HHS Indian Health Service Awards $6.8M for HITSS Software Security and Development Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,823,222 ($6.8M)

Contractor: Chickasaw Service Solutions, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2025-01-15

End Date: 2026-01-14

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $18.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Official Description: SOFTWARE SECURITY, DEVELOPMENT, DOCUMENTATION SERVICES FOR THE HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT SYSTEMS (HITSS) AT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE.

Place of Performance

Location: NORMAN, CLEVELAND County, OKLAHOMA, 73071

State: Oklahoma Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $6.8 million to CHICKASAW SERVICE SOLUTIONS, LLC for work described as: SOFTWARE SECURITY, DEVELOPMENT, DOCUMENTATION SERVICES FOR THE HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT SYSTEMS (HITSS) AT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Chickasaw Service Solutions, LLC for critical health IT support. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract value is $6.82 million over one year. 4. Services include software security, development, and documentation for health information systems.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $6.82 million for a one-year period appears reasonable for specialized IT services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for health IT development and security support would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating a competitive process was initiated. This method generally promotes price discovery and ensures fair market value is obtained.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for essential health IT services.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operation and security of vital health information systems for the Indian Health Service. Supports the development and documentation of critical healthcare technology. Potential for improved patient care through reliable health IT infrastructure.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Contract type is Time and Materials, which can pose cost control risks if not managed diligently.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Supports critical healthcare infrastructure.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically focusing on computer-related services for healthcare. The spending benchmark for similar IT development and security contracts can vary widely based on scope and complexity.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Chickasaw Service Solutions, LLC. Further analysis is needed to determine if this is a small business and the extent of small business participation in the subcontracting plan, if applicable.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Interior acted as the contracting agency for the Indian Health Service. Oversight will be crucial to ensure performance and cost control, especially given the Time and Materials contract type.

Related Government Programs

Other Computer Related Services
Department of the Interior Contracting
Departmental Offices Programs

Risk Flags

Time and Materials contract type may lead to cost overruns.
Lack of detailed scope in provided data requires further review.
Need to confirm small business status and participation.
Potential for vendor lock-in if not managed properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $6.8 million to CHICKASAW SERVICE SOLUTIONS, LLC. SOFTWARE SECURITY, DEVELOPMENT, DOCUMENTATION SERVICES FOR THE HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT SYSTEMS (HITSS) AT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CHICKASAW SERVICE SOLUTIONS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Departmental Offices).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $6.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-01-15. End: 2026-01-14.

What is the specific scope of 'software security' and 'development' required, and how does it align with current HHS IT security standards?

The specific scope of software security and development is not detailed in the provided data. A thorough review of the Statement of Work (SOW) is necessary to understand the precise requirements. This includes identifying the security protocols, development methodologies, and compliance standards (e.g., HIPAA, FISMA) that the contractor must adhere to, ensuring alignment with HHS's overall IT security posture and regulatory obligations.

What are the potential risks associated with the Time and Materials contract type for this service, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Time and Materials (T&M) contracts carry inherent risks of cost overruns if not closely monitored, as payment is based on actual labor hours and material costs. Potential risks include scope creep and inefficient resource utilization. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust oversight, detailed tracking of hours and expenses, clear task definitions, and established ceiling prices or not-to-exceed clauses within the contract.

How will the effectiveness of these software security and development services be measured to ensure optimal value for taxpayer investment?

Effectiveness will likely be measured through performance metrics defined in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW). This could include adherence to security standards, successful completion of development milestones, timely delivery of documentation, system uptime, reduction in security vulnerabilities, and positive feedback from end-users within the Indian Health Service. Regular performance reviews and acceptance testing will be key.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 140D0424Q0677

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2600 JOHN SAXON BLVD, NORMAN, OK, 73071

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, American Indian Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Tribally Owned Firm, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,823,222

Exercised Options: $6,823,222

Current Obligation: $6,823,222

Actual Outlays: $6,823,222

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $2,704,668

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140A1624D0040

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline