HHS awarded $15.1M for IT support services to Mori Associates, Inc. over six years

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,175,034 ($15.2M)

Contractor: Mori Associates, Incorporated

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2007-08-22

End Date: 2013-10-31

Contract Duration: 2,262 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.7K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: OTHER (APPLIES TO AWARDS WHERE NONE OF THE ABOVE APPLY)

Sector: IT

Official Description: MORI NIDDK SUPPORT THIS IS FOR FUNDS NEEDED TO SUPPORT THE EXISTING CONTRACT FOR CYRUS KARIMIAN CTB

Place of Performance

Location: BETHESDA, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20892

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $15.2 million to MORI ASSOCIATES, INCORPORATED for work described as: MORI NIDDK SUPPORT THIS IS FOR FUNDS NEEDED TO SUPPORT THE EXISTING CONTRACT FOR CYRUS KARIMIAN CTB Key points: 1. The contract's duration of over six years suggests a need for sustained IT support. 2. The award was made via a purchase order, indicating a specific procurement method. 3. The contractor, Mori Associates, Inc., has been awarded this contract, suggesting a track record with the agency. 4. The service category 'Other Computer Related Services' is broad and may encompass various IT functions. 5. The contract's value of $15.1M over its term implies a significant investment in IT infrastructure or services. 6. The lack of competition raises questions about potential cost efficiencies and market responsiveness.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this $15.1M contract is challenging without specific service details or comparable contract data. The duration of over six years suggests a potentially stable, long-term relationship, which can sometimes lead to better pricing through volume. However, the lack of competition means there's no direct market comparison to assess if the pricing is optimal or if taxpayers received the best possible value. The award type as a purchase order also typically implies smaller, more administrative transactions, making a large sum over a long period warrant further scrutiny.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This means that only one vendor, Mori Associates, Inc., was considered for this requirement. Without a competitive bidding process, it is difficult to ascertain the level of market engagement or if alternative solutions were explored. The absence of competition limits the government's ability to leverage market forces to drive down costs and ensure the most innovative or cost-effective services are secured.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition means taxpayers may not have benefited from the cost savings that a competitive bidding process typically generates. This could result in a higher overall expenditure for the services provided.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and its various research programs, which rely on IT support. The services delivered are categorized as 'Other Computer Related Services,' suggesting a broad range of IT assistance. The contract is geographically located in Maryland, indicating a focus on supporting operations within that state. The workforce implications are tied to the IT professionals employed by Mori Associates, Inc. to fulfill the contract requirements.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may lead to higher costs for taxpayers.
The broad 'Other Computer Related Services' category makes it difficult to assess the specific value and necessity of the services.
The long contract duration without competition could indicate a lack of proactive market research or vendor diversification.

Positive Signals

The sustained award over six years suggests a consistent need for these IT services by the agency.
The contractor, Mori Associates, Inc., has a history of performing services for this agency, implying a level of established trust and understanding of requirements.

Sector Analysis

The IT services sector is vast and highly competitive. Contracts for 'Other Computer Related Services' can range from basic help desk support to complex system integration and cybersecurity. The federal government is a significant consumer of IT services, with spending often driven by the need to maintain legacy systems, modernize infrastructure, and enhance cybersecurity. Benchmarking this $15.1M contract requires understanding the specific nature of the 'other computer related services' and comparing it to similar IT support contracts awarded by agencies like HHS or NIH, considering factors like duration, scope, and vendor performance.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded to Mori Associates, Inc. and there is no indication of a small business set-aside. The data does not specify subcontracting plans or performance. Without further information, it's difficult to assess the direct impact on the small business ecosystem, but the lack of a set-aside suggests it was not specifically targeted to foster small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and specifically the National Institutes of Health (NIH). As a purchase order, it may be subject to internal agency financial controls and procurement regulations. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature and lack of detailed public reporting on specific deliverables. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

IT Support Services
Computer Systems Design Services
IT Professional Services
Federal IT Procurement
Health IT Services

Risk Flags

Lack of Competition
Potential for Overpricing
Limited Transparency

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $15.2 million to MORI ASSOCIATES, INCORPORATED. MORI NIDDK SUPPORT THIS IS FOR FUNDS NEEDED TO SUPPORT THE EXISTING CONTRACT FOR CYRUS KARIMIAN CTB

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MORI ASSOCIATES, INCORPORATED.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (National Institutes of Health).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $15.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-08-22. End: 2013-10-31.

What specific IT services were provided under this contract?

The contract is categorized under NAICS code 541519, 'Other Computer Related Services.' This is a broad classification that can encompass a wide array of IT functions, including but not limited to IT consulting, system integration, network management, cybersecurity services, data management, and IT support. Without more specific details from the contract award documentation or agency reporting, it is impossible to determine the precise nature of the services rendered by Mori Associates, Inc. to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The 'Other' designation suggests it falls outside more specific IT service categories.

How does the $15.1M value compare to similar IT support contracts at NIH?

Comparing the $15.1M value of this six-year contract to similar IT support contracts at NIH requires access to a broader dataset of NIH IT procurements. However, $15.1M over six years averages to approximately $2.5M per year. This figure can be considered moderate to significant depending on the scope of services. For instance, if it covers enterprise-wide help desk support or complex infrastructure management, it might be within the expected range. If it's for a niche service, it could be high. A comprehensive analysis would involve benchmarking against contracts for similar service types (e.g., network administration, software development support) awarded by NIH or other agencies within HHS during the contract period (2007-2013).

What are the risks associated with a sole-source IT services contract of this duration?

The primary risk associated with a sole-source IT services contract of this duration is the potential for inflated costs due to the lack of competition. Without market pressure, the contractor may not have incentives to offer the most competitive pricing or the most innovative solutions. Another risk is vendor lock-in, where the agency becomes overly reliant on a single provider, making it difficult and costly to switch vendors even if performance or pricing becomes unsatisfactory. Furthermore, the absence of competition can limit the agency's exposure to emerging technologies or more efficient service delivery models that other vendors might offer. Finally, there's a risk of complacency in service quality if the contractor perceives little threat of losing the business.

What was the historical spending pattern for 'Other Computer Related Services' at NIH during the contract period?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for 'Other Computer Related Services' (NAICS 541519) at NIH between 2007 and 2013 would provide context for this $15.1M award. This data would reveal whether NIH's overall expenditure in this category was increasing, decreasing, or stable during that period. It would also show the typical contract values and durations for such services. If spending in this category was significantly high across the board, this contract might represent a standard investment. Conversely, if spending was lower, this award could be an outlier, warranting further investigation into its justification. Understanding these trends helps assess if this contract aligns with broader agency procurement strategies and budget allocations for IT services.

What is Mori Associates, Inc.'s track record with federal IT contracts?

Mori Associates, Inc. has a history of receiving federal contracts, including this $15.1M award from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for IT support services. To fully assess their track record, one would need to examine other contracts awarded to them across various federal agencies. Key aspects to review include contract performance ratings (if available), past performance on similar IT services, any history of contract disputes or terminations, and the types and values of other contracts they have secured. A positive track record would involve consistent successful performance, timely delivery, and adherence to contract terms, while a negative one might include performance issues or overpricing concerns.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: OTHER (APPLIES TO AWARDS WHERE NONE OF THE ABOVE APPLY) (3)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6701 DEMOCRACY BLVD # 206, BETHESDA, MD, 20817

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $15,175,034

Exercised Options: $15,175,034

Current Obligation: $15,175,034

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline