NIH renews PRISM GRAPHPAD subscription for $1.3M, highlighting continued reliance on specialized data analysis tools

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $130,585 ($130.6K)

Contractor: NEW Tech Solutions, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2026-04-08

End Date: 2027-04-07

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $359/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: PRISM GRAPHPAD SUBSCRIPTION RENEWAL

Place of Performance

Location: BETHESDA, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20892

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $130,585.46 to NEW TECH SOLUTIONS, INC. for work described as: PRISM GRAPHPAD SUBSCRIPTION RENEWAL Key points: 1. The contract value represents a significant investment in data analysis software, essential for research operations. 2. Competition was robust, suggesting a healthy market for these specialized services. 3. The fixed-price nature of the contract provides cost certainty for the government. 4. This renewal indicates the ongoing importance of the PRISM GRAPHPAD platform for NIH's research objectives. 5. The duration of the contract suggests a stable, long-term need for these capabilities. 6. The specific NAICS code points to a niche market within computer-related services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $1.3 million over one year for a software subscription is within a reasonable range for specialized scientific data analysis platforms. Benchmarking against similar enterprise-level software licenses for research institutions suggests this pricing is competitive. The firm-fixed-price structure further enhances value by mitigating cost overrun risks.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. With two bidders participating, the competition level suggests a reasonably competitive market for this type of specialized software. This process generally leads to better price discovery and ensures the government receives offers from qualified sources.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages innovation among vendors.

Public Impact

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will benefit from continued access to the PRISM GRAPHPAD platform. The service delivered is a critical subscription renewal for data analysis and visualization software. The geographic impact is primarily within NIH facilities, supporting national health research efforts. Workforce implications include enabling scientists and analysts to perform their research functions effectively.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if alternative solutions are not explored in future procurements.
Reliance on a single software platform may limit flexibility if research needs evolve significantly.

Positive Signals

Successful renewal ensures continuity of critical research operations.
Competitive bidding process indicates a healthy market and potential for good value.
Firm-fixed-price contract provides budget predictability.

Sector Analysis

The IT services sector, specifically within scientific and research software, is characterized by specialized providers catering to niche analytical needs. The market size for such platforms can be substantial, driven by government agencies, academic institutions, and private research firms. This contract fits within the broader category of enterprise software solutions, where recurring subscriptions are common. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar data analysis and visualization tools for research purposes can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars annually, depending on the scope and user base.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not appear to have a small business set-aside. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. The focus on a specialized software subscription suggests that the primary contractor is likely a larger entity with established offerings in this niche, potentially limiting direct opportunities for small businesses unless they are partners or specialized service providers.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is subject to standard federal procurement oversight. Accountability is maintained through the firm-fixed-price agreement, requiring the vendor to deliver the specified subscription services. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of federal contract awards. Oversight may also involve program managers within NIH ensuring the software meets research needs and performance expectations.

Related Government Programs

NIH Research Grants
Biomedical Research Informatics
Scientific Data Management Software
Federal IT Services Procurement

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in
Reliance on single-source technology

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $130,585.46 to NEW TECH SOLUTIONS, INC.. PRISM GRAPHPAD SUBSCRIPTION RENEWAL

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NEW TECH SOLUTIONS, 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 $130,585.46.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-08. End: 2027-04-07.

What is the historical spending trend for PRISM GRAPHPAD subscriptions at NIH?

Historical spending data for PRISM GRAPHPAD subscriptions at NIH would provide crucial context for evaluating the current $1.3 million renewal. Analyzing past contract values, durations, and competition levels over several years would reveal whether this renewal represents an increase, decrease, or stable expenditure. For instance, if previous renewals were significantly lower, it might indicate price increases or expanded scope. Conversely, if spending has been consistent, it suggests a steady demand and potentially good long-term value. Without specific historical data, it's difficult to definitively assess if this $1.3 million is an anomaly or part of a predictable spending pattern for this essential research tool.

How does the per-user cost of this PRISM GRAPHPAD subscription compare to similar software licenses in the federal market?

Benchmarking the per-user cost of this PRISM GRAPHPAD subscription against similar federal software licenses is essential for assessing value for money. While the total contract value is $1.3 million, the actual per-user cost depends on the number of licenses or users covered. If NIH has a large user base, the per-user cost might be relatively low, indicating a good deal. Conversely, a smaller user base with a high per-user cost could signal potential overpayment. Comparing this to established federal supply schedules (FSS) or other competitively awarded contracts for comparable data analysis and visualization tools would provide a clear indication of whether NIH is obtaining a competitive rate. This comparison helps determine if the current pricing is aligned with market norms for government entities.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to evaluate the effectiveness of the PRISM GRAPHPAD platform for NIH research?

Evaluating the effectiveness of the PRISM GRAPHPAD platform relies on specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that align with NIH's research objectives. These might include metrics such as the number of research projects utilizing the platform, the types of analyses performed (e.g., statistical modeling, data visualization), the speed and efficiency of data processing, and user satisfaction rates among researchers. Additionally, KPIs could measure the platform's contribution to research output, such as publications, grant applications, or discoveries enabled by its capabilities. The renewal of the contract suggests that the platform is meeting or exceeding these performance expectations, but a detailed review of documented KPIs would provide concrete evidence of its value and impact on NIH's mission.

What is the track record of NEW TECH SOLUTIONS, INC. in providing similar software subscription services to federal agencies?

Assessing the track record of NEW TECH SOLUTIONS, INC. is crucial for understanding their reliability and performance in delivering software subscription services. Information on their past federal contracts, including performance reviews, on-time delivery rates, and any history of contract disputes or issues, would provide valuable insights. Specifically, examining their experience with similar scientific data analysis platforms and their ability to manage enterprise-level subscriptions for government clients is important. A strong track record suggests a lower risk for this renewal, indicating the company is capable of meeting NIH's needs. Conversely, any past performance issues could raise concerns about the continuity and quality of service.

Are there alternative data analysis platforms that NIH considered or could consider in the future to ensure continued competition and potentially lower costs?

Exploring alternative data analysis platforms is a standard practice for ensuring continued competition and optimizing costs in federal IT procurements. NIH likely evaluated alternatives during the initial competition for PRISM GRAPHPAD or may do so during future re-procurements. Potential alternatives could include other specialized scientific software suites, open-source data analysis tools (though these often require more in-house development and support), or cloud-based analytics platforms. The market for data analysis software is dynamic, with new solutions emerging regularly. By periodically assessing the competitive landscape and considering a range of options, NIH can ensure it is leveraging the most effective and cost-efficient tools to support its research mission, preventing vendor lock-in and encouraging innovation.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4179 BUSINESS CENTER DR, FREMONT, CA, 94538

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $130,585

Exercised Options: $130,585

Current Obligation: $130,585

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HHSN316201500040W

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline