NIH awards $9.9M for Biomedical R&D to Social & Scientific Systems, Inc. under full and open competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $9,888,045 ($9.9M)
Contractor: Social & Scientific Systems, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2007-03-12
End Date: 2013-06-30
Contract Duration: 2,302 days
Daily Burn Rate: $4.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: BIOMEDICAL (BASIC)
Place of Performance
Location: SILVER SPRING, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20910
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $9.9 million to SOCIAL & SCIENTIFIC SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: BIOMEDICAL (BASIC) Key points: 1. Spending is concentrated with a single contractor, Social & Scientific Systems, Inc. 2. The contract falls under R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 3. Potential risk exists due to the cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type. 4. The biomedical sector represents a significant area of federal investment.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking CPFF contracts in R&D is challenging due to inherent variability.
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 CPFF structure may not always yield the most cost-effective outcome compared to fixed-price contracts.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for critical biomedical research, with the potential for cost inefficiencies inherent in the CPFF contract type.
Public Impact
Supports vital biomedical research and development efforts. Contract awarded to a single entity, potentially limiting broader economic impact. Long contract duration (over 6 years) indicates a sustained need for services. Small business participation is not indicated on this award.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type
- Concentration with a single contractor
- Lack of small business participation
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition
- Supports critical R&D in biomedical sciences
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Federal spending in this area is crucial for scientific advancement and public health.
Small Business Impact
This specific award does not indicate any small business participation. Further analysis would be needed to determine if this is a trend for the agency or this specific type of contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract's oversight would be managed by the Department of Health and Human Services, specifically the National Institutes of Health. The CPFF structure necessitates robust monitoring to control costs and ensure accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- National Institutes of Health Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type
- Contract awarded to a single entity
- Lack of small business participation noted
- Long contract duration
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, md, dca, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $9.9 million to SOCIAL & SCIENTIFIC SYSTEMS, INC.. BIOMEDICAL (BASIC)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SOCIAL & SCIENTIFIC SYSTEMS, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (National Institutes of Health).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $9.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2007-03-12. End: 2013-06-30.
What is the typical cost growth for CPFF contracts in biomedical R&D?
Cost growth for Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts in biomedical R&D can vary significantly. Factors such as research complexity, unforeseen scientific challenges, and effective program management influence outcomes. While CPFF allows for flexibility, it requires stringent oversight to mitigate potential cost overruns and ensure value for taxpayer money.
How does the long contract duration impact potential competition for future awards?
A long contract duration, like the 2302 days (over 6 years) for this award, can impact future competition by potentially limiting the market's ability to prepare for new solicitations. Incumbent contractors may have an advantage due to established relationships and institutional knowledge. However, it also signifies a consistent need, allowing potential bidders time to strategize and develop capabilities.
What is the value proposition of awarding a large R&D contract to a single entity?
Awarding a large R&D contract to a single entity can offer a streamlined approach, fostering deep expertise and continuity in complex, long-term projects. This can lead to greater efficiency and potentially faster scientific breakthroughs. However, it also concentrates risk and may limit opportunities for innovation that could arise from diverse perspectives or smaller, specialized firms.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
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: 5
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 8757 GEORGIA AVE FL 12, SILVER SPRING, MD, 08
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $14,654,754
Exercised Options: $9,888,045
Current Obligation: $9,888,045
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2007-03-12
Current End Date: 2013-06-30
Potential End Date: 2013-06-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2013-12-12
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