HHS awards $4.4M for Anti-Trafficking Information Management System to TISTA Science and Technology Corporation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,421,487 ($4.4M)

Contractor: Tista Science and Technology Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2021-09-30

End Date: 2024-10-29

Contract Duration: 1,125 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: ANTI-TRAFFICKING INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20001

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $4.4 million to TISTA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION for work described as: ANTI-TRAFFICKING INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract duration of 1125 days indicates a significant, long-term need for these services. 3. The fixed-price contract type aims to control costs by establishing a set price for services. 4. The services fall under Computer Systems Design, a common IT support category. 5. The award is a delivery order, implying it's part of a larger contract vehicle.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $4.4 million over approximately three years for a specialized information management system appears reasonable. Benchmarking against similar government IT system development and maintenance contracts suggests this is within a typical range for the scope of work. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government, although it places the risk of cost overruns on the contractor.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' which typically means the solicitation was broadly advertised, but specific sources may have been excluded based on pre-qualification or other criteria. The number of bidders is not specified, but the 'full and open' designation generally implies a competitive environment, which should lead to better pricing and value.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process helps ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs and encouraging the best possible solutions from multiple vendors.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) within HHS, who will utilize the system for anti-trafficking efforts. The system will support the critical mission of managing information related to combating human trafficking. The contract is geographically focused on the District of Columbia, where the agency is located. The contract supports the IT sector workforce through the provision of computer systems design services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if requirements are not clearly defined and managed.
Dependence on contractor expertise could pose a risk if key personnel depart.
Ensuring data security and privacy within the information management system is paramount.

Positive Signals

The firm-fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
The contract duration allows for system development and stabilization.

Sector Analysis

The IT services sector, specifically computer systems design, is a large and dynamic market within federal contracting. This contract for an information management system fits within the broader category of software development and IT support services. Comparable spending in this area often involves significant investments in custom software, database management, and system integration to support agency missions. The market is characterized by a mix of large system integrators and specialized small businesses.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside component, as indicated by 'ss' being false. The prime contractor, TISTA Science and Technology Corporation, is a small business, which is a positive signal for the small business ecosystem. However, the contract details do not specify subcontracting plans or goals for other small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if TISTA intends to subcontract portions of this work to other small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the contracting officer and the program office within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF). The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of financial oversight by setting a ceiling on costs. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where contract awards are reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Anti-Trafficking Initiatives
HHS Information Technology Modernization
Child Welfare Information Systems
Case Management Software Development
Government Data Management Solutions

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep
Data security and privacy concerns
Contractor performance dependency

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $4.4 million to TISTA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION. ANTI-TRAFFICKING INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TISTA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Administration for Children and Families).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-09-30. End: 2024-10-29.

What is TISTA Science and Technology Corporation's track record with the federal government, particularly with HHS?

TISTA Science and Technology Corporation has a history of federal contracting, including work with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). As a small business, their awards often focus on specialized IT services. Reviewing past performance evaluations and contract histories within federal databases like SAM.gov would provide a more detailed understanding of their performance on similar projects. Their success in winning this contract suggests a positive past performance or a strong competitive proposal. Further investigation into specific past projects, client feedback, and any documented performance issues would offer a comprehensive view of their capabilities and reliability.

How does the $4.4 million cost compare to similar anti-trafficking information systems developed for the government?

Benchmarking the $4.4 million cost requires comparing it to similar government-funded information management systems designed for specific mission-critical functions like anti-trafficking. The duration of the contract (1125 days) and the scope of 'Computer Systems Design Services' are key factors. Typically, custom software development and integration for specialized government needs can range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars, depending on complexity, features, and user base. Without specific details on the system's modules, user capacity, and integration requirements, a precise comparison is difficult. However, for a system supporting a critical national issue like anti-trafficking, this investment appears to be within a reasonable range for a multi-year development and support effort, assuming the scope is adequately defined and managed.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks include potential scope creep, where project requirements expand beyond the initial agreement, leading to cost overruns or delays. Another risk is the contractor's ability to deliver a system that meets all functional and security requirements, especially given the sensitive nature of anti-trafficking data. Contractor performance and retention of key personnel are also potential risks. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust project management by both the government and the contractor, clearly defined milestones, regular progress reviews, and adherence to the firm-fixed-price structure which incentivizes contractor efficiency. Security protocols and data privacy measures will be critical oversight areas.

How effective is the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) in managing IT contracts of this nature?

The effectiveness of ACF in managing IT contracts like this one can be assessed by examining their historical contract performance data, the success rate of their IT projects, and any documented oversight challenges. As an agency within HHS, ACF is responsible for critical social services, often requiring complex information systems. Their ability to successfully award and manage this $4.4 million contract through full and open competition suggests a functional procurement and oversight process. However, a deeper analysis would involve reviewing specific program outcomes, user satisfaction with the system once deployed, and any audits or reviews conducted by oversight bodies like the HHS OIG. Consistent delivery of functional systems on time and within budget is a key indicator of effective contract management.

What has been the historical spending trend for anti-trafficking information management systems within HHS or similar agencies?

Analyzing historical spending trends for anti-trafficking information management systems within HHS and comparable agencies is crucial for context. This involves looking at previous contracts awarded for similar purposes, their values, durations, and the contractors involved. Spending in this area can fluctuate based on evolving legislative priorities, technological advancements, and identified needs for better data collection and analysis to combat trafficking. A trend of increasing investment might indicate a growing focus on this issue, while stable or decreasing spending could suggest maturity in existing systems or shifting priorities. Without access to specific historical spending data for these types of systems, it's difficult to establish a precise trend, but it's a vital area for comparative analysis.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - IT MANAGEMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1201 SEVEN LOCKS RD, STE 350, ROCKVILLE, MD, 20854

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,421,487

Exercised Options: $4,421,487

Current Obligation: $4,421,487

Actual Outlays: $4,421,487

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HHSN316201200200W

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline