MPOWER Inc. awarded $7.68M for NIBIB strategic planning and organizational development

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,677,873 ($7.7M)

Contractor: Mpower Incorporated

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2022-03-31

End Date: 2026-06-15

Contract Duration: 1,537 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: NIBIB STRATEGIC PLANNING AND ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Place of Performance

Location: ROCKVILLE, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20852

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $7.7 million to MPOWER INCORPORATED for work described as: NIBIB STRATEGIC PLANNING AND ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized strategic planning services. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process. 3. Potential for cost overruns exists with Time and Materials pricing. 4. Contract duration extends over four years, indicating a long-term need. 5. Services align with supporting NIH's mission-critical organizational functions.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $7.68 million over approximately four years for strategic planning and organizational development services appears within a reasonable range for specialized federal support. Benchmarking against similar contracts for management and professional services within the federal government would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The Time and Materials pricing structure, while offering flexibility, introduces a risk of cost escalation if not closely managed and monitored.

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 bids. 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 for the government. The agency's decision to use full and open competition suggests confidence in the market's ability to provide suitable solutions.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it maximizes the potential for cost savings through a robust bidding process.

Public Impact

The National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) will benefit from enhanced strategic planning and organizational efficiency. Services delivered will support the development and implementation of strategic initiatives within NIBIB. The geographic impact is primarily within the National Institutes of Health's operational centers, likely in Maryland. Workforce implications may include support for federal employees and potentially contractors involved in strategic planning.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials (T&M) contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently.
Long contract duration (over 4 years) may not adapt well to rapidly changing strategic needs.
Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data makes outcome assessment difficult.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process.
Contract supports a critical agency within the Department of Health and Human Services.
Contractor (MPOWER INCORPORATED) has experience in government contracting.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on management and strategic consulting. The federal market for these services is substantial, supporting various agencies in planning, organizational development, and operational efficiency. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within IT and management consulting categories, where agencies invest in expertise to guide complex initiatives and improve internal operations.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless MPOWER INCORPORATED voluntarily engages small businesses for subcontracting opportunities. Further review of the contract details would be needed to ascertain any specific small business utilization plans.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program managers within the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Accountability measures are usually tied to contract performance clauses and deliverables. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases like FPDS-NG. The Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services may have jurisdiction for audits and investigations if any concerns regarding fraud, waste, or abuse arise.

Related Government Programs

NIBIB Strategic Planning
NIH Organizational Development
Federal Management Consulting Services
Health and Human Services IT Support
Professional Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing.
Risk of strategic plan becoming outdated over the 4-year duration.
Need for strong government oversight to manage contractor performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $7.7 million to MPOWER INCORPORATED. NIBIB STRATEGIC PLANNING AND ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MPOWER INCORPORATED.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (National Institutes of Health).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $7.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-03-31. End: 2026-06-15.

What is MPOWER INCORPORATED's track record with federal contracts, particularly within HHS?

MPOWER INCORPORATED has a history of federal contracting, including work with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Analyzing their past performance, including contract values, types of services rendered, and any performance evaluations or awards, would provide insight into their reliability and capability. Specific details on their performance within HHS would be crucial to assess their suitability for this NIBIB strategic planning contract. A review of their contract history might reveal patterns in project completion, adherence to schedules, and overall client satisfaction, which are key indicators for future performance.

How does the $7.68 million contract value compare to similar strategic planning contracts within federal agencies?

The $7.68 million contract value for NIBIB's strategic planning and organizational development over approximately four years appears to be within a moderate range for specialized federal consulting services. To provide a precise comparison, one would need to benchmark against contracts of similar scope, duration, and service complexity awarded to other federal agencies, particularly within the health and science sectors. Factors such as the level of expertise required, the specific deliverables, and the contractor's overhead structure influence pricing. Without access to a detailed database of comparable contracts, it's challenging to definitively state if this represents excellent or fair value, but it does not appear exceptionally high or low at first glance.

What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for strategic planning?

The primary risk with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for strategic planning is the potential for cost overruns. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M agreements reimburse the contractor for direct labor hours at specified hourly rates and for the actual cost of materials. If the scope of work is not clearly defined, or if project timelines extend beyond initial estimates, the total cost can escalate significantly. This necessitates robust oversight from the government to monitor labor hours, ensure efficiency, and control material expenses. For strategic planning, where the path forward might evolve, T&M offers flexibility but demands vigilant management to prevent budget breaches and ensure cost-effectiveness for the taxpayer.

How effective are strategic planning contracts in achieving long-term organizational goals within federal agencies like NIH?

The effectiveness of strategic planning contracts in achieving long-term organizational goals within federal agencies like NIH is highly dependent on several factors. Firstly, the clarity and realism of the strategic goals themselves are paramount. Secondly, the quality and experience of the contractor providing the planning services are critical. Thirdly, the agency's commitment to implementing the strategic plan, including allocating necessary resources and adapting to recommendations, is essential. When these elements align, such contracts can significantly enhance an agency's direction, efficiency, and ability to meet its mission. However, without strong internal buy-in and consistent follow-through, even the best-laid plans can falter.

What is the historical spending trend for computer systems design services at NIH?

Historical spending trends for computer systems design services at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) generally reflect the agency's ongoing need for IT modernization, data management, and research support infrastructure. NIH, as a major biomedical research agency, consistently invests in IT solutions to manage vast datasets, facilitate collaboration, and support cutting-edge research. Spending in this category typically fluctuates based on specific project needs, technological advancements, and budgetary allocations. Analyzing past years' data from sources like FPDS-NG would reveal whether spending on computer systems design services has been increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable, providing context for the current contract award.

What are the implications of awarding a 4-year contract for strategic planning services?

Awarding a 4-year contract for strategic planning services implies a long-term commitment by the agency to a particular strategic direction or a continuous need for strategic guidance. This duration can be beneficial for implementing complex, multi-phase strategic initiatives that require sustained effort and evolution. It also allows for deeper integration of the contractor's expertise into the agency's planning processes. However, a significant implication is the potential for the plan or the strategic environment to become outdated over such a long period. This necessitates built-in flexibility, regular review checkpoints, and potentially contract modifications to ensure the strategy remains relevant and effective throughout its term.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 75N92022R0099

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1445 RESEARCH BLVD STE 301, ROCKVILLE, MD, 20850

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $7,702,639

Exercised Options: $7,677,873

Current Obligation: $7,677,873

Actual Outlays: $5,577,325

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QTCA22D001A

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline