HHS FDA Awards $13.15M for ICT21 & ELMS Conflict-Free Support to MITRE Corp

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,152,143 ($13.2M)

Contractor: THE Mitre Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2008-08-31

End Date: 2012-06-12

Contract Duration: 1,381 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: IT

Official Description: ICT21 AND ELMS CONFLICT-FREE SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: MC LEAN, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22102

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $13.2 million to THE MITRE CORPORATION for work described as: ICT21 AND ELMS CONFLICT-FREE SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single, well-known entity (MITRE Corp.). 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive process. 3. The contract duration is substantial (over 3 years). 4. The specific nature of 'conflict-free support' warrants further understanding of its value.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The award amount is moderate, but the final cost is dependent on actual expenses.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is positive for taxpayers, as it aims to secure the best value through market forces.

Public Impact

Ensures continuity of critical IT and ELMS support for the FDA. Supports the operational integrity of FDA systems by preventing conflicts. The long-term nature of the contract suggests ongoing need for these services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

CPFF contract type can incentivize higher costs.
Long contract duration may not reflect evolving needs.
Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.

Positive Signals

Awarded via full and open competition.
Supports critical FDA functions.
Experienced contractor (MITRE Corp.).

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under management consulting services within the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. Benchmarks for similar support services can vary widely based on scope and complexity.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and was awarded to a large, well-established organization. There is no indication of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The use of full and open competition suggests a structured procurement process. However, ongoing oversight of the CPFF contract type is crucial to manage costs and ensure value.

Related Government Programs

Other Management Consulting Services
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
Food and Drug Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
Long contract duration.
Potential for cost overruns.
Lack of specific performance metrics provided.
Ambiguity in 'conflict-free' definition and value.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $13.2 million to THE MITRE CORPORATION. ICT21 AND ELMS CONFLICT-FREE SUPPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE MITRE CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Food and Drug Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $13.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-08-31. End: 2012-06-12.

What specific 'conflict-free' aspects are being supported, and how is their value measured?

The 'conflict-free' aspect likely refers to ensuring that the support services provided do not create or exacerbate conflicts of interest within the FDA's IT and ELMS systems. This could involve independent analysis, unbiased recommendations, or adherence to strict ethical guidelines. Measuring the value would involve assessing the reduction in potential risks, improved system integrity, and enhanced decision-making capabilities that stem from this conflict-free approach.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for this type of service?

The primary risk with a CPFF contract is that the government may end up paying more than necessary if the contractor's costs are higher than anticipated. The fixed fee provides profit, but the cost reimbursement aspect can lead to cost overruns if the contractor is not efficient or if unforeseen issues arise. Robust oversight and clear performance metrics are essential to mitigate these risks and ensure the government receives good value.

How effective is MITRE Corporation in providing 'conflict-free support' within the FDA's complex environment?

MITRE Corporation is generally regarded as a highly capable organization with a strong reputation for providing objective, independent analysis and technical support, often in complex government environments. Their history suggests effectiveness in managing potential conflicts. However, specific effectiveness for this contract would be best assessed through performance reviews, user feedback, and the achievement of defined contract objectives over its duration.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Management Consulting Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7515 COLSHIRE DR, MC LEAN, VA, 22102

Business Categories: Category Business, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $13,152,143

Exercised Options: $13,152,143

Current Obligation: $13,152,143

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: TIRNO99D00005

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline