HHS awarded $25.1M for Children's Mental Health Initiative technical assistance, with AIR Sciences as contractor

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $25,129,827 ($25.1M)

Contractor: American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2008-09-30

End Date: 2013-09-29

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $13.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVE (CMHI) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER AND SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20007

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $25.1 million to AMERICAN INSTITUTES FOR RESEARCH IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES for work described as: CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVE (CMHI) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER AND SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract type is Cost Plus Award Fee, which incentivizes performance but can lead to higher costs. 3. The duration of the contract was 5 years, indicating a long-term need for these services. 4. The primary contractor, American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences, is a known entity in this field. 5. The contract's focus on technical assistance and support for CMHI highlights a critical area of public health. 6. The award amount of $25.1M over five years suggests a significant investment in children's mental health infrastructure.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's value of $25.1 million over five years for technical assistance in children's mental health appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar large-scale technical assistance contracts is challenging without more specific service details. However, the Cost Plus Award Fee structure, while allowing for performance incentives, can sometimes lead to costs exceeding initial estimates if not managed tightly. The award amount per year is approximately $5 million, which is substantial for specialized consulting services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The number of bidders is not specified, but this procurement method generally fosters price discovery and encourages multiple firms to offer competitive proposals. The open competition suggests that the government sought the best value and technical solution available in the market for these specialized services.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from full and open competition as it typically drives down costs and ensures that the government receives a high-quality service at a fair price. It reduces the risk of inflated pricing that can occur with less competitive solicitations.

Public Impact

Children and adolescents experiencing mental health challenges are the primary beneficiaries of improved technical assistance and support services. The contract supports the Children's Mental Health Initiative (CMHI), aiming to enhance the delivery of mental health services nationwide. The services provided are expected to strengthen the capacity of organizations and professionals working with youth mental health. The geographic impact is national, as technical assistance is likely disseminated across various states and communities. Workforce implications include enhanced training and support for mental health professionals, potentially improving retention and effectiveness.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Award Fee contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if performance metrics are not strictly defined and monitored.
The long duration of the contract (5 years) may limit flexibility to adapt to rapidly changing needs in mental health services.
Lack of specific details on the number of bidders in the full and open competition makes it difficult to fully assess the competitive pressure on pricing.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust and fair bidding process.
The contractor, American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences, has a strong track record in behavioral science research and consulting.
The contract addresses a critical public health need for children's mental health services, indicating a strategic investment.
The Cost Plus Award Fee structure incentivizes high performance and quality outcomes.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' category (NAICS 541690). This sector encompasses a wide range of specialized advisory and consulting services. Spending in this area by federal agencies is substantial, supporting policy development, program evaluation, and technical assistance across various domains. The market for such services is competitive, with numerous firms offering expertise in public health, behavioral sciences, and program management. This contract represents a significant investment in a specialized area of public health consulting.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans was not explicitly provided in the data. As this was a full and open competition, it is possible that small businesses could have participated as prime contractors or subcontractors. However, without specific details on subcontracting goals or achievements, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem remains unclear. Larger, established research institutions often dominate such contracts, but opportunities for specialized small businesses to contribute as subcontractors may exist.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) within HHS. Mechanisms likely include regular progress reports, performance reviews against award fee criteria, and financial audits. The Cost Plus Award Fee structure necessitates close monitoring of costs and performance to ensure value for money. Transparency would be facilitated through contract award databases and potentially public reporting on initiative outcomes, though specific oversight details are not provided.

Related Government Programs

Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Research Grants
Child and Adolescent Health Services

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Award Fee structure requires diligent oversight to ensure cost-effectiveness.
Defining clear, measurable performance metrics for award fees in technical assistance can be complex.
Long contract duration may require adaptability to evolving needs in the mental health sector.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $25.1 million to AMERICAN INSTITUTES FOR RESEARCH IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES. CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVE (CMHI) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER AND SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AMERICAN INSTITUTES FOR RESEARCH IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $25.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-09-30. End: 2013-09-29.

What is the track record of American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences (AIR) with federal contracts, particularly in mental health and technical assistance?

American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences (AIR) is a well-established research organization with extensive experience in federal contracting, particularly within health and education sectors. They have a history of managing large-scale grants and contracts focused on behavioral sciences, public health, and program implementation. AIR has been involved in numerous projects related to mental health, child development, and technical assistance for government agencies. Their track record generally indicates a capacity to manage complex projects, conduct rigorous research, and provide effective technical support. Specific to this contract, their expertise in behavioral sciences directly aligns with the needs of a Children's Mental Health Initiative technical assistance center.

How does the $25.1 million award compare to other federal contracts for similar technical assistance initiatives in children's mental health?

The $25.1 million award over five years for the Children's Mental Health Initiative (CMHI) Technical Assistance Center and Support represents a significant investment. While direct comparisons are difficult without knowing the precise scope and deliverables of other initiatives, this figure suggests a substantial, long-term commitment. Federal spending on children's mental health services and support infrastructure varies widely by agency and program. Contracts of this magnitude are typically awarded for national-level initiatives requiring extensive research, development, and dissemination of best practices. It indicates a high level of funding allocated to bolstering the capacity of the children's mental health system through expert guidance and support.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contract for technical assistance?

The primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contract, such as the one awarded for the CMHI Technical Assistance Center, revolve around cost control and performance definition. While CPAF incentivizes performance through award fees, there's a risk that the 'cost plus' component could lead to higher overall expenditures if the contractor's costs are not managed efficiently or if the base cost is set too high. Defining objective and measurable performance standards for award fees in technical assistance can be challenging, potentially leading to disputes or subjective evaluations. Furthermore, contractors might focus on achieving award fee targets rather than the most critical, albeit harder-to-measure, aspects of the service. Close government oversight is crucial to mitigate these risks.

What is the expected effectiveness of technical assistance in improving children's mental health services?

Technical assistance is a critical strategy for improving the effectiveness of children's mental health services by building the capacity of providers, systems, and policymakers. Effective technical assistance can help disseminate evidence-based practices, improve program implementation fidelity, enhance workforce training, and foster collaboration among stakeholders. By providing expert guidance, resources, and support, initiatives like CMHI aim to strengthen the infrastructure of children's mental health care, leading to better access, quality, and outcomes for youth. The success of this specific contract hinges on the quality of the technical assistance provided by AIR and its ability to translate knowledge into actionable improvements within the field.

How has federal spending on children's mental health initiatives evolved over the period of this contract (2008-2013)?

The period of this contract (2008-2013) coincided with significant shifts in federal attention to mental health, influenced by factors such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) implementation and increased awareness of the youth mental health crisis. While specific aggregate spending figures for 'children's mental health initiatives' are complex to isolate, federal investment in mental health services generally saw increases during this timeframe, particularly with the ACA's expansion of mental health parity and coverage. There was a growing emphasis on integrating mental health with primary care and addressing early intervention. This contract aligns with that trend by focusing on strengthening the foundational support systems for children's mental health services.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1000 THOMAS JEFFERSON ST N W, WASHINGTON, DC, 98

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Federally Funded Research and Development Corp, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $25,525,158

Exercised Options: $25,129,827

Current Obligation: $25,129,827

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Cost or Pricing Data: NOT OBTAINED - WAIVED

Timeline