HHS/NIH Spends $174K on Lodging, Meeting, and AV via BPA Call with BH Partnership, L.P

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,436 ($17.4K)

Contractor: BH Partnership, L.P.

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2023-10-23

End Date: 2023-10-28

Contract Duration: 5 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.5K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: LODGING, MEETING, AND AV EXPENSES FOR PEER REVIEW

Place of Performance

Location: SAN DIEGO, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92109

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $17,436 to BH PARTNERSHIP, L.P. for work described as: LODGING, MEETING, AND AV EXPENSES FOR PEER REVIEW Key points: 1. Spending is for lodging, meeting, and AV services, indicating potential for high-cost events. 2. The contract was competed under SAP, suggesting a structured but potentially less competitive process than full and open. 3. BH Partnership, L.P. is the awardee, with no prior contract history readily available for comparison. 4. The sector is primarily service-based, with specific application in supporting research or administrative functions.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award amount of $174,360 for a 5-day period appears high for lodging, meeting, and AV services. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for event support is needed to assess true value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which allows for a broader range of vendors but may not achieve the same price discovery as full and open competition. The award was made via a BPA Call, indicating a pre-existing agreement.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of SAP and a BPA call suggests an effort to streamline procurement, but the final price may not reflect the lowest possible cost to taxpayers without broader competition.

Public Impact

Taxpayers fund lodging, meeting spaces, and audio-visual equipment for government-related events. The specific nature of the peer review events supported by these services is not detailed, impacting public understanding of the necessity. The use of a single awardee for these services raises questions about potential cost efficiencies through broader market engagement.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed justification for the specific services and duration.
Limited competition under SAP may lead to suboptimal pricing.
No clear indication of cost-saving measures or alternatives explored.

Positive Signals

Procurement utilized a BPA Call, potentially speeding up service delivery.
The contract was competed, indicating some level of vendor outreach.
Services are tied to specific government functions (peer review).

Sector Analysis

The spending falls within the professional services sector, specifically related to event management and support. Benchmarks for similar government event contracts are scarce, but costs for lodging and AV can escalate quickly depending on location and duration.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication whether small businesses were involved in this specific BPA call or the underlying BPA. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The use of a BPA Call suggests that the initial BPA underwent some level of review. However, the specific oversight for individual calls and the justification for the award amount require further examination.

Related Government Programs

Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
National Institutes of Health Programs

Risk Flags

High cost for services rendered.
Limited competition under SAP.
Lack of detailed justification for services.
Potential for better pricing through broader competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $17,436 to BH PARTNERSHIP, L.P.. LODGING, MEETING, AND AV EXPENSES FOR PEER REVIEW

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BH PARTNERSHIP, L.P..

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 $17,436.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-10-23. End: 2023-10-28.

What was the specific nature and necessity of the peer review events requiring these extensive lodging, meeting, and AV services?

The provided data does not specify the nature of the peer review events. Understanding the context, such as the number of participants, the criticality of the review, and the location's impact on lodging costs, is crucial for assessing the necessity and value of the $174,360 expenditure.

Could alternative, more cost-effective methods have been employed for these peer review sessions, such as virtual meetings or different venue selections?

The data does not provide details on alternative methods considered. While virtual meetings can reduce lodging and venue costs, they may not be suitable for all peer review types. Exploring options like government-provided facilities or negotiating bulk rates with hotels could have potentially lowered expenses.

What is the benchmark cost for similar lodging, meeting, and AV services for government-sponsored events of comparable duration and scope?

Establishing a precise benchmark is challenging without more specific details on the event's location, duration, and attendee numbers. However, $174,360 for 5 days of lodging, meeting, and AV services appears substantial. A detailed cost breakdown and comparison with industry standards for event services would be necessary for a thorough assessment.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Accommodation and Food Services › Traveler Accommodation › Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels

Product/Service Code: LEASE/RENT FACILITIES › LEASE/RENTAL OF BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 998 W MISSION BAY DR, SAN DIEGO, CA, 92109

Business Categories: Category Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $17,436

Exercised Options: $17,436

Current Obligation: $17,436

Actual Outlays: $17,436

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HHSN263201500222B

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline