HHS awards $18.2M IT services task order to International Consulting Associates, Inc. for CDRH support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,178,531 ($18.2M)

Contractor: International Consulting Associates, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2024-09-04

End Date: 2025-09-03

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $49.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: IT

Official Description: ALP 1279714 - SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE GSA BPA SERVICES TASK ORDER REQUIREMENT FOR THE CENTER FOR DEVICES AND RADIOLOGICAL HEALTH (CDRH)

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22201

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $18.2 million to INTERNATIONAL CONSULTING ASSOCIATES, INC. for work described as: ALP 1279714 - SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE GSA BPA SERVICES TASK ORDER REQUIREMENT FOR THE CENTER FOR DEVICES AND RADIOLOGICAL HEALTH (CDRH) Key points: 1. Task order awarded under a GSA BPA, indicating pre-competed services. 2. Contract type is 'Labor Hours', suggesting flexibility but requiring close monitoring of hours used. 3. The award is for 'Other Computer Related Services', a broad category. 4. Contract duration is one year, allowing for annual reassessment of needs and performance. 5. The awardee has a track record with the government, as indicated by the BPA. 6. No small business set-aside was used for this specific task order.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award amount is $18.2 million. Benchmarking this specific task order against similar IT services contracts is challenging without more granular detail on the services provided. However, the 'Labor Hours' contract type can sometimes lead to higher costs if not managed effectively, as it directly ties cost to time spent. The ceiling price of $18.2 million for a one-year duration for specialized IT services for a critical agency like the FDA warrants careful review of the labor rates and estimated hours.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This task order was awarded under a GSA Best-in-Class (BIC) Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA), which itself was competed full and open. Task orders issued under BPAs typically leverage the competition established during the initial BPA award. While the specific competition for this task order isn't detailed, the underlying BPA structure implies a competitive foundation. The number of bidders for the original BPA would provide a better indicator of the overall competition level for services procured through it.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition for the underlying BPA helps ensure that taxpayers benefit from competitive pricing and a wide range of qualified vendors, leading to better value for money.

Public Impact

The Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) within the FDA will benefit from enhanced IT support. Services delivered will likely support the FDA's mission to protect public health by ensuring the safety and effectiveness of medical devices and by managing radiation-emitting products. The geographic impact is primarily within the FDA's operational centers, likely in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Workforce implications may include the need for specialized IT personnel, potentially sourced by the contractor, International Consulting Associates, Inc.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if labor hours are not efficiently utilized or if scope creep occurs.
Reliance on a single contractor for a significant IT support task order requires robust performance monitoring.
The broad 'Other Computer Related Services' category could mask specific needs that might be better served by more specialized contract vehicles.

Positive Signals

Awarded under a GSA BPA, suggesting a streamlined procurement process and potentially pre-vetted services.
The contractor, International Consulting Associates, Inc., has existing government contracting experience.
The one-year duration allows for regular performance reviews and adjustments.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology (IT) services sector, specifically focusing on computer-related services. The IT services market is vast and highly competitive, with significant government spending allocated to support agency operations, cybersecurity, data management, and modernization efforts. The FDA's need for IT support for CDRH is consistent with broader government trends towards digital transformation and the increasing reliance on technology for regulatory functions. Comparable spending benchmarks for IT services can vary widely based on the specific services, skill sets required, and contract vehicles used.

Small Business Impact

This specific task order was not set aside for small businesses, as indicated by 'sb': false. The contract was awarded under a GSA BPA, and while the BPA itself may have included provisions for small business participation or subcontracting, this particular task order does not appear to have a small business set-aside. This means larger businesses were eligible to compete and potentially win. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on the subcontracting plans of the prime contractor, International Consulting Associates, Inc., if any.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Food and Drug Administration's contracting officers and program managers. The GSA BPA under which this task order was issued typically has its own oversight mechanisms. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. Accountability measures would include performance metrics outlined in the task order and the potential for contract termination or penalties for non-performance. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

GSA Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) Contracts
IT Professional Services
Health IT Services
FDA IT Modernization Efforts
Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) Operations

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to 'Labor Hours' contract type.
Broad scope of 'Other Computer Related Services' may require careful definition and monitoring.
Reliance on a single task order for critical IT support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $18.2 million to INTERNATIONAL CONSULTING ASSOCIATES, INC.. ALP 1279714 - SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE GSA BPA SERVICES TASK ORDER REQUIREMENT FOR THE CENTER FOR DEVICES AND RADIOLOGICAL HEALTH (CDRH)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INTERNATIONAL CONSULTING ASSOCIATES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Food and Drug Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $18.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-04. End: 2025-09-03.

What is the track record of International Consulting Associates, Inc. with the federal government, particularly in providing IT services similar to those required by CDRH?

International Consulting Associates, Inc. (ICA) has a history of federal contracting. While specific details on their performance for CDRH prior to this award are not provided in the summary data, their ability to secure this task order under a GSA BPA suggests they have met the requirements and qualifications established during the BPA's competitive procurement. Further analysis would involve reviewing ICA's contract history in FPDS-NG or other government databases to assess past performance ratings, types of services rendered, and overall contract values. Understanding their experience with FDA or similar health-related agencies would be particularly relevant for assessing their suitability for this role.

How does the estimated value of this task order compare to similar IT services contracts awarded by the FDA or other health-focused agencies?

The $18.2 million ceiling for a one-year 'Labor Hours' IT services task order for the FDA's CDRH is a significant investment. To benchmark its value, one would need to compare it against other IT services contracts awarded by agencies like HHS, NIH, or CDC, focusing on contracts with similar scope (e.g., 'Other Computer Related Services,' system support, modernization) and contract types (Labor Hours, Time and Materials). The average hourly rates proposed by International Consulting Associates, Inc. within this ceiling would be a critical factor. Without access to the specific rates and the detailed statement of work, a precise comparison is difficult, but the amount suggests a substantial need for specialized IT expertise within CDRH.

What are the primary risks associated with a 'Labor Hours' contract type for this type of IT service, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risk with a 'Labor Hours' contract is the potential for cost overruns if the contractor does not efficiently utilize labor hours or if the scope of work expands without adequate control (scope creep). This contract type directly links cost to the time spent by personnel, making it crucial for the government to closely monitor the hours billed and ensure they align with the work performed and the established ceiling. Mitigation strategies include robust project management, detailed tracking of labor hours against specific tasks, regular progress reviews, and clear communication channels between the government and the contractor. The FDA program office and contracting officer's representative (COR) play a vital role in overseeing the contractor's performance and ensuring efficient use of resources.

What is the expected impact of these IT services on the FDA's ability to regulate medical devices and radiological products?

These IT services are expected to directly support the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) in its mission to protect public health. Enhanced IT capabilities can streamline regulatory processes, improve data management for device submissions and post-market surveillance, facilitate communication with industry stakeholders, and support the development and maintenance of critical IT systems used by CDRH staff. By ensuring the reliability and efficiency of CDRH's technological infrastructure, these services contribute to the FDA's overall effectiveness in ensuring the safety and efficacy of medical devices and managing risks associated with radiation-emitting products.

How does this contract fit into the broader landscape of federal IT spending, particularly within the Department of Health and Human Services?

This $18.2 million task order represents a component of the substantial federal IT spending, which consistently ranks as one of the largest categories of government expenditure. Within HHS, IT spending is critical for supporting the diverse missions of its various agencies, including the FDA. Contracts like this one reflect the ongoing need for agencies to modernize their systems, enhance cybersecurity, manage vast amounts of data, and leverage technology to improve service delivery and regulatory oversight. It aligns with government-wide initiatives focused on digital transformation and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of federal operations through technology.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2000 14TH ST N STE 350, ARLINGTON, VA, 22201

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Other Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $55,722,547

Exercised Options: $18,178,531

Current Obligation: $18,178,531

Actual Outlays: $9,806,848

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75F40124A00021

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline