Interior Department awards $201K contract for behavioral health services in New Mexico schools

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $201,447 ($201.4K)

Contractor: Paradigm Professional Health Services, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2023-09-19

End Date: 2026-03-31

Contract Duration: 924 days

Daily Burn Rate: $218/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: BEHAVIORAL HEALTH COUNSELOR, ISELTA AND TSIYA SCHOOL

Place of Performance

Location: SAN YSIDRO, SANDOVAL County, NEW MEXICO, 87053

State: New Mexico Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $201,446.5 to PARADIGM PROFESSIONAL HEALTH SERVICES, INC. for work described as: BEHAVIORAL HEALTH COUNSELOR, ISELTA AND TSIYA SCHOOL Key points: 1. Contract provides essential behavioral health support to students. 2. Services are crucial for educational and personal development. 3. Firm Fixed Price contract type helps manage cost certainty. 4. Contract duration extends over two years, ensuring continuity. 5. Awarded to a single vendor, indicating potential for focused expertise. 6. Geographic focus on New Mexico addresses specific regional needs.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $201,446.50 for behavioral health counseling services appears reasonable given the two-year duration and the specialized nature of the support. Benchmarking against similar contracts for educational support services in the region would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, the fixed-price nature of the award suggests that the government has a clear understanding of the expected costs and is seeking to control expenditures within that framework. The award amount is not excessively high for the scope of services typically required in an educational setting.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a less extensive competition process than full and open competition. While the specific number of bidders is not detailed, SAP awards often result in fewer proposals being submitted. This approach is generally used for acquisitions below certain dollar thresholds, aiming for efficiency. The limited competition may mean that the government did not explore the full breadth of potential providers, potentially impacting price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, limited competition under SAP can sometimes lead to prices that are not as aggressively negotiated as they might be in a broader, more competitive environment. However, the use of SAP is intended to streamline the acquisition process for smaller dollar amounts, potentially saving administrative costs.

Public Impact

Students in New Mexico schools served by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education will benefit from enhanced behavioral health support. Services include counseling and therapeutic interventions to address student well-being. The geographic impact is concentrated in New Mexico, targeting specific educational institutions. This contract supports the educational mission by addressing non-academic barriers to learning. It contributes to a more supportive and effective learning environment for students.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may not have yielded the lowest possible price.
Reliance on a single vendor could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
SAP competition may not fully explore innovative solutions from a wider market.

Positive Signals

Contract addresses a critical need for student behavioral health.
Fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Award duration ensures sustained support for students.
Focus on specific educational agencies targets a vulnerable population.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader educational support services sector, specifically focusing on behavioral health. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 611710, Educational Support Services, encompasses a range of activities that facilitate education delivery. Spending in this area is critical for ensuring student success, particularly for agencies like the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education that serve unique student populations. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically look at per-student costs for support services or per-counselor costs within educational institutions.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from this specific award. The focus was likely on securing the most suitable provider for the specialized behavioral health services required, rather than prioritizing small business participation through a set-aside mechanism.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the contracting officers and program managers within the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education. As a purchase order, it is a less complex instrument than a large-scale contract, but standard procurement regulations and performance monitoring would still apply. Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases, and any significant issues could potentially be reviewed by the Department of the Interior's Office of Inspector General if they rise to a level of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Bureau of Indian Affairs Education Programs
Bureau of Indian Education Student Support Services
Federal K-12 Education Funding
Mental Health Services in Schools
Educational Psychology Services

Risk Flags

Limited Competition
Potential for Performance Issues
Need for Ongoing Monitoring

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $201,446.5 to PARADIGM PROFESSIONAL HEALTH SERVICES, INC.. BEHAVIORAL HEALTH COUNSELOR, ISELTA AND TSIYA SCHOOL

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PARADIGM PROFESSIONAL HEALTH SERVICES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $201,446.5.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-19. End: 2026-03-31.

What is the track record of Paradigm Professional Health Services, Inc. with federal contracts?

A review of federal procurement data indicates that Paradigm Professional Health Services, Inc. has received multiple federal awards. While this specific award is for behavioral health counseling, the company's broader federal contracting history would need to be examined to fully assess its track record. Key areas to investigate include past performance ratings on similar services, any history of contract disputes or terminations, and the overall volume and type of federal work they have undertaken. Understanding their experience with government agencies, particularly those serving educational or tribal populations, would provide further context on their suitability for this role.

How does the value of this contract compare to similar behavioral health services procured by the government?

The contract value of $201,446.50 for two years of behavioral health services in New Mexico schools is a moderate amount. To benchmark effectively, one would need to compare it against contracts for similar services (e.g., school-based counseling, mental health support for youth) awarded by agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Education, or other bureaus serving Native American communities. Factors such as the number of students served, the intensity of services (e.g., individual vs. group therapy, crisis intervention), and geographic location significantly influence pricing. Without specific comparable data, it's difficult to definitively state if this represents excellent or questionable value, but it appears within a plausible range for specialized educational support.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential performance deficiencies by the contractor, Paradigm Professional Health Services, Inc., in delivering the required behavioral health services. Given the limited competition under SAP, there's also a risk that the government did not secure the most cost-effective solution available in the market. Another risk could be the continuity of care if the contractor faces staffing challenges or if follow-on funding is uncertain beyond the current contract period. Ensuring the contractor meets all regulatory and ethical standards in providing mental health services to students is also a critical risk area.

How effective are behavioral health services in improving student outcomes in Bureau of Indian Education schools?

The effectiveness of behavioral health services in improving student outcomes within Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools is generally considered high, though specific data can vary. These services aim to address a range of issues including trauma, anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges that can impede learning. By providing counseling and support, schools can help students improve their emotional regulation, social skills, attendance, and academic performance. Studies on school-based mental health programs often show positive correlations with reduced disciplinary incidents and improved overall school climate. The BIE's focus on culturally relevant services can further enhance effectiveness for Native American students.

What is the historical spending trend for educational support services by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education?

Analyzing historical spending trends for educational support services by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) would require accessing detailed historical procurement data. Generally, spending in this category tends to be relatively stable, driven by the ongoing need to support student well-being and educational attainment. However, fluctuations can occur based on specific program initiatives, changes in federal appropriations, or identified needs within the school system. Increased focus on mental health and student support services in recent years may indicate a gradual upward trend in this specific sub-category of educational support.

What is the typical duration and value range for similar educational support service contracts?

The typical duration for educational support service contracts, particularly those involving specialized services like behavioral health counseling, often ranges from one to three years, with options for extension. The value range can vary significantly based on the scope of services, the number of students or schools served, and the geographic area. Contracts similar to this one, serving a specific school or district for specialized support, might range from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand dollars annually. Larger, multi-year, or multi-school contracts could easily reach into the millions. This $201K, two-year award appears to be within the lower to mid-range for a focused, single-location service.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational Services › Educational Support Services › Educational Support Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 140A2323Q0718

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6856 SW STAR JASMINE PL, BEAVERTON, OR, 97008

Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $201,447

Exercised Options: $201,447

Current Obligation: $201,447

Actual Outlays: $170,320

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline