HHS Spends $16.9M on TANF Innovation Support via MDRC, Ending June 2024
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $16,879,890 ($16.9M)
Contractor: Mdrc
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2017-09-20
End Date: 2024-06-21
Contract Duration: 2,466 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF PROMOTING AND SUPPORTING INNOVATION IN TANF DATA
Place of Performance
Location: NEW YORK, NEW YORK County, NEW YORK, 10016
State: New York Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $16.9 million to MDRC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF PROMOTING AND SUPPORTING INNOVATION IN TANF DATA Key points: 1. Significant investment in administrative management consulting for TANF. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Contract duration is substantial (2466 days), indicating long-term need. 4. Focus on innovation within a critical social program.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to higher costs if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar administrative consulting contracts is needed to assess value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Full and open competition was utilized, which generally promotes price discovery and competitive bidding. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires careful oversight to ensure cost-effectiveness.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to support innovation in a major social program, with the potential for improved outcomes if the consulting is effective.
Public Impact
Supports innovation in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. Aims to improve the administration and effectiveness of social services. Long-term contract suggests ongoing commitment to program improvement.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher spending.
- Long contract duration increases risk of cost overruns or scope creep.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes value assessment difficult.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition utilized.
- Focus on innovation in a key social program.
- Contract awarded to a single entity (MDRC) for continuity.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services. Spending in this sector can vary widely depending on the complexity and duration of the services required.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific participation or set-aside for small businesses in this contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The long duration and Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitate robust oversight to ensure funds are used efficiently and effectively towards program innovation goals.
Related Government Programs
- Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Long contract duration (2466 days).
- Potential for scope creep.
- Lack of clear performance metrics in provided data.
Tags
administrative-management-and-general-ma, department-of-health-and-human-services, ny, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $16.9 million to MDRC. IGF::OT::IGF PROMOTING AND SUPPORTING INNOVATION IN TANF DATA
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MDRC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $16.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2017-09-20. End: 2024-06-21.
What specific innovations are being pursued, and how will their success be measured to justify the $16.9M investment?
The contract aims to promote and support innovation within TANF. Measuring success would likely involve tracking the implementation of new strategies, their impact on program efficiency, participant outcomes, and cost-effectiveness. Specific metrics should be defined in the contract's statement of work to ensure accountability and demonstrate the value derived from the consulting services.
Given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, what mechanisms are in place to control costs and prevent potential overruns?
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require diligent oversight. Mechanisms should include regular financial reviews, detailed tracking of direct and indirect costs, and clear approval processes for any changes in scope or budget. The fixed fee component provides some incentive for the contractor to manage costs efficiently, but government oversight is crucial to ensure adherence to the agreed-upon budget and prevent unnecessary expenditures.
How does the awarded consulting firm's expertise align with the specific challenges and opportunities within the TANF program?
The award to MDRC, a well-regarded research and evaluation organization, suggests alignment with the need for evidence-based approaches to innovation in social programs. Their expertise in program design, implementation, and evaluation is critical for identifying and fostering effective changes within TANF, ensuring that innovations are grounded in research and have a higher likelihood of success.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
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: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 16 E 34TH STREET FL 19, NEW YORK, NY, 10016
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: $16,879,890
Exercised Options: $16,879,890
Current Obligation: $16,879,890
Actual Outlays: $8,932,885
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 5
Total Subaward Amount: $5,300,114
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HHSP233201500059I
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2017-09-20
Current End Date: 2024-06-21
Potential End Date: 2025-03-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-06-11
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