HHS awards $35.6M contract for social science research to National Opinion Research Center
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $35,573,296 ($35.6M)
Contractor: National Opinion Research Center
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2014-02-12
End Date: 2015-12-31
Contract Duration: 687 days
Daily Burn Rate: $51.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF
Place of Performance
Location: CHICAGO, COOK County, ILLINOIS, 60603
State: Illinois Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $35.6 million to NATIONAL OPINION RESEARCH CENTER for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single, established research organization. 2. Focus on social sciences and humanities research. 3. Potential for long-term impact on policy and public understanding. 4. Limited direct competition noted in the award type.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $35.6 million over approximately two years appears reasonable for specialized social science research. Benchmarking against similar large-scale research grants or contracts would provide a clearer picture of value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the specific award type and the nature of the research may have favored organizations with established expertise.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting critical social science research, which can inform policy and improve public services. The value for money depends on the quality and impact of the research outcomes.
Public Impact
Supports research that can influence public policy and understanding of societal issues. Funds specialized academic and research institutions. Potential for findings to be widely disseminated and utilized.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited visibility into specific research deliverables and their impact.
- Potential for cost overruns in cost-plus contracts.
Positive Signals
- Supports valuable social science research.
- Awarded through full and open competition.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities (NAICS 541720). Spending in this sector often supports think tanks, universities, and research organizations for policy analysis and societal studies.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to the National Opinion Research Center, a well-established research institution. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would typically be managed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to ensure research objectives are met and funds are used appropriately. The contract type (cost plus fixed fee) requires careful monitoring of costs.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost-plus contract type can lead to higher costs.
- Limited information on specific research outcomes and their impact.
- Lack of small business involvement.
- Long duration of contract (687 days).
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-social-s, department-of-health-and-human-services, il, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $35.6 million to NATIONAL OPINION RESEARCH CENTER. IGF::OT::IGF
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 Medicare and Medicaid Services).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $35.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2014-02-12. End: 2015-12-31.
What specific research questions or objectives does this contract aim to address, and how will their successful completion be measured?
The contract aims to support research and development in social sciences and humanities. Specific objectives would be detailed in the contract's statement of work, likely focusing on areas relevant to HHS's mission, such as health behaviors, public opinion on healthcare, or socioeconomic factors influencing health outcomes. Success measurement would involve adherence to research protocols, timely delivery of reports, and the quality and relevance of findings as assessed by CMS.
What are the potential risks associated with a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for social science research, and how are they mitigated?
Risks include potential cost overruns if research proves more complex than anticipated, and the contractor may have less incentive to control costs compared to fixed-price contracts. Mitigation involves robust oversight from CMS, clear definition of research scope, regular progress reviews, and adherence to budget limitations. The fixed fee component provides some cost certainty for the government.
How will the findings from this research contract be leveraged to improve public health policy or services?
The effectiveness hinges on the relevance and quality of the research. Findings could inform CMS's strategies for patient engagement, program design, or public health campaigns. Dissemination through publications, policy briefs, and direct consultation with HHS agencies will be crucial for translating research outcomes into actionable improvements in public health policy and service delivery.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › N – Health R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 4
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: $35,573,296
Exercised Options: $35,573,296
Current Obligation: $35,573,296
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2014-02-12
Current End Date: 2015-12-31
Potential End Date: 2015-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-11-23
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