HHS awards $16.9M contract for laboratory support services to General Dynamics Information Technology
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $16,946,916 ($16.9M)
Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2008-09-19
End Date: 2013-09-18
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: LABORATORY SUPPORT SERVICES TO DIVISION OF SELECT AGENTS&TOXINS (DSAT)
Place of Performance
Location: ATLANTA, DEKALB County, GEORGIA, 30329, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
State: Georgia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $16.9 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: LABORATORY SUPPORT SERVICES TO DIVISION OF SELECT AGENTS&TOXINS (DSAT) Key points: 1. Contract awarded to General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. for laboratory support. 2. The contract value is $16.9 million over a 5-year period. 3. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541690 (Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services). 4. The contract was awarded under full and open competition. 5. The contract type is Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF).
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $16.9 million over five years appears reasonable for specialized laboratory support services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for scientific and technical consulting services would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust process for price discovery and selection of the most advantageous offer. This method generally leads to competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition aims to secure the best value for taxpayers by encouraging multiple bidders to offer competitive prices.
Public Impact
Ensures continuity of critical laboratory support for the Division of Select Agents & Toxins (DSAT). Supports public health initiatives by maintaining the operational readiness of key scientific divisions. Provides essential services for the safe handling and analysis of biological agents and toxins.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) can sometimes lead to higher costs if not carefully managed and monitored.
- The specific performance metrics and award fee structure are not detailed, making it difficult to assess potential cost efficiencies.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process.
- Long-term contract (5 years) provides stability for essential services.
- General Dynamics Information Technology is a large, established contractor with relevant experience.
Sector Analysis
The contract falls under Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on the complexity and criticality of the services required, with specialized laboratory support often commanding higher costs.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates the award went to General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc., a large business. There is no explicit indication of small business participation in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a major agency within HHS. Oversight would involve monitoring contractor performance against the Cost Plus Award Fee structure and ensuring compliance with all terms.
Related Government Programs
- Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns inherent in Cost Plus Award Fee contracts.
- Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to fully assess value for money.
- Reliance on a single large contractor for critical support services.
- The specific nature of 'select agents and toxins' implies high-risk operations requiring stringent safety and security protocols.
Tags
other-scientific-and-technical-consultin, department-of-health-and-human-services, ga, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $16.9 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. LABORATORY SUPPORT SERVICES TO DIVISION OF SELECT AGENTS&TOXINS (DSAT)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC..
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: 2008-09-19. End: 2013-09-18.
What specific laboratory support functions are included under this contract, and how do they align with DSAT's mission?
The contract covers laboratory support services for the Division of Select Agents & Toxins (DSAT). This likely includes a range of activities such as sample processing, testing, data analysis, equipment maintenance, and potentially specialized biological handling procedures. These services are crucial for DSAT's mission of regulating and monitoring agents and toxins that pose a threat to public health and national security.
How does the Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) structure incentivize performance and cost control for General Dynamics?
The CPAF structure allows the contractor to recover allowable costs plus a base fee, with the potential for an award fee based on performance exceeding specified requirements. This incentivizes General Dynamics to perform well and potentially exceed expectations to earn the award fee. However, effective oversight is critical to ensure that cost control remains a priority alongside performance.
What is the potential impact on public health if these laboratory support services are disrupted?
Disruption of these laboratory support services could significantly impact public health. DSAT plays a vital role in regulating and monitoring dangerous biological agents and toxins. Any interruption could delay critical research, compromise safety protocols, hinder disease surveillance, and potentially impede responses to public health emergencies involving select agents.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
Product/Service Code: QUALITY CONTROL, TEST, INSPECTION › INSPECTION SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: 2008N10233
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Sterling Parent Inc. (UEI: 968838909)
Address: 4300 FAIR LAKES CT, FAIRFAX, VA, 22033
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $68,403,219
Exercised Options: $37,945,587
Current Obligation: $16,946,916
Timeline
Start Date: 2008-09-19
Current End Date: 2013-09-18
Potential End Date: 2013-09-18 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2015-11-24
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