HHS awards $3M for Cyber Resiliency Program to Chickasaw Service Solutions, LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $3,029,050 ($3.0M)
Contractor: Chickasaw Service Solutions, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2025-09-30
End Date: 2026-09-29
Contract Duration: 364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.3K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS
Sector: IT
Official Description: CYBER RESILIENCY PROGRAM
Place of Performance
Location: BETHESDA, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20810
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $3.0 million to CHICKASAW SERVICE SOLUTIONS, LLC for work described as: CYBER RESILIENCY PROGRAM Key points: 1. Spending on cyber resiliency is crucial for protecting sensitive health data. 2. The contract is a sole-source award, limiting competitive pricing. 3. Potential risks include lack of market competition and price discovery. 4. The IT services sector is experiencing high demand for cybersecurity expertise.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $3.03M for 364 days of labor hours appears high without competitive benchmarking. The specific services and labor rates are not detailed, making direct comparison difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition for this sole-source award may result in the government paying a premium, impacting taxpayer value.
Public Impact
Protects sensitive patient data and critical health infrastructure. Ensures continuity of health services during cyber incidents. Supports the NIH's mission to advance health and well-being.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Potential for overpayment due to lack of price discovery.
- Cybersecurity services are critical and in high demand.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical need for cyber resiliency.
- Supports a key agency within HHS.
Sector Analysis
The IT services sector, particularly cybersecurity, is experiencing significant growth and demand. Spending benchmarks for similar cyber resiliency programs can vary widely based on scope and complexity.
Small Business Impact
The awardee, Chickasaw Service Solutions, LLC, is not identified as a small business in the provided data. There is no indication of small business subcontracting goals.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is a purchase order, which typically has less stringent oversight than other contract types. Further review of internal controls and performance monitoring is recommended.
Related Government Programs
- Other Computer Related Services
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- National Institutes of Health Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Lack of competitive pricing
- Potential for cost overruns
- Limited transparency on services
Tags
other-computer-related-services, department-of-health-and-human-services, md, purchase-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $3.0 million to CHICKASAW SERVICE SOLUTIONS, LLC. CYBER RESILIENCY PROGRAM
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CHICKASAW SERVICE SOLUTIONS, LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (National Institutes of Health).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $3.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-09-30. End: 2026-09-29.
What specific cyber resiliency services are being procured, and how do they align with NIH's unique needs?
The provided data lacks specifics on the cyber resiliency services. Understanding the exact nature of the services, such as threat detection, incident response, or vulnerability management, is crucial. This information would allow for a better assessment of how well the procurement aligns with the National Institutes of Health's unique operational requirements and potential risks.
What justification was provided for the sole-source award, and were alternative competitive strategies considered?
The justification for a sole-source award is critical for ensuring fair and efficient use of taxpayer funds. Without details on the rationale, it's impossible to assess if the government adequately explored options for competition or if the sole-source designation was truly necessary due to unique capabilities or urgent needs.
How will the effectiveness of the cyber resiliency program be measured and evaluated post-award?
Measuring the effectiveness of a cyber resiliency program is paramount to ensuring return on investment. Key performance indicators (KPIs) related to incident response times, system uptime, and reduction in security breaches should be established. Regular performance reviews and independent assessments are necessary to validate the program's impact.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Solicitation ID: 75N98025Q00036
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 2600 JOHN SAXON BLVD, NORMAN, OK, 73071
Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, American Indian Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, 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: $3,029,050
Exercised Options: $3,029,050
Current Obligation: $3,029,050
Actual Outlays: $270,607
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-09-30
Current End Date: 2026-09-29
Potential End Date: 2026-09-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-10
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