HHS awards $13.18M R&D contract to RAND Corp for social science research

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,179,344 ($13.2M)

Contractor: THE Rand Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2006-09-29

End Date: 2011-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,919 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.9K/day

Competition Type: NON-COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: R&D-HEALTH SVCS-A RES/EXPL DEV

Place of Performance

Location: SANTA MONICA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 90407

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $13.2 million to THE RAND CORPORATION for work described as: R&D-HEALTH SVCS-A RES/EXPL DEV Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single, well-known research institution. 2. Focus on social sciences and humanities research within healthcare. 3. Long duration suggests a significant, multi-year research effort. 4. Potential for limited competition due to specialized nature of research.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's value of $13.18M over 5 years is difficult to benchmark without specific research deliverables. However, for specialized R&D, this amount may be reasonable.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

Awarded as a non-competitive delivery order, indicating limited competition. This method may not yield the best price discovery for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed to a specific research entity, with the value derived from the research outcomes.

Public Impact

Supports research into social and humanities aspects of healthcare services. Potential to inform policy decisions for CMS and HHS. Long-term contract may indicate a sustained need for this type of research.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may lead to higher costs.
Contract duration is substantial.
Lack of small business participation noted.

Positive Signals

Awarded to a reputable research institution.
Focus on critical social science research for healthcare.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under R&D in Social Sciences and Humanities. Spending in this area is typically project-based and can vary widely depending on government priorities.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates no small business participation (sb: false). This is common for large, specialized research and development contracts.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically be managed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to ensure research objectives are met and funds are used appropriately.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Programs

Risk Flags

Non-competitive award
Long contract duration
No small business participation
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $13.2 million to THE RAND CORPORATION. R&D-HEALTH SVCS-A RES/EXPL DEV

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE RAND CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $13.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2006-09-29. End: 2011-12-31.

What specific research questions or objectives are being addressed by this contract?

The contract focuses on 'Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities' (NAICS 541720) for the Department of Health and Human Services. Specific objectives would likely involve analyzing healthcare service delivery, patient outcomes, or policy impacts from a social or humanities perspective, aiming to inform future healthcare strategies and improvements.

What are the risks associated with a non-competitive award for this type of research?

The primary risk of a non-competitive award is the potential for inflated costs due to a lack of price pressure from competing vendors. Additionally, it limits the government's exposure to potentially innovative approaches or more cost-effective solutions that other qualified research institutions might offer.

How will the effectiveness of this R&D contract be measured?

Effectiveness will likely be measured by the quality and impact of the research outputs, such as published reports, policy recommendations, or contributions to academic discourse. Milestones and deliverables outlined in the contract, along with peer review or expert evaluation of the research findings, will be key indicators.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › N – Health R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NON-COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1776 MAIN ST, SANTA MONICA, CA, 90401

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $13,179,344

Exercised Options: $13,179,344

Current Obligation: $13,179,344

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HHSM500200500028I

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline