33,379,628

Current Obligation: $33,379,628

Actual Outlays: $33,379,628

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline