HHS awards $6.38M contract for Information Services to Cox Subscriptions, Inc. with full and open competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $6,375,612 ($6.4M)
Contractor: COX Subscriptions, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2026-01-01
End Date: 2026-12-31
Contract Duration: 364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $17.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: COX SUBSCRIPTIONS, INC.:1330204 [26-000328]
Place of Performance
Location: SHALLOTTE, BRUNSWICK County, NORTH CAROLINA, 28470
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $6.4 million to COX SUBSCRIPTIONS, INC. for work described as: COX SUBSCRIPTIONS, INC.:1330204 [26-000328] Key points: 1. The contract value is $6.38 million over one year. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The primary risk appears to be vendor performance and service delivery. 4. The sector is Information Services, a critical area for government operations.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $6.38 million for a one-year information services delivery order appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar contracts for comprehensive information services would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The use of full and open competition indicates that multiple vendors were likely solicited, fostering price discovery and potentially leading to a more competitive price. The award to Cox Subscriptions, Inc. suggests they offered the best value under the established criteria.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the procurement is expected to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for essential information services.
Public Impact
Ensures continued access to vital information services for the National Institutes of Health. Supports the operational needs of a key federal health research agency. The contract's duration of one year allows for periodic reassessment of needs and market conditions.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for service disruption if vendor fails to meet performance standards.
- Reliance on a single vendor for critical information services.
Positive Signals
- Competitive award process likely secured favorable pricing.
- Clear contract end date allows for future flexibility.
- Defined service period ensures focused delivery.
Sector Analysis
The Information Services sector is broad, encompassing data management, software, and communication technologies. Spending benchmarks vary widely based on the specific services procured. This contract for 'All Other Information Services' suggests a general support function rather than highly specialized IT infrastructure.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses participated in or benefited from this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract falls under the Department of Health and Human Services, specifically the National Institutes of Health. Standard government oversight mechanisms for contract performance and financial management would apply.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Information Services
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- National Institutes of Health Programs
Risk Flags
- Vendor performance risk
- Scope creep potential
- Service continuity
- Data security and privacy
Tags
all-other-information-services, department-of-health-and-human-services, nc, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $6.4 million to COX SUBSCRIPTIONS, INC.. COX SUBSCRIPTIONS, INC.:1330204 [26-000328]
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is COX SUBSCRIPTIONS, 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 $6.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-01-01. End: 2026-12-31.
What specific information services are being procured under this contract?
The contract is categorized under NAICS code 519190, 'All Other Information Services.' This broad classification suggests the services could range from data aggregation and analysis to content provision or information dissemination platforms, supporting the operational needs of the National Institutes of Health.
What is the potential risk associated with the firm-fixed-price contract type?
A firm-fixed-price contract generally shifts cost risk to the contractor. However, if the scope of services is not clearly defined or if unforeseen issues arise, the contractor might seek change orders, potentially increasing costs. The government's risk lies in ensuring the contractor can deliver the required services within the fixed price.
How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness of NIH research initiatives?
By ensuring the provision of necessary information services, this contract directly supports the operational efficiency and data management capabilities of the NIH. Reliable access to information is crucial for research, collaboration, and dissemination of findings, thereby underpinning the agency's effectiveness in advancing health knowledge.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Information › Other Information Services › All Other Information Services
Product/Service Code: BOOKS, MAPS, OTHER PUBLICATIONS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 201 VILLAGE RD, SHALLOTTE, NC, 28470
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $6,375,612
Exercised Options: $6,375,612
Current Obligation: $6,375,612
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 75N98020D00083
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-01-01
Current End Date: 2026-12-31
Potential End Date: 2026-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-21
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