USDA Awards Equifax $29.15M for Unemployment Claims Processing Amidst Mission Partner Support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $29,153 ($29.2K)

Contractor: Equifax Workforce Solutions LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2023-09-28

End Date: 2026-03-27

Contract Duration: 911 days

Daily Burn Rate: $32/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: EQUIFAX UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS REVIEW/DEFENSE/MITIGATION/PROCESSING EFFORTS MISSION PARTNERS- FPAC-BC NRCS RMA AND FSA & FSA COUNTY OFFICE(S)

Place of Performance

Location: SAINT LOUIS, SAINT LOUIS County, MISSOURI, 63146

State: Missouri Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $29,153.31 to EQUIFAX WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: EQUIFAX UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS REVIEW/DEFENSE/MITIGATION/PROCESSING EFFORTS MISSION PARTNERS- FPAC-BC NRCS RMA AND FSA & FSA COUNTY OFFICE(S) Key points: 1. Equifax Workforce Solutions LLC secured a significant contract for critical unemployment claims processing. 2. The contract focuses on supporting Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) mission partners. 3. The award highlights the need for robust HR consulting services in government operations. 4. The duration of the contract suggests a long-term need for these services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $29.15 million over approximately 3 years appears reasonable for specialized HR consulting services. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for large-scale claims processing would provide a clearer picture of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially reduces competitive pressure, which could lead to higher costs for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in a higher cost to taxpayers than if the contract had been competitively bid.

Public Impact

Ensures continuity of essential unemployment claims processing for USDA mission partners. Supports critical functions within the Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services. Potential for data security and privacy concerns given the nature of unemployment claims.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for cost overruns due to sole-source award

Positive Signals

Supports critical government functions
Long-term contract duration indicates stability

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Human Resources Consulting Services (NAICS 541612). Government spending in this sector often involves support for large-scale administrative processes, employee management, and specialized consulting. Benchmarks vary widely based on the specific services and scale.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Equifax Workforce Solutions LLC, a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award, which could be an area for improvement.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services. Oversight will be crucial to ensure performance, cost control, and adherence to federal regulations, especially given the sole-source nature.

Related Government Programs

Human Resources Consulting Services
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
Potential for higher costs to taxpayers due to lack of competition.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical processing functions.
No explicit mention of small business subcontracting goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $29,153.31 to EQUIFAX WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS LLC. EQUIFAX UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS REVIEW/DEFENSE/MITIGATION/PROCESSING EFFORTS MISSION PARTNERS- FPAC-BC NRCS RMA AND FSA & FSA COUNTY OFFICE(S)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EQUIFAX WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $29,153.31.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-28. End: 2026-03-27.

What specific metrics are in place to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of Equifax's unemployment claims processing services?

The contract details should specify key performance indicators (KPIs) related to processing times, accuracy rates, and customer satisfaction for both agency personnel and claimants. Regular performance reviews and reporting mechanisms are essential to track these metrics and ensure the contractor meets or exceeds expectations, thereby validating the value of the services provided.

What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and what steps were taken to ensure fair pricing?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities or urgent needs. Without competition, ensuring fair pricing is challenging. The agency should have conducted a thorough price analysis, comparing proposed costs to historical data, commercial prices, or independent cost estimates to mitigate potential overpricing and protect taxpayer funds.

How does this contract contribute to the overall mission effectiveness of the USDA's Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, particularly in mitigating risks associated with unemployment claims?

This contract directly supports the operational continuity of FPAC mission partners by ensuring efficient and accurate processing of unemployment claims. This mitigates risks associated with delays or errors, which could impact agency operations and claimant support. The specialized services provided by Equifax are intended to enhance the agency's capacity to manage these critical functions effectively.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Human Resources Consulting Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 11432 LACKLAND RD, SAINT LOUIS, MO, 63146

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $37,484

Exercised Options: $29,153

Current Obligation: $29,153

Actual Outlays: $3,259

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 12314420D0010

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline