HHS awards $4.3M for grantee and program support to Gray Matters Technology Service, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,337,483 ($4.3M)

Contractor: Gray Matters Technology Service, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2024-02-22

End Date: 2027-02-21

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.0K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE 1) GRANTEE AND PROGRAM SUPPORT AND LOGISTICAL MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES THAT SUPPORT THE MISSION OF FYSB AND ITS LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS AND EVALUATION REQUIREMENTS, SUCH AS ACTIVITIES INCLUDING BUT

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20001

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $4.3 million to GRAY MATTERS TECHNOLOGY SERVICE, LLC for work described as: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE 1) GRANTEE AND PROGRAM SUPPORT AND LOGISTICAL MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES THAT SUPPORT THE MISSION OF FYSB AND ITS LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS AND EVALUATION REQUIREMENTS, SUCH AS ACTIVITIES INCLUDING BUT Key points: 1. Contract focuses on logistical management and support for FYSB's mission and legislative requirements. 2. The contract is a definitive contract with a firm fixed price, indicating predictable costs. 3. Awarded to Gray Matters Technology Service, LLC, with a duration of 1095 days. 4. The contract is not competed under simplified acquisition procedures, suggesting a non-standard procurement. 5. Services include custom computer programming, aligning with the need for specialized technical support. 6. The contract is based in Washington D.C., potentially impacting local workforce and economic activity.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $4.3 million over three years for grantee and program support appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized services. However, without specific benchmarks for similar logistical and programmatic support contracts within HHS or FYSB, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. The firm fixed-price structure helps control costs, but the absence of competition limits the opportunity for price discovery and potential savings.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was not competed under simplified acquisition procedures, indicating it was likely procured through a limited competition or sole-source justification. The data does not specify the number of bidders or the rationale for limited competition. This approach may result in higher costs compared to a fully open competition, as it reduces the pool of potential offerors and limits market-driven price reductions.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible price due to the limited competitive nature of this award. A more open bidding process could have potentially yielded lower costs or a wider range of innovative solutions.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the grantees and programs supported by the Family Youth Services Bureau (FYSB), which will receive enhanced logistical and programmatic management. Services delivered include crucial support for FYSB's mission, legislative requirements, and evaluation needs. The geographic impact is centered in Washington D.C., where the contractor is located. Workforce implications may include employment opportunities within Gray Matters Technology Service, LLC, and potentially within the FYSB itself through improved program management.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may lead to suboptimal pricing for taxpayers.
Lack of detailed performance metrics in the provided data makes assessing effectiveness difficult.
The specific nature of 'grantee and program support' could be more clearly defined to ensure alignment with FYSB's core mission.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Contract duration of three years allows for stable support and program continuity.
Contractor's specialization in custom computer programming suggests technical capability for support services.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically related to custom computer programming and administrative support. This sector is characterized by a wide range of service providers, from small specialized firms to large corporations. The market size for government IT and administrative support services is substantial, with significant annual spending across various agencies. This contract represents a portion of HHS's investment in ensuring the effective operation and support of its programs, particularly those managed by the Administration for Children and Families.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside (ss: false) and the contractor is not listed as a small business (sb: false). Therefore, this specific award does not directly benefit small businesses through set-asides. However, Gray Matters Technology Service, LLC, may engage small businesses as subcontractors, though this information is not detailed here. The impact on the broader small business ecosystem is minimal for this particular contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) within HHS. Accountability measures are usually embedded in the contract's performance work statement and reporting requirements. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, where basic award information is publicly available. The Inspector General for HHS would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

Grant Management Systems
Program Evaluation Services
Federal IT Support Services
Administrative Support Contracts
Family and Youth Services Programs

Risk Flags

Limited Competition
Potential for Overpricing
Lack of Detailed Performance Metrics

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $4.3 million to GRAY MATTERS TECHNOLOGY SERVICE, LLC. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE 1) GRANTEE AND PROGRAM SUPPORT AND LOGISTICAL MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES THAT SUPPORT THE MISSION OF FYSB AND ITS LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS AND EVALUATION REQUIREMENTS, SUCH AS ACTIVITIES INCLUDING BUT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GRAY MATTERS TECHNOLOGY SERVICE, 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 $4.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-02-22. End: 2027-02-21.

What is the specific nature of the 'grantee and program support and logistical management services' being provided?

The contract specifies providing 'grantee and program support and logistical management services for a variety of activities that support the mission of FYSB and its legislative requirements and evaluation requirements.' This is a broad description. It likely encompasses tasks such as coordinating with grant recipients, managing program-related documentation, facilitating communication between FYSB and its stakeholders, assisting with the planning and execution of program events or initiatives, and potentially providing technical assistance related to program operations. The inclusion of 'custom computer programming services' suggests that some of these support functions may involve developing or maintaining software, databases, or reporting tools to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of FYSB's programs and grant management processes.

How does the $4.3 million contract value compare to similar contracts for program support within HHS?

Benchmarking this $4.3 million contract requires comparing it to similar procurements for grantee and program support, particularly within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) or related HHS divisions. Without access to detailed historical contract data for comparable services, a precise comparison is difficult. However, for a three-year period (1095 days), this value averages approximately $1.43 million per year. This figure seems reasonable for specialized administrative, logistical, and technical support services, especially if they involve custom software development or integration. Factors such as the complexity of FYSB's mission, the number of grantees supported, and the specific technical requirements would influence the appropriate cost.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, given its limited competition?

The primary risk associated with this contract is the potential for suboptimal pricing due to limited competition. When a contract is not fully competed, the government may not benefit from the full range of market prices and innovative solutions that a broader bidding process could yield. This could lead to paying a premium for the services. Another risk is contractor performance; while the firm fixed-price structure incentivizes cost control, it doesn't guarantee quality or timely delivery. If Gray Matters Technology Service, LLC, underperforms, the impact on FYSB's mission and grantees could be significant. The broad description of services also carries a risk of scope creep or misinterpretation if not managed carefully.

What is the track record of Gray Matters Technology Service, LLC, in performing similar government contracts?

Information regarding the specific track record of Gray Matters Technology Service, LLC, in performing similar government contracts is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing their past performance evaluations, contract history, and any reported issues or successes on previous federal awards. As this contract was not competed under simplified acquisition procedures and is described as 'limited,' it suggests the agency may have had prior positive experience with this contractor or that there were specific justifications for limiting the competition. Further due diligence would involve checking databases like the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) if available.

How does the $4.3 million spending align with historical spending patterns for FYSB's program support?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for FYSB's program support requires access to multi-year budget and contract data for the agency. The current award of $4.3 million over three years represents an annual average expenditure of approximately $1.43 million for these specific services. To determine alignment, one would need to compare this figure against previous contract values for similar support functions, factoring in inflation and any changes in program scope or requirements. If FYSB has consistently awarded contracts in this range for similar services, then this award aligns with historical patterns. Conversely, a significant deviation might warrant further investigation into the reasons for the change.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Custom Computer Programming Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS

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

Parent Company: Gray Matters Technology Service LLC

Address: 10011 NICOL CT E, BOWIE, MD, 20721

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,337,483

Exercised Options: $4,337,483

Current Obligation: $4,337,483

Actual Outlays: $2,674,021

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline