HHS awarded $21.5M for technical assistance and peer review services to JBS International, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $21,534,893 ($21.5M)

Contractor: JBS International, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2003-09-24

End Date: 2009-09-30

Contract Duration: 2,198 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.8K/day

Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, PEER REVIEW FOR SAMHSA

Place of Performance

Location: SILVER SPRING, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20910

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $21.5 million to JBS INTERNATIONAL, INC. for work described as: TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, PEER REVIEW FOR SAMHSA Key points: 1. The contract value represents a significant investment in specialized consulting services for mental health and substance abuse programs. 2. Competition dynamics for this contract are not detailed, but the duration suggests a need for sustained expertise. 3. Performance risk appears moderate given the nature of technical assistance and peer review, which relies on expert judgment. 4. The contract's focus on SAMHSA aligns with critical public health priorities. 5. JBS International, Inc. operates within the scientific and technical consulting services sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific performance metrics or comparable contract data. The Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) structure suggests that contractor performance directly influences the final award fee, aiming to incentivize efficiency and effectiveness. However, without insight into the award fee criteria and outcomes, a definitive value-for-money assessment is difficult. The total obligated amount of $21.5 million over approximately six years indicates a substantial, ongoing need for these services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The provided data indicates this was a 'COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER' but does not specify the number of bidders or the nature of the competition. Competitive delivery orders typically arise from pre-existing indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts, suggesting that multiple firms may have been eligible. The level of competition, if robust, would generally lead to better price discovery and potentially more favorable terms for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The specific competition level is crucial for taxpayers. A well-competed contract is more likely to secure services at a fair market price, preventing overpayment and ensuring that government funds are used efficiently.

Public Impact

Beneficiaries include individuals and communities served by SAMHSA's mental health and substance abuse programs, who receive improved services through enhanced technical assistance and peer review. Services delivered include expert consultation, program evaluation, and quality improvement support to SAMHSA grantees and stakeholders. The geographic impact is national, as SAMHSA's initiatives aim to address substance abuse and mental health issues across the United States. Workforce implications include the engagement of specialized consultants and the potential for capacity building within organizations receiving technical assistance.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed competition information makes it difficult to assess if the government received the best possible pricing.
The Cost Plus Award Fee structure, while incentivizing, can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
The long duration of the contract (nearly 6 years) could indicate a lack of readily available alternative solutions or a dependence on a single provider.

Positive Signals

The contract addresses critical public health needs related to mental health and substance abuse.
The use of a competitive delivery order suggests an attempt to leverage existing contract vehicles for efficiency.
The award fee mechanism, if effectively implemented, can drive contractor performance and quality.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' sector (NAICS 541690), a broad category encompassing specialized advisory and assistance services. This sector is vital for government agencies requiring expert support in complex areas like public health. Spending in this sector can vary significantly based on agency needs and program priorities. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing other large consulting contracts awarded by HHS or similar agencies for technical assistance and program support.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation (sb) was false for this contract. This suggests that the primary award was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear that subcontracting goals for small businesses were a significant component of this specific award. Consequently, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this particular contract is likely minimal, though JBS International, Inc. may engage small businesses in its broader operations.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of Health and Human Services, specifically the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). As a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle, oversight mechanisms would likely follow the established protocols of the parent contract. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, which provide basic award details. Accountability would be driven by the terms of the Cost Plus Award Fee contract, including performance evaluations and the administration of award fees.

Related Government Programs

SAMHSA Grants and Cooperative Agreements
Public Health Technical Assistance Programs
Mental Health Services Block Grant
Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant

Risk Flags

Contract duration is long, potentially indicating limited competition or a critical, long-term need.
Cost Plus Award Fee structure requires careful monitoring to ensure value for money.
Lack of specific competition details hinders assessment of price discovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $21.5 million to JBS INTERNATIONAL, INC.. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, PEER REVIEW FOR SAMHSA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is JBS INTERNATIONAL, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $21.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2003-09-24. End: 2009-09-30.

What is the track record of JBS International, Inc. in performing similar technical assistance contracts for federal agencies?

JBS International, Inc. has a history of working with federal agencies, particularly in the health and human services sector. Their expertise often lies in program evaluation, technical assistance, and research related to public health initiatives. Analyzing their past performance on similar contracts, including client satisfaction, adherence to timelines, and quality of deliverables, would provide a clearer picture of their capabilities. Specific details on past performance metrics, such as successful completion rates, client testimonials, or any documented performance issues, would be crucial for a comprehensive assessment. Without access to detailed performance reports or past performance questionnaires, it's difficult to definitively assess their track record beyond their general presence in the market.

How does the total contract value of $21.5 million compare to other technical assistance contracts awarded by SAMHSA or HHS?

The $21.5 million awarded to JBS International, Inc. over approximately six years places this contract within a significant range for specialized technical assistance and consulting services. To benchmark this value, one would compare it against other large-scale contracts awarded by SAMHSA or the broader HHS for similar services. For instance, contracts for program evaluation, research support, or capacity building often run into millions of dollars, especially when they involve extensive national reach or long durations. Without specific comparative data on the scope, duration, and deliverables of other similar contracts, it's challenging to definitively state whether $21.5 million is high, low, or average. However, the sustained funding over several years suggests a substantial and ongoing need for the services provided.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contract for technical assistance?

Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contracts present several risks. A primary concern is the potential for cost growth, as the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fee that is a percentage of those costs. While the 'award' portion of the fee is contingent on meeting performance objectives, the base fee can still escalate costs. For technical assistance, risks include the subjective nature of 'performance objectives,' which can be difficult to quantify and measure objectively, potentially leading to disputes over award fees. There's also a risk that the focus shifts towards maximizing allowable costs to increase the fee, rather than achieving the most efficient and effective outcomes for the government. Robust oversight and clearly defined, measurable performance standards are critical to mitigate these risks.

How effective has SAMHSA been in achieving its program goals through contracted technical assistance?

Assessing the effectiveness of SAMHSA's program goals through contracted technical assistance requires detailed analysis of program outcomes and the impact of the support provided. Technical assistance aims to improve the capacity of grantees and stakeholders to deliver services, implement evidence-based practices, and achieve desired public health outcomes. Effectiveness can be measured by improvements in grantee performance metrics, successful implementation of new programs, enhanced service quality, and ultimately, positive changes in population health indicators related to mental health and substance abuse. Without specific performance reports tied to this contract and broader SAMHSA program evaluations, it is difficult to provide a definitive assessment of effectiveness. Data on grantee success rates, client outcomes, and the adoption of best practices post-technical assistance would be necessary.

What is the historical spending trend for 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' by SAMHSA over the past five years?

To analyze historical spending trends for 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' (NAICS 541690) by SAMHSA, one would need to query federal procurement databases (like FPDS) for contracts awarded under this category by SAMHSA over the last five fiscal years. This analysis would reveal the total dollar amount obligated annually for such services, identify the primary contractors, and potentially highlight shifts in spending priorities or the types of consulting services most frequently procured. A rising trend might indicate increasing reliance on external expertise, while a declining trend could suggest greater in-house capacity or a shift in program focus. Understanding these trends provides context for the significance and scale of the $21.5 million award to JBS International, Inc.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: SOCIAL SERVICES › SOCIAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8630 FENTON ST STE 1200, SILVER SPRING, MD, 08

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $17,434,983

Exercised Options: $18,780,021

Current Obligation: $21,534,893

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 270031000

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline