MCHB awards $3.2M contract for pediatric mental health study, aiming to improve access to care

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,265,355 ($3.3M)

Contractor: JBS International, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2022-12-30

End Date: 2026-12-29

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: MCHB60 C 5170 THE MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH BUREAU (MCHB) PEDIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH CARE ACCESS (PMHCA) PROGRAM NATIONAL IMPACT STUDY

Place of Performance

Location: ROCKVILLE, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20857

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $3.3 million to JBS INTERNATIONAL, INC. for work described as: MCHB60 C 5170 THE MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH BUREAU (MCHB) PEDIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH CARE ACCESS (PMHCA) PROGRAM NATIONAL IMPACT STUDY Key points: 1. Contract focuses on a critical area of public health, addressing pediatric mental health access. 2. The fixed-price contract structure provides cost certainty for the government. 3. A 4-year duration suggests a comprehensive study is planned. 4. The award is a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle, indicating potential for future taskings. 5. The contractor, JBS International, Inc., has experience in health and management consulting. 6. The study's findings could inform future policy and program development in pediatric mental health.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $3.2 million over four years for a national impact study appears reasonable given the scope of work. Benchmarking against similar large-scale public health studies suggests that costs are in line with market expectations for comprehensive research and analysis. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract helps manage cost risks for the government, ensuring that the total expenditure is known upfront.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders (3) suggests a healthy level of interest and competition for this specialized service. This competitive process is expected to drive fair pricing and ensure the selection of a contractor best suited to meet the program's objectives.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that typically leads to more cost-effective solutions and a wider range of innovative approaches.

Public Impact

Children and adolescents requiring mental health services will benefit from improved access and potentially more effective care models. The study will deliver insights into the effectiveness of the Maternal and Child Health Bureau's Pediatric Mental Health Care Access Program. The geographic impact is national, aiming to understand and improve care across the United States. Workforce implications may include identifying needs for mental health professionals and training programs to support pediatric care.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The success of the study hinges on the contractor's ability to gather accurate and representative data nationwide.
Ensuring the privacy and ethical handling of sensitive data related to pediatric mental health is paramount.
The long-term impact of the study's findings will depend on their effective translation into actionable policy and program changes.

Positive Signals

The contract is awarded to a single entity, JBS International, Inc., which can streamline project management and execution.
The firm fixed-price contract provides budget certainty for the government.
The four-year duration allows for thorough data collection and analysis, increasing the likelihood of robust findings.
The focus on pediatric mental health addresses a significant and growing public health concern.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically management consulting. The market for health research and impact studies is substantial, with government agencies frequently contracting for such services to evaluate program effectiveness and inform policy. Comparable spending benchmarks for national health impact studies of this duration and scope typically range from several hundred thousand to several million dollars, depending on the complexity and data collection requirements.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded through full and open competition and does not appear to have a specific small business set-aside. However, the prime contractor, JBS International, Inc., may engage small businesses as subcontractors to fulfill specific aspects of the study, contributing to the broader small business ecosystem. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the awarding agency. Accountability measures are embedded in the contract's performance requirements and deliverables. Transparency will be facilitated through the public reporting of study findings, though specific details of the research methodology and raw data may be subject to privacy regulations. The Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services would have jurisdiction over any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

Maternal and Child Health Bureau Programs
Pediatric Mental Health Initiatives
National Health Impact Studies
Health Services Research and Development
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Programs

Risk Flags

Data collection challenges
Ensuring data privacy and security
Translating findings into actionable policy
Contractor performance risk
Achieving representative national sampling

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $3.3 million to JBS INTERNATIONAL, INC.. MCHB60 C 5170 THE MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH BUREAU (MCHB) PEDIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH CARE ACCESS (PMHCA) PROGRAM NATIONAL IMPACT STUDY

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is JBS INTERNATIONAL, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Health Resources and Services Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-12-30. End: 2026-12-29.

What is the track record of JBS International, Inc. in conducting similar national health impact studies?

JBS International, Inc. has a documented history of providing professional, scientific, and technical services, including management and administrative consulting. While specific details on their past performance on pediatric mental health impact studies require deeper investigation into their contract history, their general expertise in health-related research and program evaluation suggests they possess the foundational capabilities. A thorough review of their past federal contracts, particularly those with HRSA or other health-focused agencies, would reveal the extent of their experience with studies of similar scope, methodology, and duration. Their ability to successfully manage complex, multi-year projects and deliver high-quality research findings is a key indicator of their suitability for this contract.

How does the $3.2 million contract value compare to similar national health impact studies?

The $3.2 million contract value for a four-year national impact study on pediatric mental health access appears to be within a reasonable range when benchmarked against similar federal research initiatives. Large-scale studies requiring extensive data collection, analysis, and reporting across the nation often incur significant costs. Factors influencing this cost include the complexity of the research questions, the methodologies employed (e.g., surveys, interviews, data analysis), the number of participants or sites involved, and the required expertise of the research team. Without specific details on the study's precise scope and deliverables, a direct comparison is challenging, but the allocated budget suggests a comprehensive approach is intended, aligning with typical investments in significant public health research.

What are the primary risks associated with the execution of this contract?

Key risks for this contract include potential challenges in data collection, such as achieving representative sampling across diverse geographic and demographic populations, and ensuring participant engagement and data accuracy over the four-year period. There's also a risk that the study's findings may not translate into actionable policy changes or program improvements if not effectively communicated or if political/budgetary priorities shift. Contractor performance risk, while mitigated by competition and contract oversight, always exists; failure to meet deadlines or quality standards could impact the study's utility. Furthermore, the sensitive nature of pediatric mental health data necessitates robust data security and privacy protocols to avoid breaches.

How effective is the Maternal and Child Health Bureau's Pediatric Mental Health Care Access (PMHCA) Program likely to be based on the need for this study?

The very existence of this national impact study suggests that the PMHCA Program is in a phase where its effectiveness, reach, and areas for improvement need to be rigorously assessed. The need for such a study indicates that while the program aims to improve pediatric mental health care access, there is a recognized need to understand its current impact, identify best practices, and pinpoint barriers to access. The study's findings will be crucial in determining how effectively the program is meeting its objectives, whether it is reaching the intended populations, and what modifications might be necessary to enhance its overall effectiveness and optimize resource allocation.

What are the historical spending patterns for the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) in areas related to mental health research?

Historical spending patterns for MCHB reveal a consistent commitment to improving the health and well-being of mothers, children, and families, with an increasing focus on mental health. While specific figures for 'pediatric mental health care access' research may fluctuate annually, MCHB has historically allocated significant resources to programs addressing maternal and child health outcomes, which often intersect with mental health. Their funding priorities have evolved to recognize the critical role of mental health in overall child development and family well-being. This contract represents a continuation and specific focus on evaluating a key initiative within this evolving landscape, suggesting a sustained or growing investment in understanding and improving pediatric mental health services.

What are the potential long-term implications of this study for federal investment in pediatric mental health?

The long-term implications of this study for federal investment in pediatric mental health could be substantial. If the study demonstrates the effectiveness and positive impact of the PMHCA Program, it could serve as a strong justification for increased or sustained federal funding for this and similar initiatives. Conversely, if the study identifies significant shortcomings or areas needing improvement, it could lead to program restructuring, reallocation of resources, or the development of new strategies, potentially influencing future budget requests and legislative priorities. The findings will provide data-driven evidence to policymakers, guiding decisions on where federal investments can yield the greatest improvements in pediatric mental health outcomes nationwide.

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: 75R60223Q00007

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5515 SECURITY LN STE 800, NORTH BETHESDA, MD, 20852

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,265,355

Exercised Options: $3,265,355

Current Obligation: $3,265,355

Actual Outlays: $2,407,536

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75R60219D00046

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline