VA awards $9.97M for emergency physician services in Biloxi, MS, to Dilligas Corp

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $9,966,430 ($10.0M)

Contractor: Dilligas Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2022-10-01

End Date: 2025-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT PHYSICIANS - BILOXI, MS

Place of Performance

Location: BILOXI, HARRISON County, MISSISSIPPI, 39531

State: Mississippi Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $10.0 million to DILLIGAS CORP for work described as: EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT PHYSICIANS - BILOXI, MS Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in critical healthcare services for veterans. 2. Full and open competition suggests a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. Contract duration of three years allows for sustained service delivery. 4. The award is for temporary help services, indicating a need for flexible staffing. 5. Geographic focus on Mississippi highlights regional healthcare needs. 6. The contractor, Dilligas Corp, will be providing essential medical support.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $9.97 million over three years for emergency physician services appears to be within a reasonable range for such critical healthcare support. Benchmarking against similar contracts for emergency physician staffing in other VA facilities or comparable healthcare systems would provide a clearer picture of value for money. The absence of specific performance metrics or detailed cost breakdowns makes a definitive value assessment challenging. However, the need for these services suggests a baseline level of necessity.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The number of bidders is not specified, but this procurement method generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and service quality. The open nature of the competition suggests the agency sought the best possible solution from the market.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the most cost-effective and high-quality services for veterans' emergency care.

Public Impact

Veterans in the Biloxi, Mississippi area will receive critical emergency medical care. The services ensure the availability of qualified physicians in the VA emergency department. This contract supports the operational capacity of the Biloxi VA Medical Center. Local healthcare workforce may see indirect benefits through the demand for support staff. Ensures continuity of care for urgent medical needs within the specified region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess contractor effectiveness.
Limited information on the specific qualifications and experience of the physicians provided.
Potential for service disruption if contractor fails to meet staffing requirements.
Geographic concentration of services may not address broader regional veteran needs.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
Contract duration provides stability for service delivery.
Addresses a critical need for emergency physician services at a VA facility.
Contractor is expected to provide essential medical support to veterans.

Sector Analysis

The healthcare services sector, particularly within the federal government, relies heavily on contracted services to supplement direct staffing and meet specialized needs. This contract for emergency department physicians falls within the broader category of healthcare staffing and temporary help services. The market for such services is competitive, with numerous providers capable of meeting the demands of federal agencies. The VA, as a major healthcare provider, frequently utilizes such contracts to ensure adequate staffing levels at its facilities.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it specify any subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem appears minimal. However, the prime contractor may engage small businesses for ancillary services not detailed in this award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs' contracting officers and program managers. Performance monitoring, quality assurance, and adherence to contract terms are standard oversight mechanisms. The contract's duration and the nature of the services suggest ongoing review. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases, though detailed performance reports may not be publicly available.

Related Government Programs

VA Medical Services Contracts
Emergency Healthcare Staffing
Temporary Physician Services
Federal Healthcare Procurement

Risk Flags

Potential for physician shortages impacting service delivery.
Quality of care dependent on contractor's physician pool.
Contract duration may not align with long-term staffing needs.
Limited transparency on specific performance metrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $10.0 million to DILLIGAS CORP. EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT PHYSICIANS - BILOXI, MS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DILLIGAS CORP.

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 $10.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-10-01. End: 2025-09-30.

What is the track record of Dilligas Corp in providing healthcare staffing services to the federal government, particularly the VA?

Information regarding Dilligas Corp's specific track record in providing healthcare staffing services to the federal government, and the VA in particular, is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, contract history, and any reported issues or successes with previous federal awards. Without this specific data, it is difficult to ascertain their experience level and reliability for this critical emergency physician service contract. Further investigation into federal procurement databases and contractor performance systems would be necessary to establish a detailed profile.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar emergency physician contracts at other VA facilities or in comparable regions?

The awarded amount of $9.97 million over three years for emergency physician services in Biloxi, MS, needs to be benchmarked against similar contracts to assess its value. Factors such as the number of physicians required, the expected patient volume, the cost of living in the region, and the specific services included (e.g., physician hours, administrative support) significantly influence contract costs. Without access to comparable contract data from other VA facilities or regional healthcare systems, it is challenging to definitively state whether this award represents excellent, fair, or questionable value. A detailed cost-per-physician-hour analysis against market rates would be a key metric for comparison.

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

Key risks associated with this contract include potential physician shortages, quality of care issues, and contractor performance failures. If Dilligas Corp struggles to recruit and retain qualified emergency physicians, it could lead to understaffing, impacting patient care and potentially causing delays or increased wait times in the emergency department. Quality of care is another risk, as the effectiveness of the physicians provided directly impacts patient outcomes. Mitigation strategies likely involve the VA's contract oversight, including performance monitoring, regular reviews, and the ability to enforce contract terms, potentially including penalties or termination for non-performance. Clear service level agreements and reporting requirements are crucial for managing these risks.

What is the expected impact of this contract on the availability and quality of emergency care for veterans in the Biloxi area?

This contract is expected to significantly enhance the availability and quality of emergency care for veterans in the Biloxi area by ensuring a consistent supply of qualified emergency department physicians. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facility in Biloxi will have the necessary medical personnel to handle urgent patient needs, reducing potential delays in diagnosis and treatment. The full and open competition process aims to secure high-caliber professionals, contributing to the overall quality of care. This sustained staffing support is crucial for maintaining the operational readiness of the emergency department and meeting the healthcare demands of the veteran population it serves.

How has federal spending on temporary physician services, particularly by the VA, trended over the past five years?

Federal spending on temporary physician services, especially by the VA, has generally seen an upward trend over the past five years. This is driven by factors such as physician shortages in certain specialties and geographic areas, the need for flexible staffing solutions to manage fluctuating patient loads, and efforts to reduce wait times for veterans. The VA, in particular, has increasingly relied on contracted services to supplement its permanent medical staff. Analyzing historical spending data for similar contracts would reveal the extent of this increase and identify any specific areas or specialties experiencing the most significant growth in contracted physician services.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Employment Services › Temporary Help Services

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › MEDICAL, DENTAL, AND SURGICAL SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 105 HOWARD ST STE 206, SAN ANTONIO, TX, 78212

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $13,531,654

Exercised Options: $9,966,430

Current Obligation: $9,966,430

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: V797D40278

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline