HHS Awards $26.9M for HIV/Hepatitis/STD/TB Strategic Communications to American Institutes for Research

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $26,896,260 ($26.9M)

Contractor: American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2008-05-15

End Date: 2014-05-14

Contract Duration: 2,190 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.3K/day

Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS FOR HIV, VIRAL HEPATITIS, STD AND TB

Place of Performance

Location: ATLANTA, DEKALB County, GEORGIA, 30329

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $26.9 million to AMERICAN INSTITUTES FOR RESEARCH IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES for work described as: STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS FOR HIV, VIRAL HEPATITIS, STD AND TB Key points: 1. The contract focuses on critical public health communications for major infectious diseases. 2. American Institutes for Research, a known entity in behavioral sciences, is the awardee. 3. The contract spans six years, indicating a long-term need for these services. 4. The award was a competitive delivery order, suggesting some level of market engagement.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total award value of $26.9 million over six years suggests a substantial investment in strategic communications. Without specific performance metrics or comparable contract data, a precise value assessment is difficult, but the duration and scope imply a significant need.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This was a competitive delivery order, implying it was likely competed among pre-qualified vendors or within a specific contract vehicle. The 'limited' competition aspect suggests it wasn't a full and open solicitation, which could impact price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to address critical public health issues through strategic communication, aiming for disease prevention and public awareness.

Public Impact

Enhances public awareness and understanding of HIV, viral hepatitis, STDs, and TB. Supports the CDC's mission to prevent disease and protect public health. Aims to influence health behaviors and reduce the spread of infectious diseases. Provides critical communication strategies for vulnerable populations. Contributes to national efforts in disease control and prevention.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may have impacted optimal pricing.
Contract duration could lead to scope creep or evolving needs.
Performance metrics for communication effectiveness are not detailed.

Positive Signals

Addresses critical public health needs.
Awardee has relevant expertise in behavioral sciences.
Competitive delivery order suggests some market vetting.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional services sector, specifically marketing and consulting. Spending in this area by government agencies is common for public awareness campaigns and health initiatives. Benchmarks are difficult without specific service details, but large-scale communication efforts often involve multi-million dollar investments.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific set-aside for small businesses. The awardee, American Institutes for Research, is a large research organization, suggesting that small businesses were likely not primary awardees on this specific contract, though they might be subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a major agency within HHS. Oversight would typically involve program managers and contracting officers ensuring deliverables meet requirements and funds are used appropriately.

Related Government Programs

Marketing Consulting Services
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Programs

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may not align with rapidly changing public health needs.
Limited competition could result in suboptimal pricing.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes assessing impact difficult.
Potential for cost overruns with a Cost Plus Award Fee structure if not managed tightly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $26.9 million to AMERICAN INSTITUTES FOR RESEARCH IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES. STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS FOR HIV, VIRAL HEPATITIS, STD AND TB

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AMERICAN INSTITUTES FOR RESEARCH IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES.

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 $26.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-05-15. End: 2014-05-14.

What specific communication strategies were employed, and how was their effectiveness measured against public health outcomes?

The contract details do not specify the communication strategies used or the metrics for measuring their effectiveness. Typically, such contracts would involve developing campaign materials, media outreach, and digital engagement. Measuring effectiveness would likely involve tracking public awareness, behavioral changes, and potentially disease incidence rates, though these specific outcomes are not provided in the given data.

Given the six-year duration, how did the contract adapt to evolving public health landscapes and emerging threats?

The contract's six-year duration (2190 days) suggests a need for sustained effort in strategic communications. Adaptability would likely be managed through the 'Cost Plus Award Fee' structure, allowing for adjustments based on performance and changing requirements. Regular reviews and modifications by the contracting officer would be essential to ensure the strategies remained relevant to evolving public health challenges like new strains or changing transmission patterns.

What was the rationale for selecting American Institutes for Research, and how did their expertise translate into value for money?

American Institutes for Research is a well-established organization specializing in behavioral and social sciences research, making them a logical choice for developing effective communication strategies related to health behaviors. The 'Cost Plus Award Fee' structure incentivizes performance, suggesting that value for money is tied to achieving specific, pre-defined objectives and award criteria set by the CDC. Their expertise likely contributed to creating targeted and impactful messaging.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 2006N08350

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1000 THOMAS JEFFERSON ST N W, WASHINGTON, DC, 20007

Business Categories: Category Business, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $64,283,201

Exercised Options: $53,673,087

Current Obligation: $26,896,260

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HHSD200200720026I

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline