NIH Awards $15.8M for Animal Care and Research Support Services to Scitech Services Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,875,286 ($15.9M)

Contractor: Scitech Services Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2022-09-01

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 1,398 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: BASE AWARD. ANIMAL CARE AND RESEARCH SUPPORT SERVICES. POP: SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 - DECEMBER 31, 2022.

Place of Performance

Location: BALTIMORE, BALTIMORE CITY County, MARYLAND, 21224

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $15.9 million to SCITECH SERVICES INC for work described as: BASE AWARD. ANIMAL CARE AND RESEARCH SUPPORT SERVICES. POP: SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 - DECEMBER 31, 2022. Key points: 1. The contract is for animal care and research support services, a critical component of scientific advancement. 2. Scitech Services Inc. is the awardee, with the contract duration extending to June 2026. 3. The award method was 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources', suggesting a competitive process with specific criteria. 4. The sector is Research and Development, aligning with the NIH's mission.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $15.8M over its period appears reasonable for specialized animal care and research support services. Benchmarking against similar NIH contracts for these services would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources' indicates a competitive process was used, but with specific exclusions. This method aims for fair pricing while ensuring specialized capabilities are met.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests that taxpayer funds are being used efficiently, with efforts to secure the best value for the services rendered.

Public Impact

Ensures continuity of essential animal care and research support for NIH-funded projects. Supports scientific research by providing necessary infrastructure and services. Potential for innovation in animal care and research methodologies through contracted services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if research needs fluctuate significantly.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical support services.

Positive Signals

Awarded through a competitive process, indicating potential for value.
Long-term contract provides stability for research operations.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the R&D sector, specifically supporting physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for scientific discovery and innovation, with benchmarks varying widely based on the specific research focus.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved as subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation in this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a reputable agency with established oversight mechanisms. The 'definitive contract' type suggests clear terms and conditions 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

Contract duration is substantial, requiring ongoing monitoring.
Potential for scope creep if research needs evolve significantly.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical support functions.
The 'Exclusion of Sources' aspect warrants further scrutiny for competitive impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $15.9 million to SCITECH SERVICES INC. BASE AWARD. ANIMAL CARE AND RESEARCH SUPPORT SERVICES. POP: SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 - DECEMBER 31, 2022.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SCITECH SERVICES 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 $15.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-09-01. End: 2026-06-30.

What specific research areas will these animal care and support services primarily benefit?

The contract supports 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)'. This broad scope suggests services will underpin a wide range of NIH-funded studies, from basic biological research to applied engineering projects, ensuring the welfare and ethical treatment of research animals while facilitating critical scientific advancements.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for Scitech Services Inc. under this contract?

While specific KPIs are not detailed in the provided data, typical performance indicators for animal care and research support services include adherence to animal welfare regulations (e.g., APHIS, NIH guidelines), timely provision of services, maintenance of facility cleanliness and biosecurity, and responsiveness to researcher needs. Contract monitoring by NIH would assess these areas.

How does the 'Exclusion of Sources' clause in the competition impact potential cost savings for taxpayers?

The 'Exclusion of Sources' clause, while part of a full and open competition, limits the pool of eligible bidders. If the excluded sources could have offered more competitive pricing or superior value, this clause might have indirectly led to a higher contract cost than if all potential vendors were considered. However, it may also ensure specialized expertise is secured.

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: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 75N95022R00073

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2129 PULASKI HWY STE 100, HAVRE DE GRACE, MD, 21078

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $20,160,725

Exercised Options: $15,875,286

Current Obligation: $15,875,286

Actual Outlays: $13,474,600

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline