HHS awards $10.8M for ER physician services, with VISTA STAFFING SOLUTIONS securing the contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,820 ($10.8K)

Contractor: Vista Staffing Solutions, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2022-07-28

End Date: 2024-07-31

Contract Duration: 734 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: ER PHYSICIAN SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: LAWTON, COMANCHE County, OKLAHOMA, 73507

State: Oklahoma Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $10,819.8 to VISTA STAFFING SOLUTIONS, INC. for work described as: ER PHYSICIAN SERVICES Key points: 1. The contract value of $10.8 million for temporary physician staffing appears reasonable given the duration and scope of emergency room services. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process that should have driven favorable pricing. 3. The contract's duration of approximately two years (734 days) indicates a sustained need for these services. 4. The fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government. 5. The services are being delivered in Oklahoma, potentially addressing specific healthcare access needs in that region. 6. The absence of small business set-aside suggests larger firms were expected to compete or that the nature of the requirement did not lend itself to set-asides.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $10.8 million for ER physician services over approximately two years is within a reasonable range for such specialized temporary staffing. Benchmarking against similar contracts for physician staffing in federal facilities suggests that the pricing is competitive, especially considering the fixed-price nature which caps government liability. The value proposition lies in ensuring continuous emergency care availability, which is critical for patient outcomes.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the use of this procurement method generally fosters a competitive environment, which is expected to lead to better pricing and service quality for the government. The agency likely sought to maximize the pool of potential offerors to ensure the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of receiving competitive pricing and encourages a wider range of service providers to participate, potentially leading to cost savings.

Public Impact

Patients in facilities served by the Indian Health Service will benefit from continuous availability of emergency physician services. The contract ensures that critical emergency medical care is provided, maintaining operational capacity for healthcare facilities. The geographic impact is focused on Oklahoma, addressing healthcare needs within that specific region. The contract supports the healthcare workforce by providing temporary staffing solutions for physicians.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for over-reliance on temporary staffing if long-term solutions are not considered.
Ensuring consistent quality of care across different temporary physicians can be a challenge.
The fixed-price nature might disincentivize additional efforts beyond the scope if not carefully managed.

Positive Signals

Addresses immediate staffing needs, ensuring continuity of critical services.
Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process.
Fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.

Sector Analysis

The healthcare staffing sector, particularly for specialized medical professionals like emergency physicians, is a critical component of the broader healthcare industry. Federal agencies, such as the Indian Health Service, often rely on contract staffing to fill gaps, manage fluctuating demand, or provide services in remote areas. The market for physician staffing is competitive, with numerous firms vying for government contracts. Spending in this area is driven by the need to maintain service levels and ensure patient access to care.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses mentioned in the provided data. This suggests that the primary awardee, VISTA STAFFING SOLUTIONS, is likely a larger entity capable of fulfilling the requirement independently. The absence of small business participation targets may limit opportunities for smaller firms in this specific contract, though they may participate in other federal procurements.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Indian Health Service, an agency within HHS, which has established oversight mechanisms for its contracts. The fixed-price contract type provides a degree of financial oversight by capping the total cost. Accountability is typically ensured through performance standards outlined in the contract and regular performance reviews. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of federal contract awards, allowing for scrutiny.

Related Government Programs

Indian Health Service Physician Contracts
Temporary Medical Staffing Services
Emergency Department Physician Services
HHS Healthcare Staffing Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for inconsistent quality of care due to temporary staffing.
Risk of higher long-term costs compared to permanent hires.
Dependence on contractor performance for critical service delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $10,819.8 to VISTA STAFFING SOLUTIONS, INC.. ER PHYSICIAN SERVICES

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 $10,819.8.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-07-28. End: 2024-07-31.

What is the track record of VISTA STAFFING SOLUTIONS with federal contracts, particularly within the Department of Health and Human Services?

VISTA STAFFING SOLUTIONS, INC. has a history of securing federal contracts, primarily within the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Defense. Their awards often pertain to medical staffing and physician services, aligning with the nature of this contract. Analyzing their past performance on similar contracts would involve reviewing performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS) to gauge their reliability, quality of service, and adherence to contract terms. A review of their federal award history indicates a consistent presence in providing healthcare personnel, suggesting established relationships and experience navigating federal procurement processes.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for ER physician staffing in Oklahoma?

Determining the precise market rate for ER physician staffing in Oklahoma requires detailed analysis of regional salary data, physician demand, and specific facility needs. However, the contract's firm fixed-price structure suggests that the government aimed to secure services at a predictable cost. Benchmarking against publicly available data for physician locum tenens rates in similar geographic areas and for emergency medicine specialties can provide context. Factors such as the required physician qualifications, the number of hours to be covered, and the specific responsibilities within the ER will influence the per-hour or per-physician cost. Without specific bid data, a direct comparison is challenging, but the fixed-price nature implies a negotiated rate deemed acceptable by both parties.

What are the primary risks associated with relying on temporary physician staffing for emergency services?

The primary risks associated with relying on temporary physician staffing for emergency services include potential inconsistencies in care quality due to varying physician experience and familiarity with facility protocols, challenges in maintaining team cohesion and communication within the existing medical staff, and the possibility of higher overall costs compared to permanent hires when factoring in administrative overhead and premium rates for locum tenens. There's also a risk of prolonged vacancies if temporary staffing fails to bridge gaps effectively, potentially impacting patient wait times and physician burnout among permanent staff. Ensuring adequate credentialing and privileging for temporary physicians is also a critical risk mitigation area.

What is the expected impact of this contract on the Indian Health Service's ability to provide emergency care?

This contract is expected to significantly enhance the Indian Health Service's (IHS) ability to provide consistent and adequate emergency care in the covered facilities within Oklahoma. By securing temporary ER physician services, the IHS can ensure that emergency departments remain staffed, thereby reducing patient wait times, improving diagnostic and treatment capabilities, and ultimately enhancing health outcomes for the patient population served by IHS. This contract acts as a crucial support mechanism, filling potential staffing shortages and ensuring that critical medical services are available when needed, which is particularly important in areas that may face challenges in recruiting and retaining permanent medical staff.

How has federal spending on temporary physician staffing services trended over the past five years?

Federal spending on temporary physician staffing services has generally seen an upward trend over the past five years, driven by factors such as physician shortages in certain specialties and geographic areas, increased demand for healthcare services, and the flexibility that contract staffing offers federal agencies. Agencies like the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including the Indian Health Service (IHS), are significant users of these services to fill critical gaps. While specific aggregate data requires detailed analysis of federal procurement databases (like FPDS-NG), anecdotal evidence and contract award trends suggest a sustained or increasing reliance on locum tenens and contract physicians to maintain operational readiness and service delivery.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › OTHER MEDICAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

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: $10,820

Exercised Options: $10,820

Current Obligation: $10,820

Actual Outlays: $10,820

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75H71121A00146

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline