HHS awards $31.7M contract for COVID-19 data platform to I3 Federal LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $31,690,690 ($31.7M)

Contractor: I3 Federal LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2021-07-24

End Date: 2022-07-23

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $87.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - OFFICE OF THE CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER (HHS-OCIO) COVID-19 HHS TIBERIUS DATA PLATFORM

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20201

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $31.7 million to I3 FEDERAL LLC for work described as: HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - OFFICE OF THE CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER (HHS-OCIO) COVID-19 HHS TIBERIUS DATA PLATFORM Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating a specific justification for the procurement method. 2. The contract value of $31.7 million for a 364-day duration suggests a significant investment in data platform capabilities. 3. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541519 points to 'Other Computer Related Services,' a broad category. 4. The contract was awarded as a Delivery Order, implying it's part of a larger Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. 5. The fixed-price contract type aims to control costs for the government. 6. The award was made to a single contractor, I3 Federal LLC. 7. The contract's focus on a COVID-19 data platform highlights its relevance to public health emergency response.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this $31.7 million contract is challenging without knowing the specific deliverables and the scope of the 'HHS TIBERIUS Data Platform.' However, the duration of 364 days suggests a substantial project. The firm fixed-price structure is generally favorable for cost control. Without comparable contract data for similar data platforms or detailed performance metrics, a definitive value-for-money assessment is difficult. The award amount relative to the duration indicates a significant daily expenditure, which warrants scrutiny regarding efficiency and necessity.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES.' This procurement method suggests that while the initial intent might have been full and open competition, specific circumstances led to the exclusion of certain sources before the final award. This could be due to a prior contract, a specific need that only certain vendors could meet, or a justification for a sole-source award that was later modified. The limited nature of the competition, as indicated by the exclusion of sources, may have implications for price discovery and potentially limit the range of innovative solutions considered.

Taxpayer Impact: The 'exclusion of sources' aspect of the competition raises questions about whether taxpayers received the most competitive pricing possible. While it was not a sole-source award, the limited pool of bidders could mean less downward pressure on price compared to a truly open competition.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and its various operating divisions, enabling better data management and analysis related to COVID-19. The services delivered include the development, implementation, and maintenance of a data platform crucial for tracking and responding to the pandemic. The geographic impact is national, as HHS operates across the United States, and the data platform supports federal public health initiatives. Workforce implications may include the need for data scientists, IT specialists, and public health analysts to utilize and manage the platform.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The 'exclusion of sources' in the competition method warrants further investigation to ensure fair market access and optimal pricing.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the data platform.
The broad NAICS code 'Other Computer Related Services' lacks specificity, making it hard to benchmark against similar specialized IT contracts.

Positive Signals

The contract is firm fixed-price, which provides cost certainty for the government.
The award is for a critical public health initiative (COVID-19 data platform), indicating alignment with national priorities.
The contract duration of nearly a year suggests a commitment to establishing a functional and potentially sustainable data solution.

Sector Analysis

The IT services sector, particularly within government contracting, is highly competitive. This contract falls under the 'Other Computer Related Services' category (NAICS 541519), which is broad and encompasses a wide range of IT support and development. The market for data platforms, especially those supporting public health and emergency response, has seen significant growth, driven by the need for advanced analytics and data integration. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing contracts for similar data warehousing, analytics, or health informatics platforms awarded by federal agencies. The size of this award suggests it is a significant project within its specific niche.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary contractor, I3 Federal LLC, is likely a larger entity. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses within this data. The absence of a small business set-aside means that opportunities for small businesses to participate in this contract are dependent on the prime contractor's subcontracting strategy, which is not detailed here. This could limit the direct impact on the small business ecosystem unless proactive subcontracting efforts are undertaken.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), specifically the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration (OASA). As a delivery order under a larger IDIQ, oversight might be managed by the contracting officer for the parent contract. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. Accountability measures would be tied to the performance work statement and deliverables outlined in the contract. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

HHS COVID-19 Response Programs
Federal Health Data Modernization Initiatives
Public Health Informatics Contracts
IT Modernization Contracts
Data Analytics Platforms

Risk Flags

Limited Competition Justification
Lack of Specific Performance Metrics
Broad NAICS Code Classification

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $31.7 million to I3 FEDERAL LLC. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - OFFICE OF THE CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER (HHS-OCIO) COVID-19 HHS TIBERIUS DATA PLATFORM

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is I3 FEDERAL LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $31.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-07-24. End: 2022-07-23.

What is the specific nature and scope of the 'HHS TIBERIUS Data Platform' and its intended use in COVID-19 response?

The 'HHS TIBERIUS Data Platform' is a system developed under contract to support the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) efforts in managing and analyzing data related to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the provided data does not detail the platform's specific functionalities, its name suggests a focus on data integration, analysis, and potentially reporting capabilities. Such platforms are crucial for tracking disease spread, monitoring vaccination efforts, assessing resource allocation, and informing public health policy decisions. The platform likely aggregates data from various sources, enabling advanced analytics to identify trends, predict outbreaks, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. Its development and maintenance are critical for a comprehensive and data-driven response to the ongoing public health crisis.

How does the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' procurement method impact the overall cost-effectiveness for taxpayers?

The procurement method 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' indicates a deviation from a standard full and open competition. This typically means that after an initial broad solicitation, certain potential bidders were excluded from the final competition phase. The reasons for exclusion could range from specific technical requirements not met by all, to a justification for limiting the pool based on prior performance or specialized capabilities. While not a sole-source award, this method inherently reduces the number of competing entities. For taxpayers, this could mean less intense price competition compared to a scenario where all qualified vendors could bid. The government may have justified this approach by citing specific needs or efficiencies, but it warrants scrutiny to ensure that the final price reflects fair market value and that the exclusion criteria were objective and necessary.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of the HHS TIBERIUS Data Platform?

The provided contract data does not specify the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the HHS TIBERIUS Data Platform. Typically, for such data platforms, KPIs would focus on aspects like data accuracy, data availability (uptime), data processing speed, system performance (e.g., query response times), user satisfaction, and the successful integration of diverse data sources. For a COVID-19 related platform, KPIs might also include the timeliness and accuracy of reporting critical public health metrics. Effective oversight would require clearly defined and measurable KPIs within the contract's Performance Work Statement (PWS) to ensure the platform meets its intended objectives and delivers value for the $31.7 million investment.

Can the $31.7 million contract value be benchmarked against similar federal contracts for data platforms?

Benchmarking the $31.7 million contract value requires comparing it to similar federal contracts for data platforms, considering factors like scope, complexity, duration, and specific functionalities. The NAICS code 541519 ('Other Computer Related Services') is broad, making direct comparisons difficult without more specific service details. However, federal agencies frequently procure data warehousing, analytics, and health informatics solutions. Awards for large-scale data platforms can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars over several years. The value of this contract, $31.7 million over approximately one year, suggests a substantial project. To provide a precise benchmark, one would need to identify contracts with comparable objectives (e.g., public health data management, pandemic response) and similar service categories awarded within the last 1-3 years.

What is the track record of I3 Federal LLC in delivering large-scale IT projects, particularly for health-related agencies?

Information regarding the specific track record of I3 Federal LLC in delivering large-scale IT projects, especially for health-related agencies, is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing their past performance on federal contracts, including client satisfaction CPARS ratings, project completion history, and any past performance issues or awards. Examining their portfolio for similar data platform or health informatics projects would be crucial. Without this external performance data, it's difficult to definitively assess their capability to successfully execute this $31.7 million contract for the HHS TIBERIUS Data Platform. Further due diligence would involve searching federal procurement databases and performance review systems.

What are the potential risks associated with a contract awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources'?

Contracts awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' carry specific risks. Primarily, the exclusion of potential bidders, even if justified, can limit the diversity of solutions and innovations considered, potentially leading to a less optimal outcome. It may also result in higher prices due to reduced competitive pressure compared to a truly open competition. There's a risk that the justification for exclusion might be perceived as arbitrary or lacking transparency, potentially leading to protests or questions about fairness. Furthermore, if the excluded sources possessed unique capabilities or offered significant cost advantages, taxpayers might not be receiving the best possible value. Ensuring the exclusion criteria were robust, objective, and clearly documented is critical to mitigating these risks.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - PLATFORM

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 200460

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 12030 HENDERSON RD, CLIFTON, VA, 20124

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $63,381,381

Exercised Options: $31,690,690

Current Obligation: $31,690,690

Actual Outlays: $31,690,690

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: NNG15SD31B

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline