HHS Awards $33M for Primary Care Plus Model Support to Research Triangle Institute

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $33,058,422 ($33.1M)

Contractor: Research Triangle Institute

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2016-09-27

End Date: 2018-09-26

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $45.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF IMPLEMENTATION AND OPERATIONAL SUPPORT FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE PRIMARY CARE PLUS (OR CPC+) MODEL.

Place of Performance

Location: DURHAM, DURHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27709

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $33.1 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF IMPLEMENTATION AND OPERATIONAL SUPPORT FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE PRIMARY CARE PLUS (OR CPC+) MODEL. Key points: 1. The contract focuses on R&D for social sciences and humanities, specifically supporting the Comprehensive Primary Care Plus (CPC+) model. 2. Research Triangle Institute is the sole awardee for this delivery order. 3. The contract duration is 729 days, with a total value of $33,058,421.74. 4. This award falls under the 'Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities' NAICS code.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The total award amount of $33M for a 2-year period suggests a significant investment in program support.

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 had the opportunity to bid. However, this specific award is a delivery order, suggesting it might be part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract where the initial competition was broader.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to support a healthcare model aimed at improving primary care delivery, with the potential for long-term cost savings and improved patient outcomes.

Public Impact

Supports the Comprehensive Primary Care Plus (CPC+) model, aiming to improve patient care and reduce healthcare costs. The funding is directed towards research and development in social sciences and humanities, contributing to evidence-based policy. The contract's success could lead to broader adoption of effective primary care strategies nationwide.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher costs.
Limited information on performance metrics and success indicators.

Positive Signals

Supports a key healthcare initiative (CPC+).
Awarded under full and open competition.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities sector. Spending in this area is crucial for evidence-based policymaking and program improvement, though direct financial benchmarks are less common than in sectors like IT or defense.

Small Business Impact

There is no specific indication that small businesses were involved in this particular delivery order, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities were pursued.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically be managed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The effectiveness of oversight will depend on regular performance reviews and adherence to the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract terms.

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

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
Potential for cost overruns.
Limited public information on specific performance metrics.
Contract duration is relatively short for R&D impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $33.1 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE. IGF::OT::IGF IMPLEMENTATION AND OPERATIONAL SUPPORT FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE PRIMARY CARE PLUS (OR CPC+) MODEL.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE.

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 $33.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2016-09-27. End: 2018-09-26.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will they be measured to ensure the CPC+ model's objectives are met?

The contract likely includes specific performance work statements (PWS) with defined deliverables and milestones. KPIs would focus on the successful implementation and operational support of the CPC+ model, potentially including metrics related to provider engagement, patient outcomes, cost savings, and data collection/analysis. CMS would monitor these through regular reporting and performance reviews.

Given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, what mechanisms are in place to control costs and prevent scope creep?

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require robust oversight to manage costs. Mechanisms include detailed budget tracking, regular financial reviews, strict change control processes for any scope modifications, and clear definition of allowable costs. The fixed fee component provides some incentive for the contractor to manage costs efficiently to maximize their profit margin.

How will the research and development outputs from this contract be leveraged to inform future healthcare policy or program design?

The R&D outputs are expected to provide valuable insights into the effectiveness and scalability of the CPC+ model. These findings will likely be disseminated through reports, publications, and presentations to inform CMS strategy, potentially influencing the design of future primary care initiatives and broader healthcare policy decisions at HHS.

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: 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: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3040 CORNWALLIS RD, RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, 27709

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $33,058,422

Exercised Options: $33,058,422

Current Obligation: $33,058,422

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 4

Total Subaward Amount: $8,799,062

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HHSM500201400037I

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline