HHS awarded JBS International $20.6M for consulting services to advance substance abuse prevention frameworks

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $20,568,544 ($20.6M)

Contractor: JBS International, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2004-09-24

End Date: 2009-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,924 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.7K/day

Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: STRATEGIC PREVENTION FRAMEWORK ADVANCEMENT AND SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: SILVER SPRING, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20910

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $20.6 million to JBS INTERNATIONAL, INC. for work described as: STRATEGIC PREVENTION FRAMEWORK ADVANCEMENT AND SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract value of $20.6 million over 5 years suggests a significant investment in strategic prevention. 2. The 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' category indicates a broad scope of work. 3. A competitive delivery order implies multiple vendors were considered, potentially leading to better pricing. 4. The contract's duration of over 5 years allows for sustained program development and impact. 5. Performance was structured as Cost Plus Award Fee, incentivizing contractor performance. 6. The contract was awarded to JBS International, Inc., a known entity in government contracting.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $20.6 million over approximately 5 years averages around $4.1 million annually. This figure needs to be benchmarked against similar consulting contracts for substance abuse prevention and mental health services. Without specific comparable contract data, it's difficult to definitively assess value for money. However, the competitive nature of the award suggests an effort to secure reasonable pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded as a 'COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER,' indicating that it was competed under a broader indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or a similar vehicle where multiple vendors could bid. The presence of 4 bids (no) suggests a reasonable level of competition, which typically helps in achieving fair market prices and selecting the most capable vendor.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process generally benefits taxpayers by fostering price discovery and ensuring that the government receives services at a price reflecting market conditions, rather than a premium associated with sole-source awards.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely individuals and communities seeking to prevent substance abuse, through improved program frameworks and support. Services delivered include strategic planning, technical assistance, and support for the advancement of prevention initiatives. The geographic impact is national, as SAMHSA operates nationwide, though specific project locations may vary. Workforce implications could include support for public health professionals and community-based organizations involved in substance abuse prevention.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Award Fee contracts can sometimes lead to higher costs if not carefully managed, as the government pays costs plus a fee that can be adjusted based on performance.
The broad nature of 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' could lead to scope creep if not tightly managed.
Long contract durations, while allowing for sustained effort, also carry the risk of evolving needs not being met by the original contract scope.

Positive Signals

The contract was competitively awarded, indicating potential for good value and selection of a qualified vendor.
The Cost Plus Award Fee structure incentivizes the contractor to perform well, potentially leading to higher quality outcomes.
The contract duration allows for the development and implementation of long-term prevention strategies.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically consulting. The market for such services supporting public health initiatives, particularly in substance abuse and mental health, is substantial. Government agencies like HHS frequently procure these services to implement and support national health programs. Benchmarks for similar consulting contracts would typically be assessed based on hourly rates, project scope, and duration.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate if this contract included small business set-asides or subcontracting goals. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation. Without this information, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem remains unclear.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically be provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the Cost Plus Award Fee structure, which links contractor compensation to performance. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS, though detailed performance reports are often internal.

Related Government Programs

Strategic Prevention Framework
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Public Health Consulting
Federal Grant Support Services

Risk Flags

Contract duration exceeds 5 years.
Cost Plus Award Fee contract type requires careful performance monitoring.
Broad service category ('Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services') may present scope management challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $20.6 million to JBS INTERNATIONAL, INC.. STRATEGIC PREVENTION FRAMEWORK ADVANCEMENT AND SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is JBS INTERNATIONAL, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $20.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2004-09-24. End: 2009-12-31.

What is the historical spending pattern for JBS International, Inc. with the Department of Health and Human Services?

JBS International, Inc. has a history of receiving contracts from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) across various task orders and contract vehicles. Analyzing their award history within HHS reveals consistent engagement in providing scientific, technical, and management consulting services. Specific spending patterns would show the total value of contracts awarded over time, the types of services rendered (e.g., research support, program evaluation, technical assistance), and the specific agencies within HHS they have served, such as SAMHSA. This historical data can indicate the contractor's established relationship and performance record with the department, influencing future award decisions and providing context for the value and risk associated with new contracts.

How does the $20.6 million contract value compare to other federal contracts for similar 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services'?

The $20.6 million contract value for JBS International, Inc. over approximately five years, averaging around $4.1 million annually, places it as a significant, but not exceptionally large, federal consulting contract. To benchmark effectively, one would compare it against contracts awarded by HHS and other agencies (like CDC, NIH, or even DoD for similar technical consulting) for services categorized under NAICS code 541690 (Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services) or related codes. Factors like contract duration, specific deliverables, and the level of expertise required heavily influence pricing. A $4.1 million annual spend is substantial enough to warrant close scrutiny for efficiency and effectiveness, especially when compared to market rates for specialized consulting firms operating in the public health and scientific domains.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used in the Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) structure for this contract?

While the specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this particular contract are not publicly detailed, a Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) structure typically ties the 'award' portion of the fee to the contractor's achievement of pre-defined performance objectives. For a contract focused on 'Strategic Prevention Framework Advancement and Support,' these KPIs would likely revolve around the successful development and implementation of prevention strategies, the quality of technical assistance provided to grantees or stakeholders, the achievement of measurable outcomes in substance abuse prevention efforts, adherence to project timelines, and effective management of resources. The government would establish objective criteria for evaluating performance against these KPIs, and the contractor's fee would be adjusted upwards based on the degree of success achieved, incentivizing high performance.

What is the track record of JBS International, Inc. in delivering successful outcomes for federal health initiatives?

JBS International, Inc. has a notable track record in supporting federal health initiatives, particularly those related to substance abuse, mental health, and public health program management. They have been involved in numerous contracts with agencies like SAMHSA, CDC, and others, providing services ranging from research and evaluation to technical assistance and strategic planning. Reviews of their past performance, often found in contract performance reports (though not always public), generally indicate competence in managing complex projects and delivering required services. Their longevity and repeated awards from federal agencies suggest a generally positive performance history, though like any large contractor, specific project successes and challenges would vary.

How has federal spending on 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' (NAICS 541690) evolved over the past decade?

Federal spending on 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' (NAICS 541690) has shown a generally upward trend over the past decade, reflecting the government's increasing reliance on specialized external expertise to address complex challenges across various domains, including public health, environmental science, and technology. While specific figures fluctuate year-to-year based on agency priorities and budget allocations, the overall demand for these services remains robust. Agencies like HHS, DoD, and EPA are significant procurers in this category. The growth is driven by the need for specialized knowledge, project management support, and objective analysis that may not be available in-house, particularly for rapidly evolving scientific and technical fields.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: SOCIAL SERVICES › SOCIAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8630 FENTON ST STE 1200, SILVER SPRING, MD, 08

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $33,806,198

Exercised Options: $24,878,322

Current Obligation: $20,568,544

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 270031000

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline