USAID's $24.9M contract for anti-corruption tools awarded to TETRA TECH DRG JV, INC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,932,987 ($24.9M)

Contractor: Tetra Tech DRG JV, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2022-09-30

End Date: 2025-02-11

Contract Duration: 865 days

Daily Burn Rate: $28.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CTC GRAND CHALLENGE TO BUILD COALITIONS AND SOURCE NOVEL TOOLS AND APPROACHES TO CURB THE THREAT OF TRANSNATIONAL CORRUPTION AND RELATED SECRETARIAT SERVICES.

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20523

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $24.9 million to TETRA TECH DRG JV, INC. for work described as: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CTC GRAND CHALLENGE TO BUILD COALITIONS AND SOURCE NOVEL TOOLS AND APPROACHES TO CURB THE THREAT OF TRANSNATIONAL CORRUPTION AND RELATED SECRETARIAT SERVICES. Key points: 1. Contract aims to build coalitions and source novel tools to curb transnational corruption. 2. Focus on innovative approaches to address a critical global security and economic threat. 3. Performance period spans over two years, indicating a sustained effort. 4. Awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a broad search for qualified vendors. 5. The contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) allows for flexibility in project execution. 6. Geographic focus includes District of Columbia, potentially for coordination and oversight.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $24.9 million for a period of approximately 2.5 years appears reasonable for a complex, multi-faceted program addressing transnational corruption. Benchmarking against similar large-scale international development and technical assistance contracts would provide further context, but the scope suggests significant effort. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure is common for research and development or complex service contracts where costs can be uncertain, but it requires careful oversight to ensure cost efficiency.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors were likely solicited and evaluated. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, encouraging bidders to offer their best technical solutions and pricing. The presence of 5 bids suggests a healthy level of interest and competition for this significant contract.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of securing the most effective solutions at competitive prices, preventing potential overspending associated with less competitive procurement methods.

Public Impact

International development and security initiatives benefit from enhanced tools and strategies to combat corruption. Global coalitions will be strengthened through collaborative efforts facilitated by this contract. Novel approaches and technologies will be sourced to improve the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures. The District of Columbia serves as a hub for coordination and potential policy development related to the program. Workforce implications may include specialized roles in international affairs, technology development, and program management.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns inherent in CPFF contracts if not rigorously managed.
Complexity of measuring the direct impact of 'novel tools' on curbing corruption.
Ensuring effective coalition building across diverse international stakeholders can be challenging.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, maximizing potential for best value.
Focus on innovative solutions addresses a critical and persistent global challenge.
Longer performance period allows for sustained implementation and impact assessment.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on international development and anti-corruption initiatives. The market for such services is driven by government funding for foreign aid, security, and governance programs. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other large contracts awarded by agencies like USAID, the Department of State, or international organizations for similar technical assistance and program implementation in developing nations.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside requirement for this award, and the prime contractor is not a small business. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist and if small businesses are being leveraged for specialized services within the scope of this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be managed by the Agency for International Development (USAID) through contract officers and technical monitors. Accountability measures will be tied to the delivery of milestones and deliverables outlined in the contract. Transparency can be enhanced through regular reporting requirements and public dissemination of non-sensitive program outcomes. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to investigations of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

USAID Global Development Lab
Department of State - Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs
Millennium Challenge Corporation
Anti-Corruption Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure.
Difficulty in measuring direct impact on corruption reduction.
Challenges in achieving effective international coalition building.
Dependence on the successful development and adoption of novel tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $24.9 million to TETRA TECH DRG JV, INC.. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CTC GRAND CHALLENGE TO BUILD COALITIONS AND SOURCE NOVEL TOOLS AND APPROACHES TO CURB THE THREAT OF TRANSNATIONAL CORRUPTION AND RELATED SECRETARIAT SERVICES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TETRA TECH DRG JV, 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 $24.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-09-30. End: 2025-02-11.

What is the track record of TETRA TECH DRG JV, INC. in managing large-scale international development contracts, particularly those focused on anti-corruption?

TETRA TECH DRG JV, INC. is a joint venture, suggesting a collaboration of entities with potentially diverse expertise. Tetra Tech, as a parent company, has a significant history in providing technical and management support services for international development projects, including those related to governance, rule of law, and economic growth. However, the specific track record of the 'DRG JV' entity in managing anti-corruption initiatives of this scale would require a deeper dive into their past performance reports and client feedback. Assessing their experience with similar 'grand challenge' type initiatives and their ability to build effective coalitions across international partners is crucial for understanding their suitability for this contract.

How does the $24.9 million contract value compare to similar anti-corruption initiatives funded by USAID or other federal agencies?

The $24.9 million contract value for a 2.5-year initiative focused on developing tools and coalitions to combat transnational corruption is substantial. To benchmark this, one would compare it to other large-scale technical assistance or program implementation contracts awarded by USAID, the Department of State, or other agencies involved in global development and security. For instance, contracts focused on strengthening judicial systems, improving public financial management, or supporting anti-money laundering efforts in developing countries often range in the tens of millions of dollars. The 'Grand Challenge' nature of this contract, aiming for novel solutions, might justify a higher investment compared to more standardized technical assistance, but a detailed comparison with contracts having similar objectives and scope is necessary for a precise value assessment.

What are the primary risks associated with the 'implementation of the CTC Grand Challenge' and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks for this contract include the inherent difficulty in measuring the direct impact of 'novel tools' and 'coalition building' on curbing complex transnational corruption. Political instability in target regions, resistance from entrenched corrupt actors, and challenges in fostering genuine collaboration among diverse international partners are significant threats. Furthermore, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type carries a risk of cost overruns if not managed with stringent financial oversight. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks, adaptive management approaches to address changing political landscapes, strong stakeholder engagement plans, and rigorous financial controls and reporting requirements mandated by USAID.

What is the expected effectiveness of the 'novel tools and approaches' to be sourced under this contract in addressing transnational corruption?

The effectiveness of the 'novel tools and approaches' is central to the contract's objective but also a key area for assessment. The 'Grand Challenge' framework suggests an intent to move beyond conventional methods and explore innovative solutions, which could include advanced data analytics, AI for detecting illicit financial flows, blockchain for transparency, or new models for public-private partnerships. The success will depend on the rigor of the sourcing and vetting process, the adaptability of the tools to diverse contexts, and the capacity of coalitions to effectively implement them. USAID's role in defining clear success metrics and providing technical guidance will be critical in ensuring these novel approaches translate into tangible reductions in corruption.

How has federal spending on anti-corruption initiatives evolved, and where does this contract fit within that trend?

Federal spending on anti-corruption initiatives has generally been a component of broader foreign assistance and national security budgets, often channeled through agencies like USAID and the Department of State. While specific figures fluctuate annually based on global priorities and congressional appropriations, there has been a sustained recognition of corruption as a destabilizing force hindering development and security. This $24.9 million contract represents a significant, targeted investment within this ongoing effort, specifically employing a 'Grand Challenge' model to foster innovation. It aligns with a trend towards seeking more effective, potentially technology-driven solutions to complex global problems, moving beyond traditional capacity-building programs.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical 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: 5

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3475 E FOOTHILL BLVD, PASADENA, CA, 91107

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $67,761,374

Exercised Options: $67,761,374

Current Obligation: $24,932,987

Actual Outlays: $11,319,997

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 7200AA21D00024

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline