HHS awards $250K contract for dental services to Delta Dental Plan of Oklahoma

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $250,000 ($250.0K)

Contractor: Delta Dental Plan of Oklahoma

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2026-06-01

End Date: 2027-05-31

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $687/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: CLINICAL DENTAL SERVICES AND DENTAL NETWORK FEE FOR OCAO IHS

Place of Performance

Location: OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA County, OKLAHOMA, 73114

State: Oklahoma Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $250,000 to DELTA DENTAL PLAN OF OKLAHOMA for work described as: CLINICAL DENTAL SERVICES AND DENTAL NETWORK FEE FOR OCAO IHS Key points: 1. Contract aims to provide essential dental care and network access. 2. Full and open competition suggests a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. Fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty. 4. Contract duration of one year with options for extension. 5. Geographic focus on Oklahoma for Indian Health Service beneficiaries. 6. No explicit small business set-aside noted, impacting small business participation.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $250,000 for one year of clinical dental services and network fees appears reasonable for the scope. Benchmarking against similar contracts for dental network management and direct patient care within the Indian Health Service (IHS) would provide a more precise value assessment. However, given the fixed-price nature, the government has established a clear cost ceiling. The specific services covered and the breadth of the network will be key determinants of overall value for money.

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 number of bidders is not specified, but this procurement method generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and service quality. The agency's decision to use full and open competition suggests confidence in the market's ability to provide suitable options.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it encourages multiple vendors to bid, potentially driving down costs and improving the quality of services received.

Public Impact

Beneficiaries of the Indian Health Service in Oklahoma will receive access to clinical dental services. The contract ensures the availability of a dental network for eligible individuals. Services are geographically focused within the state of Oklahoma. Potential for local dental providers to participate in the network, supporting the local healthcare workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data.
Potential for network adequacy issues if not closely monitored.
Dependence on a single provider for network management and services.

Positive Signals

Fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Full and open competition suggests a robust market evaluation.
Clear contract end date with potential for future re-competition.

Sector Analysis

The healthcare sector, specifically dental services, is a critical component of public health. This contract falls within the broader category of healthcare services procurement, which includes network management, direct patient care, and administrative support. The market for dental insurance and network providers is competitive, with established players like Delta Dental operating nationwide. The IHS often contracts with such entities to ensure access to care for its beneficiaries, particularly in areas where direct federal provision might be challenging.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting goals for small businesses. This suggests that large businesses were likely the primary bidders. While this doesn't preclude small businesses from participating indirectly through subcontracting, the absence of specific set-aside provisions means direct opportunities for small businesses may be limited. Further analysis of the awarded contractor's subcontracting plan would be necessary to assess the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Indian Health Service's program management and contracting offices. Accountability measures would be defined within the contract's statement of work, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

Indian Health Service Dental Programs
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
TRICARE Dental Program
Medicare Dental Coverage

Risk Flags

Potential for limited network participation if provider reimbursement rates are not competitive.
Risk of insufficient service capacity if beneficiary demand exceeds contracted service levels.
Dependence on contractor's administrative efficiency for claims processing and network management.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $250,000 to DELTA DENTAL PLAN OF OKLAHOMA. CLINICAL DENTAL SERVICES AND DENTAL NETWORK FEE FOR OCAO IHS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DELTA DENTAL PLAN OF OKLAHOMA.

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 $250,000.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-06-01. End: 2027-05-31.

What is the historical spending pattern for clinical dental services and network fees by the Indian Health Service in Oklahoma?

Analyzing historical spending for similar dental services within the IHS in Oklahoma is crucial for context. Without specific historical data for this region, we can infer general trends. The IHS aims to provide comprehensive healthcare, including dental services, to eligible American Indians and Alaska Natives. Spending in this area can fluctuate based on beneficiary population needs, availability of local providers, and the specific contract vehicles used. Contracts for dental network access and services are common, often awarded on a fixed-price basis. Previous contract values, durations, and the number of competitors would offer insight into whether the current $250,000 award represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of investment. Understanding past performance and pricing of incumbent or similar contractors would also inform the assessment of the current contract's value and competitive landscape.

How does the pricing of Delta Dental Plan of Oklahoma compare to other dental network providers for federal agencies?

Benchmarking the pricing of Delta Dental Plan of Oklahoma against other dental network providers for federal agencies requires access to comparative contract data. Delta Dental is a major national provider, and its pricing can vary significantly by region and the specific services included in the network agreement. For federal contracts, pricing is often influenced by the scope of services (e.g., preventive, basic, major restorative, orthodontics), the size and demographics of the beneficiary population, and the geographic coverage area. Full and open competition, as indicated for this contract, should theoretically drive competitive pricing. However, without specific per-member-per-month rates or detailed service cost breakdowns from comparable contracts, a precise comparison is difficult. Generally, large network providers like Delta Dental can leverage economies of scale, but specialized regional providers might offer more competitive rates for localized services.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to evaluate the success of this dental services contract?

The provided data does not explicitly list the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract. However, typical KPIs for clinical dental services and network contracts awarded by agencies like the Indian Health Service often include measures related to network adequacy, access to care, patient satisfaction, and quality of services. Network adequacy might be measured by the number and geographic distribution of participating dentists, wait times for appointments, and the range of services available. Quality of care could be assessed through patient outcomes, adherence to clinical guidelines, and patient complaint resolution rates. Patient satisfaction surveys are also common. The contract's statement of work would detail these specific metrics, and performance would likely be evaluated through regular reporting by the contractor and periodic reviews by the contracting officer's representative (COR).

What is the track record of Delta Dental Plan of Oklahoma in serving federal contracts, particularly with the Indian Health Service?

Delta Dental Plan of Oklahoma, as part of the larger Delta Dental enterprise, has a significant presence in the dental benefits market. While specific details on their track record with the Indian Health Service (IHS) are not provided in the summary data, Delta Dental companies frequently hold contracts with government entities, including other federal agencies and state Medicaid programs, to provide dental network access and administration. Their experience typically involves managing large provider networks, processing claims, and ensuring access to dental care for defined populations. To assess their specific track record with the IHS, one would need to examine past contract awards, performance evaluations, and any publicly available reports related to their government contracts. Their established infrastructure suggests a capacity to manage such a contract, but performance specifics would require deeper investigation.

How does the $250,000 contract value align with the expected dental needs of IHS beneficiaries in Oklahoma?

Assessing the alignment of the $250,000 contract value with the dental needs of IHS beneficiaries in Oklahoma requires understanding the size of the eligible population, the prevalence of dental conditions, and the scope of services covered. The Indian Health Service serves a population that often experiences higher rates of unmet dental needs compared to the general population. A $250,000 contract for a one-year period could cover a range of services, from preventive care and basic restorative work to network access fees. If the contract is primarily for network access and referrals, it might serve a larger population. If it includes direct clinical services or significant subsidies, it might cater to a smaller, more specific group or focus on high-need individuals. Without data on the number of beneficiaries in the service area and the specific utilization rates, it's challenging to definitively state if the value is perfectly aligned. However, it represents a defined investment in addressing these needs.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Offices of Dentists › Offices of Dentists

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › MEDICAL, DENTAL, AND SURGICAL SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 16 NW 63RD ST, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, 73116

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $250,000

Exercised Options: $250,000

Current Obligation: $250,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75H71124D00008

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline