HHS Awards $2.4M for ER Physician Services to Vista Staffing Solutions

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,422,935 ($2.4M)

Contractor: Vista Staffing Solutions, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2023-03-02

End Date: 2025-06-30

Contract Duration: 851 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: NON-PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACT FOR PHYSICIAN SERVICES FOR THE ER DEPARTMENT

Place of Performance

Location: KAYENTA, NAVAJO County, ARIZONA, 86033

State: Arizona Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $2.4 million to VISTA STAFFING SOLUTIONS, INC. for work described as: NON-PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACT FOR PHYSICIAN SERVICES FOR THE ER DEPARTMENT Key points: 1. Contract value of $2.42 million for physician services. 2. Awarded to Vista Staffing Solutions, Inc. 3. Competition method was full and open. 4. Services are for the Indian Health Service in Arizona.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $2.42 million for physician services appears reasonable given the duration and labor hour pricing. However, without specific per-hour rates or comparison data for similar ER physician contracts, a definitive assessment of value is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to more competitive pricing by allowing all eligible vendors to submit proposals.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by securing the best possible price for essential healthcare services.

Public Impact

Ensures continued availability of critical ER physician services for the Indian Health Service. Supports healthcare access for patients served by the IHS in Arizona. Potential for improved patient outcomes due to consistent staffing.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific per-unit cost benchmarks for physician services.
Potential for price escalation over the contract duration.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical staffing.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Addresses a critical healthcare need.
Long-term contract provides stability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the healthcare sector, specifically focusing on temporary staffing for critical medical roles. Benchmarks for physician services can vary widely based on specialty, location, and contract duration, making direct comparisons difficult without more granular data.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this procurement. The contract was awarded to Vista Staffing Solutions, Inc., and further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded via a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle, suggesting some level of pre-competed framework. Oversight would focus on performance, adherence to labor hour rates, and patient care quality.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Lack of detailed cost breakdown.
Potential for price creep over contract life.
Limited visibility into vendor's staffing pool.
Dependence on specific geographic region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $2.4 million to VISTA STAFFING SOLUTIONS, INC.. NON-PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACT FOR PHYSICIAN SERVICES FOR THE ER DEPARTMENT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is VISTA STAFFING SOLUTIONS, 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 $2.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-03-02. End: 2025-06-30.

What is the average hourly rate for ER physicians under this contract, and how does it compare to market rates?

The provided data does not specify the hourly rate. To assess value, one would need to divide the total contract value by the total labor hours (851 hours) to get an average, and then compare this to industry benchmarks for ER physician staffing in Arizona. This comparison is crucial for determining if the pricing is competitive and represents good value for taxpayer money.

What are the risks associated with relying on a single vendor for critical ER physician staffing?

Relying on a single vendor can create risks such as vendor lock-in, potential price increases upon contract renewal, and reduced flexibility if staffing needs change. It also concentrates the risk of service disruption if the vendor faces operational issues, potentially impacting patient care continuity.

How effectively does this contract ensure the quality of physician services provided to IHS patients?

Effectiveness is primarily measured by the quality of care delivered. Oversight mechanisms should include performance metrics related to patient outcomes, adherence to clinical standards, and patient satisfaction. The contract's success hinges on robust monitoring of these factors by the Indian Health Service.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: RFQ1606395

Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2800 E COTTONWOOD PKWY STE 400, COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS, UT, 84121

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,422,935

Exercised Options: $2,422,935

Current Obligation: $2,422,935

Actual Outlays: $2,422,935

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36F79720D0128

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline