HHS spent $14.8M on pregnancy prevention program evaluation, with Mathematica Inc. leading the effort

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,793,433 ($14.8M)

Contractor: Mathematica Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2008-09-30

End Date: 2014-09-14

Contract Duration: 2,175 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: EVALUATION OF PREGNANCY PREVENTION PROGRAMS

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20024

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $14.8 million to MATHEMATICA INC. for work described as: EVALUATION OF PREGNANCY PREVENTION PROGRAMS Key points: 1. The contract aimed to evaluate pregnancy prevention programs, a critical public health initiative. 2. Mathematica Inc., a well-established research firm, was awarded the contract. 3. The contract duration was substantial, spanning over six years, suggesting a complex and long-term evaluation. 4. The contract type, Cost Plus Fixed Fee, indicates that costs were reimbursed plus a fixed fee for profit. 5. The geographic location of performance was Washington D.C., a common hub for federal contracts. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541690 points to specialized consulting services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $14.8 million over six years for a comprehensive program evaluation appears reasonable. While direct comparisons are difficult without knowing the exact scope and methodologies, similar large-scale program evaluations by federal agencies often fall within this range. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type allows for cost reimbursement plus a negotiated profit, which can be appropriate for research and development where final costs are uncertain. Benchmarking the per-unit cost would require detailed analysis of deliverables and personnel hours, but the overall investment seems aligned with the complexity of evaluating national public health programs.

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. The presence of 3 bidders suggests a competitive environment, which is generally favorable for price discovery and value for money. A competitive process helps ensure that the government receives proposals from a range of qualified contractors, potentially leading to better technical solutions and more cost-effective outcomes. The specific details of the bidding process, such as the number of proposals received and the evaluation criteria, would provide further insight into the strength of the competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a marketplace where contractors vie for the best price and performance, potentially driving down costs and improving service quality.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are federal health agencies seeking evidence-based insights into the effectiveness of pregnancy prevention programs. The services delivered include rigorous evaluation, data analysis, and reporting to inform policy and program development. The geographic impact is national, as the findings are intended to guide federal and potentially state-level public health strategies. Workforce implications include employment for researchers, analysts, and support staff at Mathematica Inc. and potentially subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure can incentivize contractors to incur higher costs if not carefully managed, as profit is fixed regardless of final expenditure.
Long contract durations, while necessary for comprehensive evaluations, can sometimes lead to scope creep or reduced agility if not actively managed.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process and potential for competitive pricing.
Mathematica Inc. is a reputable firm with extensive experience in social science research and program evaluation.
The contract's focus on evaluating pregnancy prevention programs addresses a significant public health concern, indicating alignment with national priorities.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on management and scientific consulting. The market for program evaluation services is competitive, with numerous firms specializing in public health research. Federal spending in this area is substantial, driven by the need to assess the effectiveness of government initiatives across various domains, including health, education, and social services. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other large-scale program evaluations conducted by agencies like HHS, CDC, or NIH.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract involved small business set-asides or significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. The primary contractor, Mathematica Inc., is a large research firm. Further analysis would be needed to determine if any portion of the work was subcontracted to smaller entities, which could provide opportunities for specialized expertise within the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program officials within the Department of Health and Human Services. Performance monitoring, review of deliverables, and financial audits are standard accountability measures. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting of program evaluations. The Inspector General's office may also conduct audits or investigations if concerns arise regarding contract performance or financial management.

Related Government Programs

Maternal and Child Health Programs
Adolescent Health Initiatives
Public Health Research and Development
Social and Economic Research
Health Services Research

Risk Flags

Contract duration exceeds 6 years.
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires careful oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $14.8 million to MATHEMATICA INC.. EVALUATION OF PREGNANCY PREVENTION PROGRAMS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MATHEMATICA INC..

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 $14.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-09-30. End: 2014-09-14.

What was the specific methodology used by Mathematica Inc. to evaluate the pregnancy prevention programs?

The contract details would specify the evaluation methodologies employed. Typically, such evaluations involve a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data analysis (e.g., statistical analysis of program participation rates, demographic data, and health outcomes) with qualitative data collection (e.g., interviews with program staff and participants, focus groups, case studies). The goal is to assess program reach, fidelity of implementation, participant engagement, and ultimately, the impact on pregnancy prevention. Mathematica Inc. is known for its expertise in rigorous research designs, potentially including quasi-experimental methods or randomized controlled trials where feasible, to establish causality.

How does the $14.8 million contract value compare to other federal evaluations of similar public health programs?

Comparing the $14.8 million contract value requires context regarding the scope, duration, and complexity of the evaluation. Large-scale, multi-year evaluations of national public health initiatives often cost millions of dollars. For instance, evaluations of major health interventions, large federal grant programs, or national surveys can range from several million to tens of millions of dollars. Factors influencing cost include the number of sites evaluated, the intensity of data collection, the sophistication of analytical techniques, and the required deliverables (e.g., interim reports, final reports, policy briefs, presentations). Without specific benchmarks for 'pregnancy prevention programs,' it's reasonable to assume this value is within the expected range for a comprehensive federal evaluation.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of this contract?

Key performance indicators for this contract would likely focus on the quality and timeliness of deliverables, the rigor of the evaluation methodology, and the clarity and utility of the findings. Specific KPIs might include adherence to the evaluation plan and timeline, the accuracy and completeness of data analysis, the production of high-quality reports and presentations that meet HHS requirements, and the successful engagement of stakeholders. The ultimate success would also be measured by the extent to which the evaluation findings inform HHS's understanding of program effectiveness and guide future policy and programmatic decisions related to pregnancy prevention.

What is Mathematica Inc.'s track record in conducting federal health program evaluations?

Mathematica Inc. has a long and well-established track record of conducting complex research and evaluations for federal agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). They have extensive experience in areas such as health policy, healthcare delivery, child and family well-being, and education. Their work often involves rigorous methodologies and aims to provide actionable insights for policymakers. Past projects likely include evaluations of various public health initiatives, healthcare access programs, and social service delivery systems, demonstrating their capacity to handle large-scale, sensitive evaluations.

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

Potential challenges and risks in a contract of this nature could include difficulties in accessing program data, participant recruitment and retention issues for qualitative components, unexpected changes in program implementation, or shifts in policy priorities that might affect the evaluation's relevance. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, while common, requires careful monitoring to ensure cost control. The long duration also presents a risk of the evaluation becoming outdated if not managed proactively. However, the contract's full and open competition and the contractor's experience suggest that these risks were likely assessed and mitigated through contract management and the contractor's expertise.

How has federal spending on pregnancy prevention programs evolved over the period of this contract (2008-2014)?

Federal spending on pregnancy prevention programs can fluctuate based on legislative priorities, budget allocations, and the effectiveness of specific initiatives. During the period of this contract (2008-2014), which spanned the late Obama administration, there was a continued focus on public health, including adolescent and reproductive health. Funding levels for programs like Title X (family planning services) and various Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) initiatives aimed at reducing unintended pregnancies and improving sexual health outcomes would have been relevant. The evaluation itself was likely intended to inform decisions about the allocation and effectiveness of such spending, potentially leading to adjustments in funding based on evidence.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services

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: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Mathematica Inc (UEI: 154125140)

Address: 600 ALEXANDER PARK, PRINCETON, NJ, 08540

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Subchapter S Corporation

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,793,433

Exercised Options: $14,793,433

Current Obligation: $14,793,433

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline