HHS Awards $17.9M for Custom Computer Programming Services to Oddball, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,906,922 ($17.9M)

Contractor: Oddball, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2021-05-28

End Date: 2026-09-29

Contract Duration: 1,950 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: EASY ACCESS TO SYSTEMS INFORMATION (EASI)

Place of Performance

Location: WINDSOR MILL, BALTIMORE County, MARYLAND, 21244

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $17.9 million to ODDBALL, INC. for work described as: EASY ACCESS TO SYSTEMS INFORMATION (EASI) Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Oddball, Inc. for custom computer programming. 2. Significant contract value of $17.9 million over its period of performance. 3. Competition method was 'Full and Open Competition'. 4. Sector is IT services, specifically custom computer programming. 5. Potential for taxpayer impact due to contract value.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $17.9 million for custom computer programming services appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized IT services is necessary for a definitive assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to competitive pricing as multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid.

Taxpayer Impact: The $17.9 million award represents a significant investment of taxpayer funds for IT services. Ensuring value for money is crucial.

Public Impact

Impacts the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) IT infrastructure. Ensures continued development and maintenance of critical systems. Potential for improved healthcare data management and accessibility.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Contract duration extends to late 2026, requiring ongoing monitoring.
Reliance on a single vendor for custom programming could pose risks.
Scope creep could increase costs beyond the initial award.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Firm Fixed Price contract type helps control costs.
Supports critical functions within CMS.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically custom computer programming services. Spending in this area is substantial across federal agencies, supporting a wide range of digital services and infrastructure.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved as subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be crucial to ensure the contractor meets performance requirements and stays within budget. The agency should monitor deliverables and contractor performance closely.

Related Government Programs

Custom Computer Programming Services
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Programs

Risk Flags

Contract duration
Potential for scope creep
Vendor lock-in risk
Reliance on custom solutions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $17.9 million to ODDBALL, INC.. EASY ACCESS TO SYSTEMS INFORMATION (EASI)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ODDBALL, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $17.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-05-28. End: 2026-09-29.

What specific systems or functionalities will this contract support within CMS?

This contract is intended to support the development and maintenance of critical IT systems within the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. While the specific systems are not detailed in the provided data, such contracts typically involve custom software development, integration, and ongoing support for platforms that manage healthcare data, provider information, and beneficiary services.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract's duration and scope?

The primary risks include potential scope creep, where the project's requirements expand beyond the initial agreement, leading to cost overruns. Additionally, the long duration (nearly 4.5 years) increases the risk of technological obsolescence or changes in agency needs that may not be fully addressed by the current contract. Vendor lock-in is also a concern if the custom solutions are highly proprietary.

How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness of CMS operations?

This contract is expected to enhance the effectiveness of CMS operations by ensuring the continued functionality, security, and potential enhancement of vital IT systems. Reliable and up-to-date systems are crucial for managing healthcare programs, processing claims, and providing essential information to stakeholders, ultimately supporting the agency's mission to improve health outcomes.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1775 TYSONS BLVD, MCLEAN, VA, 22102

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $19,313,216

Exercised Options: $17,906,922

Current Obligation: $17,906,922

Actual Outlays: $15,749,198

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS35F666GA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline