HHS awards $34.2M for Afghan unaccompanied child translation services to The Providencia Group LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $34,251,609 ($34.3M)

Contractor: THE Providencia Group LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2022-01-03

End Date: 2023-01-02

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $94.1K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PROVIDE TRANSLATION AND CULTURAL SUPPORT SERVICES TO AFGHAN UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN.

Place of Performance

Location: ASHBURN, LOUDOUN County, VIRGINIA, 20147

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $34.3 million to THE PROVIDENCIA GROUP LLC for work described as: PROVIDE TRANSLATION AND CULTURAL SUPPORT SERVICES TO AFGHAN UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN. Key points: 1. Significant contract value for specialized translation and cultural support. 2. Sole-source award raises questions about competition and potential cost savings. 3. Focus on vulnerable population highlights critical need for effective services. 4. Contract duration of one year with a firm fixed-price structure.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty. However, without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if the $34.2M price represents optimal value compared to market rates for similar services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and may result in higher costs than if multiple vendors had competed for the contract.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition could mean taxpayers are not receiving the most cost-effective solution for these essential services.

Public Impact

Ensures critical communication for vulnerable Afghan children. Supports integration and well-being of children in a new environment. Addresses a specific humanitarian need with specialized linguistic skills.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
High contract value
Potential for cost overruns without market comparison

Positive Signals

Addresses critical humanitarian need
Specialized service requirement
Clear contract type and pricing

Sector Analysis

The contract falls under professional services, specifically translation and interpretation. The value is substantial for this niche sector, suggesting a high demand for specialized linguistic and cultural expertise.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to The Providencia Group LLC, a single entity. There is no indication of small business participation or subcontracting in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made by the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families. Oversight would focus on service delivery quality and adherence to contract terms.

Related Government Programs

Translation and Interpretation Services
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
Administration for Children and Families Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award limits competition.
High contract value warrants scrutiny.
Lack of clear per-unit cost benchmark.
Potential for higher costs due to non-competitive nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $34.3 million to THE PROVIDENCIA GROUP LLC. PROVIDE TRANSLATION AND CULTURAL SUPPORT SERVICES TO AFGHAN UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE PROVIDENCIA GROUP LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Administration for Children and Families).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $34.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-01-03. End: 2023-01-02.

What is the justification for the sole-source award, and were any attempts made to explore competitive options?

The justification for a sole-source award is crucial for understanding why competition was bypassed. Agencies typically cite unique capabilities, urgent needs, or lack of market availability. Without this justification, it's impossible to assess if alternative vendors could have provided similar services, potentially at a lower cost or with greater efficiency, thus impacting the overall value for taxpayers.

How does the per-child cost compare to similar services provided to other vulnerable populations or in different contexts?

Benchmarking the per-child cost against similar contracts for vulnerable populations, whether domestically or internationally, is essential for evaluating value. If this contract's per-unit cost is significantly higher than comparable services, it suggests potential inefficiencies or a lack of competitive pressure driving down prices. This comparison helps determine if the $34.2M expenditure is reasonable and justifiable.

What performance metrics are in place to ensure the effectiveness and quality of the translation and cultural support services?

Effective oversight requires clear performance metrics to gauge the quality and impact of the services. For translation and cultural support, metrics could include accuracy rates, timeliness of services, client satisfaction (from both the children/guardians and caseworkers), and successful integration outcomes. Robust metrics ensure accountability and that the substantial funding is achieving its intended humanitarian goals.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Translation and Interpretation Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 19775 BELMONT EXECUTIVE PLZ STE 450, ASHBURN, VA, 20147

Business Categories: Category Business, Hispanic American Owned Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $34,251,609

Exercised Options: $34,251,609

Current Obligation: $34,251,609

Actual Outlays: $34,251,609

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline