Department of Health and Human Services Awarded a Contract to VISTA STAFFING SOLUTIONS, INC. for $182,000.00

Summary of Award

The contract data from USASpending.gov presents a complex financial and operational agreement between the U.S. federal government and VISTA Staffing Solutions, Inc. under the Indian Health Service (IHS), a part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The awarded contract is structured as an "Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity" (IDIQ) agreement, designed to provide flexibility in terms of timing and quantity of the service to be rendered. The specific task involves providing locum services for Family and Internal Medicine, supporting the mission of the IHS to deliver quality health services to American Indians and Alaska Natives.

**Contract Overview and Structure**

The contract, identified by award ID "HHSI244201600002I," falls under the category of IDV_B_B, indicating it's an IDIQ. This contract type is advantageous when the exact quantities and delivery schedules of services are not predetermined, allowing the contracting agency to request services as needs arise. The contract was signed on July 29, 2016, with the performance period spanning five years, from July 2016 to July 2021, without any disclosed modifications. The agreement's total potential obligation reaches $1,009,000, while the base period totals $182,000, underscoring a significant commitment to fulfilling IHS's service needs over this term. **Awarding and Funding Agencies** The Federal Government, through the Department of Health and Human Services and the Indian Health Service, awarded and funded this contract. Specifically, the Billings Area Indian Health Service, a subdivision within IHS, is responsible for managing the contract, reflecting its focus on local health service operations. This arrangement emphasizes the government's dedication to health care accessibility and quality through strategic partnerships with private entities like VISTA Staffing Solutions. **Recipient Insights** VISTA Staffing Solutions, Inc., the contract recipient, is identified with the unique entity ID "CE11R34E5PA9" and headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. Recognized as a Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt and Not Designated a Small Business, VISTA Staffing provides temporary help services as categorized under NAICS code 561320. Their specialization in health staffing solutions is further detailed under the PSC code Q509, denoting services in Family and Internal Medicine. This sector classification reinforces VISTA’s expertise and core capabilities in aligning skilled medical professionals with organizational demands, pivotal in fulfilling the terms of this contract. Besides its focus on healthcare staffing, VISTA is part of a wider corporate structure, being a subsidiary of Hitachi Kokusai Electric Comark LLC. This relationship suggests the company benefits from significant operational support and resources from its parent, which can enhance its service delivery and contractual performance. **Contractual and Competitive Framework** The contract was awarded after a competitive process, indicated by the "COMPETED UNDER SAP" designation. Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) were employed, which suggests a streamlined, less cumbersome procurement process that can lower transactional barriers and expedite contract formulation and execution. With "8" offers received, the competitive landscape demonstrates a healthy interest from contractors but ultimately, VISTA emerged as the most favorable or suitably qualified. Additionally, "NO SET ASIDE USED" reflects the absence of preferential contractual provisions for small businesses, minorities, or distinct federal programs, instead indicating an open market competition. **Contract Purpose and Product/Service Details** The central purpose outlined in the contract is the provision of locum services, primarily for internal medical care. The contract description— "IGF::OT::IGF FBSU LOCUM SERVICES"—provides insight into the specific service needs, with "LOCUM SERVICES" implying temporary placements for healthcare professionals in facilities experiencing vacancies or heightened service demands. By being competitive in cost and delivering Firm Fixed Price services, VISTA delivers precise budgeting and fiscal predictability, key considerations for governmental agencies focusing on efficient expenditure in public health. **Operational Context and Future Outlook** The contract meets a critical health service provision need within the IHS jurisdiction. It is strategically significant, allowing HHS to ensure continuity of care without labor shortages impacting service delivery. The implication for VISTA is a reliable revenue stream, along with opportunities to strengthen its relations and reputation within federal healthcare services. As the contract moves forward or potentially nears renewal, VISTA’s performance metrics and service quality will be critical in assessing the potential extension or expansion of their service engagements under adjusted terms or new competitive requisitions. The “NO PREFERENCE USED” status could suggest a shift in preferences towards cost-efficiency and service quality as determinants for future awards. In summary, this federal contract encapsulates key facets of strategic healthcare resource management, emphasizing flexibility, competition, and specialization. VISTA Staffing Solutions has positioned itself as a pivotal player in delivering essential medical staffing services under a framework designed to adapt to dynamic operational needs while anchored in the commitment to providing quality healthcare services to Native American communities.