VA awards $19.5M contract for nursing services at Wilford Hall Medical Center, supporting physician offices

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,483,860 ($19.5M)

Contractor: Intelistaf Group, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2006-10-01

End Date: 2007-09-29

Contract Duration: 363 days

Daily Burn Rate: $53.7K/day

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: NURSING SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF WILFORD HALL MEDICAL CENTER

Place of Performance

Location: LACKLAND AFB, BEXAR County, TEXAS, 78236

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $19.5 million to INTELISTAF GROUP, INC. for work described as: NURSING SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF WILFORD HALL MEDICAL CENTER Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the duration and scope of nursing support required. 2. Competition dynamics are not detailed, making it difficult to assess price discovery effectiveness. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a single award and standard labor hour contract type. 4. Performance context is limited to supporting physician offices within a medical center. 5. Sector positioning is within healthcare services, specifically supporting medical facilities. 6. The contract's duration of one year suggests a need for ongoing, consistent support.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $19.5 million over one year for nursing services at a medical center is within a typical range for such support. Benchmarking against similar contracts for nursing staff augmentation at federal medical facilities would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, the absence of detailed service requirements and performance metrics makes a definitive comparison challenging. The pricing structure, based on labor hours, is standard but requires careful monitoring to ensure efficiency.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The competition level for this contract is not specified in the provided data. If it was a full and open competition, the presence of multiple bidders would typically drive down prices and ensure a fair market rate. If it was a limited or sole-source award, the pricing might be higher, and the government would need to justify the lack of broader competition. Further details on the solicitation and award process are needed to assess the effectiveness of competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The level of competition directly impacts taxpayer value. Robust competition generally leads to lower prices and better service quality, maximizing the return on taxpayer investment. Limited competition could result in higher costs for the government.

Public Impact

Patients at Wilford Hall Medical Center benefit from consistent nursing support, ensuring continuity of care. The contract provides essential nursing services that augment the capabilities of physician offices. The geographic impact is localized to the San Antonio, Texas area where Wilford Hall Medical Center is located. The contract supports a nursing workforce, contributing to employment within the healthcare sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed competition information hinders assessment of optimal pricing.
Absence of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to evaluate service quality.
Contract duration is relatively short, potentially leading to frequent re-competition and associated administrative costs.

Positive Signals

Contract supports a critical healthcare facility, ensuring essential services are maintained.
Standard labor hour contract type is flexible for fluctuating nursing needs.
Awarded by the Department of Veterans Affairs, indicating a focus on serving veterans.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the healthcare services sector, specifically focusing on providing nursing support to a medical facility. The market for healthcare staffing and support services is substantial, with numerous private and public entities competing for government contracts. This contract represents a portion of the VA's broader spending on medical support services, aiming to ensure adequate staffing levels at its medical centers. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other VA or DoD contracts for similar nursing augmentation services.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate whether this contract included small business set-asides or subcontracting requirements. Without this information, it's difficult to assess the impact on the small business ecosystem. Typically, larger contracts may include provisions for small business participation to ensure equitable distribution of federal contracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would likely be managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures would be tied to the terms and conditions of the labor hour contract, including adherence to staffing levels and service delivery. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, although detailed performance reports may not always be publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

VA Medical Care Contracts
Nursing Services Contracts
Healthcare Staffing Contracts
Federal Medical Facility Support

Risk Flags

Lack of detailed competition data
Limited performance metrics provided
Potential for cost overruns in labor hour contracts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $19.5 million to INTELISTAF GROUP, INC.. NURSING SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF WILFORD HALL MEDICAL CENTER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INTELISTAF GROUP, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Veterans Affairs (Department of Veterans Affairs).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $19.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2006-10-01. End: 2007-09-29.

What is the track record of Intelistaf Group, Inc. in performing similar federal contracts?

Intelistaf Group, Inc. has a history of performing federal contracts, primarily within the healthcare and professional services sectors. Analyzing their past performance on similar contracts, particularly those involving nursing services or medical support for agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense, would provide insight into their reliability and capability. Key metrics to examine include on-time delivery, quality of service, and any past performance issues or awards. A review of their contract history would reveal the volume and value of previous awards, the agencies they have served, and the types of services rendered. This information is crucial for assessing their suitability and past success in fulfilling government requirements.

How does the awarded value compare to market rates for similar nursing services?

The awarded value of approximately $19.5 million for one year of nursing services at Wilford Hall Medical Center needs to be benchmarked against prevailing market rates. This comparison should consider factors such as the specific nursing specialties required, the geographic location (San Antonio, TX), the experience level of the nursing staff, and the contract duration. Without access to detailed labor hour rates or a breakdown of the services provided, a precise comparison is difficult. However, general industry data for nursing agency fees and government healthcare staffing contracts can offer a baseline. If the contract's hourly rates or overall cost significantly deviate from these benchmarks, it could indicate either exceptional value or potential overpricing.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this nursing services contract include potential shortages of qualified nursing staff, fluctuations in demand for services, and ensuring consistent quality of care. Mitigation strategies typically involve the contractor's robust recruitment and retention programs, flexible staffing models to adapt to changing needs, and adherence to strict quality assurance protocols. The government's role includes diligent oversight, performance monitoring, and clear communication of expectations. The contract's labor hour structure allows for some flexibility in adjusting staffing levels, but managing personnel costs and ensuring adequate coverage remain key risk areas. The VA's established procurement and oversight processes are designed to mitigate these risks.

How effective is the Department of Veterans Affairs in managing nursing service contracts to ensure optimal patient care?

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employs various mechanisms to manage nursing service contracts effectively, aiming to ensure optimal patient care. These include detailed performance work statements, regular performance evaluations, and established quality assurance procedures. The VA's Office of Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology (OAL&T) oversees procurement, while individual medical centers manage day-to-day contract performance. Challenges have historically existed within the VA regarding contract management and staffing, but continuous improvement efforts are in place. The effectiveness can be gauged by patient satisfaction surveys, clinical outcome data, and the ability of contracted nurses to integrate seamlessly with VA staff and protocols.

What has been the historical spending pattern for nursing services at Wilford Hall Medical Center?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for nursing services at Wilford Hall Medical Center prior to this $19.5 million award would provide valuable context. This would involve examining contract awards for similar services over previous fiscal years. Understanding whether spending has been consistent, increasing, or decreasing can indicate trends in demand, resource allocation, or changes in contracting strategies. For instance, a significant increase in spending might suggest growing patient loads or a shift towards outsourcing nursing functions. Conversely, a decrease could signal efforts to bring services in-house or reduced demand. This historical data is essential for assessing the current contract's value and necessity.

What is the typical duration for contracts providing nursing services to federal medical facilities?

Contracts providing nursing services to federal medical facilities, such as those awarded by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or the Department of Defense (DoD), often have durations that vary based on specific needs and funding availability. Base periods can range from a few months to a year, frequently accompanied by option periods that can extend the total contract performance over several years. This particular contract has a duration of one year (363 days), which is a common base period length. Longer-term contracts might be awarded for more stable, long-term staffing needs, while shorter durations can be used for specific projects, surge requirements, or when initial funding is limited. The structure allows for flexibility in adapting to evolving healthcare demands.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Offices of Physicians › Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists)

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › NURSING, NURSING HOME, EVAL/SCREEN

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Medical Staffing Network Holdings, Inc. (UEI: 036447865)

Address: 18W140 BUTTERFIELD ROAD, OAKBROOK TERRACE, IL, 06

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $34,018,582

Exercised Options: $19,483,860

Current Obligation: $19,483,860

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: V797P4351A

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline