State Department Spends $54K on Medical Insurance for ASCOMA, Chad, for Two Weeks

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $54,122 ($54.1K)

Contractor: Ascoma Tchad

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2026-04-18

Contract Duration: 15 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: NDJAM-HRO-LE MEDICAL LIST FOR ASCOMA APR 5 - APR 18, 2026

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $54,121.67 to ASCOMA TCHAD for work described as: NDJAM-HRO-LE MEDICAL LIST FOR ASCOMA APR 5 - APR 18, 2026 Key points: 1. High per-unit cost for short-term medical insurance. 2. Limited duration suggests a specific, potentially urgent need. 3. Full and open competition was utilized, indicating a fair process. 4. Sector context is health services, with potential for higher costs in remote locations.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The cost of $54,121.67 for a 15-day period, averaging over $3,600 per day, appears high for medical insurance, even for a remote location. Benchmarking against similar short-term health insurance contracts is difficult without more specific service details.

Cost Per Unit: $3,608

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: While competition was fair, the high overall cost for a short period may represent an inefficient use of taxpayer funds if the per-unit cost is not justified by the services provided.

Public Impact

Ensures medical coverage for personnel in ASCOMA, Chad, supporting diplomatic or operational missions. Provides essential health services, potentially mitigating risks associated with medical emergencies in a challenging environment. The expenditure highlights the costs associated with maintaining personnel presence in austere locations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

High daily cost for insurance
Short contract duration may indicate reactive spending
Lack of detailed service description

Positive Signals

Full and open competition utilized
Clear contract award date and period

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Healthcare sector, specifically health insurance services. Spending in this area can vary significantly based on geographic location, duration, and the level of coverage required. Costs are often higher in remote or high-risk areas.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this procurement. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of State is responsible for this contract. Oversight would involve ensuring the services rendered meet the terms of the firm fixed-price contract and that the expenditure is justified.

Related Government Programs

Direct Health and Medical Insurance Carriers
Department of State Contracting
Department of State Programs

Risk Flags

High cost per day
Short contract duration
Limited geographic information on 'ASCOMA'
Lack of detailed service description

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $54,121.67 to ASCOMA TCHAD. NDJAM-HRO-LE MEDICAL LIST FOR ASCOMA APR 5 - APR 18, 2026

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ASCOMA TCHAD.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $54,121.67.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2026-04-18.

What specific medical services are covered under this policy, and how do they justify the high per-unit cost for the specified duration?

The provided data lacks specifics on the medical services covered. To justify the high per-unit cost, the policy would likely need to include comprehensive coverage for emergency medical evacuation, specialized treatments, and potentially high-risk medical procedures, given the location in ASCOMA, Chad. Without a detailed service breakdown, it's difficult to assess value.

What are the risks associated with providing medical insurance in ASCOMA, Chad, that contribute to the elevated cost?

Operating in ASCOMA, Chad, likely presents significant risks, including limited local medical infrastructure, potential security concerns, and the need for rapid medical evacuation. These factors increase the complexity and cost of providing adequate health insurance, necessitating robust coverage and potentially higher premiums from insurers.

How effective is this short-term insurance policy in meeting the immediate medical needs of personnel in the region?

The effectiveness hinges on the comprehensiveness of the coverage and the responsiveness of the insurance provider. A 15-day policy suggests a temporary need, possibly for a specific mission or personnel rotation. Its effectiveness is measured by its ability to provide timely and appropriate medical care without significant out-of-pocket expenses for the insured during that period.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Finance and Insurance › Insurance Carriers › Direct Health and Medical Insurance Carriers

Product/Service Code: SOCIAL SERVICES › SOCIAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: IMMEUBLE CNPS, N'DJAMENA

Business Categories: Category Business, Foreign Owned, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $54,122

Exercised Options: $54,122

Current Obligation: $54,122

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 19CD3022D0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline