HHS FDA awards $152M for youth tobacco prevention campaign to Rescue Social Change Group

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $152,247,014 ($152.2M)

Contractor: Rescue Social Change Group, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2012-11-20

End Date: 2018-04-11

Contract Duration: 1,968 days

Daily Burn Rate: $77.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: CRITICAL - TASK ORDER 2 (CAMPAIGN TO PREVENT TOBACCO USE AMONG DISCRETE SEGMENTS OF YOUTH AGED 12-15 WHO ARE AT RISK FOR TOBACCO INITIATION) - RESCUE SOCIAL CHANGE GROUP

Place of Performance

Location: SAN DIEGO, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92104

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $152.2 million to RESCUE SOCIAL CHANGE GROUP, LLC for work described as: CRITICAL - TASK ORDER 2 (CAMPAIGN TO PREVENT TOBACCO USE AMONG DISCRETE SEGMENTS OF YOUTH AGED 12-15 WHO ARE AT RISK FOR TOBACCO INITIATION) - RESCUE SOCIAL CHANGE GROUP Key points: 1. Significant investment in a targeted public health initiative. 2. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, suggesting a deliberate procurement strategy. 3. Contract duration of nearly 2000 days indicates a long-term program. 4. Focus on discrete youth segments highlights a data-driven approach to behavior change.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $152M over approximately 5.5 years suggests a substantial but potentially reasonable investment for a national public health campaign. Benchmarking against similar large-scale advertising and social marketing contracts would be necessary for a definitive assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' indicates that while the competition was broad, specific criteria or requirements led to the exclusion of certain potential bidders. This method aims for competitive pricing while ensuring specialized capabilities.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed towards a public health initiative aimed at reducing youth tobacco use, potentially leading to long-term healthcare cost savings.

Public Impact

Aims to prevent tobacco initiation among at-risk youth aged 12-15. Utilizes social change strategies to influence behavior. Campaign targets specific, discrete segments of the youth population. Focuses on preventing a leading cause of preventable death and disease.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in a long-term campaign.
Measuring the direct impact of social change campaigns can be challenging.
Ensuring continued relevance and effectiveness of messaging to evolving youth culture.

Positive Signals

Addresses a critical public health issue with significant long-term benefits.
Targeted approach increases potential for campaign effectiveness.
Long contract duration allows for sustained impact and evaluation.

Sector Analysis

The advertising agencies sector, particularly those specializing in public health campaigns, often handles large government contracts. Benchmarks for similar national health awareness campaigns would place this contract in the upper tier of spending for such initiatives.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate specific set-asides or participation goals for small businesses in this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or if opportunities were missed.

Oversight & Accountability

The long duration and significant value of this contract warrant robust oversight from the FDA to ensure adherence to scope, budget, and performance metrics. Regular reporting and performance reviews are crucial for accountability.

Related Government Programs

Advertising Agencies
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
Food and Drug Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for high cost if effectiveness is not rigorously measured.
Risk of messaging becoming outdated over the long contract period.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical public health initiative.
Complexity in attributing direct behavioral change solely to the campaign.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $152.2 million to RESCUE SOCIAL CHANGE GROUP, LLC. CRITICAL - TASK ORDER 2 (CAMPAIGN TO PREVENT TOBACCO USE AMONG DISCRETE SEGMENTS OF YOUTH AGED 12-15 WHO ARE AT RISK FOR TOBACCO INITIATION) - RESCUE SOCIAL CHANGE GROUP

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RESCUE SOCIAL CHANGE GROUP, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Food and Drug Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $152.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-11-20. End: 2018-04-11.

What specific metrics are used to measure the success of this youth tobacco prevention campaign, and how are they validated?

Success is likely measured through pre- and post-campaign surveys assessing attitudes, intentions, and reported behaviors related to tobacco use among the target demographic. Validation may involve independent research, tracking of youth smoking rates in targeted regions, and analysis of campaign reach and engagement metrics. The FDA would establish clear KPIs tied to behavioral outcomes and public health goals.

Given the 'exclusion of sources' clause, what were the specific criteria that led to the exclusion of certain bidders, and did this potentially limit competitive pricing?

The exclusion of sources likely stemmed from specific technical requirements, demonstrated past performance in similar public health campaigns, or unique methodologies required for reaching discrete youth segments. While aiming for specialized expertise, such exclusions can sometimes limit the breadth of competition. The FDA would need to justify these criteria to ensure they were necessary and not unduly restrictive.

How does the FDA ensure the long-term effectiveness and adaptability of a campaign that spans nearly six years, considering evolving youth trends and communication channels?

Adaptability is managed through phased approaches, regular performance reviews, and built-in flexibility within the contract for message refinement and channel optimization. The FDA likely requires the contractor to provide ongoing market research and trend analysis to inform campaign adjustments. This ensures the campaign remains relevant and impactful throughout its duration.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3436 RAY ST, SAN DIEGO, CA, 92104

Business Categories: Category Business, Hispanic American Owned Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $152,247,014

Exercised Options: $152,247,014

Current Obligation: $152,247,014

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HHSF223201210006I

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline