HHS awards $2.46M for ER physician services to Vista Staffing Solutions, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,460,667 ($2.5M)

Contractor: Vista Staffing Solutions, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2024-07-31

End Date: 2025-07-31

Contract Duration: 365 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.7K/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 $2.5 million to VISTA STAFFING SOLUTIONS, INC. for work described as: ER PHYSICIAN SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded via a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Call, suggesting a pre-negotiated framework for services. 2. The contract is for temporary help services, indicating a need for flexible staffing solutions. 3. A firm-fixed-price contract type aims to provide cost certainty for the government. 4. The contract duration is one year, aligning with typical temporary staffing needs. 5. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.46 million for one year of ER physician services appears reasonable given the specialized nature of medical staffing. Benchmarking against similar contracts for temporary physician services would provide a more precise value assessment. The firm-fixed-price structure helps manage cost overruns, but the ultimate value depends on the quality and efficiency of the physicians provided.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors were likely solicited and allowed to bid. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and service quality. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the designation suggests a broad outreach.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it encourages a wider range of providers to offer their services, potentially driving down costs and improving the overall value received.

Public Impact

Patients in facilities served by the Indian Health Service will benefit from continued access to emergency room physician services. This contract ensures the availability of essential medical personnel to address immediate health needs. The services are geographically focused within Oklahoma, supporting healthcare access in that region. The contract supports the healthcare workforce by providing opportunities for physicians to fill temporary roles.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for high turnover of physicians if contract is not managed effectively, impacting continuity of care.
Reliance on temporary staffing may not address long-term physician shortages within the IHS.

Positive Signals

Ensures immediate coverage for critical ER physician roles, maintaining patient safety.
The firm-fixed-price contract provides budget predictability for the Indian Health Service.

Sector Analysis

The healthcare staffing sector is characterized by high demand for specialized medical professionals, particularly in underserved areas. Contracts for temporary physician services are common to fill immediate needs, manage fluctuating patient loads, or address staff shortages. The Indian Health Service operates within this dynamic market, often competing for talent with other healthcare providers.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans is not available for this contract. As it was awarded under full and open competition, it is unlikely to have been specifically set aside for small businesses, though small businesses may have participated in the bidding process.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight of this contract would typically fall under the Indian Health Service's contracting and program management offices. Performance monitoring, quality assurance, and adherence to the firm-fixed-price terms are key accountability measures. Transparency is generally maintained through federal contract databases, though specific performance metrics may not be publicly detailed.

Related Government Programs

Indian Health Service Physician Staffing Contracts
Temporary Physician Services Contracts
Emergency Room Staffing Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for inconsistent quality of care due to temporary staffing.
Risk of higher overall costs compared to permanent physician hires.
Challenges in integrating temporary staff into existing healthcare systems and protocols.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $2.5 million 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 $2.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-07-31. End: 2025-07-31.

What is the historical spending pattern for ER physician services by the Indian Health Service in Oklahoma?

Analyzing historical spending for ER physician services by the Indian Health Service (IHS) in Oklahoma requires access to detailed procurement data over several fiscal years. Typically, IHS utilizes various contract vehicles, including indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts, blanket purchase agreements (BPAs), and direct awards to meet staffing needs. Spending can fluctuate based on facility requirements, physician availability, and the success of previous competitive solicitations. Without specific historical data for Oklahoma, it's difficult to provide precise figures, but trends often show a consistent need for temporary staffing to supplement permanent physician cadres, especially in remote or high-need areas. The current $2.46 million award for a one-year period suggests a significant, ongoing requirement for these services in the region.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar ER physician staffing contracts awarded by other federal agencies?

Directly comparing the pricing of this $2.46 million contract for ER physician services to similar federal contracts requires access to a comprehensive database of government procurements, including details on the number of physicians, hours worked, and specific physician specialties. However, contracts for temporary physician staffing, especially for emergency room coverage, are generally high-value due to the critical nature of the services and the specialized skills required. Agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) also procure similar services, and pricing can vary significantly based on geographic location, demand, and the specific terms of the contract (e.g., firm-fixed-price vs. cost-plus). The firm-fixed-price nature of this award suggests an attempt to control costs, but the per-physician or per-hour rate would be the key metric for a true benchmark comparison.

What are the primary risks associated with relying on temporary ER physician staffing, and how are they mitigated in this contract?

The primary risks associated with relying on temporary ER physician staffing include potential inconsistencies in care quality, challenges in integrating temporary staff into existing hospital protocols, higher turnover leading to reduced continuity of care, and potentially higher overall costs compared to permanent hires due to recruitment and administrative overhead. This contract attempts to mitigate these risks through a firm-fixed-price (FFP) award, which provides cost certainty and incentivizes the contractor to manage their resources efficiently. The FFP structure means the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns. Additionally, the contract's one-year duration allows for periodic reassessment of needs and performance. Effective oversight by the Indian Health Service, including performance monitoring and quality assurance, is crucial for ensuring that the temporary physicians meet required standards and integrate effectively.

What is Vista Staffing Solutions, Inc.'s track record with federal contracts, particularly for healthcare staffing?

Vista Staffing Solutions, Inc. has a history of securing federal contracts, particularly within the healthcare sector. A review of federal procurement databases would reveal the extent and nature of their past awards. Companies specializing in healthcare staffing often work with various government agencies, including the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, and HHS, to provide physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals. Their track record would typically be assessed based on past performance evaluations, contract completion history, and any instances of disputes or contract terminations. For this specific contract, the 'OK' status in the provided data suggests satisfactory performance or administrative standing at the time of award, but a deeper dive into their performance history would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment.

How does the use of a BPA Call impact the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of this contract?

Utilizing a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Call, as indicated for this contract, generally enhances efficiency and cost-effectiveness. BPAs are established with vendors to streamline the process of purchasing commonly needed goods or services. When a BPA Call is issued, it means that the underlying BPA has already undergone a competitive process, and specific terms, conditions, and potentially pricing structures are pre-negotiated. This reduces the administrative burden and time required for each subsequent purchase order (the BPA Call). For taxpayers, this can translate to better pricing due to the volume commitments inherent in BPAs and reduced acquisition costs associated with a more streamlined procurement process. It allows the agency to quickly obtain necessary services while leveraging pre-established agreements.

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: $2,460,667

Exercised Options: $2,460,667

Current Obligation: $2,460,667

Actual Outlays: $2,460,667

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75H71121A00146

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline