HHS Awards $2.89M Cost-No-Fee Contract to Boston University for Other Individual and Family Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,888,947 ($2.9M)

Contractor: Trustees of Boston University

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2010-07-12

End Date: 2025-07-17

Contract Duration: 5,484 days

Daily Burn Rate: $527/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: TAS::75 0140::TAS

Place of Performance

Location: BOSTON, SUFFOLK County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02118

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $2.9 million to TRUSTEES OF BOSTON UNIVERSITY for work described as: TAS::75 0140::TAS Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single entity, raising questions about competition. 2. Long duration (over 15 years) suggests a potentially evolving or complex service need. 3. Cost-No-Fee structure requires careful monitoring of performance and value. 4. The specific service area, 'Other Individual and Family Services,' is broad and may encompass critical public health functions.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The Cost-No-Fee (CNF) contract type makes direct pricing assessment difficult without performance data. Benchmarking is challenging as CNF contracts are less common and often used for unique research or development where cost is secondary to achieving specific outcomes.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially reduces the incentive for the contractor to optimize costs, as the government bears the cost regardless of efficiency.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may lead to higher overall costs for taxpayers if alternative, more cost-effective solutions were available.

Public Impact

Potential impact on individuals and families relying on services funded by this contract. Questions about the efficient use of taxpayer funds due to non-competitive award. The long contract duration could mean sustained impact, positive or negative, on service delivery.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Long contract duration
Cost-No-Fee structure
Broad service category

Positive Signals

Award to a reputable institution (Boston University)
Potential for specialized expertise in a niche service area

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under 'Other Individual and Family Services,' a broad category within the Health and Human Services sector. Spending in this area can vary widely depending on specific program needs and federal priorities. Benchmarking is difficult due to the non-specific nature of the service description.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. The award to a large academic institution suggests a focus on institutional capabilities rather than small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Cost-No-Fee structure necessitates robust oversight to ensure that the contractor is diligently pursuing the objectives of the contract and that funds are being used appropriately, even without direct cost controls. Performance metrics will be crucial.

Related Government Programs

Other Individual and Family Services
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
Office of Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of competitive bidding
Potential for cost overruns due to CNF structure
Extended contract duration may limit flexibility
Broad service description lacks specificity
No apparent small business participation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $2.9 million to TRUSTEES OF BOSTON UNIVERSITY. TAS::75 0140::TAS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TRUSTEES OF BOSTON UNIVERSITY.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Office of Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-07-12. End: 2025-07-17.

What specific services are being provided under this contract, and how do they align with HHS's mission for individual and family well-being?

The contract is categorized under 'Other Individual and Family Services,' a broad designation. Without further details, it's difficult to ascertain the exact nature of the services. However, given the awarding agency (ASPR), these services could potentially relate to public health preparedness, emergency response support, or family resilience programs. Clarification is needed to understand the specific activities and their direct contribution to HHS goals.

Given the sole-source nature and Cost-No-Fee structure, what mechanisms are in place to ensure the government receives fair value for its investment?

The primary mechanism for ensuring value in a Cost-No-Fee contract is rigorous performance monitoring and clearly defined deliverables. The government must closely track the contractor's progress against stated objectives and milestones. Since costs are reimbursed regardless of efficiency, the focus shifts from cost control to outcome achievement and adherence to contract scope. Strong contract management and clear performance standards are paramount.

How does the long contract duration (over 15 years) impact the potential for innovation and adaptability in service delivery?

A long contract duration can provide stability and allow for deep expertise development. However, it may also reduce incentives for innovation if the contractor becomes complacent or if the contract terms do not adequately encourage adaptation to changing needs or technological advancements. Regular reviews and potential contract modifications could mitigate this risk, ensuring services remain relevant and effective over the extended period.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Individual and Family Services › Other Individual and Family Services

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › N – Health R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 85 E NEWTON ST M-921, BOSTON, MA, 02118

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Private), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,888,947

Exercised Options: $2,888,947

Current Obligation: $2,888,947

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline