DHS awards $43.6M contract to Acuity International for nationwide medical services supporting TSA recruitment and employee return

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $43,613,237 ($43.6M)

Contractor: Acuity International, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2023-12-01

End Date: 2026-05-28

Contract Duration: 909 days

Daily Burn Rate: $48.0K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PROVIDE A NETWORK OF MEDICAL SERVICES NATIONWIDE, INCLUSIVE OF MEDICAL TEST AND EXAMS FUNCTIONING TO ASSIST TSA IN THE RECRUITMENT OF QUALIFIED CANDIDATES AND THE TIMELY AND SUCCESSFUL RETURN OF ITS EMPLOYEES TO THE WORKFORCE.

Place of Performance

Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20191

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $43.6 million to ACUITY INTERNATIONAL, LLC for work described as: PROVIDE A NETWORK OF MEDICAL SERVICES NATIONWIDE, INCLUSIVE OF MEDICAL TEST AND EXAMS FUNCTIONING TO ASSIST TSA IN THE RECRUITMENT OF QUALIFIED CANDIDATES AND THE TIMELY AND SUCCESSFUL RETURN OF ITS EMPLOYEES TO THE WORKFORCE. Key points: 1. Contract aims to streamline TSA's candidate recruitment and employee return-to-work processes through a national medical services network. 2. Acuity International, LLC, is the sole awardee, indicating a limited competition environment. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract structure suggests predictable costs for the government. 4. This service falls under Human Resources Consulting Services, a sector often involving sensitive personal data and requiring robust oversight.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $43.6M over approximately 3 years appears reasonable for establishing and managing a nationwide network of medical services. Benchmarking against similar HR consulting or medical network management contracts would provide further context.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was 'NOT COMPETED,' suggesting a limited competition approach. This method may impact price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs compared to a fully competed contract. The rationale for not competing needs further examination.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are utilized for this contract. While essential for TSA operations, the lack of competition warrants scrutiny to ensure fair pricing and value for money.

Public Impact

Ensures TSA can efficiently recruit qualified personnel by providing accessible medical testing and exams. Facilitates the timely return of TSA employees to work after medical leave, minimizing operational disruptions. Establishes a nationwide network, potentially improving access to services for employees across different geographic locations. Supports the overall health and readiness of the TSA workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for cost overruns due to limited bidding
Data privacy and security of employee medical information

Positive Signals

Addresses a critical need for TSA's operational efficiency
Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty
Nationwide network offers broad accessibility

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Human Resources Consulting Services, specifically focusing on medical evaluations. Spending in this sector is driven by workforce management needs, compliance requirements, and employee well-being programs. Benchmarks for similar services can vary widely based on scope and geographic coverage.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific provisions or set-asides for small businesses in this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses had an opportunity to participate.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be crucial to ensure Acuity International meets the service level agreements, maintains the quality of the medical network, and protects sensitive employee health information. The TSA should establish clear performance metrics and regular reviews.

Related Government Programs

Human Resources Consulting Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
Transportation Security Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of competition may lead to inflated costs.
Potential for vendor lock-in due to the specialized nature of the service.
Dependence on a single provider for critical HR functions.
Ensuring consistent quality across a nationwide network.
Data security and privacy risks associated with medical information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $43.6 million to ACUITY INTERNATIONAL, LLC. PROVIDE A NETWORK OF MEDICAL SERVICES NATIONWIDE, INCLUSIVE OF MEDICAL TEST AND EXAMS FUNCTIONING TO ASSIST TSA IN THE RECRUITMENT OF QUALIFIED CANDIDATES AND THE TIMELY AND SUCCESSFUL RETURN OF ITS EMPLOYEES TO THE WORKFORCE.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ACUITY INTERNATIONAL, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $43.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-12-01. End: 2026-05-28.

What was the specific justification for not competing this contract, and how does it align with federal procurement regulations for limited competition?

The justification for not competing this contract is not detailed in the provided data. Federal regulations typically allow for non-competitive awards under specific circumstances, such as when only one responsible source can satisfy agency requirements, or in cases of urgent need. A thorough review of the contract file and justification documentation is necessary to determine its validity and ensure compliance.

How will the TSA ensure the cost-effectiveness and value for money given the limited competition for this nationwide medical services contract?

The TSA can ensure cost-effectiveness by establishing robust performance metrics and conducting regular price and performance reviews. Negotiating clear deliverables, service level agreements, and potentially incorporating incentive clauses tied to efficiency or quality can also drive value. Benchmarking against industry standards and seeking competitive pricing for sub-contracted services, if applicable, are additional measures.

What measures are in place to safeguard the privacy and security of sensitive employee medical data handled by Acuity International under this contract?

Safeguarding sensitive employee medical data requires strict adherence to HIPAA and other relevant privacy regulations. The contract should include specific clauses mandating data encryption, access controls, regular security audits, and breach notification protocols. Acuity International must demonstrate compliance through certifications and undergo regular security assessments by the TSA.

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

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Acuity International LLC

Address: 10701 PARKRIDGE BLVD, RESTON, VA, 20191

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $43,613,237

Exercised Options: $43,613,237

Current Obligation: $43,613,237

Actual Outlays: $39,225,142

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline