Military Family Life Counseling Program Contract Awarded to MHN Government Services for $638.8M

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $638,786,968 ($638.8M)

Contractor: MHN Government Services LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2012-08-15

End Date: 2018-08-14

Contract Duration: 2,190 days

Daily Burn Rate: $291.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: MILITARY FAMILY LIFE COUNSELING PROGRAM IGF::OT::IGF

Place of Performance

Location: SAN RAFAEL, MARIN County, CALIFORNIA, 94901

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $638.8 million to MHN GOVERNMENT SERVICES LLC for work described as: MILITARY FAMILY LIFE COUNSELING PROGRAM IGF::OT::IGF Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $638.8 million over six years. 2. MHN Government Services LLC is the sole awardee. 3. The contract falls under 'Other Individual and Family Services' (NAICS 624190). 4. Awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 5. Firm Fixed Price contract type indicates predictable costs for the government.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $638.8 million over six years for family counseling services appears substantial. Benchmarking against similar large-scale service contracts would be necessary for a precise assessment, but the firm fixed price structure offers cost certainty.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: The firm fixed price contract type helps control costs, ensuring taxpayer funds are used efficiently for essential family support services.

Public Impact

Supports military families by providing crucial counseling services. Ensures access to mental health and well-being resources for service members and their families. The program's continuity is maintained through this long-term contract. Potential impact on the mental health outcomes of military personnel and their dependents.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
Potential for vendor lock-in despite initial competition.
Dependence on a single vendor for a critical service.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost predictability.
Long contract duration ensures service continuity.
Supports a vital demographic (military families).

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the 'Other Individual and Family Services' sector, which is part of the broader health and social services industry. Spending in this area is often driven by government mandates and social support programs.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this was a full and open competition, but it does not specify if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or prime contractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Department of the Interior, with MHN Government Services LLC as the contractor. Oversight would typically involve monitoring service delivery, quality, and adherence to contract terms by the contracting agency.

Related Government Programs

Other Individual and Family Services
Department of the Interior Contracting
Departmental Offices Programs

Risk Flags

Sole awardee for a critical service.
Long contract duration (6 years).
Potential for vendor lock-in.
Lack of detailed performance metrics in award data.
Dependence on contractor's financial stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $638.8 million to MHN GOVERNMENT SERVICES LLC. MILITARY FAMILY LIFE COUNSELING PROGRAM IGF::OT::IGF

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MHN GOVERNMENT SERVICES LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Departmental Offices).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $638.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-08-15. End: 2018-08-14.

What specific services are included under the Military Family Life Counseling Program, and how are they measured for effectiveness?

The Military Family Life Counseling Program typically offers non-medical counseling services addressing issues such as stress management, relationship challenges, parenting, and grief. Effectiveness is usually measured through client satisfaction surveys, utilization rates, and potentially pre/post-intervention assessments of well-being, though specific metrics are not detailed in the provided award data.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole awardee for such a critical and long-term service contract?

A sole awardee for a critical service like military family counseling presents risks including potential complacency in service quality, reduced incentive for innovation, and vulnerability if the contractor faces financial or operational difficulties. The government's leverage in future negotiations might also be diminished, potentially leading to higher costs or less favorable terms.

How does the firm fixed price contract structure impact the government's ability to adapt to changing needs within the family counseling sector?

A firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty but can limit flexibility. Adapting to evolving needs might require contract modifications, which can be time-consuming and may incur additional costs. The government needs robust contract management to ensure the services remain relevant and effective throughout the contract period.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Individual and Family Services › Other Individual and Family Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Centene Corporation (UEI: 809245525)

Address: 2370 KERNER BLVD, SAN RAFAEL, CA, 94901

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $1,336,958,146

Exercised Options: $638,786,968

Current Obligation: $638,786,968

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline