HHS awards $27.8M for R&D in Social Sciences and Humanities to Research Triangle Institute

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $27,863,534 ($27.9M)

Contractor: Research Triangle Institute

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2006-09-27

End Date: 2013-10-31

Contract Duration: 2,591 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: OTHER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: DURHAM, DURHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27709, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $27.9 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE for work described as: OTHER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded for Research and Development in Social Sciences and Humanities. 2. Research Triangle Institute is the sole awardee. 3. The contract spans over 7 years, indicating a long-term need. 4. The award type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires careful monitoring to ensure costs remain reasonable and aligned with the fixed fee. Without detailed cost breakdowns, it's difficult to assess value definitively against similar R&D contracts.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the specific details of the price discovery mechanism within the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure are not provided, making it hard to gauge the full impact on price.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for research and development. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates robust oversight to ensure efficient use of funds and prevent unnecessary costs.

Public Impact

Supports advancements in social sciences and humanities research. Potential for long-term impact on policy and understanding societal issues. Investment in research infrastructure and expertise within the US.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee award type can incentivize higher spending.
Long contract duration may not reflect evolving research needs.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes value assessment challenging.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Supports critical research in social sciences and humanities.
Long-term commitment indicates sustained government interest.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Other Professional Services, specifically R&D in Social Sciences and Humanities. Spending in this area is often project-based and can vary significantly year-to-year, making direct benchmarking difficult without more specific project details.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not awarded to small businesses, indicating a focus on larger, established research institutions for this specific requirement.

Oversight & Accountability

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires diligent oversight from the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration to ensure costs are controlled and the fixed fee is justified by performance. Regular audits and performance reviews are crucial.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee award type.
Long contract duration.
Lack of specific performance metrics in summary data.
No small business participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $27.9 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE. OTHER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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 (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $27.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2006-09-27. End: 2013-10-31.

How effectively were costs managed under the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure to ensure value for taxpayer money?

Assessing cost management effectiveness for a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract requires detailed financial reporting and performance data. Without access to the contractor's cost submissions and the agency's oversight reports, it's challenging to determine if costs were managed efficiently and if the fixed fee was appropriately earned based on achieved milestones and deliverables.

What specific research outcomes or advancements were achieved that justify the $27.8 million investment?

The contract's value is tied to the successful completion of research and development in social sciences and humanities. To justify the investment, the agency should have documented specific deliverables, publications, policy recommendations, or advancements in understanding that resulted from the contractor's work over the contract's duration.

Were there any identified risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, and how were they mitigated?

The primary risk with Cost Plus Fixed Fee is the potential for cost overruns if the contractor's costs exceed estimates, although the fixed fee provides some predictability. Mitigation strategies would involve stringent monitoring of incurred costs, clear definition of allowable costs, and robust performance management to ensure the contractor remains focused on achieving project goals within the agreed-upon fee structure.

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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

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

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $27,863,534

Exercised Options: $27,863,534

Current Obligation: $27,863,534

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Timeline