HHS awards $26.2M contract for consulting services, highlighting a need for specialized expertise in substance abuse and mental health

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $26,212,258 ($26.2M)

Contractor: Human Services Research Institute

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2007-08-24

End Date: 2012-09-03

Contract Duration: 1,837 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TASK ORDER CONTRACT AWARD

Place of Performance

Location: CAMBRIDGE, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02140

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $26.2 million to HUMAN SERVICES RESEARCH INSTITUTE for work described as: TASK ORDER CONTRACT AWARD Key points: 1. The contract value of $26.2 million over approximately five years suggests a significant investment in specialized consulting. 2. The 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' category indicates a broad scope of potential services, requiring careful performance monitoring. 3. Full and open competition was utilized, which typically fosters competitive pricing and a wider pool of qualified contractors. 4. The contract was awarded to HUMAN SERVICES RESEARCH INSTITUTE, suggesting a track record or specific capabilities relevant to the agency's needs. 5. The duration of the contract (1837 days) implies a long-term need for the services provided. 6. The absence of small business set-aside flags indicates the primary focus was on securing the best overall solution, not necessarily on small business participation.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

Benchmarking the value of this contract requires more granular data on the specific services rendered. However, the $26.2 million award over nearly five years for consulting services in a specialized health area like substance abuse and mental health suggests a fair market investment. Without specific deliverables or performance metrics, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the competitive award process provides some assurance of reasonable pricing.

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 a bid. This approach generally leads to a more robust price discovery process and allows the government to select from the widest possible range of qualified vendors. The fact that it was competed fully suggests that the agency did not identify any unique barriers or proprietary requirements that would limit the pool of potential offerors.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from full and open competition through potentially lower prices due to vendor rivalry and access to a broader spectrum of innovative solutions.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), who receive expert advice and support. The services delivered likely involve research, analysis, program development, and strategic planning related to substance abuse and mental health. The geographic impact is national, as SAMHSA's programs and initiatives serve individuals and communities across the United States. Workforce implications could include the engagement of specialized consultants and researchers, potentially leading to knowledge transfer within the agency.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if consulting tasks are not clearly defined and managed.
Reliance on external expertise may not build sufficient internal capacity for long-term sustainability.
Ensuring the consultants' recommendations are actionable and effectively implemented by the agency.

Positive Signals

Leveraging specialized external knowledge to address complex public health challenges.
The use of full and open competition suggests a commitment to obtaining the best value.
The long contract duration indicates a sustained need and potential for deep engagement with critical issues.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on consulting. This sector is characterized by a wide range of specialized expertise, from management consulting to scientific research. The market size for government consulting services is substantial, with agencies like HHS frequently procuring such services to support policy development, program implementation, and research. Comparable spending benchmarks would depend on the specific nature of the consulting, but large federal contracts for specialized expertise often range in the tens of millions.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). This suggests that the procurement focused on obtaining the best solution from the broadest possible market, rather than specifically targeting small business participation. While there's no direct subcontracting requirement indicated, the prime contractor, HUMAN SERVICES RESEARCH INSTITUTE, may choose to engage small businesses for specific components of the work, though this is not mandated by the contract terms provided.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of Health and Human Services, specifically the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Accountability measures are typically embedded in the contract's statement of work, performance standards, and payment terms. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance reports are often internal. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

HHS Grants and Contracts
SAMHSA Program Support
Public Health Consulting Services
Scientific and Technical Consulting

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if services are highly specialized and critical.
Risk of recommendations being theoretical rather than practical for implementation.
Ensuring data privacy and security if sensitive information is handled.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $26.2 million to HUMAN SERVICES RESEARCH INSTITUTE. TASK ORDER CONTRACT AWARD

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HUMAN SERVICES RESEARCH INSTITUTE.

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 $26.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-08-24. End: 2012-09-03.

What specific types of consulting services were rendered under this contract?

The contract falls under NAICS code 541690, 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services.' While the specific task order details are not provided, this broad category suggests services could range from policy analysis, program evaluation, research design, data interpretation, strategic planning, and technical assistance related to substance abuse and mental health initiatives. Given the awarding agency (SAMHSA), the services likely supported the development, implementation, or assessment of federal programs aimed at addressing mental health disorders and substance use.

How does the $26.2 million contract value compare to similar consulting contracts within HHS or SAMHSA?

The $26.2 million award over approximately five years represents a significant, but not unprecedented, investment for specialized consulting within a major federal health agency like HHS. Consulting contracts of this magnitude are common for large-scale research, program support, and policy development efforts. To provide a precise comparison, one would need to analyze other contracts awarded by SAMHSA or HHS for similar services (e.g., policy consulting, research support) within the same timeframe. However, the value aligns with the typical scale of federal agency needs for expert external guidance on complex public health issues.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or deliverables expected from HUMAN SERVICES RESEARCH INSTITUTE?

Specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and deliverables are not detailed in the provided summary data. Typically, for a consulting contract of this nature, KPIs would be tied to the quality, timeliness, and impact of the research, analysis, reports, and recommendations provided. Deliverables might include comprehensive study reports, policy briefs, strategic plans, evaluation frameworks, or technical assistance documentation. Performance would likely be assessed through regular reviews by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) against the contract's Statement of Work (SOW).

What is the track record of HUMAN SERVICES RESEARCH INSTITUTE with federal contracts, particularly with HHS?

HUMAN SERVICES RESEARCH INSTITUTE (HSRI) has a history of working with federal agencies, including HHS. As a non-profit research and consulting organization, HSRI often engages in projects related to health and human services policy and program development. Their track record generally involves conducting research, providing technical assistance, and evaluating programs. Specific details on past performance, including successful completion of similar contracts and client satisfaction, would typically be available through federal procurement databases or past performance reviews conducted during the bidding process.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract, and how might they be mitigated?

Potential risks include the possibility of the consulting services not aligning with SAMHSA's evolving needs, challenges in integrating consultant recommendations into agency operations, or the risk of vendor performance not meeting expectations. Mitigation strategies would involve clearly defined scopes of work, robust contract management by the COR, regular performance reviews, and maintaining open communication channels with HSRI. Ensuring that the contract includes mechanisms for feedback and adjustments can also help manage risks and ensure the services remain relevant and effective.

How has federal spending on 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' (NAICS 541690) trended over the past decade?

Federal spending on 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' (NAICS 541690) has generally seen a steady increase over the past decade, reflecting agencies' reliance on external expertise for complex challenges. This trend is driven by factors such as the need for specialized knowledge in emerging fields, fluctuating internal resource capacities, and the desire for objective analysis. While specific year-over-year data requires detailed analysis of federal procurement databases (like FPDS), the overall trajectory indicates a sustained demand for these services across various government sectors, including health, defense, and technology.

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

Solicitation ID: 28320071000

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2336 MASSACHUSETTS AVE, CAMBRIDGE, MA, 90

Business Categories: Category Business, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $30,167,461

Exercised Options: $26,212,258

Current Obligation: $26,212,258

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HHSS283200700014I

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline