NIH awards $21.5M for endpoint technical support, with EN-NET SERVICES, L.L.C. as the contractor

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $21,510 ($21.5K)

Contractor: En-Net Services, L.L.C.

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2027-03-31

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $59/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: NIH - CIT POLY/HP TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR POLY ENDPOINTS

Place of Performance

Location: BETHESDA, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20817

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $21,510.26 to EN-NET SERVICES, L.L.C. for work described as: NIH - CIT POLY/HP TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR POLY ENDPOINTS Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for the scope of technical support services. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration is one year, indicating a need for ongoing support. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541519 points to a common IT service category. 5. The contract is a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle. 6. The fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty for the government.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $21.5 million for a one-year period for technical support of endpoints seems within a reasonable range for federal IT services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for endpoint management and technical support would provide a more precise assessment of value for money. The firm fixed-price structure indicates that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which is generally favorable for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The presence of two bids suggests a moderate level of competition for this specific delivery order. While two bidders participated, the extent of competition and the number of potential bidders that did not win are not detailed, which could influence price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by encouraging competitive pricing and potentially leading to lower costs compared to sole-source or limited competition awards.

Public Impact

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will benefit from enhanced technical support for its computer endpoints. Users within NIH will receive support for their polycom and HP endpoints, ensuring operational continuity. The services are delivered in Maryland, impacting the local IT support workforce. This contract supports the critical IT infrastructure necessary for biomedical research and public health initiatives.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if this is a recurring need and competition is limited in future procurements.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical endpoint support could pose a risk if the vendor experiences performance issues or financial instability.

Positive Signals

The use of full and open competition is a positive signal for market-driven pricing.
The firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The contract is a delivery order, suggesting it is part of a pre-competed larger contract vehicle, which can streamline acquisition.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader IT services sector, specifically focusing on computer-related services and technical support for endpoints. The market for such services is highly competitive, with numerous providers ranging from large system integrators to specialized IT support firms. Federal spending in this area is substantial, driven by the need to maintain and upgrade vast IT infrastructures across various agencies. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing the average cost per endpoint for support contracts of similar scope and duration within the federal government.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have a small business subcontracting requirement noted. This suggests that the primary award went to a large business, and the direct impact on the small business ecosystem may be limited unless EN-NET SERVICES, L.L.C. utilizes small businesses in its supply chain. Further investigation into subcontracting plans would be needed to fully assess the impact on small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program office at the National Institutes of Health. Performance monitoring, adherence to contract terms, and quality of service delivery are key aspects of oversight. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

IT Support Services
Endpoint Management
Technical Support Contracts
General Services Administration (GSA) Schedules
IT Services for Healthcare Agencies

Risk Flags

Potential for performance issues
Cybersecurity risks
Limited competition observed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $21,510.26 to EN-NET SERVICES, L.L.C.. NIH - CIT POLY/HP TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR POLY ENDPOINTS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EN-NET SERVICES, L.L.C..

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 $21,510.26.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2027-03-31.

What is the track record of EN-NET SERVICES, L.L.C. in performing similar federal IT support contracts?

A review of federal procurement data would be necessary to fully assess EN-NET SERVICES, L.L.C.'s track record. Key indicators to examine include the number and value of previous contracts awarded to the company, the agencies they have served, and their performance ratings on past contracts. Understanding their history with similar technical support services, particularly for endpoint devices and within the healthcare or research sectors, would provide insight into their capabilities and reliability. Any past performance issues, contract disputes, or awards for excellence would be critical data points in evaluating their suitability for this NIH contract.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for similar endpoint technical support services?

To benchmark the value for money, the awarded price of approximately $21.5 million for a one-year contract needs to be compared against industry standards and similar federal contracts. This would involve analyzing the average cost per endpoint supported, the scope of services included (e.g., help desk, on-site support, hardware maintenance), and the service level agreements (SLAs). Data from other government agencies procuring similar services, as well as commercial IT support pricing models, would be used. If the NIH contract's per-endpoint cost or overall service cost is significantly lower or higher than comparable contracts, it would indicate potential overpayment or exceptional value.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Potential risks include performance failures by the contractor, leading to disruptions in NIH's IT operations; cybersecurity vulnerabilities introduced through support activities; and potential cost overruns if the fixed-price structure is not adequately managed. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust performance monitoring by the government, clearly defined SLAs, security requirements within the contract, and regular contractor performance reviews. The firm fixed-price nature itself mitigates financial risk for the government, provided the scope is well-defined. The limited competition (two bidders) could also be a risk if it leads to less favorable pricing or innovation in the long run.

How effective is the current technical support structure at NIH in supporting its research and operational goals?

The effectiveness of the technical support is crucial for the uninterrupted operation of NIH's vast research infrastructure and administrative functions. This contract aims to ensure that endpoints (computers, peripherals) are functional, secure, and up-to-date, directly impacting the productivity of researchers, clinicians, and administrative staff. Metrics such as ticket resolution times, user satisfaction surveys, system uptime, and the successful deployment of new technologies would indicate the support's effectiveness. A well-executed support contract should minimize downtime, enhance user experience, and contribute to the overall efficiency of NIH's mission-critical activities.

What are the historical spending patterns for endpoint technical support at NIH or similar agencies?

Analyzing historical spending on endpoint technical support at NIH and comparable agencies provides context for the current $21.5 million award. This involves examining trends in contract values, durations, and the number of awarded contracts over the past several years. Understanding whether spending has increased, decreased, or remained stable can indicate shifts in technology needs, agency size, or procurement strategies. Comparing NIH's spending per endpoint to that of other large federal health or research institutions can reveal efficiency or potential areas for cost savings. This historical perspective helps in assessing the reasonableness of the current contract's value.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 75N98026Q00127

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 712 N EAST ST, FREDERICK, MD, 21701

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $21,510

Exercised Options: $21,510

Current Obligation: $21,510

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HHSN316201500054W

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline