Nearly $16M in administrative support services awarded to Emergency Care Research Institute over 15 years

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,865,460 ($15.9M)

Contractor: Emergency Care Research Institute

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2001-09-20

End Date: 2016-07-16

Contract Duration: 5,413 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SVCS

Place of Performance

Location: PLYMOUTH MEETING, MONTGOMERY County, PENNSYLVANIA, 19462, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $15.9 million to EMERGENCY CARE RESEARCH INSTITUTE for work described as: OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SVCS Key points: 1. Contract provided administrative support services, a broad category with potential for efficiency gains. 2. The contract spanned over 15 years, suggesting a long-term need for these services. 3. Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a potentially competitive bidding process. 4. The contract type was Cost Plus Award Fee, which can incentivize performance but requires careful oversight. 5. The services were delivered in Pennsylvania, with potential implications for the local workforce. 6. The specific nature of 'administrative support' warrants further detail to assess true value.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award amount of nearly $16 million over 15 years averages to approximately $1.07 million per year. Without specific performance metrics or comparable contracts for similar administrative support services, it is difficult to definitively benchmark the value. The Cost Plus Award Fee structure suggests that performance was a key consideration, but the final award amount relative to cost is not detailed here. Further analysis would require understanding the scope of services and comparing them to industry standards or other government contracts for similar functions.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically involves a broad solicitation to all interested and capable bidders. The presence of 6 bidders suggests a healthy level of interest in this contract. This competitive environment generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable terms for the government compared to sole-source or limited competition scenarios.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive process with multiple bidders helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs and encouraging innovation among offerors.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary of this contract is the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), which received administrative support services. These services likely facilitated the operational efficiency of AHRQ, enabling it to better pursue its mission in healthcare research. The contract was performed in Pennsylvania, potentially creating or sustaining jobs within that state. The duration of the contract suggests a sustained need for administrative functions within the agency.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The broad nature of 'administrative support services' makes it challenging to assess the specific value and necessity without detailed task orders.
The Cost Plus Award Fee contract type, while performance-oriented, can lead to higher costs if not meticulously managed and audited.
A 15-year contract duration raises questions about the long-term strategic planning and potential for service obsolescence or the need for re-competition.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust and fair bidding process.
Multiple bidders (6) participated, suggesting significant market interest and potential for competitive pricing.
The contract was managed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, a reputable entity within HHS.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the administrative and management consulting services sector, specifically NAICS code 541611. This sector is characterized by a wide range of services aimed at improving organizational efficiency and effectiveness. Government spending in this area is substantial, supporting various agencies' operational needs. Benchmarking would involve comparing the cost and scope of these services to similar contracts awarded to other administrative support providers or consulting firms within the federal government.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. Given the duration and potential scale, it's possible that larger firms were primary bidders. Further investigation would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or if there were opportunities missed for small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Oversight would typically involve program managers within AHRQ monitoring performance against contract requirements and award fee criteria. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, but detailed performance reports or audits are not publicly available through this data alone. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to potential fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
Support Services for Government Agencies
Healthcare Research and Quality Support

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may indicate a need for re-evaluation of service requirements.
Cost Plus Award Fee structure requires diligent oversight to ensure value for money.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $15.9 million to EMERGENCY CARE RESEARCH INSTITUTE. OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SVCS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EMERGENCY CARE RESEARCH INSTITUTE.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $15.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2001-09-20. End: 2016-07-16.

What specific administrative support services were provided under this contract?

The provided data classifies the contract under NAICS code 541611, 'Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services.' However, it does not detail the specific tasks performed. These services could range widely, encompassing areas such as program management support, data analysis, administrative assistance, logistical support, financial management, or strategic planning. Without a detailed statement of work or task orders, it is impossible to ascertain the precise nature and scope of the administrative support rendered to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).

How does the average annual cost of $1.07 million compare to similar administrative support contracts?

Benchmarking the average annual cost of $1.07 million for administrative support services is challenging without more specific details about the scope and complexity of the services provided by Emergency Care Research Institute (ECRI). Government contracts for administrative support vary significantly based on the agency, the criticality of the function, and the required expertise. To conduct a meaningful comparison, one would need to identify contracts with similar service descriptions, contract types (Cost Plus Award Fee), and durations, awarded to comparable organizations. A preliminary assessment suggests this figure is substantial, underscoring the need for detailed performance data to justify the value.

What were the key performance indicators (KPIs) and award fee criteria for this contract?

The contract type is 'Cost Plus Award Fee' (CPAF), which implies that the contractor, Emergency Care Research Institute (ECRI), could earn an additional fee based on meeting or exceeding specific performance objectives. However, the provided data does not specify these Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or award fee criteria. Typically, for administrative support services, KPIs might include timeliness of service delivery, accuracy of work, responsiveness to requests, and overall client satisfaction. The 'award fee' component suggests that AHRQ had a mechanism to evaluate ECRI's performance and determine the extent of the additional fee earned, but the specifics remain undisclosed in this dataset.

What is the track record of Emergency Care Research Institute (ECRI) in performing government contracts?

Emergency Care Research Institute (ECRI) has a long-standing relationship with the federal government, as evidenced by this nearly 15-year contract with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). While this specific contract indicates a sustained engagement, a comprehensive assessment of ECRI's track record would require reviewing its performance on other federal contracts, including any past performance evaluations, awards, or disputes. Information on their success in meeting deadlines, quality standards, and budget adherence across multiple engagements would provide a fuller picture of their capabilities and reliability as a government contractor.

What is the significance of the 15-year duration for this administrative support contract?

A contract duration of 15 years is exceptionally long for administrative support services. Such extended periods can raise questions about the initial procurement strategy, the potential for market shifts, and the risk of vendor lock-in or complacency. While long-term contracts can provide stability and reduce re-competition costs, they also necessitate robust oversight to ensure continued relevance and value. It suggests that the services provided were deemed critical and stable over a prolonged period, or potentially that the contract was structured with multiple option periods. A review of the contract's history, including any modifications or extensions, would clarify the reasons for its longevity.

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) › ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5200 BUTLER PIKE, PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA, 19462

Business Categories: Category Business, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $16,158,368

Exercised Options: $16,158,368

Current Obligation: $15,865,460

Timeline