NIH awards $159K contract for scientific consulting, extending services through April 2026

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $158,937 ($158.9K)

Contractor: Kelly Services, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2025-12-11

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 140 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SOAR-D00012-06076 NIAMS-234331 -- 8036755 (TO 558)

Place of Performance

Location: BETHESDA, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20817

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $158,936.56 to KELLY SERVICES, INC. for work described as: SOAR-D00012-06076 NIAMS-234331 -- 8036755 (TO 558) Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized consulting services. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process. 3. Potential for cost overruns exists if scope expands beyond initial estimates. 4. Performance period is relatively short, indicating a focused task. 5. Services align with NIH's mission to support scientific research. 6. Contractor has a history of performing similar services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $158,936.56 for approximately 5 months of service appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized scientific consulting. Benchmarking against similar contracts for 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' (NAICS 541690) would provide a more precise assessment, but the price seems competitive given the duration and scope. The firm-fixed-price structure helps mitigate cost escalation risks for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this method generally fosters a competitive environment, which should lead to better pricing and service offerings for the government. The agency's choice of full and open competition suggests confidence in the market's ability to provide qualified contractors.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is the most advantageous for taxpayers as it maximizes the pool of potential offerors, driving down prices and improving the quality of services received.

Public Impact

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) benefits from this contract by securing expert support for its scientific endeavors. Specialized consulting services will be delivered to aid in research or administrative functions within NIH. The primary geographic impact is within Maryland, where the contractor is located. Workforce implications are minimal, likely involving a small team of consultants.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if not managed tightly.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical expertise.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Full and open competition ensures market-driven pricing.
Contract duration is defined, limiting long-term commitment.
Contractor is likely experienced in scientific consulting.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls under the 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' category (NAICS 541690). This sector is crucial for supporting government research and development initiatives, providing specialized expertise that may not be available in-house. The market for these services is competitive, with numerous firms offering a range of scientific and technical advisory capabilities. Spending in this area is often project-specific and driven by the evolving needs of research agencies like NIH.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary focus is on securing the best value from the broader market. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans, but given the contract's size and nature, significant subcontracting to small businesses is less likely unless specifically required by the prime contractor.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the National Institutes of Health contracting officer and potentially program managers who will monitor performance against the Statement of Work. As a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle, existing oversight mechanisms for that vehicle would apply. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases, though specific performance metrics are not publicly detailed.

Related Government Programs

NIH Research Support Contracts
Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
Federal Scientific Advisory Services

Risk Flags

Contract duration is short, requiring potential follow-on actions.
Specific performance metrics not detailed in summary data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $158,936.56 to KELLY SERVICES, INC.. SOAR-D00012-06076 NIAMS-234331 -- 8036755 (TO 558)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is KELLY SERVICES, 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 $158,936.56.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-12-11. End: 2026-04-30.

What is the contractor's track record with the federal government, particularly with NIH?

KELLY SERVICES, INC. has a history of federal contracting. While specific details on past performance for this exact type of service with NIH are not provided in the summary data, their presence as a federal contractor suggests experience. A deeper dive into the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or SAM.gov would reveal the extent and nature of their previous awards, including any past performance evaluations or disputes. Understanding their history with similar scientific consulting tasks is crucial for assessing reliability and capability.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar consulting contracts for scientific services?

The awarded amount of approximately $159,000 for a period of roughly 5 months (December 2025 to April 2026) for 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' appears reasonable for specialized expertise. Without specific benchmarks for comparable contracts within NIH or other agencies for the exact same scope, a precise comparison is difficult. However, considering the firm-fixed-price nature and the duration, the value seems aligned with market rates for expert advisory services. The key is whether the scope of work justifies this investment.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract?

Key risks include potential scope creep, where the requirements may expand beyond the initial agreement, leading to cost overruns if not managed strictly. Another risk is the contractor's ability to deliver the highly specialized expertise required, although the full and open competition aims to mitigate this by selecting qualified bidders. Performance risk, ensuring the consultant meets the technical and timeliness requirements, is also present. Finally, over-reliance on external consultants for critical functions could pose a risk if not properly integrated with internal capabilities.

How effective is the chosen contract type (Firm Fixed Price) for these services?

A Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract is generally effective for services where the scope of work is well-defined and unlikely to change significantly. For consulting services like these, FFP provides cost certainty to the government, transferring most of the cost risk to the contractor. This encourages the contractor to manage their costs efficiently. However, if the scope is inherently uncertain or prone to change, an FFP contract might lead to the contractor being less flexible or potentially cutting corners if they underestimate the effort.

What is the historical spending pattern for 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' at NIH?

Historical spending data for 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' (NAICS 541690) at NIH would likely show consistent, project-based awards. Agencies like NIH frequently utilize external consultants to supplement internal expertise, manage specific research projects, or provide specialized technical advice. Spending in this category can fluctuate based on research priorities, funding availability, and the initiation of new scientific initiatives. Analyzing past spending trends would reveal typical contract values, durations, and the frequency of such awards.

What does the contract duration of approximately 5 months imply about the project's nature?

A contract duration of approximately 5 months (from December 2025 to April 2026) suggests a project with a defined, relatively short-term objective. This could be for a specific study, a particular phase of a larger research effort, a technical review, or a focused advisory task. It implies that the services are not intended for long-term, ongoing support, allowing NIH to address immediate needs without a lengthy commitment. The short duration also facilitates quicker re-competition or reassessment of needs if required.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 999 W BIG BEAVER RD, TROY, MI, 48084

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $158,937

Exercised Options: $158,937

Current Obligation: $158,937

Actual Outlays: $588,360

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75N95021D00012

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline