HHS awarded $16.1M for radiation advisory board technical support, with 2 bidders

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,126,882 ($16.1M)

Contractor: S C & a Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2009-01-01

End Date: 2014-12-14

Contract Duration: 2,173 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR THE ADVISORY BOARD ON RADIATION AND WORKER HEALTH

Place of Performance

Location: PITTSBURGH, ALLEGHENY County, PENNSYLVANIA, 15236

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $16.1 million to S C & A INC for work described as: TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR THE ADVISORY BOARD ON RADIATION AND WORKER HEALTH Key points: 1. The contract's value appears reasonable given the duration and scope of technical consulting services. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process, potentially leading to better pricing. 3. The contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) can introduce cost overrun risks if not managed closely. 4. Services provided are critical for the Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health's function. 5. This contract falls within the broader category of scientific and technical consulting services. 6. The duration of the contract (over 5 years) indicates a long-term need for these specialized services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $16.1 million over approximately five years for technical support to the Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized consulting services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for advisory board support or scientific consulting reveals that costs can vary significantly based on the complexity of the subject matter and the expertise required. Given the sensitive nature of radiation and worker health, the specialized knowledge needed likely justifies the expenditure. Without specific per-unit cost data, a direct price assessment is challenging, but the overall value seems fair for the duration and scope.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. With two bidders participating, the competition level was moderate. While two bidders are better than one, a higher number of bidders typically fosters more robust price discovery and potentially lower prices for the government. The agency's decision to use full and open competition suggests a commitment to seeking the best value from the market.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition with two bidders suggests a reasonable effort to obtain competitive pricing for taxpayers. However, a higher number of bids could have potentially yielded even greater savings.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the members of the Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health, who receive essential technical expertise. The services delivered support the board's critical function of advising on compensation for radiation-exposed workers. The geographic impact is national, as the board's findings and recommendations have broad implications for worker health policy. Workforce implications are minimal in terms of direct job creation from this contract, but it supports specialized scientific and technical consulting roles.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize cost overruns if not meticulously monitored.
Limited competition (2 bidders) may have resulted in a higher price than if more firms had competed.
The long contract duration could pose risks if the contractor's performance degrades over time.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a broad search for qualified contractors.
The contractor, S C & A INC, has experience in providing technical support services.
The contract supports a vital advisory board focused on worker health and compensation.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Scientific and Technical Consulting Services sector (NAICS code 541690). This sector encompasses a wide range of specialized advisory services. The market for such services is driven by government needs for expert analysis in areas like public health, environmental science, and policy development. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish precisely due to the niche nature of advisory board support, but overall government spending on consulting services is substantial, reflecting the demand for specialized expertise.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. The award went to S C & A INC, which may or may not be a small business. The lack of a small business set-aside or subcontracting plan means this contract is unlikely to have a direct positive impact on the small business ecosystem in this specific instance.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) contracting officers and program managers. The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates close monitoring of costs and performance to ensure value for money. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, but detailed performance reviews are typically internal. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health
Department of Health and Human Services Contracts
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Procurement
Scientific and Technical Consulting Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent oversight to manage potential cost escalations.
Moderate competition (2 bidders) may limit price negotiation leverage.
Long contract duration necessitates ongoing performance monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $16.1 million to S C & A INC. TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR THE ADVISORY BOARD ON RADIATION AND WORKER HEALTH

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is S C & A INC.

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 $16.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-01-01. End: 2014-12-14.

What is the track record of S C & A INC in providing similar technical support services to government agencies?

S C & A INC has a history of providing technical support and consulting services, including work related to compensation programs and scientific advisory bodies. Their experience likely includes navigating complex regulatory environments and providing specialized analysis. While specific details of past performance on similar contracts are not provided here, their selection for this role suggests they met the agency's requirements for expertise in radiation and worker health issues. Further investigation into their contract history and past performance evaluations would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their capabilities and reliability.

How does the cost per year of this contract compare to similar advisory board support contracts?

The contract value of $16.1 million over approximately 2173 days (roughly 5.95 years) equates to an average annual cost of about $2.7 million. Comparing this to similar contracts is challenging without access to a comprehensive database of comparable services. However, advisory boards often require highly specialized expertise, which can command premium rates. Factors such as the complexity of the scientific issues, the level of analysis required, and the contractor's unique qualifications influence pricing. If other contracts for similar scientific advisory support fall within a similar annual range, then this contract's cost would be considered competitive. Conversely, if comparable contracts are significantly lower, it might indicate potential overpricing or a difference in scope.

What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for this service?

The primary risk with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract is that the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee. This structure can incentivize the contractor to incur higher costs, as their fee remains constant regardless of the total cost incurred. For the government, this means potential cost overruns if costs are not meticulously managed and controlled. Effective oversight, detailed cost tracking, and clear performance metrics are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure the government receives good value. The fixed fee itself is intended to provide the contractor with an incentive for efficient performance, but the cost reimbursement aspect requires vigilance.

How effective has the Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health been in fulfilling its mandate, and how does this contract contribute to that effectiveness?

The Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health plays a crucial role in advising the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on the administration of the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act. Its effectiveness is generally measured by its ability to provide sound scientific and medical advice that informs policy and compensation decisions for workers exposed to radiation. This contract directly supports the board by providing essential technical expertise, research assistance, and analytical services. The quality and timeliness of the contractor's support are therefore critical to the board's ability to fulfill its mandate, review complex cases, and make informed recommendations, ultimately impacting the fairness and accuracy of compensation decisions for affected workers.

What has been the historical spending trend for technical support to this advisory board over the past decade?

Analyzing historical spending trends for technical support to the Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health over the past decade would require accessing historical contract data. This specific contract, awarded in 2009 and ending in 2014 with a value of $16.1 million, represents a significant investment over its duration. To understand the trend, one would need to examine prior contracts for similar services, noting their values, durations, and the number of bidders. A consistent or increasing spending pattern might indicate a growing need or complexity of issues related to radiation exposure and worker health. Conversely, a decreasing trend could suggest efficiencies or a shift in program priorities. Without access to that historical data, it's difficult to establish a clear trend.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Scientific and Technical Consulting 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: 2008N10428

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1608 SPRING HILL RD STE 400, VIENNA, VA, 22182

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $34,058,995

Exercised Options: $20,094,308

Current Obligation: $16,126,882

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline