HHS Indian Health Service awarded $192K purchase order for dental services in North Dakota

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,265 ($19.3K)

Contractor: Bsdent, PLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2017-09-11

End Date: 2018-02-12

Contract Duration: 154 days

Daily Burn Rate: $125/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF DENTIST 2017-18

Place of Performance

Location: FORT YATES, SIOUX County, NORTH DAKOTA, 58538

State: North Dakota Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $19,264.67 to BSDENT, PLC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF DENTIST 2017-18 Key points: 1. Contract awarded for dental services, aligning with the Indian Health Service's mission. 2. The contract was competed under simplified acquisition procedures, suggesting a focus on smaller procurements. 3. Firm fixed-price contract type indicates predictable costs for the government. 4. The duration of the contract is relatively short, spanning approximately 5 months. 5. The award was made to a single vendor, BSDENT, PLC. 6. Geographic focus on North Dakota aligns with IHS service areas.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $192,646.67 for approximately 5 months of dental services appears reasonable for a specific geographic area. Benchmarking against similar contracts for dental services within the IHS or other federal agencies would provide a clearer picture of value for money. Without more granular data on the scope of services (e.g., number of patients, types of procedures), a precise comparison is difficult. However, the fixed-price nature helps control costs.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involve smaller dollar value procurements and may have less robust competition than larger contracts. While the specific competition details are not provided, SAP can sometimes limit the number of potential bidders. The fact that it was competed suggests an effort to solicit offers, but the level of competition may not have been as broad as for larger, full-and-open solicitations.

Taxpayer Impact: Competition under SAP generally aims for fair pricing for smaller purchases. The level of competition here likely ensured a reasonable price, but may not have driven the absolute lowest cost achievable through broader market engagement.

Public Impact

Beneficiaries include Native American populations in North Dakota requiring dental care. Services delivered are likely general dentistry, addressing basic oral health needs. Geographic impact is concentrated within North Dakota, serving IHS facilities or communities in the state. Workforce implications may involve supporting local dental professionals or clinics contracted for services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP could potentially lead to higher prices than a full and open competition.
Scope of services is not detailed, making it difficult to assess the full value and impact.
Vendor track record and past performance are not detailed in the provided data.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Awarded to a specific vendor, indicating a need for their services.
Contract aligns with the mission of the Indian Health Service to provide healthcare.

Sector Analysis

Dental services fall under the broader healthcare sector. Within federal procurement, healthcare services are a significant category, with agencies like HHS (including IHS) being major purchasers. The market for dental services is generally competitive, with numerous private practices and professional corporations. Federal contracts for dental services often target specific populations or geographic areas where access to care may be limited, such as in Native American communities served by the IHS.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate if this contract included small business set-aside provisions or if the awardee is a small business. Given the contract value and the nature of dental services, it's possible that small businesses could be involved either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Indian Health Service (IHS) within HHS. The contract type (Purchase Order) suggests a streamlined process, but standard procurement regulations and agency policies would apply. Accountability would be managed through performance monitoring and payment verification. Transparency is limited by the provided data, but contract awards are generally reported in federal procurement databases.

Related Government Programs

Indian Health Service Contracts
HHS Dental Services
Purchase Orders
Simplified Acquisition Procedures

Risk Flags

Limited competition potential due to SAP.
Lack of detailed service scope.
No information on vendor past performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $19,264.67 to BSDENT, PLC. IGF::OT::IGF DENTIST 2017-18

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BSDENT, PLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Indian Health Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $19,264.67.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-09-11. End: 2018-02-12.

What is the typical cost range for similar dental service contracts awarded by the Indian Health Service?

Determining a precise cost range for similar IHS dental service contracts is challenging without access to a comprehensive database of historical IHS procurements with detailed service scopes. However, contracts for dental services can vary significantly based on geographic location, the specific services offered (e.g., general dentistry, orthodontics, specialized procedures), the number of patients served, and the contract duration. Contracts awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), like this one, are generally for smaller dollar amounts. Larger, more comprehensive dental service contracts for IHS facilities might range from several hundred thousand to millions of dollars annually. This $192K award for a 5-month period suggests a focused scope, possibly serving a specific clinic or community need within North Dakota.

What is the track record of BSDENT, PLC as a federal contractor?

Information regarding the specific track record of BSDENT, PLC as a federal contractor is not detailed in the provided data snippet. To assess their track record, one would typically examine their past performance on federal contracts, including contract values, types of services provided, timeliness of delivery, and any reported issues or awards. Databases like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) would be the primary sources for this information. Without access to these systems or more detailed contract history, it's impossible to evaluate BSDENT, PLC's performance history with the government.

How does the firm fixed-price contract type impact risk for the government and the contractor?

A firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally preferred by the government when the scope of work is well-defined and risks are understood. For the government, an FFP contract provides cost certainty, as the price is set and not subject to upward adjustment based on the contractor's actual costs. This shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor. For the contractor (BSDENT, PLC in this case), the risk lies in accurately estimating all costs associated with providing the dental services. If their costs exceed the fixed price, their profit margin will decrease, or they may incur a loss. Conversely, if they can perform the services more efficiently than anticipated, they will realize a higher profit. This contract type incentivizes the contractor to control costs and manage performance effectively.

What are the potential implications of using Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) for this contract?

Using Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) for this contract, valued at $192,646.67, implies that the procurement process was streamlined compared to larger, more complex acquisitions. SAP is designed for purchases generally not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold (which was $150,000 at the time of this contract, though it has since increased). The use of SAP often involves less extensive documentation, simplified evaluation criteria, and potentially a shorter solicitation period. While it allows for quicker procurement, it may also result in less robust competition than a full and open solicitation, potentially impacting price discovery. However, for smaller, well-defined needs like specific dental services in a particular region, SAP can be an efficient method to meet agency requirements.

How does this contract fit within the overall spending patterns of the Indian Health Service for dental care?

This $192K purchase order represents a relatively small portion of the Indian Health Service's (IHS) overall budget for dental care. The IHS is mandated to provide comprehensive health services, including dental care, to eligible American Indians and Alaska Natives. Their annual spending on dental services likely runs into tens or hundreds of millions of dollars, encompassing a wide range of services, facility operations, and staffing across numerous locations. This specific contract appears to address a localized need in North Dakota, possibly supplementing existing IHS dental resources or providing services where direct IHS facilities are insufficient. It is one of many smaller awards that collectively contribute to the IHS's dental care mission.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Offices of Dentists › Offices of Dentists

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › MEDICAL, DENTAL, AND SURGICAL SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 0082017026

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 812 BURLINGTON DR STE 300, BISMARCK, ND, 58504

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $19,265

Exercised Options: $19,265

Current Obligation: $19,265

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline