HHS awards $22.4M contract for substance abuse prevention technical assistance to Education Development Center, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $22,357,334 ($22.4M)

Contractor: Education Development Center, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2022-09-30

End Date: 2026-09-29

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: SAMHSA STRATEGIC PREVENTION AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER DOMAIN V

Place of Performance

Location: WALTHAM, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02451

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $22.4 million to EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER, INC. for work described as: SAMHSA STRATEGIC PREVENTION AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER DOMAIN V Key points: 1. Contract aims to enhance substance abuse prevention strategies through technical assistance. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. Contract duration of four years allows for sustained support and program development. 4. The award falls under professional, scientific, and technical services, a broad category. 5. Performance is measured by delivery orders, indicating task-based execution. 6. No small business set-aside was utilized, with the prime contractor being a large entity.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $22.4 million over four years averages to approximately $5.6 million annually. Benchmarking this against similar technical assistance contracts within the substance abuse and mental health sector is challenging without more specific service details. However, the pricing appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized expertise in public health program support. The contract type, labor hours, suggests payment based on effort expended, which can be efficient if managed well.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. This typically suggests a robust bidding process where multiple organizations vied for the opportunity. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the designation implies a market that was accessible to a wide range of qualified contractors.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to better pricing and higher quality services. It ensures that the government explores a broad spectrum of capabilities before selecting a vendor.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are individuals and communities seeking to reduce substance abuse through evidence-based prevention programs. The contract will deliver technical assistance, training, and resources to support prevention efforts nationwide. Geographic impact is national, aiming to improve prevention strategies across various states and territories. Workforce implications include support for public health professionals, researchers, and community organizers involved in prevention.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if delivery orders are not tightly managed.
Reliance on a single large contractor may limit agility in responding to rapidly evolving prevention needs.
Measuring the direct impact of technical assistance on substance abuse rates can be complex.

Positive Signals

Experienced contractor with a history of delivering complex projects.
Long-term contract allows for sustained impact and relationship building.
Focus on technical assistance aligns with evidence-based practices in prevention.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on public health consulting and support. The market for substance abuse prevention services is driven by federal and state funding, with a growing emphasis on evidence-based interventions and community-level strategies. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other federal grants and contracts awarded by agencies like SAMHSA, CDC, and NIH for research, technical assistance, and program implementation in the health and social services domain.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the prime contractor, Education Development Center, Inc., is a large organization. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses within the provided data. This means that opportunities for small businesses to participate in this specific contract may be limited unless they are sought out by the prime contractor as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) within HHS. Accountability measures will be tied to the successful completion of delivery orders and adherence to performance standards outlined in the contract. Transparency is generally maintained through federal contract databases and reporting requirements, though specific performance metrics may not always be publicly detailed.

Related Government Programs

SAMHSA National Helpline
Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Research Grants
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Public Health Programs

Risk Flags

Performance measurement complexity
Adaptability to evolving trends
Potential for scope creep

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $22.4 million to EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER, INC.. SAMHSA STRATEGIC PREVENTION AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER DOMAIN V

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $22.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-09-30. End: 2026-09-29.

What is the track record of Education Development Center, Inc. in managing federal contracts related to public health and substance abuse?

Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC) has a substantial track record in managing federal contracts, particularly within the education and health sectors. They have extensive experience in program design, implementation, and evaluation for government agencies, including those focused on public health initiatives. EDC has previously worked on projects related to substance abuse prevention, mental health, and adolescent health, often involving technical assistance, capacity building, and research. Their history suggests a capacity to handle complex, multi-year federal awards, demonstrating familiarity with federal procurement regulations, reporting requirements, and performance management. Specific details on past performance metrics for similar SAMHSA contracts would provide a more granular assessment, but their overall profile indicates a capable and experienced organization for this type of work.

How does the awarded amount compare to historical spending on similar SAMHSA technical assistance contracts?

The awarded amount of $22.4 million over four years for the SAMHSA Strategic Prevention and Technical Assistance Center Domain V is substantial. To provide a precise comparison, historical data on similar SAMHSA contracts for technical assistance centers would be needed. However, based on general knowledge of federal public health contracting, this value appears to be in line with, or potentially on the higher end of, major technical assistance contracts awarded by agencies like SAMHSA. Such contracts often involve broad scope, national reach, and significant expertise, justifying higher dollar values. Annual spending averages around $5.6 million, which is a significant investment but reflects the complexity and importance of national substance abuse prevention efforts. Without direct comparative contract data, it's difficult to definitively state if it's high or low, but it represents a significant commitment to this area.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks for this contract include the potential for the technical assistance provided to not translate into measurable reductions in substance abuse rates, due to the complex nature of behavior change and the many external factors involved. Another risk is the contractor's ability to adapt to evolving prevention science and emerging substance abuse trends over the four-year period. Performance management and ensuring effective delivery of technical assistance are critical. Mitigation strategies likely involve clearly defined performance metrics within each delivery order, regular progress reviews between SAMHSA and EDC, and potentially incorporating mechanisms for feedback and adaptation based on new research or field experiences. The contract's structure, allowing for task-based delivery orders, also provides some flexibility to adjust focus as needed.

How effective is the 'delivery order' contract type for ensuring the successful delivery of technical assistance services?

The 'delivery order' contract type, often used within larger indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) or similar contract vehicles, can be effective for technical assistance services when managed properly. It allows the government agency (SAMHSA) to order specific services or tasks as needed over the contract period. This flexibility is beneficial for technical assistance, as needs can evolve and specific projects may arise that require targeted support. For SAMHSA, it enables them to procure specialized expertise for various prevention initiatives without needing to re-compete contracts frequently. The effectiveness hinges on SAMHSA's ability to clearly define the scope and objectives of each delivery order and to monitor their execution closely. If delivery orders are well-defined and aligned with strategic goals, this structure can ensure timely and relevant support.

What are the implications of this contract for the broader landscape of substance abuse prevention efforts in the US?

This contract signifies a significant federal investment in bolstering the infrastructure for substance abuse prevention across the United States. By awarding a large, multi-year contract for technical assistance, SAMHSA is prioritizing a strategic, coordinated approach to prevention. The technical assistance provided will likely aim to disseminate evidence-based practices, build capacity among state and local organizations, and foster collaboration. This can lead to more standardized and effective prevention strategies nationwide, potentially improving outcomes and reducing the burden of substance abuse. It also signals a commitment to supporting the workforce and organizations dedicated to prevention, providing them with resources and expertise to enhance their efforts.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 277-22-0577

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 300 FIFTH AVE SE 2010, WALTHAM, MA, 05

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: $25,738,470

Exercised Options: $22,357,334

Current Obligation: $22,357,334

Actual Outlays: $17,632,002

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 5

Total Subaward Amount: $3,942,853

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75S20322D00008

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline