HHS awards $835K purchase order for physician services to Greer Charles F

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $83,500 ($83.5K)

Contractor: Greer Charles F

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2024-05-29

End Date: 2027-06-30

Contract Duration: 1,127 days

Daily Burn Rate: $74/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: B READER SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: SULLIVANS ISLAND, CHARLESTON County, SOUTH CAROLINA, 29482

State: South Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $83,500 to GREER CHARLES F for work described as: B READER SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a firm-fixed-price basis, indicating clear cost expectations. 2. The contract duration of 1127 days suggests a need for sustained services. 3. Services fall under NAICS code 621111, 'Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists)'. 4. Awarded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) within HHS. 5. The contract was not competed under simplified acquisition procedures, suggesting potential for higher value or specific circumstances. 6. Geographic location of service is South Carolina.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $835,000 for physician services over approximately three years appears to be a moderate award. Without specific details on the scope of services or the qualifications of the provider, it is difficult to benchmark against similar contracts. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty, but the lack of competition raises questions about whether the government secured the best possible value. Further analysis would require understanding the specific medical specialties and the patient population served.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded as 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP,' which typically implies a sole-source or limited competition award, especially given the absence of other bidders mentioned. The specific reason for not competing it under simplified acquisition procedures is not detailed, but it could be due to the specialized nature of the services, urgency, or other factors that precluded a broader solicitation. The lack of competition limits the government's ability to explore a wider range of pricing and service options.

Taxpayer Impact: The absence of competition means taxpayers may not have benefited from the potentially lower prices that could have resulted from a more open bidding process. This could lead to a higher overall cost for the services rendered.

Public Impact

Beneficiaries of these physician services are likely patients served by the CDC or its associated programs in South Carolina. The contract delivers essential medical and health-related services. The geographic impact is focused on South Carolina. The contract supports the healthcare workforce by engaging a physician or physician group.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may have led to a higher price than if multiple bids were solicited.
The specific nature of the physician services is not detailed, making it hard to assess if it's the most cost-effective solution.
The contract's duration and value, without clear justification for sole-sourcing, warrant scrutiny.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides budget certainty for the agency.
Awarding to a specific physician or group suggests a potentially established relationship or specialized expertise.
The contract is for essential healthcare services, aligning with the mission of HHS.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Healthcare sector, specifically related to physician services. The U.S. healthcare services industry is vast, with physician offices alone representing a significant portion. Benchmarking this contract's value would require comparing it to the average cost of similar physician services procured by federal agencies or within the broader healthcare market, considering factors like specialty, location, and patient volume. The CDC's procurement of physician services is likely tied to specific public health initiatives or research.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false) and does not explicitly mention subcontracting plans. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless the prime contractor is a small business that intends to subcontract. Further investigation into the contractor's size and subcontracting practices would be needed to fully assess its impact.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As a purchase order, it is subject to internal agency procurement regulations and financial controls. Transparency regarding the justification for the sole-source award and the performance metrics would be key to assessing accountability. The HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) would have jurisdiction for audits and investigations if any concerns regarding waste, fraud, or abuse arise.

Related Government Programs

HHS Physician Services Contracts
CDC Medical Support Contracts
Federal Healthcare Provider Agreements
Public Health Service Delivery Contracts

Risk Flags

Lack of Competition
Sole-Source Justification Unclear
Limited Performance Data Available

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $83,500 to GREER CHARLES F. B READER SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GREER CHARLES F.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $83,500.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-05-29. End: 2027-06-30.

What is the specific scope of physician services being procured under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract is for services under NAICS code 621111, 'Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists)'. However, the specific scope of services is not detailed. This could range from general medical consultations, specialized diagnostic services, to support for public health programs or research initiatives conducted by the CDC. Understanding the precise nature of these services is crucial for evaluating the contract's necessity, value for money, and performance effectiveness. Without this information, it's challenging to determine if the $835,000 award is appropriate for the work being performed.

Why was this contract not competed under simplified acquisition procedures, and what is the justification for a sole-source award?

The data explicitly states the contract was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP'. This designation, combined with the absence of other bidders, strongly suggests a sole-source award. Federal procurement regulations allow for sole-source awards under specific circumstances, such as when only one responsible source can provide the required supplies or services, or in cases of urgent and compelling need. The justification for this specific award is not provided in the data. A thorough review would require accessing the Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (JOFOC) documentation, if one exists, to understand the rationale and ensure it aligns with federal procurement laws and policies. The lack of competition raises concerns about potential overpricing and limited options for the government.

How does the $835,000 contract value compare to similar physician services contracts awarded by the CDC or other federal agencies?

Benchmarking the $835,000 contract value requires comparing it against similar procurements for physician services. Without knowing the specific specialty, duration, and volume of services, a direct comparison is difficult. However, for context, federal agencies often procure physician services for various needs, including direct patient care at federal facilities, support for research, or expert consultations. The average cost for physician services can vary significantly by specialty and geographic location. A contract of this value over approximately three years suggests a moderate level of service provision. Further analysis would involve searching federal procurement databases for comparable contracts awarded by the CDC or other agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense to assess if the pricing is within a reasonable range.

What are the potential risks associated with awarding this contract without full and open competition?

The primary risk associated with awarding this contract without full and open competition (suggesting a sole-source award) is the potential for reduced value for money. Without multiple bids, the government may pay a higher price than necessary, as the selected contractor faces less pressure to offer competitive rates. There's also a risk of limited innovation or service quality, as the agency doesn't benefit from the diverse approaches and solutions that multiple bidders might offer. Furthermore, a lack of transparency in the justification for sole-sourcing can raise concerns about fairness and potential impropriety, eroding public trust and potentially leading to inefficient use of taxpayer funds.

What is the track record of the contractor, Greer Charles F., in performing federal contracts, particularly for physician services?

Information regarding the track record of the contractor, Greer Charles F., is not provided in the data snippet. To assess their reliability and past performance, one would need to consult federal procurement databases such as the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS). These systems would provide details on previous contracts awarded to Greer Charles F., including their performance ratings, any past issues or disputes, and their experience with similar types of services. A positive performance history would increase confidence in the contractor's ability to deliver the required physician services effectively and efficiently.

What are the historical spending patterns for physician services by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)?

Historical spending patterns for physician services by the CDC can be analyzed by examining past federal procurement data. This would involve querying databases like FPDS for contracts awarded by the CDC under relevant NAICS codes (e.g., 621111) over several fiscal years. Such an analysis could reveal trends in contract values, types of services procured, number of competitors, and average contract durations. Understanding these patterns helps contextualize the current $835,000 award, indicating whether it is typical, higher, or lower than historical averages, and whether the CDC's reliance on external physician services has increased or decreased over time.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Offices of Physicians › Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists)

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 75D301-24-Q-77746

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2808 ATLANTIC AVE, SULLIVANS ISLAND, SC, 29482

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $139,500

Exercised Options: $83,500

Current Obligation: $83,500

Actual Outlays: $42,250

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline