NHLBI Awards $4.4M Contract to Commonwealth Strategic Solutions for Data Analytics Support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,433,727 ($4.4M)

Contractor: Commonwealth Strategic Solutions, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2024-04-16

End Date: 2027-04-15

Contract Duration: 1,094 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: NATIONAL HEART, LUNG, AND BLOOD INSTITUTE (NHLBI) DATA ANALYTICS AND BUSINESS ANALYSIS SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: BOYKINS, SOUTHAMPTON County, VIRGINIA, 23827

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $4.4 million to COMMONWEALTH STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS, LLC for work described as: NATIONAL HEART, LUNG, AND BLOOD INSTITUTE (NHLBI) DATA ANALYTICS AND BUSINESS ANALYSIS SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Commonwealth Strategic Solutions, LLC for data analytics and business analysis. 2. The contract has a duration of 1094 days, ending April 15, 2027. 3. This award falls under custom computer programming services (NAICS 541511). 4. The contract was awarded through full and open competition. 5. The total value is $4,433,727.43.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $4.4M over nearly three years appears reasonable for specialized data analytics and business support services. Benchmarking against similar IT service contracts of this scope suggests competitive pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded using full and open competition, indicating a robust price discovery process. This method generally leads to more competitive pricing as multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive bidding process is expected to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for essential data analytics services.

Public Impact

Enhances NHLBI's capacity for data-driven decision-making in heart, lung, and blood research. Supports critical research initiatives by providing advanced analytical insights. Ensures the effective management and utilization of vast datasets for public health advancements.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Full and open competition ensures fair pricing.
Clear contract duration and delivery order structure.
Supports a critical health research agency.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically custom computer programming. Spending benchmarks for federal IT services vary widely, but this award is moderate for specialized analytics support.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Commonwealth Strategic Solutions, LLC. Information regarding small business participation or subcontracting is not explicitly detailed in the provided data, but the prime contractor is not identified as a small business.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) via the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Standard oversight mechanisms for federal contracts are expected to be in place.

Related Government Programs

Custom Computer Programming Services
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
National Institutes of Health Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in.
Dependence on specific analytical methodologies.
Ensuring data security and privacy compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $4.4 million to COMMONWEALTH STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS, LLC. NATIONAL HEART, LUNG, AND BLOOD INSTITUTE (NHLBI) DATA ANALYTICS AND BUSINESS ANALYSIS SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is COMMONWEALTH STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS, LLC.

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 $4.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-04-16. End: 2027-04-15.

What specific data analytics capabilities will Commonwealth Strategic Solutions provide to NHLBI?

The contract specifies 'Data Analytics and Business Analysis Support.' This likely encompasses a range of services including data collection, cleaning, processing, statistical analysis, predictive modeling, and generating actionable business intelligence reports to aid NHLBI's research and operational decisions.

What are the potential risks associated with relying on a single vendor for critical data analytics support?

Risks include vendor lock-in, potential for price increases upon contract renewal, and a lack of diverse perspectives if the vendor's approach becomes too narrow. Mitigating these risks involves clear performance metrics, regular performance reviews, and exploring options for knowledge transfer.

How will the effectiveness of this data analytics support be measured to ensure value for taxpayer money?

Effectiveness will likely be measured through Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) tied to the quality and timeliness of analytical reports, the accuracy of predictions or insights generated, and the extent to which NHLBI operational or research decisions are demonstrably improved by the support provided.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Custom Computer Programming Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 75N92024Q0899

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 16201 CABIN POND LN, BOYKINS, VA, 23827

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $7,695,829

Exercised Options: $4,433,727

Current Obligation: $4,433,727

Actual Outlays: $2,079,435

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QTCA23D00BC

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline