HHS Awards $12.8M for Training and Technical Assistance, RTI to Provide Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,883,335 ($12.9M)

Contractor: Research Triangle Institute

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2020-09-29

End Date: 2026-03-28

Contract Duration: 2,006 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20201

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $12.9 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE for work described as: TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SUPPORT Key points: 1. The contract focuses on administrative management and general management consulting services. 2. Research Triangle Institute (RTI) is the incumbent contractor. 3. The contract was awarded under full and open competition. 4. The period of performance extends through March 2026.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value of $12.8 million over approximately 5.5 years suggests a moderate annual spend. Benchmarking against similar administrative and management consulting contracts would be necessary for a precise assessment, but the duration and scope appear reasonable for the services provided.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The award was made under full and open competition, indicating a robust process to solicit bids from multiple vendors. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests that taxpayer funds are being used efficiently, with pricing determined through a market-driven process.

Public Impact

Ensures continued support for critical training and technical assistance programs within HHS. Supports the operational efficiency of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration. Provides specialized consulting services to enhance program delivery and management.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in training and technical assistance requirements.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical administrative support.
Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, maximizing potential for value.
Long performance period allows for stability and continuity of services.
Services directly support HHS program effectiveness and administrative functions.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under administrative management and general management consulting services, a broad category often utilized by government agencies to improve operations and program delivery. Benchmarks for this sector vary widely based on specialization and contract type.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific set-aside for small businesses. As this was a full and open competition, small businesses may have participated, but there is no explicit information on their involvement or success in securing this award.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract's duration and the nature of the services suggest ongoing oversight is crucial. The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration is responsible for managing this contract, ensuring adherence to terms and performance standards.

Related Government Programs

Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Time and Materials contract type.
Long contract duration.
Potential for incumbent contractor reliance.
No explicit small business participation noted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $12.9 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE. TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $12.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-09-29. End: 2026-03-28.

What specific metrics are used to evaluate the effectiveness of the training and technical assistance provided under this contract?

The effectiveness of training and technical assistance is typically evaluated through a combination of methods. This can include participant feedback surveys, pre- and post-training assessments to measure knowledge gain, observation of skill application in the workplace, and achievement of defined program objectives. The contracting officer's representative (COR) would likely monitor these metrics closely to ensure the contractor meets performance standards and delivers value.

How does the Time and Materials contract type mitigate risks associated with potential cost overruns for these consulting services?

While Time and Materials (T&M) contracts carry inherent risks of cost overruns, mitigation strategies are essential. Robust oversight by the COR, including detailed review of timesheets and material invoices, is critical. Establishing clear labor categories with defined rates, setting a ceiling price that cannot be exceeded without modification, and implementing performance-based milestones can help control costs. Regular communication and performance reviews with the contractor are also key to managing expectations and preventing scope creep.

What is the potential impact on HHS program continuity if Research Triangle Institute is unable to fulfill its obligations during the contract period?

A significant impact on HHS program continuity could occur if RTI cannot fulfill its obligations. Given the specialized nature of training and technical assistance, a disruption could delay critical support to HHS programs and staff. The government would likely need to exercise contract clauses for remedies, potentially including termination for default and re-competition, which could lead to a temporary gap in services or the need for an interim solution.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management 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

Solicitation ID: 75P00120R00148

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3040 CORNWALLIS RD, RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, 27709

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $12,883,335

Exercised Options: $12,883,335

Current Obligation: $12,883,335

Actual Outlays: $8,332,341

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 32

Total Subaward Amount: $2,962,028

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HHSP233201500039I

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline