HHS Awards $22.1M for Social Science R&D to American Institutes for Research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $22,131,674 ($22.1M)
Contractor: American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2015-11-09
End Date: 2022-11-08
Contract Duration: 2,556 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF SUPPORT- PROFESSIONAL: OTHER
Place of Performance
Location: WINDSOR MILL, BALTIMORE County, MARYLAND, 21244
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $22.1 million to AMERICAN INSTITUTES FOR RESEARCH IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF SUPPORT- PROFESSIONAL: OTHER Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single entity, American Institutes for Research. 2. Research and Development in Social Sciences and Humanities is a niche sector. 3. Long contract duration of 7 years suggests significant project scope. 4. Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires careful monitoring to ensure costs remain reasonable. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts in social sciences is difficult without more specific service details.
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 awardee and contract type may influence price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are allocated for research, with the value dependent on the outcomes and impact of the R&D conducted.
Public Impact
Supports research in social sciences and humanities, potentially impacting policy and public understanding. Long-term funding allows for in-depth study and development of research methodologies. The specific research areas funded are not detailed, limiting public insight into direct benefits.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Long contract duration
- Limited public detail on research scope
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition
- Supports R&D in social sciences
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities (NAICS 541720). Spending in this sector can vary widely based on government priorities and the nature of the research.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and was awarded to a large research institution, suggesting limited direct benefit to small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is responsible for oversight. The contract's long duration necessitates robust oversight to ensure progress and fiscal responsibility.
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
- Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure
- Long contract duration increases oversight burden
- Lack of specific research details limits public understanding of value
- Limited direct benefit to small businesses
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-social-s, department-of-health-and-human-services, md, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $22.1 million to AMERICAN INSTITUTES FOR RESEARCH IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES. IGF::OT::IGF SUPPORT- PROFESSIONAL: OTHER
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AMERICAN INSTITUTES FOR RESEARCH IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES.
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 $22.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2015-11-09. End: 2022-11-08.
What specific research questions or objectives are being addressed by this contract, and how do they align with CMS priorities?
The provided data lacks specifics on the research objectives. To assess alignment, one would need to review the Statement of Work (SOW) or contract details. This information is crucial for understanding how taxpayer funds are being directed towards advancing CMS's mission in areas like healthcare policy, patient outcomes, or health disparities research.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will their achievement be measured to ensure value for money?
Key performance indicators are not detailed in the provided summary. Effective oversight would require clearly defined KPIs tied to research milestones, deliverables, and impact. Measuring these against the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure is essential to ensure the contractor is incentivized to achieve objectives efficiently and that the government receives adequate value for the $22.1 million investment.
How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure mitigate the risk of cost overruns in this long-term R&D project?
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure aims to provide a fixed profit margin for the contractor while allowing for reimbursement of actual costs. However, CPFF contracts carry inherent risks of cost overruns if the base cost estimate is inaccurate or if scope creep occurs. Robust government oversight, detailed cost tracking, and clear change control processes are critical to managing these risks effectively over the contract's seven-year duration.
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: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1400 CRYSTAL DR 10TH FLR, ARLINGTON, VA, 22202
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: $22,131,674
Exercised Options: $22,131,674
Current Obligation: $22,131,674
Actual Outlays: $3,620,514
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 2
Total Subaward Amount: $280,221
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HHSM500201400032I
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2015-11-09
Current End Date: 2022-11-08
Potential End Date: 2022-11-08 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-16
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