HHS Awards Northrop Grumman $26.5M for Fraud Prevention System Support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $26,464,771 ($26.5M)

Contractor: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2015-12-30

End Date: 2017-02-28

Contract Duration: 426 days

Daily Burn Rate: $62.1K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: IT

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO PROVIDE CONTINUED SUPPORT REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN THE FRAUD PREVENTION SYSTEM (FPS).

Place of Performance

Location: MCLEAN, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22102

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $26.5 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO PROVIDE CONTINUED SUPPORT REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN THE FRAUD PREVENTION SYSTEM (FPS). Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single, large incumbent provider. 2. Focus on maintaining an existing critical system. 3. Potential for cost overruns due to Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure. 4. IT services sector, specifically computer systems design.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure allows for cost reimbursement plus a predetermined fee. While this provides flexibility, it can lead to higher costs if not managed tightly, especially for system maintenance.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and competition, potentially leading to higher costs than if multiple vendors had bid.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used to maintain a critical fraud prevention system. The lack of competition raises concerns about cost-effectiveness and value for money.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operation of a system vital for preventing healthcare fraud. Supports the integrity of Medicare and Medicaid programs. Potential for increased costs to taxpayers due to sole-source award.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Lack of competition
  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
  • Potential for cost creep

Positive Signals

  • Maintains critical fraud prevention system
  • Supports government's anti-fraud efforts

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically computer systems design. Spending in this area is substantial across government, with benchmarks varying widely based on system complexity and support needs.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not awarded to small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is crucial for Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts to ensure costs are reasonable and the fixed fee is justified. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) would be responsible for this oversight.

Related Government Programs

  • Computer Systems Design Services
  • Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
  • Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Programs

Risk Flags

  • Sole-source award limits competition.
  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure can lead to higher costs.
  • Potential for cost creep without strong oversight.
  • Lack of transparency in pricing due to non-competed nature.

Tags

computer-systems-design-services, department-of-health-and-human-services, va, definitive-contract, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $26.5 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION. IGF::OT::IGF THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO PROVIDE CONTINUED SUPPORT REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN THE FRAUD PREVENTION SYSTEM (FPS).

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 Medicare and Medicaid Services).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $26.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2015-12-30. End: 2017-02-28.

What is the historical cost performance of this contract and similar fraud prevention systems?

Historical cost performance data for this specific contract is not provided. However, Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not meticulously managed. Benchmarking against similar fraud prevention system maintenance contracts would be necessary to assess if the current spending is reasonable, considering the system's complexity and the incumbent's expertise.

What are the risks associated with relying on a sole-source provider for critical system maintenance?

The primary risk of a sole-source award is the lack of competitive pressure, which can lead to inflated prices and reduced incentive for innovation or efficiency. It also creates vendor lock-in, making it difficult and potentially more expensive to switch providers in the future if performance issues arise or better solutions become available.

How effectively does this contract contribute to the overall mission of preventing healthcare fraud?

The contract's effectiveness is directly tied to the continued, reliable operation of the Fraud Prevention System (FPS). If the system functions as intended and successfully identifies fraudulent activities, the contract is effective. However, measuring this effectiveness requires performance metrics beyond the contract's financial data, focusing on fraud detection rates and financial recoveries.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 160574

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Northrop Grumman Corporation

Address: 7575 COLSHIRE DR, MCLEAN, VA, 22102

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $32,086,443

Exercised Options: $26,464,771

Current Obligation: $26,464,771

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 51

Total Subaward Amount: $32,727,551

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline

Start Date: 2015-12-30

Current End Date: 2017-02-28

Potential End Date: 2017-02-28 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2023-06-07

More Contracts from Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation

View all Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation federal contracts →

Other Department of Health and Human Services Contracts

View all Department of Health and Human Services contracts →

Explore Related Government Spending