HHS awards $2.5M contract for critical research support to ACF OPRE, highlighting need for data analysis and dissemination

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,538,099 ($2.5M)

Contractor: American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2024-09-30

End Date: 2029-06-14

Contract Duration: 1,718 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE LEVEL OF EFFORT

Sector: Other

Official Description: THIS REQUIREMENT WILL FILL A CRITICAL NEED IN PROVIDING TECHNICAL EXPERTISE AND SUPPORT SERVICES TO THE ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES (ACF) OFFICE OF PLANNING, RESEARCH, AND EVALUATION (OPRE) IN ORDER TO GATHER, ANALYZE, AND DISSEMINATE RE

Place of Performance

Location: NEW YORK, NEW YORK County, NEW YORK, 10281

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $2.5 million to AMERICAN INSTITUTES FOR RESEARCH IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES for work described as: THIS REQUIREMENT WILL FILL A CRITICAL NEED IN PROVIDING TECHNICAL EXPERTISE AND SUPPORT SERVICES TO THE ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES (ACF) OFFICE OF PLANNING, RESEARCH, AND EVALUATION (OPRE) IN ORDER TO GATHER, ANALYZE, AND DISSEMINATE RE Key points: 1. Contract addresses a critical need for technical expertise in data gathering, analysis, and dissemination for ACF OPRE. 2. The fixed-price, level-of-effort contract structure aims to control costs while ensuring comprehensive support. 3. Competition was full and open, suggesting a robust market for these specialized research services. 4. The contract duration of over 4 years indicates a long-term commitment to research and evaluation support. 5. Performance is expected in New York, potentially impacting the local research and analysis workforce. 6. The award to American Institutes for Research suggests a focus on established expertise in behavioral sciences.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $2.5 million over a period of nearly 5 years appears reasonable for specialized research and technical support services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for federal research and evaluation support would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The fixed-price, level-of-effort structure suggests an attempt to manage costs effectively, but the ultimate value will depend on the quality and impact of the research outcomes.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely considered. This competitive process is generally favorable for price discovery and ensures that the government can select from a range of qualified contractors. The number of bidders and the specific evaluation criteria would further illuminate the strength of the competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition typically leads to more competitive pricing, which is beneficial for taxpayers by ensuring that federal funds are used efficiently and that the government secures services at a fair market value.

Public Impact

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (OPRE) will benefit from enhanced technical expertise. Services delivered include gathering, analyzing, and disseminating critical data related to ACF programs. The geographic impact is centered in New York, where the contractor is located. Potential workforce implications include opportunities for researchers, analysts, and support staff within the contractor's organization.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if research objectives are not clearly defined and managed.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical research functions could pose a risk if performance falters.

Positive Signals

Award to a reputable research institution suggests a high likelihood of quality deliverables.
Long contract duration allows for sustained focus and development of deep expertise.
Full and open competition indicates a healthy market and potential for innovation.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on research and development in the social sciences and public policy. The market for such services is competitive, with numerous firms offering expertise in data analysis, program evaluation, and policy research. Federal spending in this area supports evidence-based policymaking and program improvement across various government agencies.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside or subcontracting requirements for this contract. As it was awarded under full and open competition, it is possible that small businesses could have bid, but there is no explicit provision for them. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist or if small businesses are part of the awarded contractor's team.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the contracting officer and program officials within the ACF OPRE. Accountability measures would be tied to the contract's performance work statement and deliverables. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases, though specific research findings may have varying levels of public accessibility based on their nature and sensitivity. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

ACF Program Evaluation Contracts
HHS Research and Development Support
Federal Data Analysis Services
Social Science Research Grants

Risk Flags

Potential for research findings to be sensitive or require careful dissemination.
Reliance on contractor's expertise for critical data analysis and interpretation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $2.5 million to AMERICAN INSTITUTES FOR RESEARCH IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES. THIS REQUIREMENT WILL FILL A CRITICAL NEED IN PROVIDING TECHNICAL EXPERTISE AND SUPPORT SERVICES TO THE ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES (ACF) OFFICE OF PLANNING, RESEARCH, AND EVALUATION (OPRE) IN ORDER TO GATHER, ANALYZE, AND DISSEMINATE RE

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 (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-30. End: 2029-06-14.

What is the track record of American Institutes for Research in supporting federal research and evaluation initiatives, particularly within HHS?

American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a well-established research organization with a significant history of supporting federal agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). AIR has a broad portfolio encompassing education, health, international, and social and economic policy research. They frequently engage in large-scale data collection, analysis, and program evaluation for various government entities. Their experience often includes work with agencies like the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), focusing on child welfare, early childhood education, and family support programs. A review of their past performance on similar contracts would reveal their ability to meet deadlines, manage complex projects, and deliver high-quality research products. Their extensive experience suggests a strong capacity to fulfill the requirements of this contract.

How does the $2.5 million contract value compare to similar federal contracts for research and evaluation support services?

The $2.5 million contract value over approximately 4.7 years (from award to end date) translates to an average annual value of roughly $530,000. This figure is within a common range for federal contracts that provide specialized technical expertise and support services for research and evaluation. Contracts of this nature often involve significant data analysis, survey design, qualitative research, and reporting, requiring skilled personnel and project management. While a precise comparison requires access to a database of similar contracts with detailed scopes of work, this award appears to be a moderate-sized investment for dedicated support to a specific office like ACF OPRE. The value seems commensurate with the stated need for gathering, analyzing, and disseminating critical data.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are likely in place?

Primary risks for this contract include potential challenges in data access and quality, the complexity of analyzing diverse datasets, and ensuring the timely dissemination of research findings. There's also a risk that the research outcomes may not directly translate into actionable policy changes or program improvements. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust data management protocols, clear communication channels between the contractor and ACF OPRE, well-defined research methodologies, and regular progress reviews. The fixed-price, level-of-effort structure aims to manage cost risks, while the contractor's established reputation in behavioral sciences suggests a commitment to quality. The long duration also allows for iterative feedback and adjustments throughout the project lifecycle.

How effective is the 'full and open competition' approach likely to be in ensuring value for money for this specific research support contract?

The 'full and open competition' approach is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring value for money, as it allows the government to solicit bids from all responsible sources and select the offer that represents the best value. For a research support contract like this, it means that a wide range of qualified firms, from large research institutions to smaller specialized consultancies, could compete. This broad competition typically drives down prices and encourages innovation in methodologies and approaches. The government can then evaluate not only price but also technical approach, past performance, and management capabilities. The success in achieving value for money will depend on the clarity of the solicitation's requirements and the rigor of the evaluation process used by HHS.

What are the historical spending patterns for similar research and evaluation support services within HHS or ACF?

Historical spending patterns for research and evaluation support services within HHS and ACF typically show a consistent demand for expertise in data analysis, program evaluation, and policy research. Agencies like ACF often require support for understanding the effectiveness of programs related to child welfare, family support, and economic opportunity. Spending can fluctuate based on legislative priorities, new program initiatives, and the need for evidence-based decision-making. Contracts in this area can range from small, project-specific task orders to large, multi-year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) vehicles. The $2.5 million award for this specific need appears to align with the typical investment level for dedicated, long-term support to a specialized office within HHS, reflecting an ongoing commitment to data-driven insights.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Services › Offices of Certified Public Accountants

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

Solicitation ID: 75ACF124R00029

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE LEVEL OF EFFORT (B)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1400 CRYSTAL DR FL 10, ARLINGTON, VA, 22202

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: $5,052,216

Exercised Options: $2,538,099

Current Obligation: $2,538,099

Actual Outlays: $796,458

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QRAD19DU206

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline