IMPAQ INTERNATIONAL, LLC awarded $24.9M for applied research and exploratory development in health services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,910,601 ($24.9M)

Contractor: Impaq International, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2013-07-17

End Date: 2016-12-16

Contract Duration: 1,248 days

Daily Burn Rate: $20.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF R&D- MEDICAL: HEALTH SERVICES (APPLIED RESEARCH/EXPLORATORY DEVELOPMENT)

Place of Performance

Location: COLUMBIA, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 21044

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $24.9 million to IMPAQ INTERNATIONAL, LLC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF R&D- MEDICAL: HEALTH SERVICES (APPLIED RESEARCH/EXPLORATORY DEVELOPMENT) Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized applied research services. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Performance period of approximately three years provides a reasonable timeframe for project completion. 4. The contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically applied research. 5. The award was made by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, indicating a focus on healthcare policy and analysis.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $24.9 million over approximately three years for applied research and exploratory development in health services appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized analytical work. Benchmarking against similar contracts for health services research and development would provide a more precise assessment of value for money. However, given the nature of the work, which likely involves complex data analysis and policy research, the allocated funds seem appropriate for achieving the stated objectives.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating that the solicitation was broadly advertised and multiple bidders were likely considered. The presence of two bidders suggests a moderate level of competition for this specialized service. While more bidders could potentially drive prices lower, two offers generally provide a basis for price discovery and selection of the most advantageous proposal.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it promotes a competitive environment, potentially leading to better pricing and higher quality services.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), who will receive insights to inform healthcare policy and program development. The services delivered include applied research and exploratory development in health services, potentially leading to improved healthcare delivery, cost-effectiveness, and patient outcomes. The geographic impact is national, as CMS initiatives affect healthcare across the United States. Workforce implications may include employment for researchers, analysts, and subject matter experts within IMPAQ INTERNATIONAL, LLC and potentially subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in research projects if not managed tightly.
Reliance on specific data sources which may have limitations or biases.
Ensuring timely delivery of research findings to inform policy decisions.

Positive Signals

IMPAQ INTERNATIONAL, LLC has a track record in government contracting, suggesting familiarity with federal requirements.
The contract's focus on applied research aligns with agency needs for evidence-based policy.
The use of full and open competition indicates a structured procurement process.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on applied research in health services. This is a critical area for government agencies like CMS, which rely on evidence to shape healthcare policy, improve program efficiency, and understand population health trends. The market for health services research is competitive, with numerous firms specializing in data analysis, policy evaluation, and program assessment. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other large-scale R&D contracts awarded by HHS and related agencies for similar analytical services.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a primary focus for this specific award, as the contractor is IMPAQ INTERNATIONAL, LLC, which is not typically classified as a small business. There is no explicit mention of small business set-asides or subcontracting plans in the provided data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem from this particular contract appears limited, though larger prime contractors are often encouraged to utilize small business subcontractors on other projects.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the contracting officers and program managers within the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). They are responsible for monitoring performance, ensuring compliance with contract terms, and approving deliverables. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS. While specific Inspector General (IG) jurisdiction for this particular contract isn't detailed, the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) generally oversees the integrity of HHS programs and contracts.

Related Government Programs

Healthcare Policy Research
Health Services Analysis
Applied Research Contracts
CMS Program Evaluation
Federal R&D Spending

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials contract type.
Ensuring the research directly translates into actionable policy improvements.
Data availability and quality for the research scope.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $24.9 million to IMPAQ INTERNATIONAL, LLC. IGF::OT::IGF R&D- MEDICAL: HEALTH SERVICES (APPLIED RESEARCH/EXPLORATORY DEVELOPMENT)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is IMPAQ INTERNATIONAL, LLC.

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 $24.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2013-07-17. End: 2016-12-16.

What is IMPAQ INTERNATIONAL, LLC's track record with federal contracts, particularly within the Department of Health and Human Services?

IMPAQ INTERNATIONAL, LLC has a significant history of performing work for federal agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Their expertise often lies in areas such as health policy research, program evaluation, and data analysis. Reviewing their past performance on similar contracts, including any awards or past performance reviews, would provide insight into their reliability and capability. Data from contract databases often shows a pattern of successful contract completions and renewals, indicating a generally positive track record. However, a deeper dive into specific contract performance metrics and any reported issues would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment.

How does the $24.9 million contract value compare to similar applied research contracts in health services?

The $24.9 million contract value for applied research and exploratory development in health services, spanning approximately three years, appears to be within a reasonable range for large-scale federal research initiatives. Similar contracts awarded by agencies like CMS, NIH, or AHRQ for complex data analysis, policy research, and program evaluation can range from several million to tens of millions of dollars, depending on the scope, duration, and complexity. Factors influencing cost include the need for specialized expertise, extensive data collection and analysis, and the development of actionable recommendations. Without specific comparable contract data, it's difficult to provide a precise benchmark, but the awarded amount is consistent with the significant investment often required for impactful health services research.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or deliverables expected under this contract?

While the specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and deliverables are not detailed in the provided summary data, contracts for applied research and exploratory development typically involve the submission of detailed research reports, analytical findings, policy recommendations, and potentially presentations or briefings to agency stakeholders. Deliverables often include interim progress reports, final research papers, data analysis outputs, and potentially prototype models or frameworks. The success of the contract would be measured by the quality, timeliness, and relevance of these deliverables in informing CMS's decision-making processes and advancing the understanding of health services.

What is the potential risk associated with the 'TIME AND MATERIALS' contract type for this project?

The 'TIME AND MATERIALS' (T&M) contract type, indicated by 'PT': 'TIME AND MATERIALS', can introduce cost uncertainty for the government. T&M contracts reimburse the contractor for the actual cost of labor (at specified hourly rates) and materials, plus a fee. This means the total cost is not fixed upfront and can fluctuate based on the effort expended. For a research and development project, where the exact scope and duration can be difficult to predict, T&M can offer flexibility. However, it also carries a higher risk of cost overruns if not closely monitored. Effective oversight, detailed task orders, and clear performance expectations are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure value for money.

How does this contract fit into the broader landscape of federal spending on health services research and development?

This $24.9 million contract represents a component of the broader federal investment in health services research and development (R&D). Federal agencies, particularly HHS and its sub-agencies like CMS, allocate significant resources annually to understand healthcare delivery, patient outcomes, healthcare costs, and the effectiveness of various health programs. This contract specifically supports applied research, aiming to generate practical insights that can inform policy and program improvements. It contributes to the overall federal effort to enhance the quality, accessibility, and affordability of healthcare in the United States.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Impaq LLC

Address: 10420 LITTLE PATUXENT PKWY STE 300, COLUMBIA, MD, 21044

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $24,910,601

Exercised Options: $24,910,601

Current Obligation: $24,910,601

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 7

Total Subaward Amount: $2,840,598

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HHSM500201100013I

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline