HHS awards $1.68B contract for consulting services to ABT GLOBAL LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $16,872,348 ($16.9M)
Contractor: ABT Global LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2010-09-30
End Date: 2015-09-29
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 329
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: TAS::75 1362::TAS
Place of Performance
Location: CAMBRIDGE, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02138
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $16.9 million to ABT GLOBAL LLC for work described as: TAS::75 1362::TAS Key points: 1. Contract awarded to ABT GLOBAL LLC for "Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services". 2. The contract has a duration of 1825 days (5 years). 3. Awarded under full and open competition. 4. The contract type is Cost Plus Award Fee. 5. The Department of Health and Human Services is the awarding agency.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Award Fee, which can lead to higher costs if not managed carefully. The base award fee is not specified, making a direct comparison difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. However, the Cost Plus Award Fee structure requires careful monitoring to ensure cost-effectiveness.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are utilized for consulting services. The effectiveness of the competition and contract management will determine the ultimate value for taxpayers.
Public Impact
This contract supports the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The services provided are classified under "Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services". The contract spans a significant period, indicating long-term needs for these services. The total award amount is substantial at $1.68 billion.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Award Fee contracts can incentivize spending.
- Long contract duration may not adapt to changing needs.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes oversight challenging.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition promotes market fairness.
- Awarded by a major federal agency (HHS).
- Clear contract end date provides a review point.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under professional services, specifically consulting. Federal spending in this sector is significant, with agencies often outsourcing specialized expertise. Benchmarks vary widely based on the specific consulting niche.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and the prime contractor is not a small business. There is no information on subcontracting to small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
The Cost Plus Award Fee structure necessitates strong oversight to ensure performance and control costs. The duration of the contract requires regular reviews and potential adjustments to maintain accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns with Cost Plus Award Fee.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in summary data.
- Long contract duration may lead to obsolescence.
- No indication of small business subcontracting.
Tags
other-scientific-and-technical-consultin, department-of-health-and-human-services, ma, do, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $16.9 million to ABT GLOBAL LLC. TAS::75 1362::TAS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ABT GLOBAL LLC.
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 $16.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2010-09-30. End: 2015-09-29.
What specific consulting services are being provided under this contract, and how do they align with SAMHSA's mission?
The contract is for "Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services." While the exact nature of these services isn't detailed, they likely support SAMHSA's efforts in areas such as research, program evaluation, policy development, or technical assistance related to substance abuse and mental health. A deeper dive into the Statement of Work would clarify the specific deliverables and their direct contribution to SAMHSA's strategic objectives and public health goals.
How is the 'award fee' component structured, and what metrics are used to determine its payout to ensure fair value?
The 'award fee' component is typically tied to contractor performance against pre-defined criteria and objectives outlined in the contract. To ensure fair value, these criteria should be objective, measurable, and directly linked to the successful execution of the consulting services. Regular performance reviews and transparent reporting mechanisms are crucial for justifying the award fee and preventing potential overpayment or contractor complacency.
What mechanisms are in place to ensure the $1.68 billion expenditure over five years represents an effective use of taxpayer funds for consulting services?
Effective use of funds is managed through the Cost Plus Award Fee structure, which theoretically incentivizes performance. However, robust oversight is critical. This includes regular audits, performance evaluations against clear metrics, and competitive re-evaluation if services can be procured more cost-effectively. The agency must actively manage the contract, ensuring deliverables meet needs and costs remain reasonable relative to the value provided.
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) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: 283071000
Offers Received: 329
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 55 WHEELER ST, CAMBRIDGE, MA, 90
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $22,520,272
Exercised Options: $16,872,348
Current Obligation: $16,872,348
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HHSS283200700008I
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2010-09-30
Current End Date: 2015-09-29
Potential End Date: 2015-09-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2015-02-25
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