NIH awards $4.7M task order for R&D support to Social & Scientific Systems, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,738,038 ($4.7M)

Contractor: Social & Scientific Systems, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2021-06-01

End Date: 2026-05-31

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: TASK ORDER 1R - ADMINISTRATION ACTIVITIES AND SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: SILVER SPRING, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20910

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $4.7 million to SOCIAL & SCIENTIFIC SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: TASK ORDER 1R - ADMINISTRATION ACTIVITIES AND SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract focuses on research and development support, aligning with NIH's mission. 2. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can incentivize cost control. 3. Competition was full and open, suggesting a potentially competitive pricing environment. 4. The contract duration is 5 years, indicating a long-term need for these services. 5. The awardee, Social & Scientific Systems, Inc., has a track record with federal contracts. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541712 points to specialized R&D services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this specific task order is challenging without more detailed cost breakdowns or comparisons to similar R&D support contracts. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure means costs can fluctuate, but the fixed fee provides some predictability. Without data on the specific services rendered and their efficiency, a definitive value assessment is difficult. However, the award amount of $4.7 million over five years suggests a moderate investment for specialized R&D support.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this procurement method generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and service offerings for the government. The open competition suggests that the NIH sought the best value from a wide range of qualified contractors.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining services at competitive prices and encourages a broader base of contractors to participate.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the researchers and programs within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that require specialized administrative and support services for their research and development activities. The services delivered likely include project management, data analysis support, administrative assistance, and other operational functions crucial for the successful execution of R&D projects. The geographic impact is primarily within Maryland, where the NIH is headquartered, and potentially extends to other research sites supported by NIH grants and contracts. Workforce implications may include the creation or maintenance of jobs for individuals with expertise in scientific administration, research support, and project management within the contractor's organization.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the contractor's support.
The CPFF contract type can sometimes lead to less incentive for cost savings compared to fixed-price contracts if not managed diligently.
Limited transparency on the specific tasks performed under this task order hinders a detailed value-for-money analysis.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
The contractor, Social & Scientific Systems, Inc., has experience in supporting federal research initiatives.
The five-year duration indicates a stable, long-term need for these critical support services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector, specifically NAICS code 541712. This sector is characterized by innovation and scientific advancement, often supported by government funding. The market for R&D support services is competitive, with numerous firms offering specialized expertise. The NIH, as a major funder of biomedical research, represents a significant client base within this sector.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans for this specific task order was not provided. As the contract was awarded under full and open competition, it does not appear to have been specifically set aside for small businesses. The extent to which small businesses may be involved as subcontractors is not detailed in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program officials within the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Accountability measures are inherent in the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract structure, which requires detailed reporting of costs and adherence to the fixed fee. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though specific task order details may be limited.

Related Government Programs

NIH Research and Development Contracts
Biomedical Research Support Services
Federal R&D Task Orders
Health and Human Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for cost creep under CPFF structure if not closely monitored.
Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data makes outcome assessment difficult.
Limited detail on competition specifics (number of bidders) hinders full analysis of price discovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $4.7 million to SOCIAL & SCIENTIFIC SYSTEMS, INC.. TASK ORDER 1R - ADMINISTRATION ACTIVITIES AND SUPPORT

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 $4.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-06-01. End: 2026-05-31.

What is the track record of Social & Scientific Systems, Inc. in performing similar R&D support services for federal agencies?

Social & Scientific Systems, Inc. (SSS) has a history of providing research, data management, and administrative support services to various federal agencies, including those within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Their experience often involves supporting public health initiatives, epidemiological studies, and biomedical research programs. While specific details on past R&D support task orders are not provided here, their general profile suggests familiarity with the types of services required by NIH. A deeper dive into their contract history, performance evaluations (e.g., CPARS), and past performance on similar contracts would offer a more comprehensive understanding of their capabilities and reliability in delivering R&D support.

How does the awarded amount of $4.7 million over five years compare to similar R&D support contracts at NIH or other agencies?

The awarded amount of approximately $4.7 million over five years, averaging around $940,000 annually, appears to be a moderate investment for specialized R&D support services. Benchmarking this against similar contracts requires access to a broader dataset of NIH and other agency task orders for R&D support under NAICS code 541712. However, for a task order supporting administrative activities and general R&D support, this figure is not exceptionally high, especially considering the duration and the specialized nature of research environments. Contracts for highly specialized scientific research or large-scale data analysis could command significantly higher values, while simpler administrative support might be lower.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to assess the success of this task order?

The provided data does not specify the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this particular task order. Typically, for R&D support contracts, KPIs would be defined in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) and could include metrics related to timeliness of administrative support, accuracy of data handling, efficiency in project coordination, adherence to reporting requirements, and overall satisfaction of the NIH research staff utilizing the support. The success of a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract also relies on the contractor's ability to manage costs within the anticipated scope while delivering the required services effectively, often assessed through regular progress reports and stakeholder feedback.

What is the historical spending pattern for R&D support services at the National Institutes of Health?

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is a major federal agency with substantial and consistent spending on research and development, including significant investments in support services. Historical spending patterns reveal a continuous need for administrative, technical, and programmatic support to facilitate its vast portfolio of research activities across numerous institutes and centers. While the exact figures for R&D support services fluctuate annually based on research priorities and funding levels, the overall trend indicates a sustained and significant allocation of resources to ensure the efficient operation of its research endeavors. This task order represents a small component of NIH's broader R&D support expenditure.

What are the potential risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for R&D support?

The primary risk associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for R&D support is the potential for cost overruns if the contractor's actual costs exceed estimates, although the government is generally obligated to reimburse allowable costs. While the fixed fee provides a ceiling for the contractor's profit, it can offer less incentive for aggressive cost control compared to fixed-price contracts. For the government, ensuring that all costs claimed are reasonable, allocable, and allowable requires diligent oversight and auditing. In R&D, where the scope can be inherently uncertain, CPFF can be appropriate, but it necessitates robust monitoring to ensure value for money and prevent inefficiencies from being passed on.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

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 Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,343,812

Exercised Options: $4,738,038

Current Obligation: $4,738,038

Actual Outlays: $3,661,736

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HHSN273201600002I

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline