HHS awarded $208M to NORC for immunization surveys over 9 years, with a cost-plus-fixed-fee structure

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $207,881,965 ($207.9M)

Contractor: National Opinion Research Center

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2004-10-01

End Date: 2013-04-30

Contract Duration: 3,133 days

Daily Burn Rate: $66.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: 200-2005-10460 - NATL OPINION RSCH CENTER IMMUNIZATION SURVEY

Place of Performance

Location: ATLANTA, DEKALB County, GEORGIA, 30329

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $207.9 million to NATIONAL OPINION RESEARCH CENTER for work described as: 200-2005-10460 - NATL OPINION RSCH CENTER IMMUNIZATION SURVEY Key points: 1. The contract's cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) structure incentivizes cost control while allowing for flexibility in research scope. 2. The long duration of over 9 years suggests a sustained need for the immunization survey data. 3. The definitive contract award indicates a stable, long-term relationship for essential public health research. 4. The broad 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' NAICS code suggests a wide range of research activities. 5. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, implying a robust bidding process.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging due to its specific nature as a long-term research survey. However, the CPFF structure, while potentially leading to higher costs than fixed-price contracts, allows for adaptation to evolving research needs. The total award of approximately $208 million over nine years averages to about $23 million annually, which appears reasonable for a large-scale, multi-year national survey conducted by a reputable research organization.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting that multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This competitive process is expected to drive fair pricing and ensure the government selects the most capable contractor for the complex task of conducting national immunization surveys. The presence of competition generally leads to better value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the best value for public funds, ensuring that the significant investment in this survey is managed efficiently and effectively.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are public health officials and policymakers who rely on accurate immunization data to inform public health strategies and interventions. The services delivered include the collection, analysis, and reporting of data related to immunization rates, attitudes, and barriers across the United States. The geographic impact is national, covering all states and territories, providing a comprehensive overview of immunization trends. Workforce implications include employment for researchers, data collectors, analysts, and administrative staff at the National Opinion Research Center and potentially subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The CPFF contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored, as the contractor is reimbursed for costs plus a fixed fee.
The long contract duration may reduce flexibility to adapt to rapidly changing public health landscapes or technological advancements in data collection.
The broad NAICS code could mask potential inefficiencies or a lack of specialized focus within the contracted services.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust selection process and potential for competitive pricing.
The contractor, NORC, has a long-standing reputation for conducting large-scale social science research, suggesting expertise and reliability.
The sustained funding over nearly a decade signals the critical importance of the immunization survey data to federal health agencies.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on survey research and public health data collection. The market for such services is competitive, with numerous firms capable of conducting large-scale surveys. The total federal spending on professional and scientific services is substantial, and this contract represents a significant investment in understanding and improving public health outcomes related to immunization.

Small Business Impact

The contract data does not indicate any specific small business set-asides or subcontracting goals. Given the scale and complexity of a national survey, it is possible that the prime contractor, NORC, may engage small businesses for specific tasks such as data collection in certain regions, but this is not explicitly detailed in the provided information.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a division of HHS. The CPFF structure necessitates diligent financial oversight to ensure costs are reasonable and allocable. Performance reviews, regular reporting, and potentially site visits would be standard accountability measures. The Inspector General of HHS would have jurisdiction for investigating any potential fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

National Health Interview Survey
Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
National Immunization Survey-Child
National Immunization Survey-Teen
National Immunization Survey-Adult

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may limit adaptability.
CPFF structure requires diligent cost oversight.
Broad NAICS code may obscure specific service details.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $207.9 million to NATIONAL OPINION RESEARCH CENTER. 200-2005-10460 - NATL OPINION RSCH CENTER IMMUNIZATION SURVEY

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NATIONAL OPINION RESEARCH CENTER.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $207.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2004-10-01. End: 2013-04-30.

What is the historical spending trend for immunization surveys by the CDC?

Historical spending on immunization surveys by the CDC has shown a consistent and significant investment over the years, reflecting the ongoing importance of monitoring vaccination coverage and public attitudes. While specific figures for prior contracts are not provided here, the $208 million awarded to NORC for this nearly decade-long survey indicates a substantial and sustained commitment. This level of funding suggests that the CDC views comprehensive immunization data as critical for public health planning and intervention, likely allocating tens of millions annually to such efforts across various survey mechanisms.

How does the cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) structure compare to other contract types for similar research?

The Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) structure is often used for research and development or complex services where the scope of work may evolve or is not precisely defined at the outset. Unlike fixed-price contracts, CPFF reimburses the contractor for allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. This can offer flexibility but may also lead to higher overall costs if not managed carefully, as the contractor has less incentive to minimize costs compared to a fixed-price arrangement. For large-scale, long-term surveys like this, CPFF can be advantageous for adapting to unforeseen research challenges or methodological adjustments, but it requires robust government oversight to ensure cost efficiency.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) typically used to evaluate the success of such immunization surveys?

Key performance indicators for large-scale immunization surveys typically focus on data quality, timeliness, and representativeness. This includes metrics such as response rates (ensuring a sufficient sample size and minimizing non-response bias), data accuracy and completeness, adherence to survey protocols, and the timely delivery of interim and final reports. For this specific contract, KPIs would likely also include the ability to track vaccination coverage trends for various age groups and specific vaccines, identify barriers to immunization, and provide actionable insights for public health programs. The CDC would establish specific targets for these indicators.

What is the track record of the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) in conducting large-scale federal surveys?

The National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago has a long and distinguished track record of conducting large-scale, complex surveys for federal agencies, including the CDC, NIH, and other departments. They are well-regarded for their expertise in survey design, sampling methodologies, data collection (both online and in-person), and statistical analysis. NORC has been instrumental in numerous significant national surveys covering health, education, social issues, and economics. Their extensive experience with health-related surveys, including those focused on immunization, suggests a high level of capability and reliability for fulfilling the requirements of this contract.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source or limited competition award for public health research?

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, mitigating the risks typically associated with sole-source or limited competition. However, if it had been limited, potential risks could include higher costs due to reduced competitive pressure, a narrower range of innovative approaches being considered, and a potential perception of favoritism. For public health research, limited competition could also mean missing out on specialized expertise that a broader pool of bidders might offer, potentially impacting the quality or scope of the data collected. Ensuring robust justification and oversight is crucial in any limited competition scenario.

How does this contract contribute to the CDC's overall mission and strategic goals?

This contract directly supports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) core mission of protecting public health and safety through the control and prevention of disease, injury, and disability. The data generated from the National Opinion Research Center's immunization surveys is crucial for monitoring vaccination coverage rates, identifying populations at risk for vaccine-preventable diseases, and evaluating the effectiveness of immunization programs. These insights enable the CDC to develop targeted interventions, allocate resources effectively, and inform national public health policy, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes and reduced disease burden across the United States.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 2004N01001

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1155 E 60TH ST, CHICAGO, IL, 60637

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: $269,061,637

Exercised Options: $269,061,637

Current Obligation: $207,881,965

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline