DOI awards $5.77M contract for Adult Protective Services Opioid Pilot Project to Walter R. McDonald & Associates

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,773,442 ($5.8M)

Contractor: Walter R Mcdonald & Associates, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2023-09-27

End Date: 2027-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,464 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES (APS) OPIOID PILOT PROJECT

Place of Performance

Location: ROCKVILLE, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20852

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $5.8 million to WALTER R MCDONALD & ASSOCIATES, INC. for work described as: ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES (APS) OPIOID PILOT PROJECT Key points: 1. Contract focuses on administrative management and consulting services for a critical public health initiative. 2. The pilot project aims to address the opioid crisis through protective services for adults. 3. A firm-fixed-price contract type suggests predictable costs for the government. 4. The contract duration of approximately four years allows for comprehensive project implementation and evaluation. 5. The award was made under full and open competition, indicating a broad search for qualified contractors. 6. The specific North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541611 points to specialized management consulting expertise.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $5.77 million over roughly four years for a pilot project of this nature appears reasonable. Benchmarking against similar federal consulting contracts for public health initiatives would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm-fixed-price structure helps control costs, but the ultimate value will depend on the successful outcomes of the pilot program in addressing adult protective services related to the opioid crisis.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple qualified firms had the opportunity to bid. The presence of two bidders indicates a degree of competition, which generally benefits price discovery and ensures the government receives competitive offers. The specific number of bidders is relatively low, which could warrant further investigation into market dynamics.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining the best value through a competitive bidding process.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are adults requiring protective services due to the opioid crisis. The project aims to deliver enhanced protective services and support mechanisms. The geographic impact is likely focused on areas identified as having high opioid-related needs, though specific locations are not detailed. The contract supports specialized consulting services, potentially creating or sustaining jobs within the management consulting sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited public information on the specific performance metrics and expected outcomes of the pilot project.
The relatively small number of bidders in a full and open competition could suggest potential barriers to entry or limited market interest.
The effectiveness of the 'Adult Protective Services (APS) Opioid Pilot Project' itself is a key factor in determining overall contract success.

Positive Signals

The contract is awarded under a firm-fixed-price structure, which helps in budget predictability.
The duration of the contract allows for a thorough implementation and evaluation phase for the pilot.
The Department of the Interior's engagement in a public health-related pilot project demonstrates a commitment to addressing national challenges.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the administrative management and general management consulting services sector. This sector is crucial for government agencies seeking expertise in program management, policy development, and operational efficiency. The market for such services is competitive, with numerous firms offering specialized capabilities. The value of this contract is modest within the broader federal consulting landscape, but significant for a targeted pilot program.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary focus was on securing the best overall solution through full and open competition. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans with small businesses, which would typically be detailed in the contract's statement of work or associated documentation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program office within the Department of the Interior. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract type, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of federal contract awards, though detailed performance reports may not always be publicly accessible.

Related Government Programs

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grants and programs
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) initiatives
National Institutes of Health (NIH) research on opioids
Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) programs

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep given the complex nature of the problem.
Effectiveness of pilot program outcomes requires clear definition and measurement.
Contractor's specific experience in opioid crisis intervention needs verification.
Limited number of bidders in a full and open competition warrants monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $5.8 million to WALTER R MCDONALD & ASSOCIATES, INC.. ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES (APS) OPIOID PILOT PROJECT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WALTER R MCDONALD & ASSOCIATES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Departmental Offices).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-27. End: 2027-09-30.

What is the specific methodology Walter R. McDonald & Associates will employ to enhance Adult Protective Services in relation to the opioid crisis?

The provided data does not detail the specific methodologies Walter R. McDonald & Associates will employ. However, given the NAICS code 541611 (Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services), their approach is likely to involve program analysis, process improvement, strategic planning, and potentially the development of new operational frameworks for APS. This could include assessing current service gaps, identifying best practices in opioid crisis intervention and adult protection, and recommending scalable solutions. The pilot nature of the project suggests a focus on testing and refining these methodologies before broader implementation.

How does the $5.77 million contract value compare to similar federal investments in opioid crisis response or adult protective services consulting?

Directly comparing the $5.77 million contract value to similar federal investments is challenging without specific data on comparable projects. However, this amount for a four-year pilot project focused on a critical intersection of public health issues (opioid crisis and adult protection) appears to be a significant but not exorbitant investment. Federal spending on opioid-related initiatives is substantial, often spanning billions across various agencies and programs. Consulting contracts within this sphere can range widely based on scope, duration, and the specific expertise required. This contract's value suggests a focused, specialized effort rather than a broad, agency-wide overhaul.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) that will be used to measure the success of this Adult Protective Services Opioid Pilot Project?

The provided data does not specify the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract. Typically, for a pilot project focused on Adult Protective Services and the opioid crisis, KPIs would likely revolve around metrics such as the number of adults successfully engaged in services, improvements in safety and well-being for vulnerable individuals, reduction in opioid-related harm within the target population, increased access to treatment and support, and the efficiency and effectiveness of the APS response. The success of the contractor, Walter R. McDonald & Associates, will be evaluated against these defined outcomes, which should be detailed in the contract's Statement of Work.

What is the track record of Walter R. McDonald & Associates in managing federal contracts related to public health or social services?

The provided data does not include specific details on Walter R. McDonald & Associates' track record with federal contracts in public health or social services. However, their designation under NAICS code 541611 suggests a core competency in management consulting. To assess their track record, one would typically review their past performance evaluations on federal contracts (e.g., through the Federal Procurement Data System - FPDS), looking for experience with similar agencies (like HHS or related state/local entities), project types (public health, social services, crisis intervention), and contract vehicles. Their ability to win this contract under full and open competition implies they met the qualifications set forth by the Department of the Interior.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies might be in place?

Potential risks include the inherent complexity of addressing the opioid crisis and adult protective services simultaneously, the possibility of insufficient contractor performance, challenges in engaging the target population, and potential scope creep. Mitigation strategies often involve robust contract oversight by the agency, clearly defined deliverables and performance standards, regular progress reviews, and contingency planning. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract also incentivizes the contractor to manage risks effectively to maintain profitability. Furthermore, the pilot nature allows for learning and adaptation, which can mitigate risks associated with untested approaches.

How does the Department of the Interior's involvement in this project align with its broader mission and responsibilities?

The Department of the Interior (DOI) typically focuses on managing federal lands and natural resources. Its involvement in an 'Adult Protective Services (APS) Opioid Pilot Project' is somewhat unconventional and suggests a specific, perhaps localized or unique, need that falls under its purview or a broader departmental initiative related to community well-being or addressing national crises that may impact areas where DOI has a presence or responsibility. It could be related to specific populations or communities within DOI's jurisdiction, or it might represent a cross-agency collaboration where DOI is playing a supporting or coordinating role. Understanding the specific context within DOI that necessitates this project would clarify its alignment.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 140D0423Q1020

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 12300 TWINBROOK PARKWAY, ROCKVILLE, MD, 20852

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,773,442

Exercised Options: $5,773,442

Current Obligation: $5,773,442

Actual Outlays: $3,593,710

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QRAA21D006L

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline