HHS awards $26.8M for training and technical assistance, with ICF Macro Inc. as the primary contractor
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $26,795,144 ($26.8M)
Contractor: ICF Macro Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2011-09-29
End Date: 2018-09-28
Contract Duration: 2,556 days
Daily Burn Rate: $10.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: CTG TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Place of Performance
Location: ATLANTA, DEKALB County, GEORGIA, 30360
State: Georgia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $26.8 million to ICF MACRO INC for work described as: CTG TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Key points: 1. The contract focuses on administrative management and general management consulting services, indicating a need for specialized expertise. 2. A firm-fixed-price contract type suggests that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns. 3. The contract duration of approximately 7 years (2556 days) allows for sustained support and program development. 4. The award was made under full and open competition, implying a robust bidding process. 5. The contract was awarded as a delivery order, suggesting it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) vehicle or a pre-existing framework. 6. The primary contractor, ICF Macro Inc., has a significant role in delivering these critical services. 7. The contract's value of over $26 million over its term warrants scrutiny for cost-effectiveness and performance.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $26.8 million over approximately seven years for administrative management and general management consulting services appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar large-scale consulting contracts for federal agencies suggests that this level of investment is typical for comprehensive training and technical assistance programs. The firm-fixed-price structure also provides cost certainty for the government, although it places cost risk on the contractor.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The presence of 3 bidders (no) suggests a competitive environment, which generally leads to better pricing and service offerings for the government. The open competition process is designed to ensure that the government receives the best value by leveraging market forces.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive bidding process that aims to secure services at the most advantageous price. Full and open competition reduces the likelihood of inflated costs and promotes efficiency.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are likely public health professionals and organizations receiving training and technical assistance from the CDC. Services delivered include administrative management and general management consulting, crucial for effective program operations. The geographic impact is likely nationwide, supporting CDC initiatives across the United States. Workforce implications include enhancing the skills and capabilities of individuals involved in public health programs.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep if the definition of 'training and technical assistance' is not tightly managed.
- Dependence on a single contractor for a significant duration could lead to complacency or reduced innovation if not actively managed.
- Ensuring the quality and relevance of the training and technical assistance provided over the contract's lifespan is critical.
Positive Signals
- The firm-fixed-price contract type incentivizes the contractor to manage costs efficiently.
- Full and open competition suggests a strong initial selection process, likely resulting in a qualified contractor.
- The long contract duration allows for deep integration and understanding of the CDC's needs, potentially leading to more effective, tailored support.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically administrative management and general management consulting. This sector is a significant component of federal spending, supporting a wide array of government functions. The market for such services is competitive, with numerous firms offering expertise in program management, policy development, and operational efficiency. The CDC's spending on training and technical assistance is a critical investment in public health infrastructure and capacity building.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses arising from a small business set-aside. However, the prime contractor, ICF Macro Inc., may engage small businesses as subcontractors if it aligns with their project needs and strategy, though this is not mandated by the contract terms.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program office within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Performance monitoring, quality assurance reviews, and adherence to contract terms are standard oversight mechanisms. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements. The Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services would have jurisdiction for audits and investigations if any concerns regarding fraud, waste, or abuse arise.
Related Government Programs
- Public Health Training Programs
- Management Consulting Services for Government
- Technical Assistance Contracts
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Operations
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration may lead to outdated services if not actively managed.
- Performance quality and relevance of training/assistance over 7 years needs continuous monitoring.
- Potential for scope creep in defining 'training and technical assistance'.
Tags
health-and-human-services, centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention, training-and-technical-assistance, administrative-management-consulting, general-management-consulting, icf-macro-inc, full-and-open-competition, firm-fixed-price, delivery-order, georgia, large-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $26.8 million to ICF MACRO INC. CTG TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ICF MACRO 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 $26.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2011-09-29. End: 2018-09-28.
What is the track record of ICF Macro Inc. in delivering similar training and technical assistance services to federal agencies?
ICF Macro Inc. (now ICF) has a long history of providing a wide range of services to federal agencies, including management consulting, technical assistance, and program support. They have been involved in numerous large-scale contracts for agencies like HHS, EPA, and others, often focusing on areas such as public health, environmental protection, and social programs. Their experience typically includes developing and delivering training materials, conducting research, providing policy analysis, and supporting program implementation. While specific performance metrics for this particular contract are not detailed in the provided data, ICF's general track record suggests they possess the organizational capacity and expertise to handle complex federal contracts of this nature. A deeper dive into past performance evaluations and any reported issues on similar contracts would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their capabilities and reliability.
How does the awarded amount of $26.8 million compare to similar training and technical assistance contracts awarded by the CDC or other HHS agencies?
The awarded amount of $26.8 million over approximately seven years for administrative management and general management consulting services, specifically for training and technical assistance, places this contract in the mid-to-large tier for federal consulting awards. To benchmark effectively, one would need to compare it against contracts with similar scopes of work (e.g., comprehensive program support, nationwide training initiatives) and durations. For instance, other large federal agencies often award contracts in the tens of millions for similar services. The CDC itself may have other contracts for specialized technical assistance or research that vary significantly in cost. Without access to a detailed database of comparable contracts with precise work descriptions and performance periods, a definitive comparison is challenging. However, the value appears consistent with the scale and duration of a significant federal program support initiative.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of this training and technical assistance contract?
The provided data does not specify the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract. However, for a contract focused on training and technical assistance, typical KPIs would likely include metrics related to the reach and effectiveness of the training, such as the number of individuals trained, participant satisfaction scores, demonstrated improvement in knowledge or skills post-training (measured through assessments or evaluations), and the successful application of learned skills in their work. For technical assistance, KPIs might involve the timeliness and quality of support provided, the resolution rate of issues, and the perceived value of the assistance by the recipients. The contracting officer and program managers at the CDC would be responsible for defining, monitoring, and evaluating these KPIs throughout the contract's performance period to ensure the contractor is meeting the government's objectives.
What is the potential risk associated with the long duration (approx. 7 years) of this contract?
The primary risk associated with a long contract duration of approximately seven years is the potential for the contractor's services or the underlying needs of the agency to become outdated or misaligned with evolving requirements. Market conditions, technological advancements, and programmatic priorities can shift significantly over such a period. This can lead to a situation where the contracted services are no longer the most effective or efficient solution. Additionally, long-term contracts can sometimes reduce flexibility for the agency to adapt to unforeseen changes or to incorporate new approaches or contractors if performance issues arise or better solutions become available. Robust contract management, including regular performance reviews and potential for contract modifications or re-competition, is crucial to mitigate these risks.
How does the 'Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services' classification (NAICS 541611) typically translate into services delivered under federal contracts?
The NAICS code 541611, 'Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services,' encompasses a broad range of professional services aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of organizations. Under federal contracts, this typically includes strategic planning, organizational analysis, process improvement, program management support, policy development, human capital management, and change management. For a contract like this one, focused on training and technical assistance for the CDC, these services would likely involve designing and delivering training programs on administrative procedures, management best practices, or specific public health program operations. It could also involve providing expert advice and support to CDC staff or partner organizations to enhance their operational capabilities, streamline workflows, and ensure compliance with regulations.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting 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
Solicitation ID: 2011Q13603
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: ICF International, Inc.
Address: 530 GAITHER RD STE 500, ROCKVILLE, MD, 20850
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $163,462,304
Exercised Options: $29,029,173
Current Obligation: $26,795,144
Actual Outlays: $3,808
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS23F9777H
IDV Type: FSS
Timeline
Start Date: 2011-09-29
Current End Date: 2018-09-28
Potential End Date: 2018-09-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-05-20
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