DHHS Awards $1.5M for 9 FTE Nurses at Fort Peck Service Unit

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $1,522,701 ($1.5M)

Contractor: Wesley Medical Staffing, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2022-11-10

End Date: 2024-05-31

Contract Duration: 568 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.7K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: FORT PECK SERVICE UNIT: RN TASK-ORDER ISSUED FOR 7 OUTPATIENT AND 2 PUBLIC HEALTH NURSES. REPRESENTING 9 FTE

Place of Performance

Location: POPLAR, ROOSEVELT County, MONTANA, 59255

State: Montana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $1.5 million to WESLEY MEDICAL STAFFING, INC. for work described as: FORT PECK SERVICE UNIT: RN TASK-ORDER ISSUED FOR 7 OUTPATIENT AND 2 PUBLIC HEALTH NURSES. REPRESENTING 9 FTE Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Wesley Medical Staffing, Inc. for temporary nursing services. 2. Represents 9 Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs) for outpatient and public health. 3. Competition method was 'Competed under SAP', indicating a streamlined process. 4. The sector is Healthcare, specifically Indian Health Service operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's fixed price of $1.52M for 9 FTE nurses over 19 months appears reasonable given the specialized nature of healthcare staffing. However, without specific benchmarks for RN task orders in this region, a definitive value assessment is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: $18,770 per FTE per month

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Small Acquisition Procedures), suggesting a limited competition approach. While this can expedite procurement, it may not always yield the lowest possible price compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are utilized for essential healthcare services, ensuring patient care at the Fort Peck Service Unit. The efficiency of the SAP process aims to balance cost and timely delivery.

Public Impact

Ensures critical nursing staff are available for outpatient and public health services at the Fort Peck Service Unit. Supports the Indian Health Service's mission to provide healthcare to Native Americans. Addresses potential staffing shortages, maintaining continuity of care for the community.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may have impacted price discovery.
Duration of contract (over 1.5 years) for temporary staff.
Lack of detailed performance metrics in provided data.

Positive Signals

Addresses critical healthcare staffing needs.
Utilizes a streamlined procurement process (SAP).
Fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Healthcare sector, specifically supporting the Indian Health Service. Spending on temporary healthcare staffing is common to address immediate needs and shortages, but benchmarks vary significantly by specialty and location.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were considered or had the opportunity to compete.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is an award under a Delivery Order, suggesting it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or a similar framework. Oversight would typically involve monitoring task order performance and adherence to contract terms.

Related Government Programs

Temporary Help Services
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
Indian Health Service Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for higher costs due to agency staffing.
Limited competition may not yield the best price.
Long contract duration for temporary staff.
Lack of specific performance metrics provided.
High implied per-FTE monthly cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $1.5 million to WESLEY MEDICAL STAFFING, INC.. FORT PECK SERVICE UNIT: RN TASK-ORDER ISSUED FOR 7 OUTPATIENT AND 2 PUBLIC HEALTH NURSES. REPRESENTING 9 FTE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WESLEY MEDICAL STAFFING, INC..

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 $1.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-11-10. End: 2024-05-31.

What is the typical hourly rate for RNs in Montana, and how does this contract's implied rate compare?

The implied monthly rate per FTE is approximately $18,770. Typical RN salaries in Montana can range from $65,000 to $90,000 annually, translating to roughly $5,400 to $7,500 per month before benefits and overhead. This contract's rate is significantly higher, likely reflecting agency markups, benefits, and the specialized nature of temporary staffing for government contracts.

What are the risks associated with using temporary staffing agencies for critical healthcare roles?

Risks include higher costs due to agency fees, potential for inconsistent quality of staff if vetting is inadequate, and challenges in integrating temporary staff into existing teams and workflows. There's also a risk of high turnover if the agency cannot consistently provide suitable candidates, impacting service continuity. Ensuring robust performance standards and clear communication channels is crucial.

How effective is the SAP procurement method in ensuring value for taxpayer money in healthcare staffing?

SAP aims for efficiency and speed, which can be effective for urgent needs like staffing shortages. However, its limited competition aspect can sometimes lead to higher prices than full and open competition. Effectiveness in ensuring value depends on the agency's ability to solicit competitive quotes within the SAP framework and negotiate favorable terms, balancing speed with cost-consciousness.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Employment Services › Temporary Help Services

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › NURSING, NURSING HOME, EVAL/SCREEN

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 75H709-BAIHS23Q-006

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1 HARBOR DR STE 300, SAUSALITO, CA, 94965

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $1,522,701

Exercised Options: $1,522,701

Current Obligation: $1,522,701

Actual Outlays: $1,522,701

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75H70923D00004

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline