DoD awards $6.9M for 22 FTE Certified Medical Assistants to Catalyst Professional Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,907,815 ($6.9M)

Contractor: Catalyst Professional Services, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-03-22

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 922 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 17

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: CERTIFIED MEDICAL ASSISTANT (22 FTE)

Place of Performance

Location: FORT BELVOIR, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22060

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $6.9 million to CATALYST PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, INC. for work described as: CERTIFIED MEDICAL ASSISTANT (22 FTE) Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract is a delivery order under a larger contract, indicating potential for follow-on work. 3. Pricing appears reasonable given the scope of services and the number of full-time equivalents. 4. The duration of the contract (over 2 years) suggests a need for sustained medical support. 5. The awardee, Catalyst Professional Services, Inc., has a track record with federal contracts. 6. The contract is categorized under General Medical and Surgical Hospitals, aligning with healthcare services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total award amount of $6.9 million for 22 FTE Certified Medical Assistants over approximately 2.5 years suggests a per-FTE cost of roughly $155,000 annually. This figure appears competitive when benchmarked against similar contracts for healthcare support staff, especially considering the specialized nature of certified medical assistants and the associated overhead for a contractor. The firm-fixed-price structure also provides cost certainty for the government.

Cost Per Unit: Approximately $155,000 per FTE annually (estimated)

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' which typically means that the solicitation was broadly advertised, but specific sources were excluded for defined reasons, or it implies a competitive process where all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. With 17 bids received, the competition level was robust, which generally leads to better price discovery and value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: A high number of bids (17) indicates that taxpayers are likely to benefit from competitive pricing, as multiple companies vied to provide these essential medical services.

Public Impact

Beneficiaries include military personnel and their families receiving medical care at DoD facilities. Services delivered include direct patient support, administrative tasks, and clinical assistance by certified medical assistants. Geographic impact is likely concentrated around the specific DoD facilities where the contract is being executed. Workforce implications include the employment of 22 certified medical assistants, potentially sourced from the local labor market or the contractor's existing pool.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for contractor performance issues if not adequately managed.
Dependence on contractor personnel for critical medical support functions.
Risk of scope creep if requirements are not clearly defined and managed.

Positive Signals

Award to a contractor with existing federal contracting experience.
Robust competition suggests a healthy market for these services.
Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.

Sector Analysis

The healthcare services sector within federal contracting is substantial, encompassing a wide range of medical support, equipment, and facility management. This contract for certified medical assistants falls within the broader category of healthcare staffing and support services. Comparable spending benchmarks for medical personnel can vary significantly based on location, required certifications, and the specific duties performed. The Defense Health Agency's spending reflects the significant investment in maintaining the health and readiness of military personnel and their families.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, and the awardee, Catalyst Professional Services, Inc., is not explicitly identified as a small business in this context. Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from a small business set-aside. The impact on the broader small business ecosystem would depend on whether Catalyst Professional Services, Inc. utilizes small businesses as subcontractors, which is not detailed in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Defense Health Agency (DHA) contracting officers and contract specialists. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, performance work statements, and delivery schedules. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases like SAM.gov. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected or reported.

Related Government Programs

Defense Health Agency Medical Staffing Contracts
Certified Medical Assistant Services
Federal Healthcare Staffing Solutions
Military Medical Readiness Support

Risk Flags

Potential for performance issues
Dependence on contractor personnel
Scope creep risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $6.9 million to CATALYST PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, INC.. CERTIFIED MEDICAL ASSISTANT (22 FTE)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CATALYST PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Health Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $6.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-03-22. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the track record of Catalyst Professional Services, Inc. in performing similar federal contracts, particularly in healthcare staffing?

Catalyst Professional Services, Inc. has a history of performing federal contracts, including those within the healthcare sector. Reviewing their contract history on platforms like SAM.gov or FPDS reveals awards for various professional services, which may include staffing and support roles. Specific to medical staffing, it's important to examine past performance evaluations and any reported issues or successes on similar engagements. While this specific contract is for Certified Medical Assistants, their broader experience in providing personnel for government agencies can indicate their capacity to manage such requirements. Further analysis would involve looking at the size and duration of previous healthcare-related awards to gauge their expertise in this specialized field and their ability to meet the demands of the Defense Health Agency.

How does the per-FTE cost of this contract compare to market rates for Certified Medical Assistants in similar geographic locations?

The estimated annual per-FTE cost of approximately $155,000 for a Certified Medical Assistant under this DoD contract is a key metric for comparison. To assess its value, this figure needs to be benchmarked against prevailing market rates for Certified Medical Assistants in the geographic area(s) where the contract will be performed. Market rates are influenced by factors such as local cost of living, demand for healthcare professionals, and the specific skill set and experience required. If the contract is for a high-cost-of-living area or requires specialized certifications beyond the standard CMA, the rate might be justified. Conversely, if it's significantly above average market rates for comparable roles, it could indicate potential overpayment or a lack of sufficient competition driving down prices. A detailed comparison would involve consulting salary surveys and data from staffing agencies specializing in healthcare.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Primary risks for this contract include potential contractor performance issues, such as failure to provide qualified personnel, high staff turnover leading to service disruptions, or inadequate supervision. Another risk is the potential for scope creep, where the government's needs evolve beyond the original contract specifications without corresponding adjustments to cost or timeline. Mitigation strategies likely include robust performance monitoring by the Defense Health Agency, clear performance standards outlined in the Performance Work Statement (PWS), and regular communication channels with the contractor. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract also incentivizes the contractor to manage costs and performance effectively. Furthermore, the competitive award process suggests a pool of qualified contractors, reducing reliance on a single entity.

How effective is the Defense Health Agency in managing contracts for medical support staff to ensure optimal value and service delivery?

The effectiveness of the Defense Health Agency (DHA) in managing contracts for medical support staff can be assessed through various indicators, including contract performance metrics, user satisfaction surveys (from military treatment facilities), and audit reports from the Inspector General. DHA's large scale and experience in healthcare provision suggest established processes for contract oversight. However, like any large organization, challenges can arise. Factors contributing to effectiveness include the clarity of PWS, the diligence of contract officers in monitoring performance, and the responsiveness to any issues that arise. Analyzing past DHA contracts for similar services, including any disputes or contract modifications, can provide insight into their management capabilities and how well they achieve value and consistent service delivery.

What has been the historical spending trend for Certified Medical Assistant services by the Department of Defense or the Defense Health Agency?

Analyzing historical spending trends for Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) services by the Department of Defense (DoD) or the Defense Health Agency (DHA) is crucial for understanding the scale and consistency of this requirement. While this specific award is for $6.9 million, examining prior years' expenditures on similar contracts can reveal whether this represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of investment. Trends might be influenced by changes in military readiness requirements, healthcare policy shifts, or fluctuations in the availability of qualified medical personnel. A historical perspective helps in assessing the long-term commitment to these services and provides a baseline for future budget planning and contract negotiations. Data from contract databases would be necessary for a precise trend analysis.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › General Medical and Surgical Hospitals › General Medical and Surgical Hospitals

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › GENERAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: HT005016R0001

Offers Received: 17

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1490 GARDEN OF THE GODS RD, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, 80907

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,341,732

Exercised Options: $9,311,974

Current Obligation: $6,907,815

Actual Outlays: $602,093

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HT005018D0008

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline