HHS Awards $9.37M for Vaccine Injury Compensation Program Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $9,375 ($9.4K)
Contractor: Fife Kenneth H MD
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2026-04-13
End Date: 2027-03-12
Contract Duration: 333 days
Daily Burn Rate: $28/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 145
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Healthcare
Official Description: HSB114 C 7172. VACCINE INJURY COMPENSATION PROGRAM (VICP) / COUNTERMEASURES INJURY COMPENSATION PROGRAM (CICP).
Place of Performance
Location: NOVATO, MARIN County, CALIFORNIA, 94947
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $9,375 to FIFE KENNETH H MD for work described as: HSB114 C 7172. VACCINE INJURY COMPENSATION PROGRAM (VICP) / COUNTERMEASURES INJURY COMPENSATION PROGRAM (CICP). Key points: 1. The contract supports critical public health programs for vaccine injury compensation. 2. Competition was utilized under SAP, suggesting a potentially efficient procurement process. 3. The fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks. 4. The sector is healthcare, specifically related to public health services and compensation.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The award amount of $9.37M for a 333-day duration appears reasonable for specialized medical services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for physician services in public health programs would provide further context.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), indicating a limited competition approach. While this can be efficient for smaller procurements, it may not always yield the lowest price compared to full and open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: The spending supports essential public health functions, ensuring timely compensation for vaccine injuries, which is a necessary government service.
Public Impact
Ensures continued operation of vital compensation programs for vaccine injuries. Supports public trust in vaccine safety by providing a recourse mechanism. Maintains access to specialized medical expertise for injury assessments.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition under SAP may not guarantee the best value.
- Contract duration is relatively short, potentially requiring future re-competition.
Positive Signals
- Firm Fixed Price contract type controls costs.
- Supports essential public health services.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the healthcare sector, specifically supporting administrative and medical services for public health programs. Spending benchmarks for physician services under government contracts vary widely based on specialization and location.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this procurement. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is responsible for this contract. Standard oversight mechanisms for federal contracts would apply, including performance monitoring and financial accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists)
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- Health Resources and Services Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Potential for future re-competition due to short contract duration
- Reliance on specialized medical expertise
Tags
offices-of-physicians-except-mental-heal, department-of-health-and-human-services, ca, bpa-call, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $9,375 to FIFE KENNETH H MD. HSB114 C 7172. VACCINE INJURY COMPENSATION PROGRAM (VICP) / COUNTERMEASURES INJURY COMPENSATION PROGRAM (CICP).
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is FIFE KENNETH H MD.
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 $9,375.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-13. End: 2027-03-12.
What is the specific nature of the physician services required and how do they align with the program's needs?
The services are categorized under 'Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists)' (NAICS 621111). This suggests the need for general medical expertise to evaluate and process claims related to vaccine injuries. The specific tasks likely involve reviewing medical records, conducting independent medical examinations, and providing expert opinions to the VICP/CICP.
What are the potential risks associated with limited competition under SAP for these critical services?
Limited competition under SAP, while efficient, carries the risk of not achieving the most advantageous pricing or the best possible technical solution. There's a possibility that a broader competition could have yielded more qualified offerors or lower costs. However, for specialized services or urgent needs, SAP can be appropriate.
How effectively does the firm fixed price contract type manage the financial risks for the government in this context?
The Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract type is highly effective in managing financial risk for the government. It shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor, ensuring the government pays the agreed-upon price regardless of the contractor's actual costs. This provides budget certainty for the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Offices of Physicians › Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists)
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Offers Received: 145
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 61 SANDY CREEK WAY, NOVATO, CA, 94947
Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $9,375
Exercised Options: $9,375
Current Obligation: $9,375
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 75R60221A00087
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-13
Current End Date: 2027-03-12
Potential End Date: 2027-03-12 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-10
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