HHS awards $11.4M contract for drug use survey data analysis to Research Triangle Institute

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,439,341 ($11.4M)

Contractor: Research Triangle Institute

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2005-01-26

End Date: 2011-03-14

Contract Duration: 2,238 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE

Sector: IT

Official Description: NATIONAL ANALYTIC CENTER (NAC) FOR THE NATIONAL SURVEY ON DRUG USEAND HEALTH (NSDUH) AND OTHER DATA

Place of Performance

Location: DURHAM, DURHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27709

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $11.4 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE for work described as: NATIONAL ANALYTIC CENTER (NAC) FOR THE NATIONAL SURVEY ON DRUG USEAND HEALTH (NSDUH) AND OTHER DATA Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single vendor, Research Triangle Institute. 2. The contract spans over 6 years, indicating a long-term need. 3. The primary sector is IT services, specifically custom computer programming. 4. The award value is substantial at over $11 million.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract type is Cost Plus Award Fee, which can incentivize performance but may lead to higher costs if not managed carefully. The award value of $11.4M over 6 years suggests a significant investment in data analysis services.

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 competition and how price was determined are not provided.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of taxpayer funds for a national survey on drug use and health is intended to inform public health policy and interventions, potentially leading to long-term societal benefits.

Public Impact

Supports critical public health research on drug use. Provides data for evidence-based policy making. Ensures continuity of essential national surveys. Facilitates understanding of drug use trends.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Award Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.
Long contract duration (6 years) may not adapt well to rapidly changing data analysis needs.
Lack of specific performance metrics and award fee structure details.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Supports a vital national health initiative.
Contractor has a history of providing similar services.

Sector Analysis

The IT services sector, particularly custom computer programming, is crucial for managing and analyzing large datasets. Benchmarks for similar contracts would depend on the complexity and scope of the data analysis required.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific provisions or set-asides for small businesses in this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically be managed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to ensure the contractor meets performance requirements and stays within budget. The Cost Plus Award Fee structure implies performance monitoring.

Related Government Programs

Custom Computer Programming Services
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Award Fee contract type.
Long contract duration.
Lack of detailed performance metrics.
Potential for cost overruns without strict oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $11.4 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE. NATIONAL ANALYTIC CENTER (NAC) FOR THE NATIONAL SURVEY ON DRUG USEAND HEALTH (NSDUH) AND OTHER DATA

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 (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $11.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2005-01-26. End: 2011-03-14.

What specific data analysis methodologies and technologies are being employed by Research Triangle Institute under this contract, and how do they align with current best practices for handling sensiti

The contract details do not specify the exact methodologies or technologies. However, for a national survey on drug use, it's expected that RTI employs advanced statistical analysis, data mining, and secure data management practices. Compliance with HIPAA and other privacy regulations would be paramount. The effectiveness hinges on the accuracy and timeliness of the insights derived from the data.

Given the Cost Plus Award Fee structure, what are the defined award criteria, and how are they measured to ensure fair compensation and incentivize optimal performance for the taxpayer?

The provided data lacks specifics on the award criteria and measurement methods for the Cost Plus Award Fee. Typically, these criteria relate to meeting performance targets, quality of deliverables, timeliness, and cost control. Without these details, it's difficult to assess if the fee structure truly optimizes value for the taxpayer or if it could incentivize cost escalation without commensurate performance gains.

How does the data collected and analyzed under this contract directly inform policy decisions and public health interventions related to drug use in the United States?

The data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) is a primary source for understanding trends in substance use and addiction. Insights derived from this contract's analysis inform federal agencies like SAMHSA and policymakers on the prevalence of drug use, the effectiveness of prevention programs, and the need for treatment resources. This evidence-based approach guides resource allocation and the development of targeted public health strategies.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Custom Computer Programming Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3040 CORNWALLIS ROAD, RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, 04

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $11,439,341

Exercised Options: $11,439,341

Current Obligation: $11,439,341

Timeline