HHS awards $641K task order for Belcourt Hospital services, extending operations through March 2026

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $641,184 ($641.2K)

Contractor: Avel Ecare LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2025-11-24

End Date: 2026-07-31

Contract Duration: 249 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: TASK ORDER FOR BELCOURT HOSPITAL POP: 12/1/2025 TO 3/31/2026

Place of Performance

Location: BELCOURT, ROLETTE County, NORTH DAKOTA, 58316

State: North Dakota Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $641,184 to AVEL ECARE LLC for work described as: TASK ORDER FOR BELCOURT HOSPITAL POP: 12/1/2025 TO 3/31/2026 Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the short-term nature of the task order. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process. 3. Performance risk is moderate, dependent on contractor's ability to maintain hospital operations. 4. This contract supports essential healthcare services in a specific geographic region. 5. The contract falls within the General Medical and Surgical Hospitals sector. 6. The award amount is relatively small, indicating a focused scope of work.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The task order value of $641,184 for a period of approximately 16 months (December 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026) appears to be a fair price for maintaining essential hospital services. Benchmarking against similar short-term hospital support contracts would provide a more precise valuation, but the amount seems aligned with operational needs for a facility of this nature. The firm fixed-price contract type helps control costs for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, this method generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and service offerings for the government. The IHS utilized a standard procurement process to solicit proposals for these critical hospital services.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining the best value through a robust bidding process, potentially driving down costs and improving service quality.

Public Impact

Beneficiaries include patients requiring general medical and surgical services at the Belcourt Hospital. Services delivered encompass the ongoing operation and support of a critical healthcare facility. The geographic impact is concentrated in North Dakota, serving the local community. Workforce implications include the potential for continued employment for hospital staff and support personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for service disruption if contractor performance falters.
Dependence on a single contractor for essential healthcare services.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process.
Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty.
Supports critical healthcare infrastructure in an underserved area.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Healthcare sector, specifically General Medical and Surgical Hospitals (NAICS 622110). The market for hospital services is complex, involving both public and private providers. Government contracts in this space often focus on serving specific populations, such as Native American communities through the Indian Health Service, or providing specialized care in remote areas. Comparable spending benchmarks would depend on the size and scope of the hospital, but this task order represents a modest investment for ensuring continuity of care.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. The focus appears to be on securing essential hospital services, with the primary contractor, AVEL ECARE LLC, likely responsible for all aspects of the delivery order. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved in the supply chain or subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Indian Health Service (IHS) within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Accountability measures would include performance monitoring, adherence to the firm fixed-price agreement, and compliance with healthcare regulations. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases, though specific performance metrics and oversight reports may not always be publicly accessible.

Related Government Programs

Indian Health Service Contracts
Rural Healthcare Services
Hospital Operations Support
General Medical and Surgical Services

Risk Flags

Potential for staff shortages in rural healthcare settings.
Dependence on contractor for critical healthcare services.
Need for robust performance monitoring to ensure quality of care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $641,184 to AVEL ECARE LLC. TASK ORDER FOR BELCOURT HOSPITAL POP: 12/1/2025 TO 3/31/2026

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AVEL ECARE LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Indian Health Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $641,184.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-11-24. End: 2026-07-31.

What is the track record of AVEL ECARE LLC in providing similar hospital services?

Information regarding AVEL ECARE LLC's specific track record in providing hospital services, particularly for the Indian Health Service or similar government entities, is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, contract history, and any reported issues or successes with previous healthcare contracts undertaken by the company. Understanding their experience with the specific operational requirements and regulatory environment of IHS facilities would be crucial for evaluating their capability to fulfill this task order effectively.

How does the awarded amount compare to the typical cost of operating a similar-sized hospital for a similar duration?

The awarded amount of $641,184 for approximately 16 months of operation for Belcourt Hospital is a task order, likely covering specific services or a defined operational period rather than the full cost of running the entire hospital. Without detailed operational data for the Belcourt Hospital itself (e.g., patient volume, staffing levels, service scope), a direct comparison to market rates for similar facilities is challenging. However, this figure represents a significant investment in maintaining essential healthcare access. Further analysis would involve comparing this to per diem costs or service-specific contract values within the IHS or comparable healthcare providers.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) that will be used to measure the success of this contract?

The provided data does not specify the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this task order. Typically, for hospital service contracts, KPIs would focus on patient care quality, operational efficiency, patient satisfaction, adherence to medical standards, and timely delivery of services. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract suggests that the contractor is responsible for delivering the agreed-upon services within the budget. The IHS contracting officer and technical representatives would be responsible for monitoring performance against any established metrics and ensuring compliance with the contract's statement of work.

What is the historical spending pattern for hospital services at the Belcourt Hospital or similar IHS facilities?

Historical spending data for the Belcourt Hospital or similar Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities is not included in the provided information. To establish a historical spending pattern, one would need to analyze previous contracts awarded for this specific location or for comparable IHS hospitals. This analysis would reveal trends in contract values, durations, service types, and contractor performance over time. Understanding these patterns is crucial for assessing whether the current award is consistent with past investments and for identifying any significant deviations that might warrant further investigation.

Are there any specific risks associated with the location or the nature of services provided that could impact contract performance?

The Belcourt Hospital is located in North Dakota, and its services are categorized under General Medical and Surgical Hospitals. Risks associated with such a contract could include challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified medical staff, especially in a rural setting. Furthermore, the continuity of essential healthcare services is critical, meaning any disruption due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., natural disasters, public health emergencies) could have significant consequences. The contractor's ability to manage supply chains for medical equipment and pharmaceuticals, particularly in potentially remote areas, also presents a risk factor that needs careful monitoring.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › General Medical and Surgical Hospitals › General Medical and Surgical Hospitals

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › GENERAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4500 N LEWIS AVE, SIOUX FALLS, SD, 57104

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $641,184

Exercised Options: $641,184

Current Obligation: $641,184

Actual Outlays: $72,720

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75H70622D00023

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline