HHS awards $114M contract to Westat, Inc. for National Children's Study Coordinating Center
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $114,374,356 ($114.4M)
Contractor: Westat, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2005-09-30
End Date: 2010-09-29
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $62.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: NATIONAL CHILDREN'S STUDY COORDINATING CENTER
Place of Performance
Location: ROCKVILLE, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20850
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $114.4 million to WESTAT, INC. for work described as: NATIONAL CHILDREN'S STUDY COORDINATING CENTER Key points: 1. Contract value of $114.37 million over 5 years. 2. Westat, Inc. is the sole awardee. 3. Potential risks include lack of competition and cost overruns. 4. Spending falls under Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar large-scale research coordination contracts is difficult without more specific cost breakdowns.
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 details of price discovery and negotiation are not provided.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are utilized for a significant research initiative. The effectiveness of the spending will depend on the successful coordination and outcomes of the National Children's Study.
Public Impact
Supports a major long-term study on child development and environmental influences. Potential for significant public health insights and policy implications. Involves extensive data collection and analysis over several years.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize cost overruns.
- No indication of small business participation.
- Long duration of the contract (5 years) increases risk exposure.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Supports a critical national research initiative.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector, specifically related to research coordination. Benchmarks for similar large-scale, multi-year research coordination contracts are highly variable.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication of small business participation in this contract. The prime contractor, Westat, Inc., is a large business.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be crucial given the contract's duration and cost. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is responsible for oversight, ensuring the study's scientific integrity and financial accountability.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- National Institutes of Health Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure.
- Lack of transparency on specific cost breakdowns.
- Long contract duration increases exposure to unforeseen risks.
- No explicit mention of small business subcontracting goals.
Tags
all-other-professional-scientific-and-te, department-of-health-and-human-services, md, dca, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $114.4 million to WESTAT, INC.. NATIONAL CHILDREN'S STUDY COORDINATING CENTER
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is WESTAT, 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 $114.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2005-09-30. End: 2010-09-29.
What specific metrics will be used to evaluate the success of the National Children's Study Coordinating Center?
Success metrics should focus on the efficient coordination of research activities, timely data collection and analysis, adherence to scientific protocols, and the overall progress towards achieving the study's objectives. Key performance indicators could include milestones met, data quality reports, and stakeholder engagement levels.
How will potential cost overruns be mitigated under this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract?
Mitigation strategies for cost overruns in a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract typically involve robust oversight, detailed budget tracking, and clear communication channels between the government and the contractor. Regular reviews of expenditures against the fixed fee and established cost ceilings are essential to identify and address deviations promptly.
What is the anticipated long-term impact of the National Children's Study on public health policy?
The National Children's Study aims to provide comprehensive data on the effects of environmental influences on child development and health. The findings are expected to inform public health policies related to child welfare, disease prevention, and environmental regulations, potentially leading to improved health outcomes for future generations.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › N – Health R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: RFPNICHD200412
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1650 RESEARCH BLVD, ROCKVILLE, MD, 08
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $114,374,356
Exercised Options: $114,374,356
Current Obligation: $114,374,356
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Timeline
Start Date: 2005-09-30
Current End Date: 2010-09-29
Potential End Date: 2010-09-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2013-08-19
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