HHS Awards $19.7M for Critical Function Research, Full Competition Used
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $19,732,870 ($19.7M)
Contractor: National Opinion Research Center
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2014-08-08
End Date: 2019-08-10
Contract Duration: 1,828 days
Daily Burn Rate: $10.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::CT::IGF FOR CRITICAL FUNCTIONS
Place of Performance
Location: WINDSOR MILL, BALTIMORE County, MARYLAND, 21244
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $19.7 million to NATIONAL OPINION RESEARCH CENTER for work described as: IGF::CT::IGF FOR CRITICAL FUNCTIONS Key points: 1. Contract awarded to National Opinion Research Center for R&D in Social Sciences. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration is over 5 years, indicating a significant project. 4. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $19.7M over 5 years is substantial. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts in social sciences is difficult without more specific data on the scope of work. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure warrants scrutiny for potential cost escalation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple bidders likely participated. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing, though the specific outcomes depend on the number and quality of bids received.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it aims to secure the best value. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type could potentially increase costs beyond initial estimates.
Public Impact
Research into critical functions could lead to improvements in government operations. The long contract duration suggests a sustained effort in a specific research area. The award to a single entity, National Opinion Research Center, highlights their specialization. Public access to research findings could inform policy and public understanding.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Long contract duration
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition
- Award to established research organization
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities. Spending in this sector can vary widely, but contracts of this size often support significant, multi-year research initiatives. Benchmarks are difficult without knowing the specific research focus.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. The award to National Opinion Research Center, a large research organization, suggests that small businesses were likely not primary awardees on this specific contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) under the Department of Health and Human Services. Oversight would typically involve regular reporting and performance reviews to ensure research objectives are met and costs are managed.
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
- Lack of specific detail on 'critical functions' research
- Limited visibility into small business participation
- Long contract duration may require ongoing justification
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 $19.7 million to NATIONAL OPINION RESEARCH CENTER. IGF::CT::IGF FOR CRITICAL FUNCTIONS
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 $19.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2014-08-08. End: 2019-08-10.
What specific critical functions are being researched, and how will the findings be applied?
The contract title 'IGF FOR CRITICAL FUNCTIONS' suggests research into essential government operations. The specific functions are not detailed in the provided data. Application of findings would likely involve policy recommendations, process improvements, or strategic planning within HHS or other federal agencies, aiming to enhance efficiency and resilience of government services.
What is the potential risk of cost overruns with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for this R&D?
Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts carry a risk of cost overruns because the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs plus a fixed fee. If the actual costs exceed the initial estimates, the government pays the higher amount. For R&D, where outcomes can be uncertain, this risk is amplified as the scope or complexity might evolve, potentially increasing costs beyond the initial projections.
How effectively does full and open competition ensure value for taxpayer money in specialized R&D?
Full and open competition is designed to maximize value by fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages innovation. For specialized R&D, its effectiveness depends on the number of qualified bidders and the clarity of the solicitation. While it provides a strong foundation for value, the specific nature of R&D can sometimes limit the pool of truly competitive bidders, making rigorous evaluation crucial.
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: 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: $19,732,870
Exercised Options: $19,732,870
Current Obligation: $19,732,870
Actual Outlays: $42,011
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HHSM500201100002I
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2014-08-08
Current End Date: 2019-08-10
Potential End Date: 2019-08-10 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2023-06-01
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