JVRX LLC awarded $9.5M for Nurse Advice/Triage services, with 2 bidders and a 3-year duration

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $9,556,081 ($9.6M)

Contractor: Jvrx LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2022-05-25

End Date: 2026-05-31

Contract Duration: 1,467 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.5K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: NURSE ADVICE/TRIAGE TELEPHONE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: GALLUP, MCKINLEY County, NEW MEXICO, 87301

State: New Mexico Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $9.6 million to JVRX LLC for work described as: NURSE ADVICE/TRIAGE TELEPHONE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Key points: 1. The contract value of $9.56 million over approximately 4 years suggests a moderate investment in essential healthcare support services. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a relatively open market for these services, potentially leading to competitive pricing. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract type offers cost certainty for the government, shifting performance risk to the contractor. 4. The duration of the contract, extending to May 2026, provides stability for service delivery. 5. The services are categorized under 'Offices of All Other Miscellaneous Health Practitioners,' indicating a specialized healthcare function. 6. The award to JVRX LLC, based in New Mexico, highlights regional service provision within the Indian Health Service.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $9.56 million for nurse advice and triage services over roughly four years appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar contracts for telehealth and nurse advisory services would provide a clearer picture of value for money. The firm-fixed-price structure suggests the government has negotiated a set price, which is generally favorable for cost control, assuming the scope of work is well-defined and achievable within that price.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting it was likely a full and open competition among eligible bidders. With two bidders identified, the competition level is present but could be considered moderate. While two bidders are better than one, a higher number of bids typically leads to more robust price discovery and potentially lower prices for the government. The specific details of the solicitation and evaluation process would further clarify the extent of competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The presence of two bidders suggests a degree of competition that likely benefited taxpayers by encouraging JVRX LLC to offer a competitive price. However, more bidders could have potentially driven the price down further.

Public Impact

Beneficiaries include patients seeking medical advice and triage services, likely within the Indian Health Service network. Services delivered encompass professional telephone-based nursing advice and triage, facilitating access to appropriate care. The geographic impact is centered in New Mexico, where the contractor is based and services are likely rendered. Workforce implications include the employment of nurses and administrative staff by JVRX LLC to fulfill the contract requirements.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if the definition of 'advice' and 'triage' is not tightly managed.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical patient access points could pose a risk if performance falters.
Ensuring consistent quality of care across all interactions requires robust performance monitoring.

Positive Signals

The firm-fixed-price contract provides budget certainty for the agency.
The contract duration offers continuity of service for patients.
Competition, even with two bidders, suggests market availability for these specialized services.

Sector Analysis

The healthcare services sector is vast, with significant government spending on medical support and professional services. This contract falls within the niche of telehealth and nurse advisory services, a growing area driven by the need for efficient patient access and care management. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other contracts for similar nurse call centers, telehealth platforms, and remote patient monitoring services, particularly within federal health agencies like IHS, VA, and DoD.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications or specific impacts on the small business ecosystem stemming from a set-aside requirement. The focus remains on the prime contractor's ability to deliver the services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Health and Human Services, specifically the Indian Health Service. Mechanisms likely include contract performance reviews, quality assurance checks, and adherence to service level agreements. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Indian Health Service (IHS) Contracts
Nurse Call Center Services
Telehealth Services
Healthcare Professional Services
Miscellaneous Health Practitioner Services

Risk Flags

Moderate Competition Level
Potential for Performance Issues if KPIs Not Met
Reliance on Contractor for Critical Patient Access

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $9.6 million to JVRX LLC. NURSE ADVICE/TRIAGE TELEPHONE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is JVRX 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 $9.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-05-25. End: 2026-05-31.

What is the historical spending pattern for Nurse Advice/Triage Telephone Professional Services by the Indian Health Service?

Analyzing historical spending for Nurse Advice/Triage Telephone Professional Services by the Indian Health Service requires access to detailed contract databases over multiple fiscal years. Without specific historical data for this exact service category and agency, a general trend can be inferred. The increasing adoption of telehealth and remote patient management solutions across healthcare, including within federal agencies, suggests a likely upward trend in spending for such services. Agencies like IHS often face challenges in providing consistent healthcare access to remote or underserved populations, making services like nurse advice lines crucial. Therefore, it's probable that spending in this area has either remained steady to meet ongoing needs or increased to expand coverage and improve patient engagement. A deeper dive into IHS's procurement history for NAICS code 621399 or similar service codes would reveal specific dollar amounts and contract volumes over time.

