HHS awards $2.1M contract for scientific consulting, highlighting NIH's need for specialized expertise

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,126,363 ($2.1M)

Contractor: GAP Solutions, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2021-07-08

End Date: 2026-06-21

Contract Duration: 1,809 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SOAR - TO330_75N95025F00008

Place of Performance

Location: BETHESDA, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20892

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $2.1 million to GAP SOLUTIONS, INC. for work described as: SOAR - TO330_75N95025F00008 Key points: 1. The contract value of $2.1 million over its period of performance suggests a moderate investment in specialized consulting services. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, indicating a broad market search and potential for competitive pricing. 3. The contract is a delivery order, implying it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract, which can offer flexibility but may obscure total spending visibility. 4. The fixed-price contract type generally shifts risk to the contractor, potentially leading to more predictable costs for the government. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541690 points to a focus on 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services,' a broad category. 6. The contract's duration of approximately 5 years (1809 days) suggests a need for sustained support rather than a short-term project.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.1 million for approximately five years of service appears reasonable for specialized scientific consulting. Benchmarking against similar contracts for 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' would provide a more precise assessment of value for money. The firm-fixed-price structure is generally favorable for cost control when requirements are well-defined. Without specific performance metrics or detailed service descriptions, a definitive value assessment is challenging, but the award amount does not immediately suggest overpricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that the agency sought proposals from all responsible sources. The number of bidders is not specified, but this method typically fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and a wider range of technical solutions. The agency's decision to use full and open competition indicates confidence in the market's ability to meet the requirement effectively.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally the most advantageous for taxpayers as it maximizes the potential for cost savings through robust price discovery and encourages a diverse pool of contractors to bid, potentially driving down overall costs.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely researchers and program managers within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) who will receive expert scientific and technical consulting. The services delivered are expected to support NIH's mission in advancing biomedical research and public health. The geographic impact is primarily within Maryland, where the contract is managed and likely performed, supporting federal research initiatives. Workforce implications may include the direct employment of consultants and indirect support for federal scientific staff.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the true value and impact of the consulting services.
The broad NAICS code 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' could encompass a wide range of activities, making it hard to pinpoint the exact nature of the support.
The contract is a delivery order, which might be part of a larger IDIQ vehicle, potentially obscuring the total spending and oversight for this specific requirement.
Limited information on the number of bidders prevents a full assessment of the competitive landscape and its impact on pricing.
The duration of the contract (nearly 5 years) requires ongoing monitoring to ensure continued relevance and effectiveness of the services provided.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a broad search for qualified contractors and potential for competitive pricing.
The firm-fixed-price contract type generally provides cost certainty for the government.
The contract is with GAP SOLUTIONS, INC., a known entity in the contracting space.
The contract is managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a reputable agency with a clear mission.
The contract duration suggests a stable, long-term need for specialized expertise, aligning with ongoing research efforts.

Sector Analysis

The scientific and technical consulting services sector is a vital component of the federal government's ability to conduct research, develop new technologies, and manage complex programs. This contract falls under the broad category of professional services, which is a significant area of federal procurement. Spending in this sector is driven by the need for specialized expertise that may not be available in-house within agencies like the NIH. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically look at the average cost per hour or per project for similar consulting engagements within the federal government or private sector.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem appears minimal for this particular award. However, the prime contractor, GAP SOLUTIONS, INC., may engage small businesses as subcontractors, which would then contribute to the small business economy.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the contracting officer and the program officials at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). As a delivery order under a potential IDIQ, oversight might also involve the management of the parent contract. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS. Accountability measures would be tied to the performance requirements outlined in the contract and the firm-fixed-price structure, which incentivizes the contractor to meet deliverables within the agreed-upon cost. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

NIH Research Support Contracts
Scientific and Technical Advisory Services
Federal Consulting Services Procurement
Health Research and Development Support
Professional Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential lack of specific performance metrics
Broad NAICS code may obscure service details
Delivery order structure may limit visibility into total spending
Limited information on number of bidders

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $2.1 million to GAP SOLUTIONS, INC.. SOAR - TO330_75N95025F00008

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GAP SOLUTIONS, 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 $2.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-07-08. End: 2026-06-21.

What is the specific nature of the 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' being provided under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract falls under NAICS code 541690, 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services.' This is a broad category that can encompass a wide array of specialized advisory and technical support. Without access to the contract's statement of work (SOW) or performance work statement (PWS), the precise services are not detailed. However, given the awarding agency is the National Institutes of Health (NIH), it is highly probable that these services relate to supporting biomedical research, clinical trials, public health initiatives, or the management and analysis of scientific data. Examples could include expert review of research proposals, statistical analysis support, regulatory compliance consulting, or technical assistance for research infrastructure.

How does the $2.1 million contract value compare to similar scientific consulting contracts awarded by the NIH or other federal agencies?

Benchmarking the $2.1 million contract value requires comparing it against similar contracts for 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' (NAICS 541690) awarded by the NIH or other agencies over a comparable period. The contract duration is approximately 5 years (1809 days), meaning the average annual value is roughly $420,000. This figure needs to be assessed in the context of the specific services rendered. If the services involve highly specialized expertise, senior-level consultants, or extensive project management, this annual value might be considered reasonable. Conversely, if the services are more routine or involve fewer personnel, it could indicate a higher-than-average cost. Access to detailed contract databases and market research reports would be necessary for a precise comparison.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or deliverables expected from GAP SOLUTIONS, INC. under this contract?

The provided summary data does not include specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or detailed deliverables for this contract. Typically, these would be outlined in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) or Performance Work Statement (PWS). For a scientific consulting contract, KPIs might include the timely delivery of reports, the quality of analysis provided, adherence to project timelines, successful completion of specific research support tasks, or the effectiveness of recommendations made. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract implies that the contractor is responsible for meeting these defined requirements within the agreed-upon budget. Without the SOW/PWS, a thorough assessment of performance expectations and accountability is not possible.

What is the track record of GAP SOLUTIONS, INC. in performing similar federal contracts, particularly with the NIH?

GAP SOLUTIONS, INC. has a track record of performing federal contracts. To assess their performance specifically for scientific and technical consulting services, particularly with the NIH, a review of their contract history in federal procurement databases (like FPDS) would be necessary. This review should examine past awards, contract values, performance evaluations (if available), and any past performance issues or successes. Understanding their experience with similar NAICS codes and contract types (like firm-fixed-price delivery orders) would provide insight into their capabilities and reliability for this specific requirement. Without this detailed historical data, it's difficult to definitively assess their track record.

Given the contract is a delivery order, what is the total potential value and scope of the parent IDIQ contract?

The provided data identifies this award as a 'DELIVERY ORDER' (aw: DELIVERY ORDER) and indicates it is part of a larger contract vehicle. However, the data does not specify the parent contract number or its total potential value and scope. Delivery orders are typically issued against Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contracts, which allow for the issuance of task orders or delivery orders over a specified period. The total value and scope of the parent IDIQ contract would encompass all delivery orders issued against it. To understand the full picture, one would need to identify the parent IDIQ contract and review its terms, ceiling value, and period of performance.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services

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

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 205 VAN BUREN ST STE 205, HERNDON, VA, 20170

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,126,363

Exercised Options: $2,126,363

Current Obligation: $2,126,363

Actual Outlays: $935,406

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75N95021D00011

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline