HHS awards $19.8M for Custom Computer Programming Services to Northrop Grumman under full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,808,956 ($19.8M)

Contractor: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2004-07-01

End Date: 2008-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,552 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: IT

Official Description: MULTIPLE CONTRACT TYPES

Place of Performance

Location: ATLANTA, DEKALB County, GEORGIA, 30329

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $19.8 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION for work described as: MULTIPLE CONTRACT TYPES Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $19.8 million awarded. 2. Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation is the sole awardee. 3. Contract falls under Custom Computer Programming Services (NAICS 541511). 4. Awarded via Delivery Order under multiple contract types.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking is difficult without specific task details, but the overall value suggests a substantial project.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. However, it was a Delivery Order, suggesting it might be part of a larger, pre-existing contract vehicle.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds were used in a competitive process, aiming for best value. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires diligent oversight to ensure cost efficiency.

Public Impact

Supports critical public health functions through IT services. Award to a major defense and aerospace contractor highlights IT capabilities. Long contract duration (over 4 years) suggests ongoing service needs.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher costs.
  • Delivery Order structure may obscure true total contract value.
  • Lack of specific performance metrics makes value assessment difficult.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded through full and open competition.
  • Contract supports essential government functions.
  • Awardee is a well-established corporation.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically custom computer programming. Spending in this area is substantial across government, with benchmarks varying widely based on service complexity and duration.

Small Business Impact

The awardee, Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, is a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award, which is common for large prime contracts.

Oversight & Accountability

The use of a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type necessitates robust oversight from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to manage costs and ensure performance aligns with objectives.

Related Government Programs

  • Custom Computer Programming Services
  • Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Programs

Risk Flags

  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
  • Delivery Order awarded.
  • Lack of detailed performance metrics.
  • Potential for cost overruns.

Tags

custom-computer-programming-services, department-of-health-and-human-services, ga, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $19.8 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION. MULTIPLE CONTRACT TYPES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $19.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2004-07-01. End: 2008-09-30.

What specific programming services were rendered, and how did they contribute to the CDC's mission?

The contract was for Custom Computer Programming Services (NAICS 541511). While specific details are not provided, such services typically involve developing, testing, and maintaining software applications. These could range from data management systems for public health surveillance to internal operational software, directly supporting the CDC's mission of protecting public health through disease control and prevention.

What were the key factors considered during the full and open competition that led to this award?

During a full and open competition, agencies evaluate proposals based on criteria outlined in the solicitation. For custom computer programming, these typically include technical approach, past performance, management capability, and price. The agency would have assessed which offer, including Northrop Grumman's, best met these requirements to achieve the government's objectives for the project.

How effectively was the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure managed to ensure taxpayer value?

The effectiveness of Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) management hinges on stringent oversight. The CDC would need to closely monitor incurred costs, ensure they are reasonable and allocable, and verify that the fixed fee accurately reflects the contractor's effort and risk. Without detailed performance and cost reports, it's difficult to definitively assess the value achieved, but CPFF contracts inherently carry a higher risk of cost overruns if not meticulously managed.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesComputer Systems Design and Related ServicesCustom Computer Programming Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Northrop Grumman Corporation

Address: 12011 SUNSET HILLS RD, RESTON, VA, 20190

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $444,979,505

Exercised Options: $422,238,557

Current Obligation: $19,808,956

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HHSD200200403409I

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2004-07-01

Current End Date: 2008-09-30

Potential End Date: 2008-09-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2023-01-11

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