HHS CMS Awards $6.4M for CISO Policy & Privacy Expertise to ConnSci LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $6,441,421 ($6.4M)
Contractor: Connsci LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2024-08-01
End Date: 2026-04-30
Contract Duration: 637 days
Daily Burn Rate: $10.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: IT
Official Description: THE PURPOSE AND GOAL OF THIS ACQUISITION IS TO PROVIDE POLICY AND PRIVACY SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE SERVICE AND TO INNOVATE DELIVERY OF TASKS IN SUPPORT OF THE AGENCY'S CHIEF INFORMATION SECURITY OFFICE (CISO). AN ADDITIONAL AREA OF SUPPORT AS PART OF
Place of Performance
Location: GAITHERSBURG, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20878
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $6.4 million to CONNSCI LLC for work described as: THE PURPOSE AND GOAL OF THIS ACQUISITION IS TO PROVIDE POLICY AND PRIVACY SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE SERVICE AND TO INNOVATE DELIVERY OF TASKS IN SUPPORT OF THE AGENCY'S CHIEF INFORMATION SECURITY OFFICE (CISO). AN ADDITIONAL AREA OF SUPPORT AS PART OF Key points: 1. ConnSci LLC secured a $6.4M contract for policy and privacy expertise supporting the CISO. 2. The contract utilizes a Time and Materials pricing model. 3. Full and open competition was used, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract duration is approximately 20 months, ending April 2026.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a delivery order under a larger IDIQ, making direct pricing comparison difficult. Time and Materials pricing can lead to cost overruns if not managed closely.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for specialized IT policy and privacy expertise to enhance agency security posture.
Public Impact
Enhances cybersecurity posture for critical health data managed by CMS. Supports agency compliance with privacy regulations and policy development. Leverages external expertise for specialized CISO functions.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Time and Materials pricing can lead to cost uncertainty.
- Contract duration extends into FY26, requiring ongoing budget allocation.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition utilized.
- Supports critical CISO functions.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically focusing on cybersecurity policy and privacy. Spending benchmarks for similar CISO support services vary widely based on scope and duration.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was awarded to ConnSci LLC, a specific company. There is no explicit information provided regarding small business participation or subcontracting goals for this particular delivery order.
Oversight & Accountability
As a delivery order under a larger contract, oversight would likely be managed by CMS contracting officers. The Time and Materials nature necessitates close monitoring of hours and costs to ensure accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Computer Training
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Programs
Risk Flags
- Time and Materials pricing risk
- Potential for scope creep
- Dependence on a single vendor for critical expertise
- Contract duration extends beyond current fiscal year
Tags
computer-training, department-of-health-and-human-services, md, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $6.4 million to CONNSCI LLC. THE PURPOSE AND GOAL OF THIS ACQUISITION IS TO PROVIDE POLICY AND PRIVACY SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE SERVICE AND TO INNOVATE DELIVERY OF TASKS IN SUPPORT OF THE AGENCY'S CHIEF INFORMATION SECURITY OFFICE (CISO). AN ADDITIONAL AREA OF SUPPORT AS PART OF
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CONNSCI 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 $6.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-08-01. End: 2026-04-30.
What is the estimated total value of the underlying IDIQ contract from which this delivery order was issued?
The provided data only details the value of this specific delivery order ($6.4M). Information regarding the total ceiling value or remaining capacity of the parent IDIQ contract is not available. Understanding the broader contract context is crucial for assessing the overall investment and potential for future task orders.
How will the agency ensure cost control with a Time and Materials pricing structure for this service?
The agency will likely implement robust oversight mechanisms, including detailed review of timesheets, verification of work performed against deliverables, and potentially establishing cost ceilings or fixed-price milestones within the T&M framework. Regular performance reviews and communication with ConnSci LLC will be essential to manage expenditures effectively.
What specific metrics will be used to evaluate the success and effectiveness of ConnSci LLC's policy and privacy expertise?
Success metrics could include the timely development and approval of new policies, successful navigation of privacy audits, reduction in identified privacy risks, improved compliance scores, and positive feedback from internal stakeholders on the quality and applicability of the expertise provided. Quantifiable improvements in security posture would also be key indicators.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Educational Services › Business Schools and Computer and Management Training › Computer Training
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - SECURITY AND COMPLIANCE
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: 75FCMC24QJ001
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 9711 WASHINGTONIAN BLVD, GAITHERSBURG, MD, 20878
Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Minority Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $7,110,008
Exercised Options: $6,441,421
Current Obligation: $6,441,421
Actual Outlays: $4,955,168
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 47QTCA20D00CE
IDV Type: FSS
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-08-01
Current End Date: 2026-04-30
Potential End Date: 2026-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-25
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