HHS | Kp Partners

Department of Health & Human Services

HHS OCIO IT Services Acquisition Support

Challenge

The HHS Office of Chief Information Officer (OCIO) Office of Operations (OPS) supports over 22 customer organizations comprised of over 15,000 users across Infrastructure & Engineering, IT Services and Operations, Telecommunications, and Business Operations. OPS currently leverages existing large BPAs as a means for providing contractor support services to its customers. The current multimillion dollar Engineering and Operations task orders awarded under the BPAs are expiring and need to be re-competed.

Collaborative Approach

KP Partners has partnered with OCIO OPS to help advise and support the full acquisition lifecycle associated with the task order re-competes including, but not limited to:

Providing IT subject matter expertise
Establishing acquisition strategies and developing acquisition plans
Conducting market research and developing/evaluating RFI(s)
Developing contract vehicle recommendations
Developing IT requirements for the PWS(s)
Developing Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCEs) and cost models
Developing performance metrics and Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
Developing evaluation criteria
Developing solicitation package(s)
Supporting pre-award activities
Supporting source selection
Supporting award activities

Driving Change

Our support helped OCIO OPS evaluate and find the right set of service providers with improved performance, service delivery, and innovation to the end customers.

HHS Category Management Implementation

Challenge

HHS had been faced with the challenge of driving implementation of Category Management (CM) throughout the Department while supporting and complying with Federal-wide CM policies, metrics, and initiatives. HHS consists of 11 separate operating divisions that largely operate and procure categories of spend in a highly decentralized and uncoordinated manner. As a result, implementing Category Management to more efficiently and effectively acquire goods and services can be challenging.

Collaborative Approach

KP Partners partnered with the HHS Category Management Program Office within the Office of Acquisition to help drive Category Management adoption. We provided program management, advisory, data analysis, compliance analysis, training, policy, and change management services to the office including, but not limited to:

Conducted compliance data analyses to track compliance against HHS and Federal-wide CM goals (SUM, BIC, etc.)
Facilitated annual CM plans based on OMB guidance
Provided ongoing reporting on compliance against targets
Established CM compliance targets for OPDIVs/STAFFDIVs
Developed training materials and communications on CM policies, metrics, tactics, benefits, and impact to HHS stakeholders
Developed HHS-wide CM guidance and policy documentation
Established vendor and demand management strategies

Driving Change

Our support helped to make Category Management “stick” within HHS through training, policy, change management, data analyses, and effective communications. Furthermore, we have provided senior leadership within the Office of Acquisition with key insights into the performance and progress of HHS and individual OPDIVs/STAFFDIVs against Department-level and Federal-level CM goals and targets.

HHS Office of Acquisition Program Improvement

Challenge

The HHS Office of Acquisition (OA) Acquisition Program Support (APS) division manages the Department-wide Past Performance and Purchase Card programs on behalf of HHS. APS faced challenges with ensuring policies were up to date and reflected Federal-wide guidance. Furthermore, both Past Performance and Purchase Card compliance rates were low and required strategic planning, data analysis, performance tracking, and training to ensure these programs were effective and helped to deliver HHS’ mission goals.

Collaborative Approach

KP Partners partnered with APS to provide a combination of program management, advisory, data analysis, compliance analysis, training, policy, and change management services for their Past Performance and Purchase Card programs including, but not limited to:

Developing strategic plans and performance metrics
Supporting change management and strategic communications
Leading past performance data and compliance analysis
Developing past performance policy and guidance
Leading purchase card data and compliance analysis
Developing purchase card policy and guidance

Driving Change

Our support positively impacted APS’ ability to manage its Past Performance and Purchase Card programs so that they effectively address policy requirements and help the overall Department meet its mission goals. Over time, compliance within both programs increased from the baseline numbers at the time KP Partners’ support started.