USAID awards $30M contract for MENA MEL services to Management Systems International, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $30,017,854 ($30.0M)

Contractor: Management Systems International, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2019-09-17

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 2,570 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: TO PROVIDE MONITORING, EVALUATION, AND LEARNING SERVICES FOR THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20001

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $30.0 million to MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. for work described as: TO PROVIDE MONITORING, EVALUATION, AND LEARNING SERVICES FOR THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA Key points: 1. Contract value of $30M for Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) services in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). 2. Competition was full and open, indicating a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract is a Time and Materials type, which can pose cost control risks. 4. The sector is management consulting, a common area for government contracting.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $30M for a 7-year period seems reasonable for complex MEL services in a challenging region. Benchmarking against similar large-scale international development contracts would provide a clearer picture of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. However, the Time and Materials pricing structure may limit the government's ability to control costs over the contract's duration.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers are funding essential development support services in the MENA region. The competitive award aims to ensure efficient use of funds, but the T&M structure warrants careful monitoring.

Public Impact

Supports critical development initiatives in the MENA region through robust monitoring and evaluation. Ensures accountability and effectiveness of foreign aid programs. Provides valuable data for program adjustments and future planning. Contributes to stability and progress in a strategically important region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials contract type
Long contract duration (7 years)
Potential for cost overruns due to T&M structure

Positive Signals

Full and open competition
Supports critical development goals
Experienced contractor

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under administrative management and general management consulting services, a broad category often used for technical assistance and program support. Spending in this sector is significant across federal agencies, particularly those involved in international affairs.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Management Systems International, Inc., a large business. There is no indication of small business subcontracting goals or participation in this award.

Oversight & Accountability

The Agency for International Development (USAID) is responsible for overseeing this contract. Robust oversight will be crucial to manage the Time and Materials aspects and ensure effective delivery of MEL services.

Related Government Programs

Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
Agency for International Development Contracting
Agency for International Development Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing.
Long contract duration may lead to scope creep or evolving needs.
Complexity of managing MEL services across the MENA region.
Reliance on contractor performance for critical program insights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $30.0 million to MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.. TO PROVIDE MONITORING, EVALUATION, AND LEARNING SERVICES FOR THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Agency for International Development (Agency for International Development).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $30.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-09-17. End: 2026-09-30.

What specific metrics will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the MEL services provided under this contract?

The contract likely specifies key performance indicators (KPIs) and deliverables related to monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities. These would include regular reporting, data analysis, impact assessments, and recommendations for program improvement. The agency's evaluation framework and the contractor's proposed approach will define the specific metrics used to gauge success and ensure accountability.

How will USAID mitigate the risks associated with a Time and Materials contract over a 7-year period?

USAID will likely employ stringent oversight, regular performance reviews, and detailed cost tracking. Establishing clear ceilings, requiring detailed justifications for labor hours, and potentially incorporating fixed-price components for specific deliverables can help manage costs. Proactive communication and a strong contract management team are essential to identify and address potential cost overruns early.

What is the anticipated impact of these MEL services on the effectiveness of USAID's programs in the MENA region?

These MEL services are expected to significantly enhance the effectiveness of USAID's programs by providing data-driven insights into program performance, identifying areas for improvement, and ensuring alignment with strategic objectives. By rigorously evaluating interventions, the services will help optimize resource allocation, adapt strategies to local contexts, and ultimately increase the positive impact of development assistance in the MENA region.

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

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Tetra Tech, Inc.

Address: 1515 N COURTHOUSE RD STE 1000, ARLINGTON, VA, 22201

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $33,535,180

Exercised Options: $33,535,180

Current Obligation: $30,017,854

Actual Outlays: $18,502,049

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00F280GA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline