HHS awards $16.9M contract for viral diseases support services to Tanaq Management Services LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,924,519 ($16.9M)

Contractor: Tanaq Management Services LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2023-09-30

End Date: 2026-09-29

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.5K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: IT

Official Description: POLIO AND PICORNAVIRUS BRANCH (PPB), DIVISION OF VIRAL DISEASES SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: ANCHORAGE, ANCHORAGE County, ALASKA, 99503

State: Alaska Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $16.9 million to TANAQ MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC for work described as: POLIO AND PICORNAVIRUS BRANCH (PPB), DIVISION OF VIRAL DISEASES SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract provides essential support for the Polio and Picornavirus Branch, Division of Viral Diseases. 2. Services include computer systems design, crucial for disease surveillance and research. 3. The contract duration of three years indicates a need for sustained support. 4. Awarded to Tanaq Management Services LLC, a single entity for this requirement. 5. The contract type is a definitive contract, suggesting a clear scope of work. 6. The geographic location of service is Alaska, potentially indicating specialized needs or regional focus.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $16.9 million over three years for computer systems design services appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized support. However, without specific details on the scope of services and deliverables, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. Benchmarking against similar IT support contracts for public health agencies would provide a clearer picture of cost-effectiveness. The absence of a defined ceiling price or detailed cost breakdown makes it difficult to ascertain if the pricing is competitive.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed among multiple vendors. This approach is typically used when a specific contractor possesses unique capabilities or when circumstances necessitate a direct award. The lack of competition means that price discovery through a bidding process was bypassed, which could potentially lead to higher costs for the government compared to a fully competed contract.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not benefit from the cost savings that can arise from competitive bidding. The government did not leverage market forces to secure the most advantageous pricing for these essential services.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and its Polio and Picornavirus Branch, enabling them to conduct critical research and surveillance. Services delivered include computer systems design, vital for managing and analyzing viral disease data. The geographic impact is focused on Alaska, suggesting potential support for regional public health initiatives or specific research conducted in that area. Workforce implications include the employment of personnel by Tanaq Management Services LLC to fulfill the contract requirements.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competitive pressure on pricing.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess efficiency.
Geographic concentration in Alaska might limit the pool of potential subcontractors or local expertise.

Positive Signals

Contract supports critical public health functions related to viral diseases.
Definitive contract structure implies a well-defined scope of work.
Long-term support (3 years) ensures continuity for vital operations.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically computer systems design. The federal government is a significant purchaser of such services to support its vast array of operations, including public health. Comparable spending benchmarks for IT support services to federal agencies can vary widely based on complexity, duration, and specific requirements. The market for these services is competitive, but specialized areas like public health IT can sometimes see limited vendor pools.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside. There is no indication of subcontracting requirements specifically for small businesses. The award to Tanaq Management Services LLC, without explicit small business provisions, suggests that the primary focus was on meeting the specialized IT needs of the CDC rather than fostering small business participation through this specific procurement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program officials within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accountability measures are inherent in the contract's terms and conditions, requiring Tanaq Management Services LLC to meet defined performance standards. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where contract awards are reported, though detailed performance data may not always be publicly accessible.

Related Government Programs

CDC Viral Disease Surveillance Programs
Public Health IT Support Services
Federal IT Services Contracts
Department of Health and Human Services IT Procurement

Risk Flags

Sole-source award may limit cost savings.
Lack of competition could reduce vendor innovation incentives.
Performance metrics and oversight details not publicly available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $16.9 million to TANAQ MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC. POLIO AND PICORNAVIRUS BRANCH (PPB), DIVISION OF VIRAL DISEASES SUPPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TANAQ MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $16.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-30. End: 2026-09-29.

What is the specific nature of the computer systems design services required for the Polio and Picornavirus Branch?

The contract specifies 'Computer Systems Design Services' (NAICS code 541512). For the Polio and Picornavirus Branch (PPB) within the Division of Viral Diseases Support Services, this likely entails the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of IT systems crucial for disease surveillance, data management, laboratory information systems, research support, and potentially bioinformatics. This could include software development, network infrastructure design, database management, cybersecurity solutions, and integration of various IT components to support the branch's mission in combating viral diseases like polio and picornaviruses. The exact scope would be detailed in the contract's statement of work.

How does the $16.9 million contract value compare to similar IT support contracts for public health agencies?

Benchmarking this $16.9 million contract requires detailed comparison with similar IT support contracts awarded to public health agencies for computer systems design services. Factors such as contract duration (3 years), specific deliverables, complexity of systems, and the vendor's expertise play a significant role. While $16.9 million over three years averages to approximately $5.6 million annually, this figure needs to be contextualized against the specialized nature of viral disease support. Contracts for general IT support might be lower, but those involving specialized scientific or public health data systems could be comparable or higher. A comprehensive analysis would involve reviewing contract databases for similar scope and scale awards to agencies like the CDC, NIH, or FDA.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source award for these critical public health IT services?

The primary risk of a sole-source award is the potential for inflated costs due to the lack of competitive bidding. Without competing offers, the government may not achieve the most favorable pricing. Additionally, there's a risk of vendor lock-in, where the government becomes heavily reliant on a single provider, potentially hindering flexibility and innovation. If Tanaq Management Services LLC underperforms, the government has limited immediate alternatives for switching providers without significant disruption. Ensuring robust contract oversight and performance management becomes paramount to mitigate these risks.

What is Tanaq Management Services LLC's track record with federal contracts, particularly within the Department of Health and Human Services?

Information regarding Tanaq Management Services LLC's specific track record with federal contracts, especially within HHS, would typically be available through federal procurement databases like SAM.gov or FPDS. A review of past performance would assess their history of successful contract completion, adherence to timelines and budgets, and any past performance issues or disputes. Understanding their experience with similar IT services, particularly in the public health or scientific research domain, is crucial for evaluating their capability to fulfill this contract effectively. Without access to detailed performance history, a full assessment is not possible.

How does this contract align with the CDC's overall IT spending and strategic goals for disease surveillance?

This contract directly supports the CDC's mission, particularly the Polio and Picornavirus Branch, which is integral to disease surveillance and response efforts. The CDC relies heavily on robust IT infrastructure and systems to collect, analyze, and disseminate critical public health data. The $16.9 million award for computer systems design services indicates a strategic investment in maintaining and potentially enhancing the technological capabilities necessary for effective viral disease monitoring and control. It aligns with the broader goal of leveraging technology to improve public health outcomes and preparedness.

What are the implications of the contract being performed in Alaska for service delivery and cost?

Performing this contract in Alaska introduces specific considerations for service delivery and cost. Geographic isolation and logistical challenges in Alaska can increase operational costs for contractors, potentially impacting pricing. It may also influence the availability of specialized IT talent locally, possibly requiring Tanaq Management Services LLC to bring in personnel or utilize remote support extensively. The specific needs of the CDC's operations in Alaska, or the location of key personnel or facilities, likely drove the decision to award the contract with this geographic stipulation. This could also imply a focus on IT systems supporting regional health issues or infrastructure.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 75D301-23-R-72722

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3201 C ST, ANCHORAGE, AK, 99503

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, American Indian Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $24,282,534

Exercised Options: $16,924,519

Current Obligation: $16,924,519

Actual Outlays: $12,292,884

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline