HHS awards $48M R&D contract to Research Triangle Institute for social sciences research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $48,080,484 ($48.1M)
Contractor: Research Triangle Institute
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2008-06-16
End Date: 2014-06-15
Contract Duration: 2,190 days
Daily Burn Rate: $22.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: TAS::75 1700::TAS
Place of Performance
Location: DURHAM, DURHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27709
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $48.1 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE for work described as: TAS::75 1700::TAS Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Research Triangle Institute for $48.08M. 2. Focuses on Research and Development in Social Sciences and Humanities. 3. Full and open competition was utilized. 4. Contract duration spans 2190 days (6 years).
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Award Fee, which can lead to higher costs if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult without more specific details on deliverables and performance metrics.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. However, the Cost Plus Award Fee structure introduces potential for cost overruns if performance incentives are not tightly controlled.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are utilized for research and development in social sciences, with the ultimate impact dependent on the outcomes and applicability of the research conducted.
Public Impact
Supports advancements in social sciences and humanities research. Potential for long-term societal benefits from research findings. Contract duration indicates a significant investment in this area.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Award Fee structure can incentivize cost growth.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes outcome assessment challenging.
- Long contract duration increases risk of scope creep or obsolescence.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition promotes fair pricing.
- Significant investment in R&D signals commitment to innovation.
- Contract awarded to a known entity (Research Triangle Institute).
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities sector. Spending in this area is often project-specific and driven by agency priorities, making broad benchmarks challenging.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and the awardee is not identified as a small business. Therefore, there is no direct small business participation evident in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would focus on ensuring the Research Triangle Institute meets performance objectives and manages costs effectively under the Cost Plus Award Fee structure. Regular reporting and milestone reviews are crucial.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) can lead to higher costs.
- Lack of detailed performance metrics makes outcome assessment difficult.
- Long contract duration increases risk of scope creep or obsolescence.
- Potential for research findings to be underutilized if dissemination plans are weak.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-social-s, department-of-health-and-human-services, nc, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $48.1 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE. TAS::75 1700::TAS
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 (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $48.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2008-06-16. End: 2014-06-15.
What specific research areas within social sciences and humanities are being funded, and how do they align with current HHS strategic goals?
The provided data lacks specificity regarding the precise research topics. Understanding the alignment with HHS strategic goals is crucial for assessing the value and impact of this $48M investment. Further details on the statement of work would be needed to evaluate the relevance and potential contribution of the research to public health and social welfare initiatives.
How effectively are the award fee criteria structured to incentivize both high-quality research and cost control within the Cost Plus Award Fee framework?
The effectiveness of the award fee criteria is not detailed in the provided data. A well-structured award fee mechanism should balance incentives for research excellence with prudent financial management. Without insight into the specific metrics and targets, it's difficult to assess the risk of inflated costs or compromised research quality due to poorly designed incentives.
What mechanisms are in place to ensure the research findings are disseminated and utilized to inform policy or practice, maximizing taxpayer return on investment?
The data does not specify dissemination or utilization plans for the research outcomes. To maximize the return on investment for taxpayers, clear pathways for knowledge transfer, publication, and application of findings into policy or practice should be established and monitored throughout the contract's lifecycle.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)
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: $48,080,485
Exercised Options: $48,080,484
Current Obligation: $48,080,484
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2008-06-16
Current End Date: 2014-06-15
Potential End Date: 2014-06-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2016-05-19
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