NYC Fire Dept. Awarded $32.9M for WTC Clinical Centers of Excellence

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $32,914,745 ($32.9M)

Contractor: City of NEW York Fire Department

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2011-07-01

End Date: 2017-03-31

Contract Duration: 2,100 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: WORLD TRADE CENTER CLINICAL CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE

Place of Performance

Location: BROOKLYN, KINGS County, NEW YORK, 11201

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $32.9 million to CITY OF NEW YORK FIRE DEPARTMENT for work described as: WORLD TRADE CENTER CLINICAL CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE Key points: 1. Significant federal investment in post-9/11 health services. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting market-driven pricing. 3. Contract duration of 2100 days (approx. 5.75 years) indicates a long-term need. 4. Focus on outpatient care centers highlights a specific healthcare niche.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract type is 'COST NO FEE', which typically means the government reimburses allowable costs without an additional fee. This suggests the focus is on service delivery rather than profit, and the $32.9M award over nearly 6 years implies a reasonable allocation for specialized clinical services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

Full and open competition was utilized, indicating multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This process generally leads to competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value. The award to the City of New York Fire Department suggests a unique partnership or service provision model.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed towards critical health services for individuals affected by the World Trade Center attacks, addressing long-term health consequences.

Public Impact

Provides essential, long-term healthcare for WTC-affected individuals. Supports specialized clinical services for a vulnerable population. Demonstrates ongoing federal commitment to public health initiatives. Enhances the capacity of local emergency services to manage health crises.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if 'COST NO FEE' structure is not tightly managed.
Long contract duration could lead to scope creep or evolving needs not fully captured.
Dependence on a single entity (FDNY) for specialized clinical services.

Positive Signals

Addresses a critical public health need with dedicated funding.
Full and open competition likely ensured fair pricing.
Long-term commitment provides stability for patient care.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the healthcare sector, specifically outpatient care centers. The award amount of $32.9M over nearly 6 years is substantial for specialized services, suggesting a significant operational scope and patient base. Benchmarks for similar long-term clinical service contracts would be needed for a precise comparison.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific subcontracting or participation by small businesses in this contract. The award is directly to a large municipal entity, the City of New York Fire Department.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), indicating federal oversight. The 'COST NO FEE' structure requires diligent financial oversight to ensure costs are allowable and reasonable.

Related Government Programs

All Other Outpatient Care Centers
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Programs

Risk Flags

Long contract duration.
Cost-reimbursement contract type ('COST NO FEE').
Potential for evolving health needs of the WTC-affected population.
Sole reliance on a municipal department for specialized clinical services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $32.9 million to CITY OF NEW YORK FIRE DEPARTMENT. WORLD TRADE CENTER CLINICAL CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CITY OF NEW YORK FIRE DEPARTMENT.

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 $32.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2011-07-01. End: 2017-03-31.

What specific clinical services are encompassed by the 'WORLD TRADE CENTER CLINICAL CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE' and how do they align with the CDC's public health mission?

These centers likely provide specialized medical monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment for health conditions linked to exposure during the 9/11 attacks, such as respiratory illnesses and certain cancers. This aligns with the CDC's mission to protect public health by preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability, particularly in the context of environmental or disaster-related health impacts.

Given the 'COST NO FEE' contract type, what mechanisms are in place to prevent potential cost overruns and ensure efficient use of taxpayer funds?

Effective oversight by HHS/CDC is crucial. This typically involves rigorous auditing of claimed costs, clear definitions of allowable expenses, regular performance reviews, and potentially establishing cost ceilings or performance metrics. The absence of a fee suggests the primary focus is on service provision rather than profit, necessitating strong financial controls.

How does the long contract duration (2100 days) impact the adaptability of the clinical services to evolving medical knowledge and patient needs related to WTC exposure?

A long duration provides continuity of care, which is vital for chronic conditions. However, it necessitates built-in mechanisms for periodic review and potential modification of services to incorporate new research findings, emerging health issues, or changes in patient demographics. Flexibility within the contract framework is key to ensuring long-term effectiveness.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Outpatient Care Centers › All Other Outpatient Care Centers

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: City of NEW York (UEI: 073299026)

Address: 9 METROTECH CTR, BROOKLYN, NY, 11201

Business Categories: Category Business, Government, U.S. Local Government, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $32,914,745

Exercised Options: $32,914,745

Current Obligation: $32,914,745

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline