HHS awards $58.7M for NTP scientific information management and literature-based evaluations to ICF Incorporated
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $58,711,901 ($58.7M)
Contractor: ICF Incorporated, L.L.C.
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2016-04-13
End Date: 2025-07-09
Contract Duration: 3,374 days
Daily Burn Rate: $17.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGFSCIENTIFIC INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND LITERATURE-BASED EVALUATIONS FOR THE NATIONAL TOXICOLOGY PROGRAM (NTP)
Place of Performance
Location: DURHAM, DURHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27709
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $58.7 million to ICF INCORPORATED, L.L.C. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGFSCIENTIFIC INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND LITERATURE-BASED EVALUATIONS FOR THE NATIONAL TOXICOLOGY PROGRAM (NTP) Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract focuses on R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences, excluding biotechnology. 3. A significant contract duration of over 3 years indicates a long-term need for these services. 4. The award is a delivery order under a larger contract, implying potential for future task orders.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts 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, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for critical research and evaluation services for the National Toxicology Program, aiming to ensure scientific rigor and public health protection.
Public Impact
Supports the National Toxicology Program's mission to protect public health from harmful environmental agents. Ensures the scientific integrity of research through robust information management and literature evaluations. Potential for advancements in understanding the health effects of various substances. The research conducted could inform public health policies and regulations.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize contractor to increase costs.
- Long contract duration may not reflect current market prices.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess value for money.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Supports a critical public health research program.
- Experienced contractor likely to deliver quality services.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on scientific information management and literature-based evaluations. Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation and understanding complex scientific challenges, with benchmarks varying widely based on the specific research area and scope.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and the awardee is a large corporation. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award, though they may be subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would typically be managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) contracting officers and program managers. Regular reviews of performance, cost, and adherence to contract terms are expected to ensure accountability and effective use of funds.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- National Institutes of Health Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Long contract duration.
- Potential for scope creep in R&D projects.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
- Contract is a delivery order, not a standalone contract.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, nc, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $58.7 million to ICF INCORPORATED, L.L.C.. IGF::OT::IGFSCIENTIFIC INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND LITERATURE-BASED EVALUATIONS FOR THE NATIONAL TOXICOLOGY PROGRAM (NTP)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ICF INCORPORATED, L.L.C..
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 $58.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2016-04-13. End: 2025-07-09.
What specific metrics are used to evaluate the success of the scientific information management and literature-based evaluations?
The contract details do not specify the exact metrics for evaluating success. Typically, such contracts would include measures related to the accuracy and completeness of literature reviews, the timeliness of information dissemination, the quality of data management systems, and the overall impact on NTP's research objectives. Further clarification from the contracting agency would be needed to ascertain these specific performance indicators.
How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure mitigate the risk of cost overruns for this R&D contract?
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure aims to provide the contractor with reimbursement for allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. While the fixed fee provides some incentive for cost control, the primary risk of cost overruns lies in the potential for unallowable costs or the contractor's ability to manage project expenses within the estimated cost ceiling. Robust oversight and clear definition of allowable costs are crucial to mitigate this risk.
What is the anticipated impact of these evaluations on future public health policies and regulations?
The literature-based evaluations are intended to provide a comprehensive scientific basis for understanding the toxicology of various agents. This synthesized information is critical for informing regulatory agencies, such as the EPA and FDA, about potential health risks. The findings can directly influence the development of new regulations, updates to existing policies, and public health advisories aimed at mitigating exposure to harmful substances.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: GS00Q13DR0001
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: ICF International, Inc.
Address: 1902 RESTON METRO PLAZA, RESTON, VA, 20190
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $61,057,131
Exercised Options: $59,699,896
Current Obligation: $58,711,901
Actual Outlays: $28,749,850
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 38
Total Subaward Amount: $14,309,377
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS00Q14OADU417
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2016-04-13
Current End Date: 2025-07-09
Potential End Date: 2026-12-11 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-24
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