HHS awards $19.6M for respiratory protective device compliance audits, with a 208-day performance period

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,563 ($19.6K)

Contractor: Infotech Northstar, L.L.C.

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2026-10-31

Contract Duration: 208 days

Daily Burn Rate: $94/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE DEVICES- ON-SITE COMPLIANCE AUDIT ASSISTANCE

Place of Performance

Location: PITTSBURGH, ALLEGHENY County, PENNSYLVANIA, 15236

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $19,563 to INFOTECH NORTHSTAR, L.L.C. for work described as: RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE DEVICES- ON-SITE COMPLIANCE AUDIT ASSISTANCE Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized compliance audit services. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process. 3. Performance period is relatively short, indicating a focused scope. 4. The contract is for a specific technical service, not a large-scale procurement. 5. This contract falls within professional, scientific, and technical services. 6. The awardee has a track record in government contracting.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $19.6 million for approximately 7 months of service seems within a reasonable range for specialized compliance audit assistance. Benchmarking against similar contracts for technical consulting and auditing services would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, given the specific nature of respiratory protective device compliance, the pricing is likely influenced by the expertise required.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating that the agency initially considered excluding certain sources but ultimately opened the competition. The presence of two bidders suggests a moderate level of competition for this specialized service. A higher number of bidders would typically lead to more aggressive pricing and potentially better value.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature, even with two bidders, likely resulted in a more favorable price for taxpayers than a sole-source award. However, further analysis of the bidding process could reveal if the competition was sufficiently robust to maximize cost savings.

Public Impact

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) benefits from this contract by ensuring compliance with respiratory protective device standards. Services delivered include on-site compliance audit assistance, crucial for workplace safety. The geographic impact is likely focused on facilities where respiratory protective devices are used and regulated. Workforce implications include the need for skilled auditors and potential improvements in worker safety through compliance.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if audit requirements are not clearly defined.
Dependence on the contractor's expertise for accurate compliance assessment.
Risk of delays if audit schedules are not met.

Positive Signals

Clear objective of ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Defined performance period limits potential overspending.
Awarded through a competitive process, suggesting a vetted contractor.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector, specifically under the 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' NAICS code (541990). This sector encompasses a wide range of specialized services, including consulting, research, and testing. The market for compliance auditing services is driven by regulatory requirements and the need for specialized expertise, making it a niche but essential part of the broader professional services industry.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications or specific impacts on the small business ecosystem stemming from a set-aside provision. The primary contractor, INFOTECH NORTHSTAR, L.L.C., is likely a mid-to-large-sized business given the contract value.

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 (CDC). Accountability measures are embedded in the contract's performance work statement and delivery schedule. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where contract awards are reported. Inspector General jurisdiction may apply if fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Compliance Programs
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Research
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Standards and Testing
Government Auditing Services

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition due to specialized nature of services.
Contract performance risk associated with specialized technical expertise.
Accuracy and completeness of audit findings are critical.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $19,563 to INFOTECH NORTHSTAR, L.L.C.. RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE DEVICES- ON-SITE COMPLIANCE AUDIT ASSISTANCE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INFOTECH NORTHSTAR, L.L.C..

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 $19,563.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2026-10-31.

What is the track record of INFOTECH NORTHSTAR, L.L.C. with federal contracts, particularly in compliance auditing?

INFOTECH NORTHSTAR, L.L.C. has a history of federal contracting. A detailed review of their past performance, especially on contracts involving compliance, auditing, or technical services related to safety equipment, would be necessary to fully assess their track record. Examining past performance evaluations and any reported issues on previous government contracts would provide insight into their reliability and capability to execute this current award effectively. Their experience with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or similar health and safety agencies would be particularly relevant.

How does the awarded amount of $19.6 million compare to similar compliance audit contracts?

Benchmarking this $19.6 million contract against similar compliance audit services for respiratory protective devices or other specialized safety equipment is crucial for assessing value. Without specific comparable contract data, it's difficult to definitively state if this represents excellent or fair value. Factors such as the scope of work, duration (208 days), geographic coverage, and the specific expertise required for these audits will influence the cost. A comparison with contracts awarded by agencies like OSHA or NIOSH for similar services would provide a more robust benchmark.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

Key risks include the potential for inaccurate or incomplete audit findings, contractor performance issues leading to missed deadlines, and the possibility of scope creep. Mitigation strategies likely involve a clearly defined Performance Work Statement (PWS), rigorous contractor oversight by the CDC, regular progress meetings, and performance metrics tied to payment. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract also incentivizes the contractor to manage costs and performance efficiently. The short performance period may also limit the overall risk exposure.

How effective is the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' approach in ensuring competitive pricing for specialized services?

This contracting approach aims to balance the need for broad competition with potential efficiencies gained by initially narrowing the field of potential bidders. While 'full and open competition' is generally preferred for maximizing price discovery, the 'after exclusion of sources' element suggests there might have been specific technical requirements or pre-qualification steps. The fact that two bids were received indicates some level of competition, but it may not be as robust as a truly unrestricted full and open competition. The effectiveness in ensuring competitive pricing depends heavily on the specific market for these specialized audit services and the attractiveness of the contract requirements to potential bidders.

What is the historical spending pattern for respiratory protective device compliance audits by the CDC or HHS?

Analyzing historical spending on similar services by the CDC and the broader Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is essential for context. If this is a recurring need, understanding past contract values, durations, and awardees can reveal trends in pricing and contractor performance. A significant increase or decrease in spending compared to previous periods might warrant further investigation into the reasons, such as changes in regulatory focus, program expansion, or market dynamics. Without historical data, it's challenging to assess if the current $19.6 million award represents an anomaly or a consistent investment.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Product/Service Code: QUALITY CONTROL, TEST, INSPECTION › QUALITY CONTROL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1130 STALLION PL, RICHLAND, WA, 99352

Business Categories: Category Business, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Hispanic American Owned Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $19,563

Exercised Options: $19,563

Current Obligation: $19,563

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75D30123D17065

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline