NIH Awards $20.4M Task Order for Chronic Disease Research to Social & Scientific Systems
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $20,391,483 ($20.4M)
Contractor: Social & Scientific Systems, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2018-09-25
End Date: 2030-07-22
Contract Duration: 4,318 days
Daily Burn Rate: $4.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: TASK ORDER 02 AWARD - "CHRONIC DISEASE VALIDATION&ANALYSES IN THE SISTER STUDY"
Place of Performance
Location: DURHAM, DURHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27701
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $20.4 million to SOCIAL & SCIENTIFIC SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: TASK ORDER 02 AWARD - "CHRONIC DISEASE VALIDATION&ANALYSES IN THE SISTER STUDY" Key points: 1. Significant investment in chronic disease research, a critical public health area. 2. Competition method suggests potential for price discovery, though 'after exclusion of sources' warrants scrutiny. 3. Long duration (12 years) indicates a sustained need for these services. 4. Focus on R&D aligns with NIH's mission, but specific value for money needs further analysis.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to higher costs if not managed tightly. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult without more granular cost data.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources.' While this indicates initial broad competition, the exclusion of sources may limit future price discovery and innovation.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed towards critical health research, but the long-term nature and cost-plus structure necessitate careful monitoring to ensure efficiency.
Public Impact
Supports research into chronic diseases, potentially leading to improved public health outcomes. Long-term funding commitment provides stability for research continuity. The research area is vital for understanding and mitigating widespread health issues. Potential for advancements in disease prevention and treatment strategies.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires diligent oversight to prevent cost overruns.
- Exclusion of sources in competition could limit future cost savings.
- Long contract duration increases exposure to potential scope creep or changing research needs.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a high-priority public health research area.
- Long-term award provides research stability.
- Competition was utilized, indicating some level of market engagement.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is driven by innovation and public health needs. Benchmarks are highly variable based on research scope and duration.
Small Business Impact
The awardee, Social & Scientific Systems, Inc., is not listed as a small business. There is no indication of small business subcontracting goals or participation in this specific task order.
Oversight & Accountability
The long duration and cost-plus nature of this contract necessitate robust oversight from NIH to ensure adherence to scope, budget, and research objectives. Regular performance reviews and financial audits are crucial.
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
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure
- Long contract duration (12 years)
- Competition method (exclusion of sources)
- Lack of small business participation noted
- Potential for scope creep over extended period
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, nc, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $20.4 million to SOCIAL & SCIENTIFIC SYSTEMS, INC.. TASK ORDER 02 AWARD - "CHRONIC DISEASE VALIDATION&ANALYSES IN THE SISTER STUDY"
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SOCIAL & SCIENTIFIC SYSTEMS, 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 $20.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2018-09-25. End: 2030-07-22.
How effectively will the fixed fee component of this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract incentivize efficiency and cost control given the 12-year duration?
The effectiveness of the fixed fee in incentivizing efficiency is contingent on the baseline cost estimates and the clarity of the fixed fee's relationship to performance metrics. For a 12-year contract, the initial baseline may become outdated, potentially diminishing the incentive. NIH oversight is critical to ensure the fixed fee remains a meaningful driver of cost control throughout the contract's life.
What are the specific risks associated with excluding sources after initial full and open competition for this long-term R&D task order?
Excluding sources after initial competition may limit future opportunities for competitive bidding on subsequent phases or modifications, potentially leading to higher costs over the contract's 12-year lifespan. It could also stifle innovation if alternative approaches or providers are not considered. This necessitates strong justification for the exclusion and rigorous negotiation of terms.
How will NIH measure the scientific and public health impact of the 'Chronic Disease Validation & Analyses' to ensure the $20.4 million investment yields tangible benefits?
NIH must establish clear, measurable scientific and public health Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) tied to the research objectives. This includes tracking publication rates, data accessibility, development of new analytical tools, and ultimately, contributions to policy or clinical practice guidelines for chronic disease management. Regular scientific reviews and progress reports are essential.
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 › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: NIHES201800001
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: DLH Holdings Corp
Address: 8757 GEORGIA AVE STE 1200, SILVER SPRING, MD, 20910
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $20,391,483
Exercised Options: $20,391,483
Current Obligation: $20,391,483
Actual Outlays: $9,349,398
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 8
Total Subaward Amount: $1,466,413
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 75N96018D00005
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2018-09-25
Current End Date: 2030-07-22
Potential End Date: 2030-07-22 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-23
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