Sloan-Kettering awarded $15.4M for Cancer Information Services, spanning 5 years

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,436,548 ($15.4M)

Contractor: Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2005-01-15

End Date: 2010-03-14

Contract Duration: 1,884 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 15

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: CANCER INFORMATION SERVICE

Place of Performance

Location: NEW YORK, NEW YORK County, NEW YORK, 10065

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $15.4 million to SLOAN-KETTERING INSTITUTE FOR CANCER RESEARCH for work described as: CANCER INFORMATION SERVICE Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the duration and specialized nature of cancer information services. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process, potentially leading to better pricing. 3. The contract's duration of over 5 years indicates a long-term need for these services. 4. Performance context is crucial to assess if the services met evolving cancer information needs. 5. This contract falls within the Healthcare sector, specifically supporting public health information dissemination. 6. The award to a research institute highlights the integration of research and public service delivery.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $15.4 million over approximately 5 years averages to about $3 million annually. Benchmarking this against similar public health information contracts is challenging without more specific service details. However, for a specialized service provided by a renowned institution like Sloan-Kettering, the pricing appears to be within a reasonable range, assuming the scope of work was met effectively. The 'COST NO FEE' contract type suggests that costs were reimbursed, and the focus was on managing those costs effectively rather than a fixed profit margin.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of 15 bids suggests a robust competitive environment. This level of competition is generally favorable for the government, as it allows for a wider range of proposals and potentially drives down costs through market forces. The agency received multiple offers, which is a positive sign for price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process for this contract likely resulted in a more favorable price for taxpayers compared to a sole-source or limited competition award. The agency's ability to solicit and evaluate numerous proposals ensures they are obtaining services at a price reflective of market conditions.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are individuals seeking cancer information, including patients, caregivers, and the general public. The services delivered likely include the dissemination of accurate, up-to-date cancer research findings, treatment options, and prevention strategies. The geographic impact is national, as cancer information services are typically accessible to anyone with internet or phone access. Workforce implications may include supporting researchers and healthcare professionals by providing them with essential information resources.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if the definition of 'cancer information services' is not tightly defined.
Ensuring the information provided remains current and reflects the latest scientific advancements.
Measuring the actual impact and reach of the information disseminated to the public.

Positive Signals

Award to a leading cancer research institution (Sloan-Kettering) suggests high-quality service delivery.
Full and open competition indicates a structured procurement process and potential for cost savings.
The long contract duration suggests a sustained and valued service.

Sector Analysis

The healthcare sector, particularly public health and information services, is a critical area for government spending. This contract fits within the broader category of health research and information dissemination, aiming to improve public health outcomes. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other contracts for health information hotlines, research dissemination platforms, and public health awareness campaigns, though direct comparisons are difficult without granular detail on service scope.

Small Business Impact

There is no explicit indication of small business set-asides for this contract, and the awardee is a large research institute. However, the prime contractor may engage small businesses for subcontracting opportunities related to specific aspects of information dissemination, such as technology support or specialized content creation. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on the extent to which subcontracting goals were established and met.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would likely fall under the National Institutes of Health (NIH) within the Department of Health and Human Services. Accountability measures would be tied to the contract's performance work statement, requiring regular reporting and adherence to service level agreements. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though the specifics of service delivery and performance metrics may not be publicly detailed.

Related Government Programs

National Cancer Institute Programs
Public Health Information Dissemination
Health Services Research
Cancer Research Funding

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may increase exposure to evolving requirements.
Complexity of subject matter requires continuous knowledge updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $15.4 million to SLOAN-KETTERING INSTITUTE FOR CANCER RESEARCH. CANCER INFORMATION SERVICE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SLOAN-KETTERING INSTITUTE FOR CANCER RESEARCH.

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 $15.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2005-01-15. End: 2010-03-14.

What specific types of cancer information were provided under this contract?

The contract data indicates the service is 'CANCER INFORMATION SERVICE' provided by the 'SLOAN-KETTERING INSTITUTE FOR CANCER RESEARCH' under the 'National Institutes of Health'. While the specific details of the information disseminated are not provided in the summary data, such services typically encompass a wide range of topics including cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment options, clinical trials, survivorship, and coping resources. The information is usually tailored for various audiences, including patients, their families, healthcare professionals, and the general public. The 'COST NO FEE' contract type suggests that the primary focus was on the delivery of these informational services rather than a profit-driven model, implying a strong public service component.

How does the $15.4 million contract value compare to similar cancer information services contracts?

Directly comparing the $15.4 million contract value for cancer information services is challenging without more granular data on the scope, duration, and specific services rendered. However, considering this contract spanned approximately five years (January 2005 to March 2010), the annual average of roughly $3 million is within a plausible range for a large-scale, specialized information service provided by a leading institution like Sloan-Kettering. Contracts for public health information, especially those involving research institutions and extensive outreach, can vary significantly. Factors like the number of inquiries handled, the complexity of information provided, and the dissemination channels used (e.g., call centers, websites, publications) heavily influence cost. The 'COST NO FEE' award type also suggests a focus on cost reimbursement rather than fixed-price profit, which can impact how the overall value is perceived.

What were the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract?

The provided summary data does not explicitly list the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this 'CANCER INFORMATION SERVICE' contract. However, for such a service, typical KPIs would likely include metrics related to the volume of inquiries handled (e.g., number of calls, emails, website visits), response times, accuracy and completeness of information provided, user satisfaction ratings, and potentially the reach or impact of the information disseminated. Given the 'COST NO FEE' contract type, performance would be closely monitored to ensure efficient use of resources and effective delivery of the intended public health information. The contract's duration and the award to a reputable institution suggest that performance expectations were likely met or exceeded, but specific metrics would be detailed in the contract's Statement of Work.

What is the track record of Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research as a federal contractor?

Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, as a recipient of this federal contract, has a strong reputation in the medical and research community. While this specific contract data doesn't detail their broader federal contracting history, institutions of this caliber typically engage in numerous research grants and contracts with agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Their primary focus is on cancer research and treatment, suggesting a high level of expertise relevant to providing cancer information. Federal agencies often partner with such renowned institutions due to their established credibility, scientific capabilities, and infrastructure. The 'COST NO FEE' contract type implies a focus on service delivery and cost recovery rather than profit generation, which is common for non-profit research organizations undertaking public service initiatives.

Were there any significant risks identified during the performance of this contract?

The summary data does not explicitly detail any significant risks identified during the performance of this contract. However, potential risks inherent in a 'CANCER INFORMATION SERVICE' contract could include the challenge of keeping information perpetually up-to-date in a rapidly evolving field like oncology, ensuring the accuracy and clarity of complex medical information for a lay audience, managing the volume of inquiries efficiently, and demonstrating the tangible impact of the information provided. The 'COST NO FEE' structure might also introduce risks related to cost overruns if not managed meticulously, although the government typically reimburses allowable costs. The long duration (over 5 years) necessitates ongoing vigilance to mitigate risks associated with changes in technology, research findings, and public health needs.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Other Ambulatory Health Care Services › All Other Miscellaneous Ambulatory Health Care Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: N02CO41001

Offers Received: 15

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (UEI: 075265157)

Address: 1275 YORK AVENUE, NEW YORK, NY, 90

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $123,015,908

Exercised Options: $106,304,569

Current Obligation: $15,436,548

Timeline