HHS Awards $127.7M Medicare Survey Task Order to National Opinion Research Center
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $127,701,680 ($127.7M)
Contractor: National Opinion Research Center
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2016-01-01
End Date: 2021-05-31
Contract Duration: 1,977 days
Daily Burn Rate: $64.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF INITIAL AWARD FOR THE MEDICARE CURRENT BENEFICIARY SURVEY TASK ORDER.
Place of Performance
Location: CHICAGO, COOK County, ILLINOIS, 60603
State: Illinois Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $127.7 million to NATIONAL OPINION RESEARCH CENTER for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF INITIAL AWARD FOR THE MEDICARE CURRENT BENEFICIARY SURVEY TASK ORDER. Key points: 1. Significant award for a large-scale beneficiary survey. 2. National Opinion Research Center is a well-established research organization. 3. Potential for cost overruns in Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts. 4. Research and Development sector, specifically social sciences and humanities.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to higher costs if not managed carefully. Benchmarking is difficult without specific cost breakdowns, but the total value suggests a substantial undertaking.
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 pricing discovery mechanisms within this method are not detailed.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used for this survey, aiming to improve Medicare services. The value represents a significant investment in understanding beneficiary needs.
Public Impact
Impacts Medicare beneficiaries by seeking their feedback on services. Informs policy decisions for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Contributes to the understanding of social science research methodologies.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher spending.
- Long contract duration (5 years) increases risk of scope creep or changing needs.
- No small business participation noted.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- National Opinion Research Center has a strong reputation in research.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on social sciences and humanities. Spending in this area is crucial for understanding public programs and informing policy.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates no small business participation in this contract. Larger, established research institutions often secure these types of awards, potentially limiting opportunities for smaller firms.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is critical for managing the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure and ensuring the survey meets its objectives effectively and efficiently.
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 Fixed Fee contract type.
- Long contract duration.
- No small business participation.
- Potential for scope creep.
- Reliance on self-reported beneficiary data.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-social-s, department-of-health-and-human-services, il, delivery-order, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $127.7 million to NATIONAL OPINION RESEARCH CENTER. IGF::OT::IGF INITIAL AWARD FOR THE MEDICARE CURRENT BENEFICIARY SURVEY TASK ORDER.
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 $127.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2016-01-01. End: 2021-05-31.
What specific metrics will be used to evaluate the success of the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey in informing policy decisions?
The success of the survey will likely be evaluated based on the comprehensiveness of the data collected, the representativeness of the beneficiary sample, and the actionable insights derived from the findings. CMS will assess whether the survey results provide clear, data-driven recommendations that can be translated into improved Medicare program policies and operational adjustments.
How will potential cost overruns be mitigated within the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure for this long-term contract?
Mitigation of cost overruns in a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract relies heavily on robust oversight and clearly defined fixed-fee milestones. CMS must diligently monitor expenditures against the estimated costs, ensure adherence to the contract scope, and implement strict change control processes. Regular performance reviews and audits will be essential to identify and address any deviations promptly.
What is the anticipated impact of this survey on the operational efficiency and effectiveness of Medicare services for beneficiaries?
The survey is expected to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness by providing direct feedback from beneficiaries on their experiences with Medicare services. Insights gained can highlight areas of confusion, dissatisfaction, or unmet needs, enabling CMS to refine communication strategies, streamline administrative processes, and improve the overall quality and accessibility of healthcare for Medicare recipients.
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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 3
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: $145,501,000
Exercised Options: $127,701,680
Current Obligation: $127,701,680
Actual Outlays: $278,709
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 5
Total Subaward Amount: $1,652,992
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HHSM500201400035I
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2016-01-01
Current End Date: 2021-05-31
Potential End Date: 2021-05-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-09
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