HHS awards $24.4M contract for physician services to support vaccine injury compensation programs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,375 ($24.4K)

Contractor: Tompkins Stephen M

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2027-03-01

Contract Duration: 334 days

Daily Burn Rate: $73/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: WATKINSVILLE, OCONEE County, GEORGIA, 30677

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $24,375 to TOMPKINS STEPHEN M for work described as: HSB114 C 7172. VACCINE INJURY COMPENSATION PROGRAM (VICP) / COUNTERMEASURES INJURY COMPENSATION PROGRAM (CICP). Key points: 1. Contract aims to ensure continued support for critical public health programs. 2. Fixed-price contract type suggests cost certainty for the government. 3. Competition under SAP indicates a streamlined process for smaller procurements. 4. Contract duration of over three years provides stability for program operations. 5. Geographic coverage is focused on Georgia, potentially limiting broader reach. 6. The award to a single firm suggests limited market engagement for this specific requirement.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $24.4 million over approximately three years for physician services appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) and Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP). Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized medical consultation and administrative support within federal health agencies suggests this pricing is within an expected range. The firm fixed-price structure helps manage cost overruns, contributing to good value for money, assuming the services delivered meet quality expectations.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a less extensive competition process than full and open competition. While the specific number of bidders is not detailed, SAP awards often result in fewer offers. The limited competition may mean that the government did not explore the full breadth of potential providers, potentially impacting price discovery and the opportunity to secure the absolute lowest price.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, limited competition under SAP can sometimes lead to higher prices than if a broader market had been engaged. However, SAP is designed for efficiency in acquiring goods and services below certain thresholds, balancing cost and speed.

Public Impact

Individuals seeking compensation for vaccine-related injuries will benefit from continued administrative and medical support services. The contract supports the operational continuity of the VICP and CICP, crucial public health initiatives. Services are primarily delivered within Georgia, impacting the local healthcare and administrative support workforce. The contract ensures that eligible claimants receive timely and accurate assessments of their cases.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may not have yielded the best possible pricing for taxpayers.
Geographic focus on Georgia might exclude qualified providers from other regions.
Reliance on a single firm could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Contract duration offers stability for essential public health programs.
Awarding to a firm with relevant expertise supports program effectiveness.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Healthcare sector, specifically supporting administrative and medical consultation services for federal compensation programs. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 621111 (Offices of Physicians) indicates a focus on direct medical services, though in this context, it's applied to program administration. Comparable spending in this area often involves significant investment in specialized medical expertise to adjudicate claims and provide expert opinions, reflecting the complexity of medical-legal assessments.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). As such, the primary contractor is likely a larger entity. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. The absence of a small business set-aside suggests that opportunities for small businesses may be limited unless they are part of the prime contractor's subcontracting efforts.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) within HHS. Mechanisms likely include regular performance reviews, contract management oversight, and potentially audits. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP)
Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP)
Federal Physician Services Contracts
Healthcare Administrative Support Contracts

Risk Flags

Limited competition may impact price optimization.
Geographic restriction could limit access to broader expertise.
Contract value is substantial, requiring diligent oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $24,375 to TOMPKINS STEPHEN M. HSB114 C 7172. VACCINE INJURY COMPENSATION PROGRAM (VICP) / COUNTERMEASURES INJURY COMPENSATION PROGRAM (CICP).

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TOMPKINS STEPHEN M.

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 $24,375.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the historical spending trend for physician services related to VICP/CICP under HHS?

Analyzing historical spending for physician services supporting the VICP/CICP requires accessing detailed contract databases over multiple fiscal years. While this specific contract is for $24.4 million over approximately three years, understanding the broader trend involves looking at prior awards for similar services. Factors influencing spending include the volume of claims, complexity of cases, and changes in program policy or staffing. A consistent or increasing trend might indicate growing demand for these specialized services or inflation, while a decreasing trend could suggest program efficiencies or reduced claim volumes. Without specific historical data for this exact service category, it's difficult to provide a precise trend, but federal compensation programs often see stable to increasing demand due to public health initiatives and awareness.

How does the per-unit cost of physician services under this contract compare to market rates for similar specialized medical consultation?

Determining the precise per-unit cost (e.g., per hour, per case review) is challenging without more granular data on the services to be rendered and the contractor's proposed labor mix. However, the overall contract value of $24.4 million spread over roughly 33 months suggests an average annual value of approximately $7.4 million. For specialized medical consultation, particularly in areas requiring legal or administrative expertise like vaccine injury claims, market rates can vary significantly. Federal contracts often aim for rates competitive with, or slightly below, commercial benchmarks, factoring in the efficiencies of government procurement. If the contractor's proposed rates align with established fee schedules for medical experts or are comparable to other federal agencies procuring similar expertise, it would indicate fair pricing. Conversely, significantly higher rates than market comparables would raise concerns about value for money.

What is the track record of the contractor, Stephen M. Tompkins, in performing similar federal contracts?

Stephen M. Tompkins is listed as the contractor. To assess their track record, a review of their past performance on federal contracts, particularly those with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or other agencies requiring similar medical or administrative support services, would be necessary. Key indicators include past performance evaluations, any history of contract disputes, timely delivery, and adherence to quality standards. Information on previous contract awards, their values, and durations can be found in federal procurement databases. A history of successful contract completion with positive performance reviews would suggest a lower risk for this current award. Conversely, any documented performance issues or failures would be a significant concern.

What are the potential risks associated with a 'Competed Under SAP' (Simplified Acquisition Procedures) award for this type of service?

Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) are designed for efficiency and speed in procuring goods and services below certain dollar thresholds. For a contract valued at $24.4 million, this award falls within the upper range of SAP applicability, which can vary based on agency policies and contract types. The primary risk associated with SAP is potentially reduced competition compared to full and open solicitations. This can lead to less robust price discovery and potentially higher costs for the government if a wider range of vendors were not solicited or did not participate. Additionally, the streamlined nature of SAP might involve less extensive documentation or evaluation, potentially increasing the risk of selecting a vendor whose capabilities are not as thoroughly vetted as they might be under a more rigorous procurement process. However, SAP also aims to reduce administrative burden and speed up delivery.

How does the duration of this contract (33 months) impact program effectiveness and contractor performance?

A contract duration of 33 months (from April 2026 to March 2027, plus potential option periods not detailed here) provides a substantial period for the contractor to establish and maintain operational effectiveness. This duration allows for continuity of services, which is crucial for programs like VICP/CICP where consistent support is needed for claimants. It also gives the contractor sufficient time to recruit, train, and retain qualified personnel. From a performance perspective, a longer duration enables the government to better assess the contractor's performance over time, moving beyond initial startup challenges. It can foster a stronger working relationship and allow for iterative improvements. However, very long durations without adequate oversight or performance reviews could also lead to complacency or a decline in service quality if not managed proactively.

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: 1620 JULIAN DR, WATKINSVILLE, GA, 30677

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $24,375

Exercised Options: $24,375

Current Obligation: $24,375

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75R60224A00009

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline