Spring/Summer
Award Timeline
Awards Expected
Spring/Summer 2026
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What Is HHS HOPSS?
The HHS One Professional Services Solution (HOPSS) is a multiple-award IDIQ professional services contract that enables HHS and — on a case-by-case basis — other federal agencies to obtain professional services aligned with HHS's strategic priorities. It is the direct recompete of the Scientific Operations and Administrative Resources Contract (SOAR), which has been in place at NIH since 2003 and is currently administered by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). The five incumbent SOAR contract holders have a significant advantage — making early capture and teaming critical for new entrants.
"HOPSS is a recompete with incumbent advantage, but it's also an expansion opportunity. HHS's broader scope means new entrants with strong mission alignment can compete effectively."
Strategic Goals Aligned to HHS FY2022-2026 Strategic Plan
- Access to healthcare and health equity
- National and global health conditions and outcomes
- Social well-being and economic resilience
- Science and research advancement
- Strategic management and accountability
Current SOAR Contract Holders (Likely HOPSS Incumbents)
- Axle Informatics LLC
- Kelly Services, Inc.
- Guidehouse Digital LLC
- Gap Solutions Inc.
- 22nd Century Technologies, Inc.
Why FedBiz Solutions for HOPSS?
Incumbent advantage is real but beatable. HHS is expanding scope for HOPSS, meaning new entrants have a genuine shot — especially firms with strong HHS mission alignment, healthcare research support experience, and diverse professional services capabilities. Early capture activity (RFI responses, industry day attendance, agency engagement) is essential. FedBiz Solutions has experience with HHS and NIH proposal development.
The HOPSS Advantage Over SOAR
HOPSS represents an expansion beyond the original SOAR boundaries. While SOAR was focused primarily on NIH scientific operations, HOPSS opens the door to HHS-wide professional services opportunities including CMS, CDC, FDA, and other HHS operating divisions. This broader scope creates new entry points for firms that may not have direct SOAR experience but can demonstrate relevant HHS or federal professional services capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SOAR contract that HOPSS is replacing?
The Scientific Operations and Administrative Resources (SOAR) contract has been the primary professional services vehicle at NIH since 2003. It covers scientific operations support, administrative services, research program management, and professional advisory services. HOPSS is the full recompete — every incumbent must recompete. New entrants have a fair shot.
How many awards will HHS make for HOPSS?
The government anticipates awarding a multiple-award IDIQ, but the specific number of awards has not been publicly finalized. SOAR had 5 contract holders. HOPSS may expand that number given the broader scope and HHS-wide (not just NIH) coverage.
Is HOPSS a small business set-aside?
HOPSS is expected to have small business considerations. The SOAR recompete and HHS's broader professional services strategy have historically included small business prime positions. Monitor the final solicitation for set-aside pool structure and applicable NAICS codes.
What types of services does HHS buy through HOPSS?
Professional services supporting HHS's mission: scientific program support, research operations, health policy analysis, administrative services, IT advisory, stakeholder engagement, communications, training, and organizational development. The scope spans NIH, CMS, CDC, FDA, and other HHS operating divisions.
What past performance makes a firm competitive for HOPSS?
Direct HHS, NIH, or CDC support experience is most valuable. Broader federal professional services — especially in healthcare, public health, research support, or social services — strengthens your profile. Commercial healthcare and life sciences experience is less directly transferable but can supplement federal past performance.
How important is it to respond to the HOPSS RFI?
Very important. RFI responses allow you to shape requirements, demonstrate awareness of HHS priorities, and signal your firm's intent to compete. Agencies often remember responsive RFI submitters favorably. FedBiz Solutions helps craft strategic RFI responses that demonstrate genuine mission understanding.
Can a firm without HHS experience compete for HOPSS?
Yes — especially through teaming. A strong prime with DoD or civilian agency professional services experience can partner with a firm that has HHS-specific expertise. The broader scope of HOPSS (HHS-wide, not just NIH) creates more entry points than the SOAR program had.
How can FedBiz Solutions help with HOPSS?
We provide end-to-end HOPSS support: market intelligence and solicitation monitoring, RFI response development, teaming partner identification, capture strategy, past performance write-ups, and full proposal management. With incumbent advantage real, early action is your best competitive edge. Contact us now.
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FedBiz Solutions provides early-stage capture strategy, RFI development, and full proposal support for this $3.6B federal professional services recompete.
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