HHS awarded $7,180 for LAN Aerobic System installation, completed within 154 days

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,180 ($7.2K)

Contractor: Chris G Howard

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2019-12-31

End Date: 2020-06-02

Contract Duration: 154 days

Daily Burn Rate: $47/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: CALLOUT AGAINST BPA 75H71119A00141 CONTRACTOR SHALL FURNISH AND INSTALL LAN AEROBIC SYSTEM FOR PARTICIPANT A GATZ

Place of Performance

Location: SHAWNEE, POTTAWATOMIE County, OKLAHOMA, 74804

State: Oklahoma Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $7,180 to CHRIS G HOWARD for work described as: CALLOUT AGAINST BPA 75H71119A00141 CONTRACTOR SHALL FURNISH AND INSTALL LAN AEROBIC SYSTEM FOR PARTICIPANT A GATZ Key points: 1. The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a focus on smaller value procurements. 2. The fixed-price contract type likely transferred risk to the contractor for cost overruns. 3. The award was a BPA Call, indicating it was part of a larger pre-competed agreement. 4. The project was completed within its scheduled duration. 5. The contractor, Chris G. Howard, secured this award. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 237110 points to heavy and civil engineering construction.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $7,180 is relatively small, making direct comparisons to larger infrastructure projects difficult. Given the nature of the work (installation of a LAN Aerobic System), the price appears reasonable for a specialized task. However, without more detailed cost breakdowns or benchmarks for similar specialized environmental system installations, a definitive value-for-money assessment is challenging. The fixed-price nature suggests the government sought cost certainty.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically allows for a broader range of competition than sole-source awards but may have fewer formal requirements than full and open competition for larger contracts. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but SAP is designed to encourage competition for procurements below certain thresholds.

Taxpayer Impact: Competition under SAP generally aims to achieve fair and reasonable pricing for taxpayers by allowing multiple vendors to bid on requirements.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the participants served by the Indian Health Service (IHS) in Oklahoma, who will receive improved wastewater management. The service delivered is the installation of a LAN Aerobic System, crucial for environmental health and sanitation. The geographic impact is localized to the specific IHS facility or community in Oklahoma where the system was installed. The contract supports the IHS mission of providing health services to American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed competition data (number of bidders) limits assessment of price discovery.
Limited information on the specific performance metrics or quality of the installed system.
The small contract value may not attract a wide range of specialized contractors, potentially limiting future options.

Positive Signals

Contract completed within the specified duration, indicating effective project management by the contractor.
Use of a BPA Call suggests efficient procurement leveraging existing agreements.
Fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the heavy and civil engineering construction sector, specifically related to environmental infrastructure. The market for specialized wastewater treatment systems can be niche, with varying degrees of competition depending on the technology and geographic location. The value of this specific award is small relative to typical large-scale infrastructure projects, but it addresses a critical need for sanitation services.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans is not available for this specific award. As the contract was competed under SAP and has a small value, it's possible that small businesses were among the bidders, but no specific set-aside was mandated or reported.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Indian Health Service (IHS) within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Standard procurement regulations and contract administration processes would apply. The effectiveness of oversight depends on the IHS's internal controls and monitoring of contract performance and closeout.

Related Government Programs

Indian Health Service Facilities Management
Environmental Health Infrastructure Projects
Wastewater Treatment Systems Procurement
Department of Health and Human Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Contract completed on time.
Fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $7,180 to CHRIS G HOWARD. CALLOUT AGAINST BPA 75H71119A00141 CONTRACTOR SHALL FURNISH AND INSTALL LAN AEROBIC SYSTEM FOR PARTICIPANT A GATZ

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CHRIS G HOWARD.

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 $7,180.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-12-31. End: 2020-06-02.

What was the specific nature of the 'LAN Aerobic System' and its function?

A LAN Aerobic System, in the context of wastewater treatment, typically refers to a type of advanced septic system that utilizes aerobic digestion processes to break down organic waste. Unlike traditional septic systems that rely on anaerobic decomposition, aerobic systems introduce oxygen to the wastewater, which encourages the growth of aerobic bacteria. These bacteria are more efficient at consuming pollutants, resulting in a higher quality effluent (treated wastewater) that is safer for discharge into the environment or for further treatment. The 'LAN' designation might refer to a specific manufacturer or a proprietary technology within the aerobic system category. The primary function is to provide effective and environmentally sound wastewater treatment for facilities where connection to a municipal sewer system is not feasible.

How does the BPA Call mechanism impact competition and pricing for this contract?

A BPA Call (Blanket Purchase Agreement Call) is an order placed against a previously established Blanket Purchase Agreement. BPAs are pre-negotiated agreements with vendors that allow for streamlined purchasing of supplies or services over a set period. When a BPA Call is issued, it means the underlying BPA itself was already competed, often on a larger scale. The competition for the specific BPA Call might be limited to the vendors holding that BPA, or it could be competed among them. This mechanism can lead to more efficient procurement and potentially better pricing due to the pre-negotiated terms and established relationship. However, the level of competition for the initial BPA and the specific terms of the Call determine the ultimate impact on price discovery and value for money for this particular $7,180 award.

What are the typical performance expectations for a LAN Aerobic System installation contract?

Typical performance expectations for a LAN Aerobic System installation contract include adherence to the specified design and engineering plans, proper installation of all system components (tanks, pumps, diffusers, control panels), ensuring the system is watertight and free from leaks, and successful integration with existing plumbing and drainage. Post-installation, performance often includes successful system startup, initial testing to verify operational parameters (e.g., effluent quality, flow rates), and compliance with all relevant environmental and health regulations. The contract duration of 154 days suggests a project timeline that includes site preparation, installation, testing, and potentially initial system stabilization, all completed within the agreed-upon timeframe.

What is the significance of the NAICS code 237110 for this contract?

The NAICS code 237110, 'Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction,' signifies that this contract falls under the heavy and civil engineering construction industry. This classification indicates that the work involved the construction, alteration, or repair of infrastructure related to water supply, drainage, and sewage systems. For this specific contract, it means the installation of the LAN Aerobic System is categorized as a construction project, likely involving excavation, pipe laying, system assembly, and connection to existing infrastructure. This code helps in classifying the economic activity and allows for benchmarking against industry standards and spending patterns within this sector.

What does the 'FIRM FIXED PRICE' contract type imply for risk and cost management?

A Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract type implies that the contractor is obligated to complete the work for a predetermined, fixed price, regardless of the actual costs incurred. This structure places the primary risk of cost overruns on the contractor. For the government, an FFP contract offers the highest degree of cost certainty, as the final price is known upfront, assuming no contract modifications. This type of contract is generally preferred when the scope of work is well-defined and the risks are manageable. For this $7,180 contract, the FFP structure means the Department of Health and Human Services knew exactly what it would pay for the installation, simplifying budget management and financial planning.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Utility System Construction › Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3932 NS 374, ALLEN, OK, 74825

Business Categories: Category Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $7,180

Exercised Options: $7,180

Current Obligation: $7,180

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75H71119A00141

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline