Prairie Band Health Services Inc. awarded $9.8M for emergency physician services at PIMC, with 4 bidders

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $9,874,448 ($9.9M)

Contractor: Prairie Band Health Services Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2022-08-24

End Date: 2026-08-31

Contract Duration: 1,468 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: EMERGENCY ROOM PHYSICIAN SERVICES AT PIMC

Place of Performance

Location: PHOENIX, MARICOPA County, ARIZONA, 85016

State: Arizona Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $9.9 million to PRAIRIE BAND HEALTH SERVICES INC for work described as: EMERGENCY ROOM PHYSICIAN SERVICES AT PIMC Key points: 1. Contract value of $9.8M for emergency physician services represents a significant investment in healthcare access. 2. The competition involved 4 bidders, suggesting a moderately competitive market for these specialized services. 3. The firm fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government. 4. Services are delivered in Arizona, impacting local healthcare infrastructure and patient access. 5. The contract duration of 1468 days indicates a long-term need for these critical medical services. 6. The 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' indicates a deliberate process to ensure fair opportunity while potentially addressing specific source limitations.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $9.8M for emergency physician services appears reasonable given the 4-year duration and the critical nature of the services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for physician staffing at federal facilities would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed-price structure is generally favorable for controlling costs. However, without specific per-physician cost data or comparison to private sector rates for comparable services in Arizona, a definitive value assessment is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating that while the competition was broadly open, there were specific reasons for excluding certain sources, possibly related to specialized capabilities or prior relationships. The presence of 4 bidders suggests a healthy level of interest and competition for this service. This level of competition is generally conducive to achieving fair market prices.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive process, even with exclusions, likely resulted in a fair price for taxpayers by encouraging multiple qualified providers to submit proposals. The inclusion of 4 bidders suggests that the government received a range of options, potentially leading to cost savings compared to a sole-source award.

Public Impact

Patients at the PIMC (Phoenix Indian Medical Center) benefit from continuous emergency physician services. The contract ensures the availability of critical medical care, potentially reducing patient wait times and improving health outcomes. The geographic impact is focused on Arizona, specifically serving the healthcare needs of the local community and potentially Native American populations. The contract supports a workforce of emergency physicians and potentially other medical support staff, contributing to employment in the healthcare sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for increased costs if the 'exclusion of sources' limited competition more than anticipated.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical emergency services carries inherent risk.
Ensuring consistent quality of care across the contract duration requires robust performance monitoring.

Positive Signals

The firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty.
The inclusion of 4 bidders indicates a competitive environment.
The long contract duration suggests a stable and reliable service provision.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Healthcare sector, specifically focusing on physician services. The market for emergency physician staffing is substantial, with numerous providers competing for contracts, particularly with government facilities. The Indian Health Service (IHS) often contracts for specialized medical services to supplement its direct care capabilities. Benchmarks for similar physician service contracts within IHS or other federal agencies would provide further context on pricing and competition.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any small business set-aside or subcontracting requirements for this contract. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem appears minimal unless the prime contractor utilizes small businesses for support services not detailed in this award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Department of Health and Human Services, Indian Health Service contracting officers and program managers. Performance standards and quality metrics would be defined in the contract, with regular reviews to ensure compliance. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS. The Inspector General's office may conduct audits or investigations if concerns regarding waste, fraud, or abuse arise.

Related Government Programs

Indian Health Service (IHS) Medical Services
Federal Healthcare Provider Contracts
Emergency Medical Services Contracts
Physician Staffing Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition due to source exclusion.
Reliance on contractor for critical healthcare services.
Need for robust performance monitoring to ensure quality of care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $9.9 million to PRAIRIE BAND HEALTH SERVICES INC. EMERGENCY ROOM PHYSICIAN SERVICES AT PIMC

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PRAIRIE BAND HEALTH SERVICES INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Indian Health Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $9.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-08-24. End: 2026-08-31.

What is the historical spending pattern for emergency physician services at PIMC or similar IHS facilities?

Analyzing historical spending for emergency physician services at PIMC and comparable Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities is crucial for understanding cost trends and identifying potential anomalies. Without specific historical data for PIMC, we can look at broader IHS spending on physician services. IHS often faces challenges in recruiting and retaining physicians, leading to reliance on contract physicians, which can be more expensive than direct hires. Past reports from the IHS or GAO may highlight fluctuations in contract costs due to provider availability, geographic challenges, and the complexity of healthcare needs within tribal communities. Understanding if the current $9.8M award represents an increase or decrease compared to previous periods, adjusted for inflation and service scope, would provide valuable context on value for money and potential budget pressures.

How does the per-physician cost under this contract compare to market rates for emergency physicians in Arizona?

To assess the value for money, comparing the per-physician cost under this contract to market rates for emergency physicians in Arizona is essential. The contract value of $9.8M over approximately 4 years (1468 days) needs to be broken down to estimate the average cost per physician per year or per hour. This requires knowing the number of physicians or physician equivalents funded by the contract. Market rates for emergency physicians can vary significantly based on experience, location (urban vs. rural), and the specific hospital's needs. Data from physician staffing agencies or industry surveys for Arizona could serve as a benchmark. If the contract's effective per-physician rate is substantially higher than market averages, it could indicate potential overpayment or unique service requirements justifying the premium. Conversely, a rate below market might suggest favorable negotiation or potential risks to service quality.

What specific factors led to the 'exclusion of sources' in this full and open competition?

The designation 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' implies that while the solicitation was publicly advertised, certain potential offerors were intentionally excluded from participating. The specific reasons for exclusion are critical for understanding the competition's integrity and potential impact on pricing. Common justifications include the need for highly specialized skills, unique past performance requirements, or specific security clearances that only a limited number of contractors possess. Alternatively, exclusions might arise from prior contract performance issues with certain firms. Understanding these factors is key to determining if the exclusion was necessary to ensure the best value for the government or if it unduly restricted competition, potentially leading to higher costs for taxpayers. Further details would likely be found in the contract file or justification documents.

What is the track record of Prairie Band Health Services Inc. with federal healthcare contracts?

Evaluating the track record of Prairie Band Health Services Inc. (PBHS) with federal healthcare contracts is vital for assessing performance risk and reliability. Information from contract databases (like FPDS) can reveal the number, type, and value of previous federal awards to PBHS. Key aspects to examine include on-time delivery, adherence to contract terms, quality of services rendered, and any history of disputes, claims, or contract terminations. Positive performance indicators would include successful completion of similar healthcare service contracts, particularly with the Indian Health Service (IHS) or other agencies serving similar populations. Conversely, a history of performance issues or contract failures would raise concerns about PBHS's ability to meet the requirements of this new $9.8M contract, potentially impacting patient care and service continuity.

How does the performance of emergency physician services impact patient outcomes at PIMC?

The performance of emergency physician services directly influences patient outcomes at the Phoenix Indian Medical Center (PIMC). Key performance indicators (KPIs) likely tracked under this contract would include patient wait times, door-to-physician times, patient satisfaction scores, adherence to clinical protocols, and potentially readmission rates for conditions treated in the ER. High-performing services ensure timely diagnosis and treatment, reducing the severity of illness and preventing complications. Conversely, underperformance, such as long wait times or inadequate staffing, can lead to patient dissatisfaction, increased morbidity, and potentially higher healthcare costs due to delayed or suboptimal care. Robust oversight and clear performance standards are essential to ensure the contractor consistently delivers high-quality emergency care that positively impacts patient health.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › GENERAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: RFP-22-PHX-09

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 19035 US HIGHWAY 75, HOLTON, KS, 66436

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Government, Native American Tribal Government, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Tribally Owned Firm, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $12,887,857

Exercised Options: $9,874,448

Current Obligation: $9,874,448

Actual Outlays: $7,777,373

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline