HHS awards $76.6M for Cancer Trials Support Unit services to Westat, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $76,648,696 ($76.6M)
Contractor: Westat, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2022-08-01
End Date: 2026-07-31
Contract Duration: 1,460 days
Daily Burn Rate: $52.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: TASK ORDER 1A: PROJECT KICK-OFF MEETING AND TASK ORDER 2A: CTSU CORE SUPPORT SERVICES & THE CTSU ENTERPRISE OF SYSTEMS; CANCER TRIALS SUPPORT UNIT (CTSU) IDIQ
Place of Performance
Location: ROCKVILLE, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20850
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $76.6 million to WESTAT, INC. for work described as: TASK ORDER 1A: PROJECT KICK-OFF MEETING AND TASK ORDER 2A: CTSU CORE SUPPORT SERVICES & THE CTSU ENTERPRISE OF SYSTEMS; CANCER TRIALS SUPPORT UNIT (CTSU) IDIQ Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract is for Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 3. Task orders cover project kick-off and core support services for the CTSU. 4. The contract duration is 4 years, ending July 31, 2026. 5. This award represents a significant investment in cancer research infrastructure.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. However, the fixed fee component provides some cost certainty. Benchmarking against similar R&D support contracts is needed for a precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to support critical cancer research infrastructure, aiming for advancements in treatment and patient outcomes.
Public Impact
Supports critical cancer research and clinical trials. Enhances the infrastructure for cancer data management and analysis. Potential for improved cancer treatment strategies and patient care. Funds advanced scientific research and development.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires careful monitoring to prevent cost overruns.
- Reliance on a single vendor for core support services could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, maximizing potential for value.
- Supports a critical area of public health research.
- Long-term contract provides stability for essential services.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for scientific advancement and public health initiatives. Benchmarks for similar R&D support contracts would provide further context.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation was sought or achieved through subcontracting.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be crucial to ensure the effective and efficient use of funds under the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will be responsible for monitoring performance and expenditures.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- National Institutes of Health Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Potential for cost overruns.
- Long-term reliance on a single vendor.
- No indication of small business participation.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, md, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $76.6 million to WESTAT, INC.. TASK ORDER 1A: PROJECT KICK-OFF MEETING AND TASK ORDER 2A: CTSU CORE SUPPORT SERVICES & THE CTSU ENTERPRISE OF SYSTEMS; CANCER TRIALS SUPPORT UNIT (CTSU) IDIQ
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is WESTAT, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (National Institutes of Health).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $76.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-08-01. End: 2026-07-31.
What is the specific scope of work for the CTSU Core Support Services and Enterprise of Systems?
The task orders cover initial project kick-off activities and ongoing core support services for the Cancer Trials Support Unit (CTSU). This includes managing the CTSU's enterprise systems, which are vital for the efficient operation of cancer clinical trials, data management, and research support.
What are the potential risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for R&D support?
A Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract carries the risk of cost overruns if the contractor's actual costs exceed estimates, although the fixed fee provides a ceiling on profit. Effective oversight is essential to manage scope creep and ensure the contractor remains efficient in delivering services within the anticipated cost structure.
How will the effectiveness of these support services be measured to ensure value for taxpayer money?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through key performance indicators (KPIs) related to system uptime, data accuracy, response times for support requests, and successful completion of milestones for cancer trials. Regular performance reviews and adherence to contractual obligations will be critical for ensuring value.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › N – Health R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1600 RESEARCH BLVD, ROCKVILLE, MD, 20850
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $214,350,401
Exercised Options: $77,659,375
Current Obligation: $76,648,696
Actual Outlays: $62,766,512
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 75N91022D00009
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-08-01
Current End Date: 2026-07-31
Potential End Date: 2032-07-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-06-06
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