How does the per-unit cost of these nurse advice services compare to commercial market rates?

Determining the precise per-unit cost for these nurse advice services and comparing it to commercial market rates is challenging without more granular data on the contract's deliverables. 'Per-unit' could refer to cost per call, cost per patient interaction, or cost per hour of nurse time. The contract is a firm-fixed-price award, meaning the price is set regardless of the actual cost incurred by the contractor. To benchmark, one would need to estimate the expected volume of services and divide the total contract value ($9.56 million) by that volume. Commercial market rates for nurse advice lines vary significantly based on factors like the complexity of triage protocols, the qualifications of the nurses, the technology used, and the hours of operation. However, general estimates for outsourced nurse triage services can range from $15 to $50 per call or interaction, or be based on hourly rates for nursing staff. Without knowing the anticipated number of calls or interactions under this $9.56 million contract, a direct comparison is speculative. The moderate competition level suggests the pricing is likely competitive within the federal procurement landscape.

What is JVRX LLC's track record with federal contracts, particularly within the Department of Health and Human Services?

JVRX LLC's track record with federal contracts, especially within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), can be assessed by reviewing their award history in public databases like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS). As of the data provided, JVRX LLC has secured this $9.56 million contract with HHS's Indian Health Service (IHS). Further investigation would reveal if they have a history of performing similar healthcare support services, telehealth, or nurse advisory roles. The number and value of previous contracts, their performance ratings (if available), and any past performance issues or awards would provide a comprehensive view of their experience and reliability. A positive performance history with HHS or other federal agencies would indicate a lower risk associated with this current award, while a history of issues might raise concerns about JVRX LLC's capacity to meet the contract's requirements effectively.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of this nurse advice and triage service contract?

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for a Nurse Advice/Triage Telephone Professional Services contract are crucial for ensuring the quality and effectiveness of the service. While not explicitly detailed in the provided data, typical KPIs would likely include: 1. Average Speed of Answer (ASA): The average time it takes for a call to be answered by a nurse. 2. Abandonment Rate: The percentage of calls that are disconnected before being answered. 3. First Call Resolution (FCR): The percentage of patient issues resolved during the initial call without needing further escalation or follow-up. 4. Patient Satisfaction Scores: Measured through post-call surveys to gauge patient experience and perceived quality of advice. 5. Adherence to Triage Protocols: Ensuring nurses follow established clinical guidelines for assessing patient needs and recommending appropriate care pathways. 6. Nurse Availability/Coverage: Ensuring adequate staffing to meet demand during specified operating hours. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract implies that JVRX LLC is responsible for meeting these KPIs within the agreed-upon price.

How does the geographic location of the contractor (New Mexico) impact service delivery for the Indian Health Service?

The geographic location of the contractor, JVRX LLC, in New Mexico, has several implications for service delivery to the Indian Health Service (IHS). New Mexico has a significant Native American population and numerous IHS facilities, suggesting that a local contractor may have a better understanding of the specific healthcare needs, cultural nuances, and logistical challenges within the region. Proximity can facilitate easier communication, potential site visits if required, and faster response times for any emergent issues. Furthermore, awarding contracts to businesses within or near the service area can align with federal objectives to support local economies and create jobs. However, for a telephone-based service, the primary concern is the contractor's ability to provide reliable, high-quality service nationwide or within the designated service area, regardless of their physical location. The key is ensuring robust communication infrastructure and adherence to service level agreements, which JVRX LLC must demonstrate.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Offices of Other Health Practitioners › Offices of All Other Miscellaneous Health Practitioners

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL/DENTAL/VETERINARY EQPT/SUPP

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 75H71022Q00020

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 191 LIVERY DR, SOUTHAMPTON, PA, 18966

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $9,556,081

Exercised Options: $9,556,081

Current Obligation: $9,556,081

Actual Outlays: $8,749,235

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline