HHS Awards $18.8M Contract to A+ Government Solutions for Publishing Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,801,311 ($18.8M)

Contractor: A+ Government Solutions, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2012-09-27

End Date: 2017-07-31

Contract Duration: 1,768 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22201, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $18.8 million to A+ GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS, LLC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF Key points: 1. Contract awarded to A+ Government Solutions, LLC for $18.8M. 2. Full and open competition was utilized. 3. The contract duration is 1768 days. 4. The award was made by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. 5. The NAICS code is 511199 (All Other Publishers).

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $18.8M over nearly 5 years suggests a moderate annual spend. Benchmarking against similar publishing contracts would be necessary to fully assess pricing, but the fixed-price nature provides some cost certainty.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The use of full and open competition is a positive indicator for price discovery. This method allows multiple vendors to bid, theoretically driving down costs and ensuring the government receives competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests taxpayers are likely receiving fair value for the services rendered, though a detailed cost analysis would confirm this.

Public Impact

Ensures continued availability of essential publishing services for CMS. Supports a private sector company, A+ Government Solutions, LLC. The long contract duration indicates a stable, ongoing need for these services. Transparency in award process due to full and open competition.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics or outcomes in provided data.
Potential for cost overruns if scope significantly expands beyond initial estimates.
Dependence on a single vendor for a critical service over an extended period.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust bidding process.
Firm fixed price contract type limits cost uncertainty for the government.
Long-term contract provides stability for service delivery.

Sector Analysis

The publishing industry, classified under NAICS 511199, involves a wide range of services from printing to digital content creation. Government spending in this sector can vary significantly based on agency needs, with contracts often focused on administrative, informational, or technical documentation.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved as subcontractors or prime contractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation in this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), a major agency within HHS. Oversight would typically involve contract management officials ensuring performance and adherence to terms, with potential for IG reviews.

Related Government Programs

All Other Publishers
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Programs

Risk Flags

Contract duration is lengthy (1768 days).
Specific performance metrics are not detailed in the provided data.
Potential for scope creep in long-term publishing contracts.
Reliance on a single vendor for essential services.
No indication of small business subcontracting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $18.8 million to A+ GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS, LLC. IGF::OT::IGF

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is A+ GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $18.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-09-27. End: 2017-07-31.

What specific publishing services are covered under this contract, and how do they align with CMS's core mission objectives?

The contract, under NAICS code 511199 (All Other Publishers), likely covers a broad spectrum of publishing activities. This could range from printing and distribution of informational materials to digital content management and website updates. The alignment with CMS's mission would depend on whether these services support public health information dissemination, regulatory compliance documentation, or internal operational needs.

Given the $18.8M value and 1768-day duration, what is the estimated annual cost, and how does it compare to industry benchmarks for similar publishing services?

The annual cost approximates $10.6 million ($18.8M / 1.77 years). Benchmarking this against industry standards for comprehensive publishing services, especially those requiring specialized government compliance or large-scale distribution, is crucial. Without specific service details, a direct comparison is difficult, but this figure suggests a significant investment requiring justification through demonstrated value and efficiency.

What mechanisms are in place to ensure the quality and timeliness of the publishing services provided by A+ Government Solutions, LLC, and how is performance measured?

While the contract is firm fixed price, quality and timeliness are typically managed through performance standards outlined in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW). Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to accuracy, delivery schedules, and responsiveness are usually established. The Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) is responsible for monitoring these aspects, with formal reviews and acceptance processes ensuring services meet requirements.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Information › Newspaper, Periodical, Book, and Directory Publishers › All Other Publishers

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 10 NORTH COLUMBUS ST, ARLINGTON, VA, 22203

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, American Indian Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Government, Native American Tribal Government, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Tribally Owned Firm

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $21,830,554

Exercised Options: $18,801,311

Current Obligation: $18,801,311

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS35F0565T

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline