HHS awards $186M contract for Vaccine Safety Datalink to America's Health Insurance Plans, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $186,398,839 ($186.4M)
Contractor: America's Health Insurance Plans, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2002-09-20
End Date: 2013-09-19
Contract Duration: 4,017 days
Daily Burn Rate: $46.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: AHIP - VACCINE SAFETY DATALINK, 200-2002-00732
Place of Performance
Location: ATLANTA, DEKALB County, GEORGIA, 30341
State: Georgia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $186.4 million to AMERICA'S HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS, INC. for work described as: AHIP - VACCINE SAFETY DATALINK, 200-2002-00732 Key points: 1. Contract awarded for vaccine safety research and development. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting market availability. 3. Risk is moderate due to long duration and cost-plus structure. 4. Sector is R&D, with significant government investment.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $186M over 11 years is substantial. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts in public health is difficult without more specific cost breakdowns, but the duration suggests a significant, long-term research effort.
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 were likely considered. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed towards critical public health research, aiming to ensure vaccine safety and efficacy, which has broad societal benefits.
Public Impact
Enhances understanding and monitoring of vaccine safety. Supports evidence-based public health policy. Contributes to public trust in vaccination programs.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration (11 years) may lead to cost overruns.
- Cost-plus fixed fee structure can incentivize higher costs.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes oversight challenging.
Positive Signals
- Focus on critical public health issue (vaccine safety).
- Full and open competition promotes value.
- Potential for significant advancements in public health.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is crucial for scientific advancement and public well-being, with significant government investment aimed at addressing complex challenges.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved in this contract. Larger prime contracts often have subcontracting goals, but without specific data, it's unknown if small businesses participated.
Oversight & Accountability
The long duration and cost-plus nature of this contract warrant close oversight to ensure funds are used efficiently and effectively. Regular performance reviews and cost audits would be essential.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration
- Cost-plus contract type
- Potential for scope creep
- Reliance on contractor reporting
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, ga, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $186.4 million to AMERICA'S HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS, INC.. AHIP - VACCINE SAFETY DATALINK, 200-2002-00732
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AMERICA'S HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS, 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 $186.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2002-09-20. End: 2013-09-19.
What specific research outcomes are expected from this $186M investment over 11 years?
The expected outcomes likely include the establishment and maintenance of robust surveillance systems for vaccine safety, the generation of peer-reviewed research on vaccine adverse events, and the development of improved methodologies for safety monitoring. The investment aims to provide timely and accurate data to inform public health decisions and maintain confidence in vaccine safety.
How does the cost-plus fixed fee structure mitigate risks associated with long-term R&D projects?
The cost-plus fixed fee structure allows for flexibility in R&D where exact costs are unpredictable. The 'cost-plus' component covers allowable costs incurred, while the 'fixed fee' provides a predetermined profit margin. This can incentivize contractors to perform the work efficiently while ensuring they are compensated for unforeseen research challenges, though it requires diligent oversight to prevent cost escalation.
What is the potential impact on public health if the vaccine safety data collected is incomplete or inaccurate?
Incomplete or inaccurate vaccine safety data could lead to misinformed public health policies, erode public trust in vaccines, and potentially result in adverse health outcomes if safety concerns are not properly identified or addressed. This underscores the critical importance of rigorous data collection, analysis, and reporting under this contract.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: 2002N00408
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 601 PENNSYLVANIA AVE NW, WASHINGTON, DC, 20004
Business Categories: Category Business, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $6,787,917,671
Exercised Options: $6,011,710,163
Current Obligation: $186,398,839
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2002-09-20
Current End Date: 2013-09-19
Potential End Date: 2013-09-19 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-01-08
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