HHS FDA Awards $5M for Consulting Services to Support OSE Projects

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,034,659 ($5.0M)

Contractor: Brillient Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2023-06-15

End Date: 2024-08-26

Contract Duration: 438 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: THIS REQUIREMENT WILL FUND CONTRACTED PERSONNEL NECESSARY TO EFFECTIVELY SUPPORT OSE STAFF ON VARIOUS PROJECTS IDENTIFIED BY OSE TO FULFILL STATUTORY OBLIGATIONS, USER FEE COMMITMENTS, AND SPECIFIC CENTER OR AGENCY GOALS. THE PERSONNEL ARE NECESSARY

Place of Performance

Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20190

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $5.0 million to BRILLIENT CORPORATION for work described as: THIS REQUIREMENT WILL FUND CONTRACTED PERSONNEL NECESSARY TO EFFECTIVELY SUPPORT OSE STAFF ON VARIOUS PROJECTS IDENTIFIED BY OSE TO FULFILL STATUTORY OBLIGATIONS, USER FEE COMMITMENTS, AND SPECIFIC CENTER OR AGENCY GOALS. THE PERSONNEL ARE NECESSARY Key points: 1. Contract awarded to BRILLIENT CORPORATION for administrative management and general management consulting. 2. Funding supports OSE staff on projects fulfilling statutory obligations and agency goals. 3. The contract is for labor hours, indicating a focus on personnel support. 4. No small business participation noted in this award.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $5,034,659.02 for labor hours appears reasonable for consulting services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for administrative management and general management consulting is difficult without more specific service details.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition via a BPA Call. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and allows for a broad range of potential contractors to bid.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to procure essential consulting services to support agency operations and statutory obligations.

Public Impact

Supports critical functions of the FDA's Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories (OSE). Ensures fulfillment of user fee commitments and agency goals. Provides necessary personnel to assist OSE staff with various projects.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of small business participation.
Potential for scope creep in 'various projects'.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Supports statutory obligations and user fee commitments.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under administrative management and general management consulting services, a broad category often used to procure expert advice and support for government operations. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on agency needs and project complexity.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation was sought or if opportunities were missed.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made via a BPA Call, suggesting it is part of a pre-competed agreement. Oversight will be crucial to ensure the contracted personnel effectively support OSE goals and that costs remain aligned with the scope of work.

Related Government Programs

Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
Food and Drug Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of specific project details.
Potential for undefined scope.
No small business participation.
Labor hour contract type can be prone to cost overruns if not managed tightly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $5.0 million to BRILLIENT CORPORATION. THIS REQUIREMENT WILL FUND CONTRACTED PERSONNEL NECESSARY TO EFFECTIVELY SUPPORT OSE STAFF ON VARIOUS PROJECTS IDENTIFIED BY OSE TO FULFILL STATUTORY OBLIGATIONS, USER FEE COMMITMENTS, AND SPECIFIC CENTER OR AGENCY GOALS. THE PERSONNEL ARE NECESSARY

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BRILLIENT CORPORATION.

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 $5.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-06-15. End: 2024-08-26.

What specific types of projects will the contracted personnel support, and how will their contributions be measured against OSE's goals?

The data indicates the personnel will support 'various projects identified by OSE' to fulfill statutory obligations, user fee commitments, and agency goals. Specific project details are not provided. Measuring contributions would likely involve performance metrics tied to project milestones, deliverables, and the successful completion of OSE's objectives. A clear statement of work and regular performance reviews are essential for effective oversight.

Given the 'labor hours' contract type, what mechanisms are in place to prevent cost overruns and ensure efficient service delivery?

As a labor hour contract, cost control relies heavily on robust oversight and clearly defined task orders. The government should closely monitor hours billed against the scope of work and ensure that the contractor's personnel are productive. Establishing not-to-exceed limits for specific tasks and regular performance evaluations can help mitigate the risk of cost overruns and ensure value for taxpayer money.

How does this contract align with the FDA's broader strategy for scientific and engineering support, and what is the long-term plan for such services?

This contract provides immediate support for OSE's operational needs and statutory obligations. Its alignment with the FDA's broader strategy depends on how these consulting services contribute to long-term scientific advancements and regulatory effectiveness. Understanding the FDA's strategic workforce planning and whether this contract represents a temporary need or a shift towards external support would provide further insight into its long-term relevance.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting 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: 1893 METRO CENTER DR STE 210, RESTON, VA, 20190

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,034,659

Exercised Options: $5,034,659

Current Obligation: $5,034,659

Actual Outlays: $5,034,659

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HHSF223201810005B

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline