Speech language pathology services contract awarded to Speech Therapy Associates LLC for $62.3M over 32 months

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $62,301 ($62.3K)

Contractor: Speech Therapy Associates LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2023-12-06

End Date: 2026-07-31

Contract Duration: 968 days

Daily Burn Rate: $64/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY SERVICE

Place of Performance

Location: DOLORES, MONTEZUMA County, COLORADO, 81323

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $62,301.23 to SPEECH THERAPY ASSOCIATES LLC for work described as: SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY SERVICE Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the duration and service type. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a potentially competitive award process. 3. Performance risk appears low due to the nature of the services. 4. Service delivery is critical for educational and health outcomes in targeted communities. 5. The contract aligns with federal efforts to provide essential health services to Native American populations.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $62.3 million over 32 months for speech language pathology services suggests a monthly expenditure of roughly $1.95 million. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized therapy services indicates this rate is within a reasonable range, considering the need for qualified professionals and the scope of services. The firm-fixed-price structure helps control costs, but ongoing monitoring of service delivery and outcomes is crucial to ensure value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a competitive process among multiple bidders. While specific bidder numbers are not detailed, SAP is designed to encourage competition for contracts below certain thresholds. The use of SAP implies that the agency sought to obtain the best value through a fair and open process, likely resulting in competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this award, even under SAP, suggests that taxpayer dollars were likely used efficiently, with pricing driven by market forces rather than a lack of alternatives.

Public Impact

Beneficiaries include Native American students and individuals requiring speech and language therapy services. Services delivered encompass diagnosis, treatment, and management of speech, language, and hearing disorders. Geographic impact is concentrated in areas served by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education, primarily in Colorado. Workforce implications include the employment of speech-language pathologists and support staff.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Ensuring consistent quality of care across all service locations.
Monitoring contractor performance to meet the specific needs of the target population.
Potential for scope creep if additional services are required beyond the initial contract.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Contract duration allows for stable service provision.
Award to a specialized provider suggests expertise in the required services.

Sector Analysis

The market for speech language pathology services is robust, driven by increasing awareness of developmental disorders and the need for therapeutic intervention. Federal agencies, particularly those serving specific populations like Native Americans, often contract for these specialized services to ensure access. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 621340, 'Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists,' encompasses this sector. Spending in this area is influenced by demographic needs and federal program mandates.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans was not explicitly provided in the data. However, the contract was competed under SAP, which can include provisions for small business participation. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as prime contractors or subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight of this contract would typically fall under the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education. Performance monitoring, quality assurance reviews, and adherence to service level agreements are standard oversight mechanisms. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases and reporting requirements, though specific details of ongoing oversight activities may not be publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Bureau of Indian Affairs Healthcare Services
Bureau of Indian Education Student Support Services
Native American Health Services
Federal Health Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for service gaps in remote locations.
Ensuring cultural competency in service delivery.
Contractor's ability to maintain adequate staffing levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $62,301.23 to SPEECH THERAPY ASSOCIATES LLC. SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY SERVICE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SPEECH THERAPY ASSOCIATES LLC.

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 $62,301.23.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-12-06. End: 2026-07-31.

What is the historical spending pattern for speech language pathology services by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education?

Analyzing historical spending for speech language pathology services by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) is crucial for understanding trends and ensuring current contract value. Without specific historical data for these agencies, a general trend in federal healthcare and education spending for similar services can be inferred. Typically, demand for such services has been increasing due to greater awareness and diagnosis of speech and language disorders, particularly in pediatric populations. Federal agencies serving Native American communities often face unique challenges in service provision, which can lead to fluctuating or increasing contract values over time. A detailed review of past contracts, including their values, durations, and awarded contractors, would reveal if this $62.3 million award represents a significant increase or is in line with previous investments. This context helps assess whether the current spending is justified by demonstrated need and service expansion or if it indicates a potential over-allocation of resources.

How does the awarded price per unit or per service hour compare to market rates for speech language pathologists?

Determining the precise price per unit or service hour requires more granular data than provided, such as the number of billable hours or specific service units covered under the contract. However, an estimated monthly expenditure of approximately $1.95 million ($62.3M / 32 months) can be used for a high-level comparison. The average salary for a speech-language pathologist in the US can range significantly based on experience, location, and setting, but often falls between $70,000 to $100,000 annually. If we consider overhead, administrative costs, and profit margins, a blended hourly rate for contracted services could range from $100 to $200 or more. To accurately benchmark, one would need to compare the contract's specific deliverables (e.g., number of therapy sessions, diagnostic evaluations) against prevailing rates in Colorado and similar federal contracts. Without this detailed breakdown, it's difficult to definitively state if the price is above or below market, but the overall contract value suggests a substantial service volume.

What is the track record of Speech Therapy Associates LLC in delivering similar federal contracts?

Evaluating the track record of Speech Therapy Associates LLC is essential for assessing performance risk and reliability. As a specialized provider, their experience with federal contracts, particularly those serving Native American populations through agencies like the BIA or BIE, would be a key indicator. Information on past performance, including contract completion history, client satisfaction, and any documented issues or awards, should be reviewed. If the company has a history of successful contract execution, timely service delivery, and adherence to quality standards, it suggests a lower risk profile for this award. Conversely, any past performance concerns, such as significant delays, quality deficiencies, or contract disputes, would warrant closer scrutiny and potentially more robust oversight mechanisms to mitigate risks associated with this new contract.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being managed?

The primary risks associated with this speech language pathology services contract include potential challenges in service accessibility and quality across diverse geographic locations served by the BIA/BIE, ensuring consistent staffing levels with qualified professionals, and managing patient outcomes effectively. There's also a risk related to the specific needs of the Native American population, which may require culturally sensitive approaches. Management of these risks would involve robust performance monitoring by the contracting agency, clear service level agreements, regular site visits, and feedback mechanisms from beneficiaries. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract helps mitigate cost overruns, but the agency must actively oversee the quality and scope of services delivered to ensure the contract meets its objectives and provides value.

How does this contract align with the broader federal mission to support Native American health and education?

This contract directly aligns with the federal government's trust responsibility to support the health and educational well-being of Native American communities. The Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education are mandated to provide essential services, including healthcare and educational support, to eligible individuals. Speech and language services are critical for early intervention, academic success, and overall quality of life. By awarding this contract, the federal government is fulfilling its commitment to ensure that Native American students and individuals have access to necessary therapeutic services, thereby promoting educational equity and improving health outcomes within these communities. This initiative is a tangible representation of federal efforts to address disparities and provide comprehensive support.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Offices of Other Health Practitioners › Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists

Product/Service Code: EDUCATION AND TRAINING › EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 140A2324Q0032

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 26242 ROAD R, DOLORES, CO, 81323

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $114,825

Exercised Options: $62,301

Current Obligation: $62,301

Actual Outlays: $42,393

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline