Spatial Front Inc. awarded $2.7M for FDA data standards support, highlighting custom programming needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,710,660 ($2.7M)

Contractor: Spatial Front Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2021-05-11

End Date: 2024-09-11

Contract Duration: 1,219 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: IT

Official Description: FIRM FIXED AWARD CENTER FOR DRUG EVALUATION AND RESEARCH (CDER) - DATA STANDARDS PROGRAM, PROCESS, AND COORDINATION SUPPORT FDA THREE-WAY-MATCHING INVOICE CLAUSE-COR: JENISE.GILLESPIE-PEDERSEN@FDA.HHS.GOV

Place of Performance

Location: ROCKVILLE, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20857

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $2.7 million to SPATIAL FRONT INC for work described as: FIRM FIXED AWARD CENTER FOR DRUG EVALUATION AND RESEARCH (CDER) - DATA STANDARDS PROGRAM, PROCESS, AND COORDINATION SUPPORT FDA THREE-WAY-MATCHING INVOICE CLAUSE-COR: JENISE.GILLESPIE-PEDERSEN@FDA.HHS.GOV Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical data standards and coordination for drug evaluation, indicating a need for specialized IT expertise. 2. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive market for these services. 3. Performance is measured through labor hours, which can introduce cost variability if not managed closely. 4. The duration of the contract (over three years) suggests a long-term requirement for these data management functions. 5. This contract aligns with the FDA's broader mission to ensure the safety and efficacy of drugs through robust data infrastructure.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.7 million over approximately three years for custom computer programming services appears reasonable given the specialized nature of supporting the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) data standards program. Benchmarking against similar federal contracts for IT support within regulatory agencies suggests that pricing for labor-hour contracts can vary significantly based on skill sets and experience required. Without specific details on the labor mix and hours, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the overall award amount is not an outlier for this type of specialized federal IT support.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this procurement method generally fosters price discovery and allows the government to select from a wide range of qualified contractors. The use of a BPA Call suggests that a broader contract vehicle was already in place, from which this specific task order was issued competitively.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it typically drives down prices through market forces and ensures the government receives competitive offers, maximizing the value of federal dollars spent.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), which will receive enhanced support for its data standards program. Services delivered include process improvement, coordination, and data standards support, crucial for drug approval and monitoring. The geographic impact is primarily within the FDA's operational centers, likely in Maryland, supporting national drug safety initiatives. Workforce implications include the need for skilled IT professionals with expertise in data management, programming, and regulatory processes.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Labor hour contracts can lead to cost overruns if not meticulously managed and monitored for efficiency.
The specialized nature of data standards support may limit the pool of qualified contractors, potentially impacting future competition.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical data coordination could pose a risk if performance falters or the contractor faces challenges.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a healthy market and competitive pricing.
The contract duration suggests a stable, long-term need, allowing for focused development and implementation of data standards.
Support for CDER's data standards is vital for the FDA's core mission, indicating a strategic and important government function.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically custom computer programming. The federal IT services market is vast, with significant spending dedicated to software development, data management, and IT support for various agencies. The FDA's need for data standards support is a niche but critical component of its operations, contributing to the overall efficiency and reliability of drug evaluation processes. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar IT support contracts within health and human services agencies often range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars annually, depending on scope and complexity.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, and the data does not indicate any specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem appears minimal for this particular award. However, the prime contractor, Spatial Front Inc., may engage small businesses as subcontractors, depending on their internal capabilities and subcontracting plans, which are not detailed here.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract is likely managed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) contracting officers and program managers. The use of a labor-hour contract type necessitates close monitoring of hours worked and task completion to ensure efficiency and prevent cost overruns. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases like FPDS.gov, where contract awards are reported. While specific Inspector General (IG) jurisdiction is not detailed, the HHS OIG would have oversight over potential fraud, waste, or abuse within FDA contracts.

Related Government Programs

FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) Operations
Federal Health IT Modernization Initiatives
Data Management and Standards Support Services
Custom Computer Programming Services

Risk Flags

Labor Hour Contract Type Risk
Data Security and Privacy
Key Personnel Dependency
Scope Creep Management

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $2.7 million to SPATIAL FRONT INC. FIRM FIXED AWARD CENTER FOR DRUG EVALUATION AND RESEARCH (CDER) - DATA STANDARDS PROGRAM, PROCESS, AND COORDINATION SUPPORT FDA THREE-WAY-MATCHING INVOICE CLAUSE-COR: JENISE.GILLESPIE-PEDERSEN@FDA.HHS.GOV

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SPATIAL FRONT INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Food and Drug Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-05-11. End: 2024-09-11.

What is the track record of Spatial Front Inc. in delivering similar IT services to federal agencies, particularly within the healthcare sector?

Spatial Front Inc. has a history of performing IT services for federal agencies. While specific details on past performance for FDA data standards support are not provided in this data snippet, their portfolio often includes custom software development, IT consulting, and system integration. A deeper dive into their contract history with agencies like HHS, NIH, or other health-related entities would reveal their experience with similar regulatory requirements and data complexities. Assessing past performance on contracts of comparable size and scope, including client satisfaction and adherence to timelines and budgets, is crucial for evaluating their capability to fulfill this current award effectively.

How does the awarded amount of $2.7 million compare to historical spending on data standards and coordination support at the FDA or similar agencies?

The $2.7 million award for Spatial Front Inc. over approximately three years for FDA data standards support appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized IT services supporting a critical function like drug evaluation. Historical spending on similar contracts can vary widely based on the specific scope, duration, and complexity of the requirements. For instance, contracts focused on enterprise-wide data warehousing or complex system integration might reach tens of millions. However, for targeted support of a specific program like CDER's data standards, an average annual spend of around $900,000 is not unusual. Benchmarking against prior FDA contracts for IT support or data management services would provide a more precise comparison, but this figure suggests a focused investment rather than a broad IT overhaul.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of this contract, given it's a labor-hour award?

For a labor-hour contract like this one, key performance indicators (KPIs) typically focus on the efficient and effective utilization of labor hours to achieve defined objectives. Success is often measured by the timely completion of assigned tasks, adherence to project milestones, quality of deliverables (e.g., documentation, code, process improvements), and the contractor's responsiveness to government requests. Specific metrics might include the number of data standards developed or updated, the successful integration of new processes, the number of coordination meetings facilitated, and the overall satisfaction of the program office with the support provided. Regular progress reports and performance reviews are essential for monitoring these KPIs and ensuring value for money.

Are there any identified risks associated with the contractor's performance or the nature of the services being provided?

Potential risks associated with this contract include the inherent challenges of managing a labor-hour contract, where cost control relies heavily on diligent oversight of hours expended versus work accomplished. If the contractor's personnel are not highly efficient or if project scope creep occurs without proper change control, costs could exceed initial projections. Another risk relates to the specialized knowledge required for FDA data standards; a loss of key personnel from Spatial Front Inc. could disrupt continuity. Furthermore, ensuring robust cybersecurity practices for handling sensitive drug evaluation data is paramount. The government must actively monitor performance, manage scope, and ensure compliance with all security protocols to mitigate these risks.

What is the strategic importance of this contract to the FDA's mission, particularly concerning drug safety and efficacy?

This contract is strategically important as it directly supports the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) in maintaining and improving its data standards program. Robust data standards are fundamental to ensuring the accuracy, consistency, and comparability of data submitted for drug approval and post-market surveillance. This, in turn, is critical for the FDA's ability to effectively assess drug safety and efficacy, identify potential risks, and make informed regulatory decisions. By ensuring proper data coordination and process management, this contract contributes to the overall integrity of the drug review process, ultimately protecting public health.

Industry Classification

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

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6550 ROCK SPRING DR, BETHESDA, MD, 20817

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,585,880

Exercised Options: $3,585,880

Current Obligation: $2,710,660

Actual Outlays: $2,710,660

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75F40121A00017

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline