Air Force Dental Services contract awarded to Choctaw Management Services Enterprise for over $11.25 million

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,253,883 ($11.3M)

Contractor: Choctaw Management Services Enterprise

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2007-10-01

End Date: 2008-09-30

Contract Duration: 365 days

Daily Burn Rate: $30.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: AIR FORCE DENTAL SERVICES, VARIOUS LOCATIONS

Place of Performance

Location: DURANT, BRYAN County, OKLAHOMA, 74702

State: Oklahoma Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $11.3 million to CHOCTAW MANAGEMENT SERVICES ENTERPRISE for work described as: AIR FORCE DENTAL SERVICES, VARIOUS LOCATIONS Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the fixed-price nature of the contract, though specific performance metrics are not detailed. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open competition, suggesting a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, with a single award and a fixed-duration contract. 4. Performance context is limited to dental services across various Air Force locations. 5. Sector positioning is within healthcare support services for the Department of Defense.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of approximately $11.25 million over one year represents a significant investment in dental services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for dental support services across the DoD would be necessary for a precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed-price structure suggests that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which can be a positive indicator for the government if the price is competitive.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, implying that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This typically leads to a more robust selection of contractors and potentially better pricing due to market forces. The presence of multiple bidders, even if only one award was made, suggests a degree of market interest and competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down costs and improve service quality.

Public Impact

Beneficiaries include Air Force personnel requiring dental care at various locations. Services delivered encompass general dental care and potentially specialized treatments. Geographic impact is spread across multiple Air Force installations where dental services are needed. Workforce implications include the potential employment of dental professionals and support staff by the contractor.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess service quality beyond basic provision.
The single award could limit long-term competition if the incumbent performs adequately.
Geographic dispersion of services may present logistical challenges for oversight.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract shifts cost risk to the contractor.
Full and open competition suggests a potentially competitive pricing environment.
Contract duration provides a stable period for service delivery.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the healthcare support services sector, specifically focusing on dental care. The market for healthcare services, particularly within the federal government, is substantial. This contract represents a portion of the broader DoD healthcare spending, aiming to ensure the oral health readiness of military personnel. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other contracts for dental services provided to military branches or federal agencies.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions for this contract. As a full and open competition, it is possible that small businesses could have bid, but there is no explicit indication of a focus on them. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist depending on the contractor's strategy, but this is not detailed in the provided information.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the relevant Air Force medical command. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract, where the contractor is obligated to deliver services within the agreed-upon price. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance reports are often internal.

Related Government Programs

TRICARE Dental Program
DoD Medical Readiness Contracts
Federal Healthcare Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for service quality compromise under fixed-price terms if not adequately monitored.
Geographic dispersion of services may complicate consistent oversight and quality assurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $11.3 million to CHOCTAW MANAGEMENT SERVICES ENTERPRISE. AIR FORCE DENTAL SERVICES, VARIOUS LOCATIONS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CHOCTAW MANAGEMENT SERVICES ENTERPRISE.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $11.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-10-01. End: 2008-09-30.

What was the specific scope of dental services covered under this contract?

The provided data indicates 'AIR FORCE DENTAL SERVICES, VARIOUS LOCATIONS' but does not detail the specific scope of services. Typically, such contracts would cover a range of general dentistry services including examinations, cleanings, fillings, extractions, and potentially basic restorative procedures. Depending on the contract's specifics, it might also include more specialized services or referrals. A comprehensive review of the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) would be required to ascertain the full extent of dental care provided, including any limitations or exclusions.

How does the awarded amount of $11.25 million compare to historical spending on Air Force dental services?

Without historical data specific to Air Force dental services contracts, a direct comparison is not possible. However, $11.25 million for a one-year contract suggests a substantial requirement for dental care across multiple locations. To assess historical trends, one would need to examine prior contracts for similar services, noting any increases or decreases in spending, contract duration, and scope. Factors such as inflation, changes in military personnel numbers, and evolving dental care standards would influence year-over-year spending.

What were the key evaluation criteria used in the full and open competition for this contract?

The provided data does not specify the evaluation criteria used for this contract. In a full and open competition, agencies typically evaluate bids based on a combination of factors, which may include technical approach, past performance, management capability, and price. The relative importance of these factors varies depending on the agency's acquisition strategy and the nature of the service. For a service contract like dental care, technical capability and past performance in delivering healthcare services would likely be significant considerations alongside price.

What is the track record of Choctaw Management Services Enterprise in providing government healthcare services?

Information regarding the specific track record of Choctaw Management Services Enterprise (CMSE) in providing government healthcare services is not detailed in the provided data. A thorough assessment would require reviewing CMSE's contract history, including past performance evaluations, any awards or penalties, and the types and scale of healthcare services they have previously delivered to federal agencies. Their performance on this specific Air Force dental services contract would also be a key indicator.

Are there any identified risks associated with the firm fixed-price contract type for these dental services?

Firm fixed-price (FFP) contracts are generally favored for well-defined services where the scope is unlikely to change, as they place the cost risk on the contractor. For dental services, the primary risk with an FFP contract is that the contractor might cut corners on quality or service to maintain profitability if costs exceed estimates. However, this risk is mitigated by government oversight and performance monitoring. Conversely, if the contractor significantly underestimates costs, they may seek contract modifications or face financial difficulties, potentially impacting service continuity.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Offices of Dentists › Offices of Dentists

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › MEDICAL, DENTAL, AND SURGICAL SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Contractor Details

Address: 2101 W ARKANSAS, DURANT, OK, 02

Business Categories: Category Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $11,253,883

Exercised Options: $11,253,883

Current Obligation: $11,253,883

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W81K0404D0009

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline