HHS awards $50.6M for ORR Case Coordination to General Dynamics IT, highlighting emergency relief services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $50,585,123 ($50.6M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2018-04-01

End Date: 2020-09-30

Contract Duration: 913 days

Daily Burn Rate: $55.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: ORR CASE COORDINATION

Place of Performance

Location: FAIRFAX, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22030

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $50.6 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: ORR CASE COORDINATION Key points: 1. Contract value of $50.6M for case coordination services indicates significant investment in refugee and entrant support. 2. Full and open competition suggests a robust market for these specialized services. 3. The contract duration of 913 days (approx. 2.5 years) points to a sustained need for these critical functions. 4. Awarded to a large, established contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc., suggesting a focus on proven capability. 5. The 'Emergency and Other Relief Services' NAICS code points to a focus on critical, time-sensitive support. 6. The contract type 'Time and Materials' may warrant scrutiny for cost control over the performance period.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $50.6 million for case coordination services appears reasonable given the scope and duration. While specific benchmarks for ORR case coordination are not readily available, the award to a single, large contractor through full and open competition suggests a competitive process. The 'Time and Materials' contract type, however, necessitates careful monitoring to ensure costs remain aligned with the value delivered and do not escalate beyond initial expectations.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple offerors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of three bidders (no=3) suggests a healthy level of competition for this requirement. This competitive environment is generally favorable for price discovery and can lead to more cost-effective solutions for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down prices and encouraging innovation among potential contractors.

Public Impact

Beneficiaries include refugees, asylees, and other individuals requiring case coordination services. Services delivered encompass case management, referral, and support for integration into communities. Geographic impact is likely nationwide, supporting ORR's mission across various resettlement locations. Workforce implications include the need for skilled case managers and support staff within the contractor's organization.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials contract type if not closely managed.
Reliance on a single large contractor may limit flexibility or responsiveness in certain situations.
Scope creep could increase costs if not rigorously controlled through contract modifications.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive marketplace.
Contractor has significant experience in IT and government services, suggesting capability.
The contract addresses critical needs for emergency and relief services, aligning with government priorities.

Sector Analysis

The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) operates within the broader human services sector, focusing on the integration of vulnerable populations. This contract for case coordination falls under IT and administrative support services, a significant segment of the federal IT market. The value of $50.6 million is moderate for a multi-year federal IT services contract, and the competitive award suggests that the market for such services is active and capable of supporting government needs.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc., a large business. There is no explicit indication of small business set-asides or subcontracting requirements in the provided data. This suggests that small businesses may not have been a primary focus for this specific award, though they could potentially participate as subcontractors if opportunities arise.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically reside within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), specifically the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration (ASA) and the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). The 'Time and Materials' contract type necessitates robust monitoring of labor hours and material costs to ensure fair pricing and prevent overspending. Transparency would be enhanced through regular reporting requirements and potential audits by HHS or the Government Accountability Office (GAO).

Related Government Programs

Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) Programs
Refugee Assistance Programs
Federal Case Management Services
Emergency and Disaster Relief Services

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials contract type.
Need for strong government oversight to manage labor hours and material costs.
Reliance on a large incumbent contractor may limit agility.
Scope definition and management are critical for cost control.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $50.6 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. ORR CASE COORDINATION

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 (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $50.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-04-01. End: 2020-09-30.

What is the historical spending pattern for ORR Case Coordination services by HHS?

Analyzing historical spending for ORR Case Coordination requires accessing HHS's contract databases and financial reports over several fiscal years. Without direct access to this granular data, we can infer that spending in this area is likely tied to geopolitical events and humanitarian crises that increase refugee and entrant flows. Fluctuations in funding and contract awards would be expected, reflecting changes in federal budgets, policy priorities, and the number of individuals requiring ORR services. Previous contracts for similar services would provide context for the current $50.6 million award, indicating whether this represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of investment in case coordination.

How does the pricing structure of this Time and Materials contract compare to similar case coordination contracts?

Time and Materials (T&M) contracts, like this one, compensate the contractor for the direct labor hours at specified hourly rates and for the cost of materials. Benchmarking T&M pricing requires access to historical data on similar contracts, including the negotiated labor rates for various skill levels and the markups on materials. Without this comparative data, it's difficult to definitively assess if the pricing is competitive. However, the fact that it was awarded under full and open competition with three bidders suggests that the proposed rates were deemed acceptable by the government. Agencies often use T&M for services where the scope is not well-defined, but they must implement strict oversight to control costs.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of this ORR Case Coordination contract?

While specific KPIs are not detailed in the provided data, typical performance indicators for case coordination contracts often include metrics related to client intake timeliness, case closure rates, successful referrals to essential services (housing, employment, education), client satisfaction surveys, and adherence to program guidelines. For ORR, KPIs would likely focus on the efficient and effective integration of refugees and entrants into their new communities. The government would monitor these KPIs through contractor performance reports, site visits, and potentially client feedback mechanisms to ensure the contractor is meeting its obligations and delivering value.

What is General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.'s track record with HHS and similar federal agencies for providing case management or IT services?

General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. (GDIT) is a major federal contractor with a substantial history of providing IT and professional services across numerous government agencies, including HHS. They have a broad portfolio that includes case management solutions, health IT, and mission support services. Their track record with HHS likely includes numerous awards and successful contract performances, given their size and market presence. A thorough review of their past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS) would provide specific insights into their reliability, quality of service, and adherence to schedules and budgets on similar contracts.

What is the potential risk associated with the 'Time and Materials' contract type for this specific service?

The primary risk with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract is the potential for cost overruns, as the final price is not fixed upfront. For case coordination services, where the volume and complexity of cases can fluctuate, there's a risk that labor hours could exceed initial estimates. Effective risk mitigation requires robust government oversight, including detailed tracking of labor hours, verification of work performed, and strict controls on material costs. Without diligent management, T&M contracts can become more expensive than fixed-price alternatives, especially if the scope is not well-defined or if there are inefficiencies in service delivery.

How does this contract align with the broader mission and strategic goals of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)?

This contract directly supports ORR's core mission of facilitating the successful integration of refugees, asylees, and other eligible populations into American society. Case coordination is a fundamental component of this mission, ensuring that individuals receive the necessary support services, such as housing, employment assistance, education, and healthcare navigation. By awarding this contract, ORR is investing in the infrastructure and personnel needed to manage these complex cases effectively. The scale of the award suggests a significant operational need and a commitment to providing comprehensive support, aligning with ORR's strategic goals of promoting self-sufficiency and community integration for vulnerable populations.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Community Food and Housing, and Emergency and Other Relief Services › Emergency and Other Relief Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 17233SOL00074

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: General Dynamics Corp (UEI: 001381284)

Address: 3211 JERMANTOWN RD, FAIRFAX, VA, 22030

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $50,585,123

Exercised Options: $50,585,123

Current Obligation: $50,585,123

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 7

Total Subaward Amount: $3,594,834

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline