HHS Awards $16.9M for Custom Computer Programming to Northrop Grumman
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $16,945,679 ($16.9M)
Contractor: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2008-10-30
End Date: 2009-11-21
Contract Duration: 387 days
Daily Burn Rate: $43.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: IT
Official Description: CITS SPT DHA
Place of Performance
Location: ATLANTA, DEKALB County, GEORGIA, 30329
State: Georgia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $16.9 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION for work described as: CITS SPT DHA Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $16.9 million. 2. Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation is the sole awardee. 3. Contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, potentially leading to cost overruns. 4. Services fall under Custom Computer Programming, a common IT sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can be less price-efficient than fixed-price contracts, especially if scope creep occurs. Benchmarking against similar custom programming contracts is difficult without more detailed scope information.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the specific award mechanism (Delivery Order) and contract type (CPFF) warrant scrutiny for price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are utilized for custom computer programming services. The CPFF structure requires careful monitoring to ensure cost efficiency and prevent unnecessary expenditure.
Public Impact
Public health initiatives may be supported by these custom programming services. The contract's duration and value indicate a substantial project impacting CDC's IT capabilities. Transparency in how the funds are utilized for specific programming tasks is crucial for public trust.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data
- Potential for scope creep with custom programming
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition
- Supports critical public health agency (CDC)
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically custom computer programming services. Spending in this area is substantial across government, with benchmarks varying widely based on complexity and duration.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific set-aside for small businesses. Large prime contractors like Northrop Grumman often utilize subcontractors, but the primary awardee is a large business.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is critical for Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts to ensure costs are reasonable and allocable. The Department of Health and Human Services and the CDC are responsible for monitoring performance and expenditures.
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
- Potential for cost overruns
- Limited detail on specific services and deliverables
- Reliance on a single large contractor
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 $16.9 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION. CITS SPT DHA
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 $16.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2008-10-30. End: 2009-11-21.
What specific custom computer programming services were delivered, and how did they align with the CDC's mission objectives?
The provided data lacks specifics on the exact programming services rendered. To assess value, a detailed review of project deliverables, technical documentation, and alignment with CDC's strategic goals would be necessary. This would clarify if the $16.9 million investment directly contributed to enhanced public health capabilities or operational efficiencies.
What mechanisms were in place to control costs and prevent overruns under the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure?
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts inherently carry a risk of cost escalation. Effective oversight would involve rigorous auditing of direct costs, clear definitions of indirect costs, and robust negotiation of the fixed fee. The agency's internal controls and auditing procedures are key to mitigating financial risks associated with this contract type.
How effectively did the competitive bidding process ensure the best value for taxpayer dollars in this full and open competition?
While full and open competition suggests a broad solicitation, the ultimate value depends on the evaluation criteria and the rigor of the proposal review. Assessing effectiveness requires examining the number of bids received, the technical and cost proposals submitted, and the justification for selecting Northrop Grumman. A thorough post-award review could confirm if the chosen solution represented the optimal balance of cost and technical merit.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Custom Computer Programming Services
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: 2000N00120
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: $18,900,234
Exercised Options: $18,900,234
Current Obligation: $16,945,679
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HHSD200200403409I
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2008-10-30
Current End Date: 2009-11-21
Potential End Date: 2009-11-21 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-12-22
More Contracts from Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
- 200506!000026!5700!fa8214!oo-Alc/Pkme/Lmke !F4261098C0001 !A!N! !Y! !p01502!20041213!20050701!001563738!004179453!016435559!n!northrop Grumman Space & Missi!888 S 2000 E !clearfield !ut!84015!13850!011!49!clearfield !davis !utah !-000001960000!n!n!000000000000!l014!tech REP Svcs/Guided Missiles !A2 !missile and Space Systems !302 !minuteman III GRP !541330!E! !3! ! !C! ! !20200930!B! ! !A! !a!n!l!2!002!b! !Z!Y!Z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! ! ! ! !0001! ! — $10.0B (Department of Defense)
- E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Aircraft (FRP-7) — $8.5B (Department of Defense)
- E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Aircraft (FRP-2) — $5.4B (Department of Defense)
- First DDT and E, Ares I-X, and Flight Tests. First Stage Will BE a Five Segment, Solid Rocket Booster Derived From the Space Shuttle Program (SSP) Solid Rocket Booster (srb)/Reusable Solid Rocket Motor (rsrm). the Contractor Shall Furnish the Necessary Management, Engineering, Labor, Facilities, Tools, Equipment, and Materials Required for First Stage Development, Qualification, Certification and Acceptance Program. Activities Include: Redesign and Testing of the Motor to Incorporate the Fifth Segment and Production of Five Full Scale Ground Static Test Motors: TWO Development Motors (dms)-And Three Qualification Motors (QMS); Structural Test Article (STA), Ground Vibration Test Motors (gvtms) and Other Development Testing; Redesign of the Avionics, Deceleration, Separation, and Flight Termination System (FTS) Subsystems; Ares I-X: Simulated Ares I Outer Mold Line/Mass Properties Using Modified Srb/Rsrm; and Three Flight Test Vehicles. TAS::80 0124::TAS — $4.4B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Federal Contract — $4.4B (Department of Defense)
View all Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation federal contracts →
Other Department of Health and Human Services Contracts
- Contact Center Operations (CCO) — $5.5B (Maximus Federal Services, Inc.)
- TAS::75 0849::TAS Oper of Govt R&D Goco Facilities — $4.8B (Leidos Biomedical Research Inc)
- THE Purpose of This Contract IS to Provide the Full Complement of Services Necessary to Care for UC in ORR Custody Including Facilities Set-Up, Maintenance, and Support Internal and Perimeter (IF Applicable) Security, Direct Care and Supervision Inc — $3.5B (Rapid Deployment Inc)
- Contact Center Operations — $2.6B (Maximus Federal Services, Inc.)
- Federal Contract — $2.4B (Leidos Biomedical Research Inc)
View all Department of Health and Human Services contracts →