HHS's $14.4M SPF-SIG Grant to Westat, Inc. for Substance Abuse Prevention Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,399,368 ($14.4M)

Contractor: Westat, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2004-09-22

End Date: 2010-03-20

Contract Duration: 2,005 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.2K/day

Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: CROSS-SITE EVALUATION OF THE STRATEGIC PREVENTION FRAMEWORK STATE INCENTIVE GRANTS (SPF-SIG)

Place of Performance

Location: ROCKVILLE, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20852

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $14.4 million to WESTAT, INC. for work described as: CROSS-SITE EVALUATION OF THE STRATEGIC PREVENTION FRAMEWORK STATE INCENTIVE GRANTS (SPF-SIG) Key points: 1. The grant awarded to Westat, Inc. focuses on substance abuse and mental health services, a critical public health sector. 2. Competition for this contract was competitive, indicating potential for fair pricing. 3. The contract duration is significant, spanning from 2004 to 2010, allowing for long-term program impact. 4. The 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' NAICS code suggests a broad scope of work.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract was awarded on a Cost Plus Award Fee basis, which incentivizes performance but requires careful monitoring of costs. The award amount of $14.4 million appears reasonable for a multi-year grant of this nature.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The contract was awarded via a competitive delivery order, suggesting that multiple vendors likely competed for the work. This method generally promotes price discovery and ensures a fair market price.

Taxpayer Impact: The grant aims to improve public health outcomes related to substance abuse, potentially leading to long-term cost savings in healthcare and social services.

Public Impact

Supports state-level efforts to prevent substance abuse and promote mental health. Aims to reduce the prevalence of substance abuse and its associated negative consequences. Provides funding for research and evaluation of prevention strategies. Enhances the capacity of states to implement evidence-based prevention programs.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Potential for cost overruns with Cost Plus Award Fee contracts.
  • Effectiveness of prevention programs can be difficult to measure definitively.
  • Grant management and oversight are crucial for ensuring funds are used effectively.

Positive Signals

  • Addresses a significant public health issue.
  • Competitive award process suggests potential for value.
  • Long contract duration allows for sustained impact.

Sector Analysis

The grant falls within the Health and Human Services sector, specifically focusing on substance abuse prevention. Spending in this area is crucial for public well-being and can yield significant long-term economic benefits by reducing healthcare costs and improving workforce productivity.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Health and Human Services, through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, is responsible for overseeing this grant. Robust oversight is essential to ensure accountability and the effective use of taxpayer funds.

Related Government Programs

  • Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
  • Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Programs

Risk Flags

  • Cost Plus Award Fee contracts require strong oversight to manage costs.
  • Measuring the direct impact of prevention programs can be challenging.
  • Grant performance is dependent on effective state-level implementation.
  • Potential for scope creep in 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services'.

Tags

other-scientific-and-technical-consultin, department-of-health-and-human-services, md, do, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $14.4 million to WESTAT, INC.. CROSS-SITE EVALUATION OF THE STRATEGIC PREVENTION FRAMEWORK STATE INCENTIVE GRANTS (SPF-SIG)

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 (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $14.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2004-09-22. End: 2010-03-20.

What specific outcomes were achieved by the SPF-SIG grants awarded to Westat, Inc. during the contract period?

The SPF-SIG program aimed to reduce and prevent the use of illegal drugs and alcohol. Specific outcomes would typically be detailed in program reports and evaluations, measuring metrics like reduced rates of substance abuse initiation, decreased alcohol-related incidents, and improved mental health indicators within participating states. The effectiveness would be assessed against baseline data and program goals.

How did the Cost Plus Award Fee structure influence Westat's performance and cost management on this grant?

The Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) structure incentivizes contractors to perform well by offering award fees based on meeting or exceeding performance objectives, while also covering allowable costs. This can lead to higher quality work but requires diligent government oversight to ensure costs remain reasonable and that award fees are justified by actual performance, preventing potential cost overruns or inflated pricing.

What is the long-term impact of the SPF-SIG program on public health and potential cost savings for the government?

The long-term impact of effective substance abuse prevention programs like SPF-SIG can be substantial, including reduced healthcare expenditures related to addiction treatment and associated illnesses, decreased crime rates, and improved economic productivity due to a healthier workforce. Quantifying these savings is complex but essential for demonstrating the return on investment for public health initiatives.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesManagement, Scientific, and Technical Consulting ServicesOther Scientific and Technical Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: SOCIAL SERVICESSOCIAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1650 RESEARCH BLVD, ROCKVILLE, MD, 08

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,399,368

Exercised Options: $14,399,368

Current Obligation: $14,399,368

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 270036000

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2004-09-22

Current End Date: 2010-03-20

Potential End Date: 2010-03-20 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2010-03-20

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