USAID Awards $25.7M for Support Services to Global Solutions Ventures, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $25,720,654 ($25.7M)

Contractor: Global Solutions Ventures, LLC

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2022-05-11

End Date: 2027-05-14

Contract Duration: 1,829 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE SUPPORT SERVICES STAFF, FOR THE BUREAU FOR ASIA AS WELL AS THE AFGHANISTAN MISSION OF THE UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (USAID). SUPPORT STAFF WILL INCLUDE ADMINISTRATIVE, PROGRAMMATIC, AND TECHNICA

Place of Performance

Location: BETHESDA, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20814

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $25.7 million to GLOBAL SOLUTIONS VENTURES, LLC for work described as: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE SUPPORT SERVICES STAFF, FOR THE BUREAU FOR ASIA AS WELL AS THE AFGHANISTAN MISSION OF THE UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (USAID). SUPPORT STAFF WILL INCLUDE ADMINISTRATIVE, PROGRAMMATIC, AND TECHNICA Key points: 1. Contract focuses on administrative, programmatic, and technical support for USAID's Asia Bureau and Afghanistan Mission. 2. Global Solutions Ventures, LLC, a Maryland-based firm, secured the contract. 3. The contract is a Time and Materials type, awarded under full and open competition. 4. Significant duration of 1829 days indicates a long-term need for these services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $25.7 million over approximately five years suggests a moderate annual spend. Benchmarking against similar support service contracts for international development agencies would be necessary to fully assess pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating a competitive process was intended, though the specific exclusion details are not provided. This method aims for price discovery through multiple bids.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential support services to USAID's international missions, aiming for efficient program delivery.

Public Impact

Ensures continuity of operations for critical USAID missions in Asia and Afghanistan. Supports diplomatic and development efforts by providing necessary administrative and technical expertise. Potential impact on local economies in regions where services are rendered, depending on staffing.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific details on 'exclusion of sources' in competition.
Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed closely.
Long contract duration requires ongoing performance monitoring.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a fair process.
Contract supports critical international development and diplomatic missions.
Experienced contractor likely selected based on qualifications.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically engineering services (NAICS 541330). Spending in this sector is substantial across government, supporting diverse operational needs.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the awardee is Global Solutions Ventures, LLC. Further analysis is needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or if the prime contractor itself qualifies as a small business.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be crucial given the long duration and international scope. USAID's internal mechanisms and potentially GAO reviews will be key to ensuring accountability and performance.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Agency for International Development Contracting
Agency for International Development Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials contract type.
Lack of transparency regarding 'exclusion of sources' in competition.
Long contract duration necessitates sustained oversight.
Geopolitical risks associated with operations in Afghanistan.
Definition and scope of 'support services' require clear delineation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $25.7 million to GLOBAL SOLUTIONS VENTURES, LLC. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE SUPPORT SERVICES STAFF, FOR THE BUREAU FOR ASIA AS WELL AS THE AFGHANISTAN MISSION OF THE UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (USAID). SUPPORT STAFF WILL INCLUDE ADMINISTRATIVE, PROGRAMMATIC, AND TECHNICA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GLOBAL SOLUTIONS VENTURES, LLC.

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 $25.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-05-11. End: 2027-05-14.

What specific services are encompassed by 'administrative, programmatic, and technical support' to ensure they align with mission objectives and avoid scope creep?

The contract outlines support for USAID's Asia Bureau and Afghanistan Mission. Specific services likely include logistical support, financial administration, program coordination, data management, and potentially IT assistance. Clarity on the precise definition and boundaries of these support functions is vital to ensure they directly contribute to mission goals and prevent unnecessary expansion of the contract's scope.

How will the Time and Materials pricing structure be managed to prevent cost overruns and ensure value for taxpayer money, especially given the long contract duration?

Effective management of a Time and Materials (T&M) contract requires stringent oversight of labor hours and rates, clear task definitions, and robust reporting. USAID must implement strict controls, regular audits, and performance metrics to ensure that costs remain within budget and that the services provided are necessary and efficient. Establishing ceiling prices and closely monitoring expenditures are critical.

What is the rationale behind the 'exclusion of sources' in the full and open competition, and how does this impact overall price competitiveness?

The specific reasons for excluding certain sources from this 'full and open competition' are not detailed. Typically, such exclusions might be based on unique capabilities, national security concerns, or prior performance issues. Understanding the rationale is key to assessing whether the exclusion limited the competitive pool and potentially impacted the final price achieved for the government.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 7200AA22R00025

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3 BETHESDA METRO CENTER STE 700, BETHESDA, MD, 20814

Business Categories: Category Business, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Hispanic American Owned Business, Joint Venture Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Joint Venture Women Owned Small Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, SBA Certified 8 a Joint Venture, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $67,033,810

Exercised Options: $38,415,023

Current Obligation: $25,720,654

Actual Outlays: $20,371,027

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QRAD20D1100

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline