HHS awards $300K for respiratory device compliance audits, highlighting need for specialized technical services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $30,000 ($30.0K)

Contractor: Brand Consulting Group, Inc.

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: $144/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 $30,000 to BRAND CONSULTING GROUP, INC. 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 market for these services. 3. Potential risks include contractor performance and adherence to audit standards. 4. This contract supports the CDC's mission to ensure public health safety. 5. The services fall within the broader professional, scientific, and technical services sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $300,000 for approximately 7 months of service appears to be 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 required expertise and regulatory knowledge.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating that while the competition was intended to be broad, specific circumstances led to the exclusion of certain potential bidders. The presence of two bidders suggests a moderate level of competition. Further details on the reasons for excluding sources would clarify the extent of competition and its potential impact on price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition, even after an initial broad approach, may have resulted in a slightly higher price than if all potential qualified vendors had participated. However, the fact that there were multiple bidders still provides some level of price negotiation leverage for the government.

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 maintaining workplace safety and public health. The geographic impact is primarily focused on facilities requiring these audits, likely within the United States. Workforce implications include the need for skilled auditors and compliance specialists, potentially creating opportunities for subject matter experts.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if audit requirements are not clearly defined.
Reliance on contractor expertise for accurate compliance assessment.
Ensuring timely delivery of audit reports and findings.

Positive Signals

Clear objective of ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Defined contract period with specific deliverables.
Awarded to a firm with relevant technical service capabilities.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector, specifically under the 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' category. This sector is characterized by a wide range of specialized expertise, including consulting, auditing, and technical support. The market for compliance auditing services is driven by regulatory requirements and the need for independent verification of standards, particularly in health and safety-related fields.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the primary focus was on securing the most qualified vendor for the specialized services, rather than specifically promoting small business participation. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal for this particular award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through contract administration and monitoring of deliverables. Accountability measures are embedded in the contract terms, including performance standards and payment schedules tied to successful completion of audit assistance. Transparency is facilitated through the federal procurement process, with contract details made publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Compliance
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Standards
Public Health Infrastructure Support
Federal Audit and Compliance Services

Risk Flags

Limited competition may impact price.
Contractor performance risk.
Reliance on specialized expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $30,000 to BRAND CONSULTING GROUP, INC.. RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE DEVICES- ON-SITE COMPLIANCE AUDIT ASSISTANCE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BRAND CONSULTING GROUP, 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 $30,000.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the track record of BRAND CONSULTING GROUP, INC. in providing similar compliance audit services to federal agencies?

Information regarding BRAND CONSULTING GROUP, INC.'s specific track record in providing compliance audit services to federal agencies, particularly for respiratory protective devices, is not detailed in the provided data. A thorough review of past performance evaluations, contract history, and client references would be necessary to assess their experience and reliability. Federal procurement databases and agency performance records would be the primary sources for this information. Understanding their history with similar technical services and their success in meeting federal audit standards is crucial for evaluating their suitability for this contract.

How does the $300,000 contract value compare to similar federal contracts for on-site compliance audit assistance?

The $300,000 contract value for approximately 7 months of service for respiratory protective device compliance audit assistance appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized technical services. Without direct comparative data on identical services, it's challenging to provide a precise benchmark. However, contracts for technical consulting, regulatory compliance, and specialized auditing typically command significant fees due to the expertise required. Factors such as the number of sites to be audited, the complexity of the devices, and the specific regulatory framework being assessed would influence the overall cost. A broader analysis of contracts under NAICS code 541990 could offer more context.

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

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential contractor underperformance, failure to adhere to strict audit protocols, and the possibility of inaccurate or incomplete audit findings. Mitigation strategies would typically involve robust contract oversight by the CDC, clearly defined performance metrics and deliverables, and potentially performance bonds or penalties for non-compliance. Ensuring the contractor possesses the necessary certifications and expertise in respiratory protective device standards is also a key risk mitigation factor. Regular communication and progress reviews between the agency and the contractor are essential for identifying and addressing issues proactively.

What is the expected effectiveness of these compliance audits in improving respiratory protective device usage and safety?

The effectiveness of these compliance audits in improving respiratory protective device usage and safety hinges on several factors. Firstly, the thoroughness and accuracy of the audits themselves are paramount. Secondly, the implementation of corrective actions based on the audit findings by the audited entities is critical. If the audits identify deficiencies and lead to tangible improvements in device selection, fit-testing, training, and maintenance, then their effectiveness will be high. The CDC's role in ensuring the audits are comprehensive and that follow-up actions are taken will directly influence the ultimate impact on workplace safety and public health.

What has been the historical spending by the CDC on respiratory protective device compliance and related technical services?

Historical spending data for the CDC specifically on respiratory protective device compliance audits is not provided in the current dataset. However, the agency consistently invests in ensuring the safety and efficacy of public health measures, which would include oversight of critical equipment like respiratory protective devices. Analyzing broader spending trends within the CDC for technical services, compliance monitoring, and public health safety initiatives under NAICS code 541990 could provide context. Understanding past investments in similar areas would help assess the significance of this $300,000 award within the agency's overall budget for such services.

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: 1309 COFFEEN AVE STE 2910, SHERIDAN, WY, 82801

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $30,000

Exercised Options: $30,000

Current Obligation: $30,000

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75D30123D17050

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline