HHS awards $33.2M for child welfare information system technical assistance to ICF Incorporated

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $33,242,909 ($33.2M)

Contractor: ICF Incorporated, L.L.C.

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2020-09-30

End Date: 2025-03-28

Contract Duration: 1,640 days

Daily Burn Rate: $20.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ON STATE, TRIBAL, FEDERAL CHILD WELFARE INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20201

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $33.2 million to ICF INCORPORATED, L.L.C. for work described as: TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ON STATE, TRIBAL, FEDERAL CHILD WELFARE INFORMATION SYSTEMS Key points: 1. Contract provides critical support for state, tribal, and federal child welfare data systems. 2. ICF Incorporated, a long-standing contractor, has a significant track record in this domain. 3. The contract utilizes a Time and Materials pricing structure, which can pose cost control challenges. 4. Performance period extends over five years, indicating a long-term need for these services. 5. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a robust market. 6. Geographic scope covers the District of Columbia, implying a focus on federal operations or specific regional needs.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $33.2 million over approximately five years for technical assistance on child welfare information systems appears reasonable given the complexity and duration. Benchmarking against similar IT support contracts for large federal agencies suggests this pricing is within expected ranges. The Time and Materials (T&M) pricing model, while flexible, requires diligent oversight to ensure cost efficiency and prevent scope creep. Without specific details on labor categories and hours, a precise per-unit cost comparison is difficult, but the overall value proposition seems sound for the services rendered.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. The process likely involved a thorough evaluation of technical capabilities, past performance, and pricing. The presence of a competitive bidding environment generally leads to better price discovery and ensures the government selects the most advantageous offer. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the designation 'full and open' suggests a healthy level of market interest.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the best value for their investment. Full and open competition helps drive down costs and ensures that public funds are used efficiently for essential government services.

Public Impact

Federal, state, and tribal child welfare agencies benefit from improved information systems, leading to better data management and decision-making. The services delivered are crucial for maintaining and enhancing the functionality and security of critical child welfare databases. The contract's geographic impact is centered in the District of Columbia, suggesting a focus on federal-level operations or support for agencies located there. Workforce implications include the potential for specialized IT and technical support roles to be filled by ICF's personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials (T&M) pricing can lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.
The long performance period (over 5 years) necessitates continuous performance evaluation.
Limited information on specific performance metrics makes it challenging to assess effectiveness independently.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive market.
Contractor (ICF Incorporated) has a known presence and experience in this domain.
The contract addresses a critical government function related to child welfare.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on computer systems design and related services. The market for government IT support is substantial, with agencies heavily reliant on contractors for system development, maintenance, and technical assistance. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar IT support contracts within HHS and other large federal agencies often range in the tens to hundreds of millions of dollars over several years, depending on scope and complexity. This contract appears to be a mid-sized award within this broader IT services landscape.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). As a result, small businesses are unlikely to be direct prime contractors. However, ICF Incorporated, as a large prime contractor, may engage small businesses as subcontractors to fulfill specific needs or meet subcontracting goals, contributing to the small business ecosystem indirectly. The extent of small business participation would depend on ICF's subcontracting plan.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract is likely managed by the contracting officer and program officials within the Department of Health and Human Services. Accountability measures would be embedded in the contract's terms and conditions, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS. The Inspector General's office may conduct audits or investigations if specific concerns regarding waste, fraud, or abuse arise.

Related Government Programs

Child Welfare Information Systems (CWIS)
Federal Case Management Systems
Health and Human Services IT Modernization
State Data Infrastructure Support
Tribal Government IT Services

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing.
Need for robust oversight to manage scope and ensure efficiency.
Long contract duration requires sustained performance monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $33.2 million to ICF INCORPORATED, L.L.C.. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ON STATE, TRIBAL, FEDERAL CHILD WELFARE INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ICF INCORPORATED, L.L.C..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $33.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-09-30. End: 2025-03-28.

What is ICF Incorporated's track record with federal child welfare information systems?

ICF Incorporated has a substantial track record in providing technical assistance and support for federal, state, and tribal child welfare information systems. They have been involved in various aspects of system design, implementation, and maintenance, often working with agencies like HHS to improve data collection, reporting, and analysis capabilities. Their long-standing presence in this domain suggests a deep understanding of the complexities and requirements of these critical systems. Past performance reviews and contract histories would provide more granular detail on their specific contributions and successes in supporting child welfare data infrastructure.

How does the $33.2 million contract value compare to similar HHS IT support contracts?

The $33.2 million contract value for technical assistance on child welfare information systems over approximately five years is a significant but not unusually large award for IT support within HHS. Large federal agencies like HHS often award IT contracts ranging from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars, reflecting the scale and complexity of their technological needs. This specific award appears to be in the mid-range for specialized IT support services. Factors such as the number of systems supported, the level of technical expertise required, and the duration of the contract influence its overall value. Benchmarking against similar contracts for system design, development, and technical assistance within HHS would confirm its relative position.

What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for this type of service?

The primary risk associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for technical assistance on child welfare information systems is the potential for cost overruns. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M contracts pay the contractor for the actual labor hours and materials used. If not managed diligently, this structure can incentivize longer project durations or less efficient work, as the contractor is compensated for time spent. Scope creep, where requirements expand beyond the initial agreement without a corresponding adjustment in price, is another significant risk. Effective oversight, detailed tracking of hours and expenses, and clear definition of tasks are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure cost control.

How effective are technical assistance contracts in improving child welfare information systems?

Technical assistance contracts can be highly effective in improving child welfare information systems when properly structured and managed. They provide agencies with specialized expertise that may not be available in-house, helping to address complex technical challenges, implement new functionalities, and ensure compliance with federal mandates. Effective assistance can lead to more robust data collection, improved reporting accuracy, enhanced system usability for caseworkers, and better overall data-driven decision-making. The success hinges on the clarity of objectives, the contractor's expertise, and the agency's active engagement and oversight to ensure the assistance translates into tangible system improvements.

What has been the historical spending trend for child welfare information system support within HHS?

Historical spending trends for child welfare information system support within HHS have generally shown a consistent and significant investment. Agencies like the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) within HHS are responsible for overseeing critical programs that rely heavily on robust information systems. Spending in this area typically fluctuates based on modernization efforts, new federal requirements (like the Family First Prevention Services Act), and the lifecycle of existing systems. While specific annual figures for this exact contract type are not detailed here, the overall trend indicates a sustained need for technical assistance and system support, often involving multi-year contracts in the millions of dollars to maintain and enhance these vital data infrastructures.

What are the implications of awarding this contract under 'full and open competition' for taxpayers?

Awarding this contract under 'full and open competition' has positive implications for taxpayers. It signifies that the government sought bids from all responsible sources, fostering a competitive environment. This competition typically drives down prices as contractors vie for the award, potentially resulting in a lower overall cost to the government compared to sole-source or limited competition scenarios. Furthermore, it increases the likelihood that the government secures the best value by selecting the offer that provides the optimal balance of price, technical capability, and past performance. Taxpayer dollars are thus more likely to be used efficiently and effectively.

Industry Classification

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

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: ICF International, Inc.

Address: 1902 RESTON METRO PLAZA, RESTON, VA, 20190

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $33,242,909

Exercised Options: $33,242,909

Current Obligation: $33,242,909

Actual Outlays: $26,974,391

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 3

Total Subaward Amount: $650,484

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HHSN316201200028W

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline