HHS awarded $51.4M contract for opinion polling, with a 1,108-day duration

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $51,421,139 ($51.4M)

Contractor: National Opinion Research Center

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2014-12-19

End Date: 2017-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,108 days

Daily Burn Rate: $46.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF NIS DATA COLLECTION

Place of Performance

Location: ATLANTA, DEKALB County, GEORGIA, 30329

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $51.4 million to NATIONAL OPINION RESEARCH CENTER for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF NIS DATA COLLECTION Key points: 1. The contract value of $51.4 million for opinion polling services represents a significant investment in public health research. 2. Competition dynamics for this contract are favorable, indicating a robust market for marketing research services. 3. The contract's duration of 1,108 days suggests a long-term need for ongoing data collection and analysis. 4. Performance context is crucial, as the quality of opinion polling directly impacts public health policy decisions. 5. This contract positions the CDC within the broader healthcare and public health research sector, a key area for federal spending. 6. The use of a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) pricing structure requires careful monitoring to ensure cost control.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $51.4 million for opinion polling services appears reasonable given the 1,108-day duration and the nature of the work, which likely involves extensive data collection and analysis. Benchmarking against similar large-scale public opinion research contracts awarded by federal agencies would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The CPFF structure necessitates diligent oversight to manage costs effectively and ensure the fixed fee remains appropriate for the scope of work.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple bidders likely vied for this opportunity. This level of competition is generally expected to drive competitive pricing and encourage innovation among contractors. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation implies a broad outreach and a fair opportunity for qualified firms to participate.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it typically leads to more competitive pricing and a wider selection of qualified contractors, ultimately maximizing the value of federal dollars spent on essential services like public opinion research.

Public Impact

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) benefits from this contract by gaining access to critical public opinion data. Services delivered include marketing research and public opinion polling, essential for understanding public health perceptions and behaviors. The contract's performance is tied to a Delivery Order (DO) under an unspecified basic contract, with a specified performance period. Geographic impact is likely nationwide, as public health issues and opinion polling often span across the United States. Workforce implications may include employment opportunities for researchers, data collectors, analysts, and support staff within the contracting organization and potentially subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed meticulously, potentially increasing the final price beyond initial estimates.
The long duration of the contract (1,108 days) increases the risk of scope creep or changes in program requirements that may not be adequately captured in the initial pricing.
Reliance on a single delivery order under a potentially larger basic contract structure warrants scrutiny to ensure adequate competition and fair pricing for the specific services rendered.

Positive Signals

Awarding the contract through full and open competition suggests a robust selection process that likely identified a highly qualified contractor.
The specific focus on Marketing Research and Public Opinion Polling (NAICS 541910) indicates a specialized service requirement, suggesting the contractor possesses relevant expertise.
The contract's performance period is clearly defined, providing a framework for accountability and evaluation of the contractor's deliverables.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector, specifically under Marketing Research and Public Opinion Polling (NAICS 541910). This sector is characterized by firms providing specialized expertise in data collection, analysis, and reporting. Federal spending in this area is crucial for informing policy, understanding public sentiment, and evaluating program effectiveness across various agencies. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large-scale survey and polling contracts awarded by agencies like HHS, NSF, or Census Bureau.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a specific set-aside requirement for this contract. Therefore, the primary contractor, NATIONAL OPINION RESEARCH CENTER, is likely a larger entity. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses. The absence of small business set-asides means that opportunities for small businesses to participate in this specific contract may be limited unless they are part of the prime contractor's supply chain or are engaged by the prime contractor.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the contracting agency, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and specifically the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As a Delivery Order under a larger contract, oversight mechanisms would likely involve regular performance reviews, milestone tracking, and financial audits. The Inspector General's office for HHS would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract, ensuring accountability and transparency in the use of federal funds.

Related Government Programs

National Health Interview Survey (NHIS)
Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)
National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH)
Public Health Research Grants
Social and Economic Research on Health

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type requires diligent oversight to manage potential cost escalations.
Long contract duration increases the risk of scope creep and requirement changes.
Performance under Delivery Orders necessitates clear task definitions and monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $51.4 million to NATIONAL OPINION RESEARCH CENTER. IGF::OT::IGF NIS DATA COLLECTION

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 $51.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2014-12-19. End: 2017-12-31.

What is the track record of the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) in performing similar federal contracts?

The National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago has a long and established history of conducting large-scale social science research, including public opinion polling, for various federal agencies. They are known for their expertise in survey methodology, data collection, and analysis. Past federal contracts have included work for agencies such as the National Science Foundation, the Census Bureau, and the Department of Health and Human Services itself. Their experience typically spans a wide range of topics, from health behaviors and attitudes to economic conditions and social trends. While specific details of past performance on contracts of this exact value and duration are not provided here, NORC's general reputation and extensive portfolio suggest a strong capability to execute complex research projects for the government.

How does the awarded amount of $51.4 million compare to other federal contracts for marketing research and public opinion polling?

The awarded amount of $51.4 million for marketing research and public opinion polling over a period of 1,108 days (approximately 3 years) is substantial, placing it among larger federal contracts within this service category. Federal agencies frequently procure services for understanding public sentiment, evaluating program effectiveness, and gathering data for policy decisions. Contracts of this magnitude are typically awarded for comprehensive, multi-year research initiatives that involve extensive data collection, complex sampling methodologies, and in-depth analysis. While specific comparable contract values fluctuate based on scope, duration, and agency needs, $51.4 million suggests a significant undertaking, likely involving national-level surveys or multiple research streams. Smaller, more focused polling efforts might range from tens of thousands to a few million dollars, whereas large-scale, longitudinal studies can easily reach tens of millions.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for public opinion polling?

The primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for public opinion polling revolve around cost control and contractor efficiency. In a CPFF structure, the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. The risk for the government is that the contractor may have less incentive to control costs rigorously, as their profit is fixed regardless of the actual expenses incurred. This can lead to potential cost overruns if the initial cost estimates are inaccurate or if unforeseen issues arise during the project. For the contractor, the risk lies in underestimating costs, which could erode their profit margin. Effective oversight, detailed cost tracking, and clear performance metrics are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure the government receives good value for its investment.

How might the geographic scope ('st': 'GA', 'sn': 'GEORGIA') influence the execution and cost of this opinion polling contract?

The designation 'st': 'GA', 'sn': 'GEORGIA' likely indicates the primary location of the contracting agency or a significant operational base for the contract, rather than a limitation on the geographic scope of the polling itself. Public opinion polling for federal agencies, especially for entities like the CDC, typically aims for national representation. If the polling activities were strictly limited to Georgia, the contract's value and scope would likely be much smaller. Therefore, it's probable that while the contractor may have a presence or administrative hub in Georgia, the data collection efforts are intended to cover a broader region, potentially the entire United States, to gather statistically significant and generalizable public opinion data relevant to national health initiatives. The cost implications would depend on whether the polling involves in-person interviews, phone surveys, or online methods across diverse geographic areas.

What are the implications of this contract being a 'Delivery Order' (aw: 'DELIVERY ORDER')?

The designation 'aw': 'DELIVERY ORDER' signifies that this contract is a task order issued under a previously awarded basic ordering agreement or indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. This structure allows agencies to procure specific services or supplies as needed, up to a certain ceiling amount, without needing to re-compete the entire requirement each time. For this specific contract, it means that the $51.4 million award is for a defined set of opinion polling services to be delivered within the specified timeframe. The implications are that the underlying basic contract likely underwent a full and open competition, establishing terms and conditions, and this delivery order represents a specific call against that established framework. It provides flexibility for the agency but also means that the competition for this specific $51.4 million might have been limited to pre-qualified vendors under the basic contract, depending on its terms.

What does the NAICS code '541910' tell us about the nature of the services procured?

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code '541910' specifically identifies 'Marketing Research and Public Opinion Polling' establishments. This code encompasses businesses primarily engaged in planning and conducting market research and public opinion surveys. These activities include designing questionnaires, conducting surveys using various methods (e.g., mail, telephone, internet, in-person interviews), analyzing survey data, and preparing reports on findings. Therefore, the procurement under this NAICS code clearly indicates that the federal government, through the CDC, required specialized expertise in gathering and interpreting public attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors related to health issues. This is distinct from other types of consulting or research services and points to a need for rigorous survey methodology and data analysis capabilities.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Marketing Research and Public Opinion Polling

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: 2011N13399

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: $51,421,139

Exercised Options: $51,421,139

Current Obligation: $51,421,139

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HHSD200201251130I

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline