HHS awards $26.5M contract for child welfare information systems technical assistance to ICF Incorporated

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $26,462,950 ($26.5M)

Contractor: ICF Incorporated, L.L.C.

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2025-03-29

End Date: 2027-03-28

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $36.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Official Description: TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ON STATE, TRIBAL AND FEDERAL CHILD WELFARE INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Place of Performance

Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20190

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $26.5 million to ICF INCORPORATED, L.L.C. for work described as: TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ON STATE, TRIBAL AND FEDERAL CHILD WELFARE INFORMATION SYSTEMS Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract duration is 729 days, indicating a medium-term engagement. 3. The primary contractor, ICF Incorporated, has a significant presence in government contracting. 4. The service category is Computer Systems Design Services, a common area for federal IT support. 5. The contract type is Time and Materials, which can pose cost control challenges if not managed closely. 6. The award amount is substantial, reflecting the complexity and importance of child welfare information systems.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $26.5 million over two years for technical assistance in child welfare information systems appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for IT consulting and system support within HHS or other agencies would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The Time and Materials pricing structure necessitates careful monitoring to ensure costs remain within expected parameters and do not escalate due to inefficiencies or scope creep. Without specific performance metrics or detailed cost breakdowns, a definitive value assessment is challenging, but the competitive award process suggests a baseline level of fair pricing.

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 bids. The number of bidders is not specified, but this procurement method generally fosters a competitive environment, which is intended to drive down prices and improve the quality of services offered. The open competition suggests that the government sought the best value from a wide range of potential contractors, rather than limiting the field.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining services at competitive prices and encourages innovation among contractors vying for the award.

Public Impact

State, tribal, and federal child welfare agencies will benefit from improved technical assistance for their information systems. The services delivered are crucial for the effective management and operation of child welfare data and systems. The geographic impact is nationwide, supporting child welfare efforts across all states and tribal nations. Workforce implications include potential enhancements to the skills and efficiency of personnel managing these critical systems.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely managed.
Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data makes it difficult to assess efficiency.
The broad scope of 'technical assistance' could lead to scope creep if not clearly defined and monitored.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive process.
Contractor has experience in government IT services, suggesting familiarity with federal requirements.
The contract supports critical child welfare information systems, indicating a focus on essential government functions.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader IT services sector, specifically focusing on computer systems design and technical support for government information systems. The market for such services is large and competitive, with numerous firms offering specialized expertise. Federal spending in this area is substantial, driven by the need to modernize and maintain complex IT infrastructures across various agencies. This contract for child welfare systems aligns with government-wide efforts to improve data management and service delivery in social programs.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate whether this contract included small business set-asides or subcontracting requirements. Given the nature of the services and the prime contractor, it is possible that larger IT firms are the primary recipients. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation, either as prime contractors or subcontractors, and its impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program officials within the Department of Health and Human Services. Accountability measures would be tied to the contract's performance work statement and delivery schedules. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though detailed operational oversight specifics are not provided here. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Child Welfare Information Systems (CWIS)
Federal Information Technology Modernization
Health and Human Services IT Support Contracts
State and Local Government IT Assistance

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials contract type.
Scope creep risk if technical assistance is not clearly defined and managed.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical technical expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $26.5 million to ICF INCORPORATED, L.L.C.. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ON STATE, TRIBAL AND FEDERAL CHILD WELFARE INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ICF INCORPORATED, L.L.C..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $26.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-03-29. End: 2027-03-28.

What is ICF Incorporated's track record with similar federal contracts, particularly in health and human services IT?

ICF Incorporated, L.L.C. has a substantial history of performing federal contracts, including significant work within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Their expertise often spans areas like health IT, data analytics, and program support. For child welfare information systems specifically, ICF has been involved in various capacities, including providing technical assistance and support for state and federal systems. Their track record suggests a deep understanding of the complexities involved in managing sensitive data and supporting critical social service programs. A review of their past performance ratings and contract history would reveal their success in meeting deadlines, managing budgets, and delivering quality services on similar engagements. This specific contract builds upon that established presence and expertise within the federal health and human services IT landscape.

How does the $26.5 million contract value compare to similar technical assistance contracts for child welfare information systems?

Benchmarking the $26.5 million contract value requires comparing it against similar procurements for technical assistance related to child welfare information systems or comparable large-scale IT support contracts within HHS or other social services agencies. Contracts of this nature, especially those involving system design, implementation, and ongoing technical support for complex, nationwide data systems, can range significantly in cost. Factors influencing the value include the duration of the contract, the scope of services (e.g., system development, maintenance, training, data analysis), the number of agencies supported, and the specific technical requirements. Without access to a comprehensive database of comparable contracts and their specific details, a precise comparison is difficult. However, $26.5 million over approximately two years for specialized technical assistance to federal, state, and tribal child welfare systems suggests a significant investment reflecting the critical nature and complexity of these information infrastructures.

What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for this type of service?

The primary risk associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for technical assistance on child welfare information systems is the potential for cost overruns. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M contracts reimburse the contractor for the actual labor hours and material costs incurred. This structure can incentivize longer project durations or less efficient work if not rigorously monitored. For the government, the risk is that the total cost could exceed initial estimates if the scope is not well-defined, if the contractor's efficiency is low, or if unforeseen issues lead to extended work. Effective risk mitigation requires strong government oversight, detailed tracking of hours and expenses, clear definition of tasks, and robust performance management to ensure the contractor is working efficiently and delivering value within the allocated budget. The government must actively manage the contract to prevent scope creep and ensure that the 'materials' component is also controlled.

How effective are technical assistance contracts in improving the performance of state, tribal, and federal child welfare information systems?

Technical assistance contracts can be highly effective in improving the performance of child welfare information systems, provided they are well-structured and executed. These contracts aim to provide specialized expertise that agencies may lack internally, focusing on areas such as system design, data quality, interoperability, user training, and compliance with federal requirements (like the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act - FERPA, or the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act - CAPTA). Effective technical assistance can lead to more robust, user-friendly, and secure systems that better support case management, reporting, and data analysis. This, in turn, can enhance decision-making, improve service delivery to children and families, and ensure better compliance with legal and regulatory mandates. The success hinges on the clarity of the assistance goals, the qualifications of the technical experts, and the willingness of the recipient agencies to adopt the recommendations and implement changes.

What is the historical spending trend for technical assistance related to child welfare information systems within HHS?

Historical spending trends for technical assistance related to child welfare information systems within HHS indicate a consistent and significant investment in supporting these critical infrastructures. Agencies like the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) regularly allocate funds to ensure that state, tribal, and federal systems are functional, compliant, and evolving to meet the needs of child welfare services. Spending in this area is often driven by federal mandates, the need for system modernization, and the ongoing support required for complex data management. While specific year-over-year figures for 'technical assistance' alone can fluctuate based on major system upgrades or new initiatives, the overall trend shows a sustained commitment. Factors such as the increasing reliance on data for policy and practice, evolving technological landscapes, and the critical nature of child welfare data contribute to this ongoing expenditure. This contract represents a continuation of that established pattern of federal investment.

What are the implications of awarding this contract to a single entity like ICF Incorporated for the broader market of child welfare IT service providers?

Awarding a significant contract like this to a single entity, even if competitively won, can have implications for the broader market of child welfare IT service providers. For ICF, it solidifies their position as a key player in this niche. For other potential providers, it highlights the importance of developing specialized expertise in child welfare systems and demonstrating a strong track record with federal agencies. It may also encourage smaller, specialized firms to seek subcontracting opportunities with the prime contractor, fostering a tiered ecosystem. However, if the competition was robust and involved multiple capable bidders, it signals to the market that there are indeed multiple avenues for agencies to procure such services, potentially encouraging future competition. The long-term impact depends on whether this contract leads to further consolidation or spurs innovation and diversification among other providers.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 75ACF124Q00038

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: ICF International, Inc.

Address: 1902 RESTON METRO PLAZA, RESTON, VA, 20190

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $69,769,938

Exercised Options: $26,462,950

Current Obligation: $26,462,950

Actual Outlays: $8,245,275

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $62,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HHSN316201200028W

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline