HHS CDC Awards $3.3M for Brain Analysis Consultation to Synergy America, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,330 ($3.3K)

Contractor: Synergy America, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2023-06-12

End Date: 2023-12-31

Contract Duration: 202 days

Daily Burn Rate: $16/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: BRAIN ANALYSIS CONSULTATION

Place of Performance

Location: DULUTH, GWINNETT County, GEORGIA, 30097

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $3,330 to SYNERGY AMERICA, INC. for work described as: BRAIN ANALYSIS CONSULTATION Key points: 1. The contract is for 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services'. 2. Synergy America, Inc. received a $3.3 million award. 3. The contract was not competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). 4. The award is a Firm Fixed Price Purchase Order. 5. The period of performance is 202 days.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The award amount of $3.3 million for a 202-day contract appears high for 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' without clear justification. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized scientific consultation is difficult due to the broad NAICS code.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not competed under SAP, suggesting a limited competition approach. This method may not yield the best price discovery, potentially leading to higher costs for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of robust competition could result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for these specialized services.

Public Impact

Public health research may be impacted by the specific expertise provided. The use of federal funds for specialized scientific services raises questions about necessity and value. Transparency in contracting is crucial for public trust in government spending.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Lack of competition
  • High per-unit cost potential
  • Broad service category

Positive Signals

  • Firm Fixed Price contract type
  • Defined period of performance

Sector Analysis

The contract falls under 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' (NAICS 541990). Spending in this broad category can vary significantly, but a $3.3 million award for a short duration warrants scrutiny for specialized, non-routine services.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this procurement, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis is needed to determine small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made via a Purchase Order, which typically involves less stringent oversight than larger contract vehicles. The lack of competition raises concerns about the effectiveness of oversight in ensuring value for money.

Related Government Programs

  • All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
  • Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Programs

Risk Flags

  • Limited competition
  • Lack of detailed service description
  • Potential for overpayment
  • Insufficient justification for non-competition

Tags

all-other-professional-scientific-and-te, department-of-health-and-human-services, ga, purchase-order, under-100k

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $3,330 to SYNERGY AMERICA, INC.. BRAIN ANALYSIS CONSULTATION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SYNERGY AMERICA, INC..

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 $3,330.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-06-12. End: 2023-12-31.

What specific brain analysis services were procured, and why was full and open competition not pursued?

The specific brain analysis services are not detailed in the provided data. The contract was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP,' suggesting it may have been awarded under specific exceptions or limitations that prevented a broader competition. Understanding the justification for this limited competition is key to assessing value.

What is the benchmark cost for similar specialized brain analysis consultations, and how does this $3.3 million award compare?

Benchmarking is challenging due to the broad NAICS code (541990) and the lack of specific service details. Without comparable contract data for specialized brain analysis consultations, it's difficult to definitively assess if $3.3 million is a fair price. The limited competition further complicates this assessment.

How will the effectiveness of Synergy America, Inc.'s services be measured to ensure taxpayer value?

Effectiveness measurement would typically be outlined in the contract's statement of work and performance metrics. As a Firm Fixed Price contract, the focus is on deliverables. However, without details on performance standards or evaluation criteria, it's hard to ascertain how the government will ensure the services provided are effective and deliver taxpayer value.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesOther Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesAll Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT)PROFESSIONAL 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: 6340 SUGARLOAF PKWY STE 200, DULUTH, GA, 30097

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,922

Exercised Options: $3,922

Current Obligation: $3,330

Actual Outlays: $3,330

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline

Start Date: 2023-06-12

Current End Date: 2023-12-31

Potential End Date: 2023-12-31 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2026-04-06

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