CMS Data Analytics Contract Awarded to RIOS Partners for $22.6M to Enhance Reporting

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $22,635,243 ($22.6M)

Contractor: Rios Partners, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2022-04-22

End Date: 2026-04-21

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Official Description: ASSIST THE CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES OFFICE OF STRATEGY PERFORMANCE AND RESULTS OBTAIN SERVICES TO ASSIST WITH OPERATIONALIZING AND ENHANCING CMSS DATA ANALYTICS AND REPORTING

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22202

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $22.6 million to RIOS PARTNERS, LLC for work described as: ASSIST THE CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES OFFICE OF STRATEGY PERFORMANCE AND RESULTS OBTAIN SERVICES TO ASSIST WITH OPERATIONALIZING AND ENHANCING CMSS DATA ANALYTICS AND REPORTING Key points: 1. Contract focuses on operationalizing and enhancing CMS data analytics and reporting capabilities. 2. RIOS Partners, LLC, a single awardee, secured the contract. 3. The contract was awarded under full and open competition. 4. Spending is allocated across multiple years, suggesting a phased approach to enhancements.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $22.6M over approximately 4 years appears reasonable for specialized data analytics and consulting services. Benchmarking against similar large-scale data modernization efforts within federal health agencies would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust process for selecting the best value provider. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures a wide range of potential contractors can participate.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for critical data analytics improvements at CMS.

Public Impact

Improved data analytics will lead to better insights into healthcare trends and program performance. Enhanced reporting capabilities can increase transparency and accountability for Medicare and Medicaid programs. Potential for more efficient program administration and identification of cost-saving opportunities. Impacts beneficiaries through potentially better-informed policy decisions and service delivery.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Contract duration is substantial (4 years), requiring ongoing monitoring.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical data functions.
Potential for scope creep if initial objectives are not clearly defined.

Positive Signals

Awarded via full and open competition.
Focus on enhancing core CMS data capabilities.
Clear objectives for operationalizing and improving analytics and reporting.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the administrative management and general management consulting services sector, specifically focusing on data analytics for a major health agency. Benchmarks for similar IT and data modernization contracts within the federal government are typically in the tens to hundreds of millions of dollars over several years.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and the awardee, RIOS PARTNERS, LLC, is not listed as a small business. There is no explicit mention of small business subcontracting goals in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) within the Department of Health and Human Services. Oversight will likely involve regular performance reviews, milestone tracking, and adherence to the terms of the Time and Materials contract.

Related Government Programs

Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Programs

Risk Flags

Contract duration is long (4 years).
Potential for vendor lock-in.
Reliance on a single awardee.
Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
No explicit small business set-aside mentioned.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $22.6 million to RIOS PARTNERS, LLC. ASSIST THE CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES OFFICE OF STRATEGY PERFORMANCE AND RESULTS OBTAIN SERVICES TO ASSIST WITH OPERATIONALIZING AND ENHANCING CMSS DATA ANALYTICS AND REPORTING

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RIOS PARTNERS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $22.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-04-22. End: 2026-04-21.

What specific metrics will be used to measure the success of the data analytics and reporting enhancements?

Success will likely be measured by improvements in data processing speed, accuracy of reports, the development of new analytical tools, and the ability of CMS staff to leverage enhanced data for decision-making. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) should be established to track progress against operational and strategic goals, ensuring the contractor delivers tangible improvements in data utilization and insight generation.

How will CMS ensure the long-term sustainability and adaptability of the enhanced data analytics capabilities beyond the contract period?

CMS can ensure long-term sustainability by focusing on knowledge transfer and capacity building within its own staff throughout the contract. Requirements for documentation, training, and the development of internal expertise are crucial. Additionally, designing solutions with modularity and open standards will facilitate future updates and integration with evolving technologies, reducing vendor lock-in and promoting adaptability.

What are the potential risks associated with relying on a single contractor for critical data analytics and reporting functions?

The primary risks include vendor lock-in, potential price increases upon contract renewal, and a single point of failure if the contractor underperforms or faces business challenges. Mitigating these risks involves robust contract management, clear performance expectations, regular market research on alternative solutions, and fostering internal CMS expertise to maintain oversight and potentially transition services if necessary.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting 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

Solicitation ID: LRFQ221042

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Rios Partners LLC

Address: 3100 CLARENDON BLVD STE 200, ARLINGTON, VA, 22201

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $64,930,289

Exercised Options: $44,766,005

Current Obligation: $22,635,243

Actual Outlays: $19,390,122

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75FCMC20A0016

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline