Audiologist services for epidemiologic studies awarded to RS PROFESSIONALS, INC. for $135,486.4

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $135,486 ($135.5K)

Contractor: RS Professionals, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2028-04-05

Contract Duration: 730 days

Daily Burn Rate: $186/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: AUDIOLOGIST TO ASSIST WITH EPIDEMIOLOGIC STUDIES OF HEARING

Place of Performance

Location: SUWANEE, FORSYTH County, GEORGIA, 30024

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $135,486.4 to RS PROFESSIONALS, INC. for work described as: AUDIOLOGIST TO ASSIST WITH EPIDEMIOLOGIC STUDIES OF HEARING Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized scientific support services. 2. Limited competition due to 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' status. 3. Potential risk associated with sole-source award and limited market visibility. 4. Performance period of two years allows for sustained support. 5. Services fall under professional, scientific, and technical services sector. 6. Contract type is Firm Fixed Price, offering cost certainty.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $135,486.4 for two years of audiologist support for epidemiologic studies seems within a reasonable range for specialized scientific services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for expert consultation in public health research would provide a more precise assessment. However, given the niche nature of the services, the price appears to be a fair reflection of the expertise required.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded under a 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' basis, indicating that a sole-source procurement method was used. This means that only one vendor, RS PROFESSIONALS, INC., was considered for this award. The lack of competition limits the opportunity for price discovery and potentially higher costs compared to a fully competed contract.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not benefit from the most competitive pricing due to the absence of a bidding process.

Public Impact

Benefits the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in conducting vital epidemiologic studies. Services will support research into hearing-related health issues. Geographic impact is national, supporting federal research initiatives. Workforce implications include the engagement of specialized scientific expertise.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competitive pricing benefits.
Lack of transparency in vendor selection process.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost predictability.
Contract duration allows for continuity of services.
Specialized expertise is being procured for critical research.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector, specifically under NAICS code 541990 (All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services). This sector is characterized by a wide range of specialized expertise. The contract value is relatively small within the broader federal spending landscape for scientific support, suggesting it addresses a specific, focused need rather than a large-scale program.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract involved small business set-asides or subcontracting opportunities. The award to RS PROFESSIONALS, INC. does not appear to directly impact the small business ecosystem based on the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Accountability measures are inherent in the contract terms, including performance requirements and payment schedules. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature of the award.

Related Government Programs

Epidemiologic Research Support
Public Health Services
Scientific Consultation Contracts
Federal Research Grants

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Limited competition

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $135,486.4 to RS PROFESSIONALS, INC.. AUDIOLOGIST TO ASSIST WITH EPIDEMIOLOGIC STUDIES OF HEARING

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RS PROFESSIONALS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $135,486.4.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2028-04-05.

What is the track record of RS PROFESSIONALS, INC. in providing similar audiology and epidemiologic support services to federal agencies?

Information regarding the specific track record of RS PROFESSIONALS, INC. in providing audiology and epidemiologic support services to federal agencies is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive review would require accessing federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) to examine past performance evaluations, contract history, and any reported issues. Understanding their experience with similar research objectives and their success in meeting federal requirements is crucial for assessing future performance reliability. Without this data, the assessment relies on the assumption that the agency conducted due diligence during the sole-source justification process.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for audiologist services in epidemiologic research?

Direct comparison of the awarded price ($135,486.4 over two years) to specific market rates for audiologist services in epidemiologic research is challenging without access to detailed market research conducted by the agency or industry-specific cost data. Generally, specialized scientific consulting services command higher rates due to the required expertise and credentials. The 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' status suggests that the agency may have identified RS PROFESSIONALS, INC. as uniquely qualified, potentially justifying a price that might differ from a competitive market. A thorough benchmark would involve analyzing rates for similar expert consultation within public health research institutions or other federal contracts for comparable services.

What are the specific risks associated with a sole-source award for these critical research support services?

The primary risk associated with a sole-source award is the lack of competitive pressure, which can lead to suboptimal pricing and potentially reduced innovation. Taxpayers may not receive the best value for their money if alternative vendors could have offered comparable services at a lower cost. Furthermore, sole-source awards can raise concerns about transparency and fairness in the procurement process. There's also a risk that the agency may not have explored all viable options, potentially overlooking a more suitable or cost-effective solution. This approach can also limit opportunities for new or smaller businesses to enter the federal contracting space.

What is the expected effectiveness of the audiologist services in contributing to the CDC's epidemiologic studies?

The effectiveness of the audiologist services is expected to be high, given that the contract is awarded to RS PROFESSIONALS, INC. for specialized support in epidemiologic studies of hearing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) likely identified a specific need for expert audiological input to ensure the scientific rigor and accuracy of their research. The services are intended to provide critical data and analysis related to hearing health, which is essential for understanding disease patterns, risk factors, and intervention effectiveness. The success will depend on the quality of the services provided by the contractor and the integration of their findings into the broader research objectives of the CDC.

What has been the historical spending pattern for similar audiology support services by the CDC or HHS?

Historical spending patterns for similar audiology support services by the CDC or HHS are not detailed in the provided data. To assess this, one would need to query federal procurement databases for contracts awarded under relevant NAICS codes (e.g., 541990) or service descriptions related to audiology, epidemiology, and public health research. Analyzing past expenditures would reveal the frequency, value, and duration of such contracts, as well as the typical procurement methods used (competitive vs. sole-source). This historical context is vital for understanding if the current award represents a new initiative, an expansion of existing services, or a continuation of a long-standing need.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 75D301-26-R-73419

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 930 BOYD RD, SUWANEE, GA, 30024

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $320,835

Exercised Options: $320,835

Current Obligation: $135,486

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline