HHS awards $7.2M for data systems and analysis support, with a 4-year duration

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,197,482 ($7.2M)

Contractor: Walter R Mcdonald & Associates, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2022-09-25

End Date: 2026-09-25

Contract Duration: 1,461 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: HAB86 C 3819 - DATA SYSTEMS AND ANALYSIS SUPPORT (DSAS) THE PURPOSE OF THIS IDIQ REQUIREMENT IS TO PROVIDE A CONTRACTING MECHANISM TO FACILITATE THE PRODUCTION OF FOCUSED, HIGH-PRIORITY, EVALUATION ACTIVITIES IN SUPPORT OF BUREAUS AND OFFICES WITHIN

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22201

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $7.2 million to WALTER R MCDONALD & ASSOCIATES, INC. for work described as: HAB86 C 3819 - DATA SYSTEMS AND ANALYSIS SUPPORT (DSAS) THE PURPOSE OF THIS IDIQ REQUIREMENT IS TO PROVIDE A CONTRACTING MECHANISM TO FACILITATE THE PRODUCTION OF FOCUSED, HIGH-PRIORITY, EVALUATION ACTIVITIES IN SUPPORT OF BUREAUS AND OFFICES WITHIN Key points: 1. Contract provides critical evaluation activities for HHS bureaus and offices. 2. The contract is structured as an IDIQ, allowing for multiple delivery orders. 3. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs and provide predictable spending. 4. The awardee has a history of supporting government contracts. 5. The contract duration of 4 years suggests a need for sustained support. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code indicates consulting services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $7.2 million over four years appears reasonable for specialized data systems and analysis support. Benchmarking against similar IDIQ contracts for administrative and management consulting services would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm-fixed-price structure suggests 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

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. This competitive process is expected to yield fair market pricing and a range of qualified bidders. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the open competition is a positive indicator for price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages innovation from multiple vendors.

Public Impact

HHS bureaus and offices will benefit from enhanced evaluation capabilities. The contract supports the production of focused, high-priority evaluation activities. Improved data analysis can lead to better-informed decision-making within the agency. The services delivered are crucial for program effectiveness and accountability. The contract is administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if delivery orders are not tightly managed.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical evaluation activities could pose a risk if performance falters.

Positive Signals

The IDIQ structure allows for flexibility in addressing evolving needs.
Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty.
Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services sector, a broad category encompassing a wide range of advisory and support functions for government agencies. The market for these services is competitive, with numerous firms offering expertise in data analysis, program evaluation, and strategic planning. Spending in this sector is often driven by the need for specialized skills and objective assessments to improve agency operations and program outcomes.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are participating in the subcontracting chain. The absence of a specific small business set-aside suggests that the primary competition was likely among larger, established firms.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program office within the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The IDIQ structure necessitates careful management of individual delivery orders to ensure they align with the contract's scope and objectives. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases, and any specific oversight mechanisms or Inspector General involvement would depend on the nature of the evaluation activities performed.

Related Government Programs

HHS Program Evaluation Services
Government Management Consulting Contracts
Data Analysis Support Services
Health Information Technology Support

Risk Flags

Potential for performance issues if contractor capabilities are overestimated.
Risk of underutilization or over-reliance on the IDIQ vehicle.
Need for vigilant oversight to prevent scope creep in delivery orders.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $7.2 million to WALTER R MCDONALD & ASSOCIATES, INC.. HAB86 C 3819 - DATA SYSTEMS AND ANALYSIS SUPPORT (DSAS) THE PURPOSE OF THIS IDIQ REQUIREMENT IS TO PROVIDE A CONTRACTING MECHANISM TO FACILITATE THE PRODUCTION OF FOCUSED, HIGH-PRIORITY, EVALUATION ACTIVITIES IN SUPPORT OF BUREAUS AND OFFICES WITHIN

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WALTER R MCDONALD & ASSOCIATES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Health Resources and Services Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $7.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-09-25. End: 2026-09-25.

What is the track record of WALTER R MCDONALD & ASSOCIATES, INC. with federal contracts, particularly within the Department of Health and Human Services?

WALTER R MCDONALD & ASSOCIATES, INC. has a history of performing federal contracts, as indicated by their involvement in this IDIQ. To fully assess their track record, a deeper dive into their past performance on similar contracts, especially those with HHS or HRSA, would be beneficial. This would include examining past performance evaluations, any awards or penalties, and their experience with firm-fixed-price IDIQ vehicles. Understanding their historical success in delivering data systems and analysis support is crucial for gauging their capability to meet the requirements of this new contract effectively and efficiently.

How does the $7.2 million contract value compare to similar data systems and analysis support contracts awarded by HHS or other federal agencies?

The $7.2 million contract value over a 4-year period (approximately $1.8 million per year) for data systems and analysis support appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized government consulting services. However, a precise comparison requires benchmarking against contracts with similar scope, complexity, and duration, particularly those awarded under the same NAICS code (541611). Factors such as the specific deliverables, the level of expertise required, and the competitive landscape influence pricing. Without access to a detailed breakdown of services and a broader market analysis of comparable contracts, it is difficult to definitively assess if this represents exceptional value for money.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Primary risks for this IDIQ contract include potential scope creep in individual delivery orders, contractor performance issues, and the possibility of cost overruns if not managed tightly, despite the firm-fixed-price structure. A key risk is also the reliance on a single awardee for critical evaluation activities. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust oversight by the contracting officer and program managers, clear definition of tasks within each delivery order, performance monitoring, and adherence to the IDIQ's terms and conditions. The full and open competition process itself acts as a risk mitigation by selecting a presumably capable contractor.

How effective is the IDIQ contract vehicle for ensuring timely and efficient delivery of data systems and analysis support?

The IDIQ (Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity) contract vehicle is designed to provide flexibility and efficiency for recurring needs over a period of time. For data systems and analysis support, it allows the agency to order services as needed, without the lengthy procurement process for each individual requirement. This can lead to faster delivery of critical support. However, the effectiveness hinges on the agency's ability to accurately forecast its needs and issue well-defined delivery orders. Poorly managed IDIQs can lead to inefficiencies or underutilization of the contract ceiling.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar data systems and analysis support services within HHS or HRSA?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for similar data systems and analysis support services within HHS or HRSA is crucial for understanding budget allocation and identifying trends. Without specific historical data for this contract or category, it's challenging to provide precise figures. However, agencies like HHS consistently invest in data analysis and evaluation to monitor program effectiveness, ensure compliance, and inform policy decisions. Spending in this area can fluctuate based on agency priorities, legislative mandates, and the availability of funding. A review of previous HHS budgets and contract awards for management and consulting services would reveal patterns.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting 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: 75R60222Q00267

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2111 WILSON BLVD STE 748, ARLINGTON, VA, 22201

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: $7,197,482

Exercised Options: $7,197,482

Current Obligation: $7,197,482

Actual Outlays: $5,611,977

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75R60219D00022

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline