HHS awards $1.6M contract to Plowshare Group for National Tobacco Campaign

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $165,859,691 ($165.9M)

Contractor: Plowshare Group, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2012-09-28

End Date: 2015-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,097 days

Daily Burn Rate: $151.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF NATIONAL TOBACCO CAMPAIGN

Place of Performance

Location: STAMFORD, FAIRFIELD County, CONNECTICUT, 06902

State: Connecticut Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $165.9 million to PLOWSHARE GROUP, INC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF NATIONAL TOBACCO CAMPAIGN Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Plowshare Group, Inc. for advertising services. 2. The contract was awarded under full and open competition. 3. The total award value is $1,658,596.91. 4. The contract duration is 1097 days. 5. The contract is for advertising agencies (NAICS 541810).

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award value of $1.66 million for a 3-year advertising campaign appears reasonable given the scope of a national public health initiative. Benchmarking against similar large-scale public health campaigns would provide further context.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and ensures fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of taxpayer funds for a national public health campaign aims to reduce smoking rates, potentially leading to long-term healthcare cost savings.

Public Impact

Public health awareness campaigns can influence behavior and improve health outcomes. National campaigns require significant investment but can reach a broad audience. Effectiveness of the campaign will be measured by changes in tobacco use rates.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Full and open competition utilized.
Clear contract award for a defined public health objective.

Sector Analysis

The advertising industry is competitive, with many firms capable of executing national campaigns. Spending benchmarks vary widely based on campaign scope and media mix.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Plowshare Group, Inc. There is no indication in the provided data whether this is a small business or if small businesses were subcontracted.

Oversight & Accountability

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard government oversight procedures for advertising contracts would apply.

Related Government Programs

Advertising Agencies
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Programs

Risk Flags

No specific performance metrics provided.
Small business participation not detailed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $165.9 million to PLOWSHARE GROUP, INC. IGF::OT::IGF NATIONAL TOBACCO CAMPAIGN

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PLOWSHARE GROUP, 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 $165.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-09-28. End: 2015-09-30.

What specific metrics will be used to evaluate the success of the National Tobacco Campaign?

The success of the National Tobacco Campaign will likely be evaluated through a combination of metrics. These could include changes in public awareness of tobacco risks, shifts in attitudes towards smoking, reported quit attempts, and ultimately, a reduction in tobacco consumption rates. Pre- and post-campaign surveys, focus groups, and analysis of national health statistics would be employed.

How does the cost of this campaign compare to similar national public health initiatives?

A direct cost comparison requires data on similar campaigns' budgets, durations, and target audiences. However, $1.66 million for a three-year national campaign suggests a focused approach. Larger campaigns with extensive media buys could easily exceed tens of millions, while smaller, targeted efforts might cost less. The value is in the campaign's reach and potential impact on public health.

What is the potential return on investment for this public health campaign?

The return on investment (ROI) for public health campaigns is often measured in lives saved and reduced healthcare expenditures. While difficult to quantify precisely, successful tobacco cessation campaigns can yield significant long-term savings by reducing smoking-related illnesses like cancer, heart disease, and respiratory conditions. The initial investment is offset by decreased medical costs and increased productivity.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services › Advertising Agencies

Product/Service Code: EDUCATION AND TRAINING › EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1 DOCK ST STE 209, STAMFORD, CT, 06902

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $215,564,771

Exercised Options: $215,564,771

Current Obligation: $165,859,691

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: SUPPLIES OR SERVICES PURSUANT TO FAR 12.102(F)

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline