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

Contract Overview

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

Contractor: Whitton J Lindsay

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: Other

Official Description: HSB114 C 7172. VACCINE INJURY COMPENSATION PROGRAM (VICP) / COUNTERMEASURES INJURY COMPENSATION PROGRAM (CICP).

Place of Performance

Location: SAN DIEGO, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92122

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $24,375 to WHITTON J LINDSAY for work described as: HSB114 C 7172. VACCINE INJURY COMPENSATION PROGRAM (VICP) / COUNTERMEASURES INJURY COMPENSATION PROGRAM (CICP). Key points: 1. Contract provides essential administrative support for critical public health programs. 2. Competition was robust, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Contract duration extends into 2027, indicating long-term need. 4. Services align with management consulting standards for government operations. 5. Geographic focus on California for administrative support. 6. Firm fixed-price contract type offers cost certainty.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $24.4 million over its period of performance appears reasonable for administrative management and general management consulting services supporting complex federal programs like VICP/CICP. Benchmarking against similar contracts for administrative support to health agencies would provide a more precise value assessment. The firm fixed-price structure helps control costs for the government, but the specific pricing details and profit margins are not publicly available for direct comparison.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a full and open competition process for awards below certain thresholds. The data shows 145 offers were received, demonstrating a high level of interest and a competitive marketplace for these services. This broad participation suggests that the government received a wide range of proposals, likely leading to a more favorable price and quality outcome for the agency.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive process with numerous bidders generally benefits taxpayers by driving down prices and encouraging innovation, ensuring the government secures services at the best possible value.

Public Impact

Beneficiaries include individuals seeking compensation for vaccine-related injuries through the VICP and CICP. Services delivered will ensure the efficient and effective administration of these vital compensation programs. Geographic impact is national, as the programs serve individuals across the United States, though administrative support is based in California. Workforce implications include the potential for employment within the contractor's firm, likely in administrative and management roles.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for contractor lock-in if performance is satisfactory and renewal is pursued.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical administrative functions could pose a risk if performance degrades.

Positive Signals

High number of offers (145) indicates a healthy and competitive market for these services.
Firm fixed-price contract type provides budget predictability and cost control.
Contract supports important public health initiatives, aligning with government mission objectives.

Sector Analysis

The administrative management and general management consulting services sector is a significant part of the federal contracting landscape, supporting a wide array of government functions. This contract falls within the broader professional services category, which is essential for the efficient operation of agencies like HHS. Spending in this area is often driven by the need for specialized expertise in program management, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency, particularly for complex programs such as those administered by HRSA.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates this contract was competed under SAP and does not specify any small business set-aside. While the contractor's size is not detailed, the high number of offers suggests that small businesses may have participated in the competition. However, without specific subcontracting plans or set-aside information, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is unclear, though larger contracts often include subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically reside with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and its Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Mechanisms likely include contract performance reviews, regular reporting requirements from the contractor, and potentially oversight from HHS's Office of Inspector General (OIG) if performance issues or financial irregularities arise. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance metrics are not always public.

Related Government Programs

Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP)
Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP)
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Operations
Federal Administrative Support Services
Management and Consulting Services

Risk Flags

Potential for performance issues impacting critical health programs.
Contract value may require further benchmarking for precise value-for-money assessment.
Unusual 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation for a contract of this value warrants clarification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

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

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WHITTON J LINDSAY.

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 track record of the contractor, WHITTON J LINDSAY, with federal contracts, particularly within HHS?

Information regarding the specific track record of WHITTON J LINDSAY with federal contracts, especially within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, contract history, and any reported issues or successes on previous government engagements. Understanding their experience with similar administrative or consulting services for health-related programs would be crucial for evaluating their capability to fulfill this contract effectively. Further research into federal procurement databases like SAM.gov or FPDS would be necessary to ascertain their performance history and suitability.

How does the awarded value compare to similar administrative management contracts within HHS or other health-focused agencies?

The awarded value of $24.4 million for administrative management and general management consulting services supporting the VICP/CICP needs to be benchmarked against comparable contracts. Without specific data on the scope, duration, and complexity of other similar contracts, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the critical nature of the VICP and CICP, the allocated funds appear to be for substantial administrative support. A detailed analysis would involve identifying contracts with similar NAICS codes (541611) and service descriptions within HHS or agencies like CMS or CDC, and then comparing their total values, annual spending, and per-unit costs if available.

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

Primary risks for this contract could include potential performance issues by the contractor, such as delays in processing claims or administrative errors, which could impact the efficiency of the VICP/CICP. Another risk is the potential for cost overruns if the firm fixed-price contract does not adequately account for unforeseen complexities, though this is mitigated by the fixed-price nature. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust contract oversight by HRSA, clear performance standards and deliverables outlined in the contract, and regular performance reviews. The high number of bidders also suggests a competitive environment that incentivizes good performance to secure future work.

How effective is the administrative support provided by this contract in ensuring the smooth operation of the VICP and CICP?

The effectiveness of the administrative support provided by this contract in ensuring the smooth operation of the VICP and CICP can be assessed by monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) related to claims processing times, accuracy rates, and overall program efficiency. While the contract award itself signifies a need for this support, its ultimate effectiveness hinges on the contractor's execution and HRSA's oversight. Data on program throughput, backlogs, and claimant satisfaction would provide insights into how well the administrative functions are contributing to the programs' goals. Continuous monitoring and feedback loops are essential for ensuring effectiveness.

What are the historical spending patterns for administrative support related to the VICP and CICP?

Historical spending patterns for administrative support related to the VICP and CICP are not provided in the current data. To understand these patterns, one would need to examine past contract awards and expenditures for these specific programs or for similar administrative functions within HRSA. Analyzing trends in spending over previous fiscal years would reveal whether this $24.4 million award represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of investment in administrative support. Such analysis is crucial for budget planning and identifying potential efficiencies or escalating costs over time.

What is the significance of the contract being 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' for the value received by the government?

The designation 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' (Simplified Acquisition Procedures) signifies that the contract was awarded through a streamlined process for purchases below certain dollar thresholds (typically $250,000, though this can vary). For a contract valued at $24.4 million, this designation is unusual and might indicate a series of task orders or a specific contracting vehicle that falls under SAP for individual procurements, or it could be an error in the data provided. Typically, contracts of this magnitude would undergo more formal competitive procedures. If truly competed under SAP, it implies a less extensive solicitation and evaluation process, which could potentially limit the breadth of competition compared to full and open procedures, though the data indicates 145 offers, suggesting robust interest.

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: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 145

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4145 COMBE WAY, SAN DIEGO, CA, 92122

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: 75R60222A00040

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline