HHS Spends $24.8M on Miscellaneous Building Operations by Four Seasons Environmental Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,834,852 ($24.8M)

Contractor: Four Seasons Environmental Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2000-02-15

End Date: 2007-08-31

Contract Duration: 2,754 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: OPER OF GOVT MISC BLDGS

Place of Performance

Location: ATLANTA, DEKALB County, GEORGIA, 30341, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $24.8 million to FOUR SEASONS ENVIRONMENTAL INC for work described as: OPER OF GOVT MISC BLDGS Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $24.8 million for government building operations. 2. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, suggesting some initial limitations. 3. Contract duration of 2754 days (over 7 years) indicates a long-term service agreement. 4. The 'GA' and 'GEORGIA' codes suggest a specific geographic focus for these services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to higher costs if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar government building operations contracts is needed to assess if the $24.8 million expenditure represents good value.

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'. While this indicates competition, the exclusion of sources might have limited the initial pool of bidders, potentially impacting price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The $24.8 million expenditure represents taxpayer funds allocated for essential government building operations. Ensuring cost-effectiveness and efficient service delivery is crucial for maximizing taxpayer value.

Public Impact

Ensures operational continuity for government facilities managed by HHS. Supports the infrastructure necessary for public health services. Potential for job creation through the contractor's operations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher spending.
Exclusion of sources in competition may limit price competition.
Long contract duration could lead to cost overruns if not monitored.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition was ultimately utilized.
Contract supports essential government operations.
Specific geographic focus (Georgia) allows for targeted resource allocation.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Facilities Support Services sector, specifically for the operation and maintenance of government buildings. Spending benchmarks for similar services vary widely based on facility size, type, and location, but $24.8 million over 7 years for miscellaneous operations is substantial.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the contractor is 'FOUR SEASONS ENVIRONMENTAL INC' and that the contract was not set-aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, small businesses were likely not primary participants in this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would involve monitoring the contractor's performance against the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, ensuring adherence to operational standards, and verifying that costs are reasonable and allowable. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) would be responsible for this oversight.

Related Government Programs

Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure.
Limited initial competition due to 'exclusion of sources'.
Long contract duration increases risk of cost escalation and performance degradation.
Lack of small business participation noted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $24.8 million to FOUR SEASONS ENVIRONMENTAL INC. OPER OF GOVT MISC BLDGS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FOUR SEASONS ENVIRONMENTAL INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $24.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2000-02-15. End: 2007-08-31.

What specific 'miscellaneous building operations' are covered under this contract, and how do they align with the CDC's mission?

The contract likely covers a range of services such as maintenance, repairs, utilities management, janitorial services, and potentially security for government buildings operated by the CDC. Understanding the precise scope is crucial to assess if the $24.8 million expenditure directly supports the agency's public health objectives and operational needs effectively.

How was the 'exclusion of sources' justified, and did it significantly impact the final contract price compared to a truly open competition?

The justification for excluding sources needs to be examined to understand if it was based on specific technical requirements, existing infrastructure, or other factors. If the exclusion limited competition substantially, the final price might be higher than what could have been achieved in a broader, unrestricted bidding process. Further analysis of the procurement documentation is required.

What mechanisms are in place to ensure the 'fixed fee' component of the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract remains reasonable and doesn't incentivize unnecessary costs?

The fixed fee is typically negotiated at the outset and should reflect a reasonable profit margin for the contractor's services. Oversight mechanisms would involve scrutinizing the 'cost' portion of the contract to ensure it is allowable, allocable, and reasonable. Any upward adjustments to the fee or costs should be rigorously justified and documented.

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 1999N00141

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 43 NEW GARVER RD, MONROE, OH, 45050

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Subchapter S Corporation, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $24,836,638

Exercised Options: $24,836,638

Current Obligation: $24,834,852

Timeline