Social Security Administration awards $121K BPA for medical consultant services in Southeast region

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $121,325 ($121.3K)

Contractor: Epochmd, PLLC

Awarding Agency: Social Security Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2027-06-30

Contract Duration: 453 days

Daily Burn Rate: $268/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: BLANKET PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR MEDICAL CONSULTANT SERVICES IN THE SOUTHEAST REGION (ATLANTA). REVIEWS BY MEDICAL CONSULTANT OF DISABILITY CLAIM CASE FILES FOR AGENCY DISABILITY PROGRAM. CALL ORDER FOR INDEPENDENT CASE REVIEWS.

Place of Performance

Location: MISSOURI CITY, FORT BEND County, TEXAS, 77459

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Social Security Administration obligated $121,325 to EPOCHMD, PLLC for work described as: BLANKET PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR MEDICAL CONSULTANT SERVICES IN THE SOUTHEAST REGION (ATLANTA). REVIEWS BY MEDICAL CONSULTANT OF DISABILITY CLAIM CASE FILES FOR AGENCY DISABILITY PROGRAM. CALL ORDER FOR INDEPENDENT CASE REVIEWS. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on independent case reviews for disability claims. 2. Services are essential for the agency's disability determination process. 3. The contract is a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) call order. 4. The duration of the contract is approximately 453 days. 5. The contractor, EPOCHMD, PLLC, will provide services in the Southeast region. 6. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, offering cost predictability.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The awarded amount of $121,325 for medical consultant services appears to be a call order under a larger BPA. Without knowing the total value of the BPA or the specific services rendered per case, a direct value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the firm fixed-price nature suggests some cost control. Benchmarking against similar contracts for independent medical reviews would provide a clearer picture of whether this pricing is competitive.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The data indicates the contract was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP,' which suggests it was likely awarded under simplified acquisition procedures or potentially as a sole-source action if no other vendors were available or suitable. The lack of explicit competition details makes it difficult to assess the breadth of bidder participation and its impact on price discovery. Further information on the BPA's original competition is needed.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition information means taxpayers may not be benefiting from the most competitive pricing achievable through a broader solicitation process.

Public Impact

Beneficiaries of the Social Security Administration's disability program will have their case files reviewed. Independent medical consultant services will be delivered to ensure fair and accurate disability claim determinations. The geographic impact is focused on the Southeast region, specifically Atlanta. The contract supports the operational workforce of the Social Security Administration by providing necessary review services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed competition information hinders assessment of best value for taxpayers.
Limited insight into the specific per-case cost or efficiency metrics.
The BPA structure requires understanding the parent agreement for full context.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty for this call order.
Services are critical for the functioning of the SSA's disability determination process.
The contractor is a professional limited liability company (PLLC), suggesting specialized expertise.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Healthcare and Social Assistance sector, specifically related to professional medical services. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 621111, 'Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists),' is relevant here. The market for medical consulting services, particularly for government agencies involved in disability assessments, is substantial. This contract represents a small portion of overall federal spending on professional services.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a specific set-aside for this BPA call order. Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from this particular award. The primary contractor is EPOCHMD, PLLC.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Social Security Administration's internal contracting and program management offices. As a BPA call order, it inherits oversight from the parent BPA. Transparency is moderate, with contract details available through federal procurement databases. Specific Inspector General jurisdiction would depend on the nature of any potential issues arising from the contract's performance.

Related Government Programs

Social Security Administration Disability Insurance Program
Federal Medical Consulting Services
Independent Medical Reviews
Blanket Purchase Agreements

Risk Flags

Limited competition information available.
Potential for reduced price discovery due to BPA structure.
Need for further analysis on contractor's past performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Social Security Administration awarded $121,325 to EPOCHMD, PLLC. BLANKET PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR MEDICAL CONSULTANT SERVICES IN THE SOUTHEAST REGION (ATLANTA). REVIEWS BY MEDICAL CONSULTANT OF DISABILITY CLAIM CASE FILES FOR AGENCY DISABILITY PROGRAM. CALL ORDER FOR INDEPENDENT CASE REVIEWS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EPOCHMD, PLLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Social Security Administration (Social Security Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $121,325.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2027-06-30.

What is the historical spending pattern for medical consultant services by the Social Security Administration?

Analyzing historical spending for medical consultant services by the Social Security Administration is crucial for understanding trends and identifying potential anomalies. While specific data for this BPA call order is limited to $121,325, a broader review of SSA's procurement history would reveal the total investment in such services over time. This includes examining spending across different regions, contract types (e.g., IDIQs, BPAs, sole-source), and the primary contractors utilized. Understanding past spending levels can help benchmark current contract values, assess the growth or decline in demand for these services, and identify any significant shifts in procurement strategies. For instance, a consistent increase in spending might indicate growing caseloads or changes in policy, while a sudden decrease could signal efficiency improvements or budget constraints. Without access to comprehensive historical data, it's difficult to provide precise figures, but such analysis is fundamental for fiscal oversight.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar medical consultant services procured by other federal agencies?

Benchmarking the pricing of this $121,325 BPA call order against similar medical consultant services procured by other federal agencies is essential for assessing value for money. Agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or the Department of Defense (DoD) frequently procure independent medical reviews for disability claims or benefits. A comparative analysis would involve examining contract line item details, hourly rates, or per-case review costs. Factors such as geographic location, complexity of cases, and required turnaround times can influence pricing. If this contract's rates are significantly higher than comparable contracts, it could indicate a lack of competitive pricing or unique service requirements. Conversely, if rates are lower, it might suggest favorable negotiation or a less complex scope. Without specific per-unit cost data or detailed service descriptions, a precise comparison is challenging, but the general market rates for such specialized consulting services provide a reference point.

What are the potential risks associated with using a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) for these services?

Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) offer flexibility and convenience but also carry potential risks, especially when used for critical services like medical consulting for disability claims. One primary risk is the potential for reduced price competition if the parent BPA was not widely competed or if subsequent call orders are not strategically solicited. This can lead to higher costs than might be achieved through a fully competed contract. Another risk involves scope creep; the flexibility of BPAs can sometimes lead to services expanding beyond the original intent without adequate price adjustments or oversight. Furthermore, ensuring consistent quality and performance across multiple call orders under a single BPA can be challenging if not managed diligently. For the SSA, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of disability claim reviews is paramount, and any lapse in quality due to BPA management issues could have significant legal and financial repercussions.

What is the track record of EPOCHMD, PLLC in performing similar government contracts?

Evaluating the track record of EPOCHMD, PLLC in performing similar government contracts is vital for assessing performance risk. As a professional limited liability company (PLLC), their expertise is likely specialized. Information regarding their past performance, including contract history with federal agencies, client satisfaction ratings, and any past performance issues or awards, would provide insight into their reliability and capability. Specifically, experience with providing medical consulting services for disability claims or similar review processes for agencies like the SSA or VA would be highly relevant. A review of federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) and past performance evaluations, if publicly available, would help determine if EPOCHMD, PLLC has a history of successful contract execution, timely delivery, and adherence to quality standards. A strong track record suggests a lower risk of performance issues for this current contract.

How does the geographic focus on the Southeast region impact the contract's effectiveness and cost?

The geographic focus on the Southeast region, specifically Atlanta, for medical consultant services by EPOCHMD, PLLC, can influence the contract's effectiveness and cost in several ways. Concentrating services in a specific region can streamline operations and potentially reduce travel-related expenses for the contractor if local resources are utilized. It may also allow for a deeper understanding of regional medical practices and claimant demographics, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of case reviews. However, if the pool of qualified medical consultants within that specific region is limited, it could reduce competition and potentially drive up costs. Furthermore, the SSA's disability claims may originate from a broader area, and relying solely on regional consultants might introduce delays or require complex logistics if cases from outside the immediate vicinity are included. The effectiveness hinges on whether the chosen consultants possess the necessary expertise for the diverse range of claims originating from or processed within the Southeast.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Offices of Physicians › Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists)

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › OTHER MEDICAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5203 CYPRESS SPRING DR, MISSOURI CITY, TX, 77459

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $121,325

Exercised Options: $121,325

Current Obligation: $121,325

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 28321321AC0440028

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline