NIH Awards $26M for HIV Impact Studies to Westat, Inc. Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $25,985,123 ($26.0M)
Contractor: Westat, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2017-11-27
End Date: 2025-07-31
Contract Duration: 2,803 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::CF::IGF HIV IMPAACT RELATED STUDIES
Place of Performance
Location: ROCKVILLE, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20850
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $26.0 million to WESTAT, INC. for work described as: IGF::CF::IGF HIV IMPAACT RELATED STUDIES Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Westat, Inc. for HIV impact studies. 2. Significant funding of $25.99 million allocated. 3. Competition method was 'Full and Open', suggesting broad market engagement. 4. The contract falls under R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 5. Contract duration extends to July 2025.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract is a delivery order with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee pricing structure. Benchmarking this against similar R&D contracts is challenging without more granular cost data, but the fixed fee component provides some cost control.
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. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and allows the government to select the best value offering.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it aims to secure the most competitive pricing and best performance.
Public Impact
Supports critical research into HIV impact, potentially leading to improved public health outcomes. Funding directed towards scientific research and development in life sciences. The contract duration suggests a long-term commitment to this research area. Award to a single entity, Westat, Inc., for the execution of these studies.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully.
- Specific performance metrics and deliverables are not detailed in the provided data.
- Potential for scope creep in long-term research projects.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, maximizing potential for competitive pricing.
- Significant investment in a critical public health research area.
- Long contract duration allows for in-depth study and analysis.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is crucial for scientific advancement and innovation, with NIH being a major funder of such research.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, and it's unclear if small businesses participated or were subcontracted.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would typically be managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) program officials and contracting officers. The fixed fee component provides some level of financial accountability, but ongoing monitoring of research progress and adherence to scope is essential.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- National Institutes of Health Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of detailed cost breakdown for CPFF contract.
- Absence of specific performance metrics and deliverables.
- Potential for scope creep in long-term research projects.
- Unclear mechanisms for dissemination and utilization of research findings.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-health-and-human-services, md, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $26.0 million to WESTAT, INC.. IGF::CF::IGF HIV IMPAACT RELATED STUDIES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is WESTAT, INC..
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 $26.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2017-11-27. End: 2025-07-31.
What is the specific breakdown of costs within the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, and how does the fixed fee compare to industry standards for similar research projects?
The provided data does not detail the cost breakdown within the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure, nor does it specify the fixed fee amount. To assess value, a comparison of the total contract value against the fixed fee and estimated costs for similar NIH-funded HIV research projects would be necessary. This would reveal if the fee is competitive and if the estimated costs are reasonable for the scope of work.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) and deliverables for this contract, and how will Westat, Inc.'s performance be measured against them?
The provided data lacks specific details on the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and deliverables for this contract. Effective oversight requires clearly defined milestones, research objectives, and reporting requirements. Understanding these metrics is crucial for assessing the contractor's performance and ensuring the research contributes meaningfully to understanding HIV impact, mitigating risks of project delays or suboptimal outcomes.
How will the findings from these HIV impact studies be disseminated and utilized to inform public health policy and interventions?
The data does not specify the mechanisms for disseminating or utilizing the findings from these HIV impact studies. Effective research contracts should include provisions for knowledge transfer and application. Ensuring that the research outcomes are shared with relevant stakeholders and inform policy or interventions is critical to maximizing the taxpayer's return on investment and achieving the intended public health benefits.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › N – Health R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: NIHNICHDMPIDB20181
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1600 RESEARCH BLVD, ROCKVILLE, MD, 20850
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $25,985,123
Exercised Options: $25,985,123
Current Obligation: $25,985,123
Actual Outlays: $1,502,593
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HHSN275201800001I
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2017-11-27
Current End Date: 2025-07-31
Potential End Date: 2025-07-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-05
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