USAID Awards $4.65M for Architect-Engineer Services for 30 New MOE Schools Over 5 Years

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,650,743 ($4.7M)

Contractor: Bitar Muhandesoun Mustasharoun

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2021-03-18

End Date: 2026-09-20

Contract Duration: 2,012 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS TO OBTAIN FULL ARCHITECT-ENGINEER PLANNING AND DESIGN SERVICES FOR 30 NEW PUBLIC MOE SCHOOLS. THE ANTICIPATED DURATION OF THIS TASK ORDER IS 5 YEARS (2021-2026). ATTACHED PLEASE FIND THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS: 1.

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $4.7 million to BITAR MUHANDESOUN MUSTASHAROUN for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS TO OBTAIN FULL ARCHITECT-ENGINEER PLANNING AND DESIGN SERVICES FOR 30 NEW PUBLIC MOE SCHOOLS. THE ANTICIPATED DURATION OF THIS TASK ORDER IS 5 YEARS (2021-2026). ATTACHED PLEASE FIND THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS: 1. Key points: 1. This task order focuses on essential infrastructure development for public schools. 2. The contract is for architectural and engineering planning and design services. 3. A significant duration of 5 years suggests a complex, long-term project. 4. The contract value is substantial, indicating a considerable investment in educational facilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $4.65M for 5 years of A-E services for 30 schools appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar large-scale educational facility design projects would provide a more definitive assessment.

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,' which implies a competitive process but with specific source exclusions. The impact on price discovery depends on the justification for these exclusions.

Taxpayer Impact: The investment in educational infrastructure is a positive use of taxpayer funds, aiming to improve learning environments.

Public Impact

Direct impact on the quality and availability of educational facilities. Potential for job creation in the architectural and engineering sectors. Long-term benefit to students and communities through improved school infrastructure. Supports the Agency for International Development's mission in the region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep given the 5-year duration.
Clarity on the 'exclusion of sources' in the competition method is needed.
Risk of delays in construction phases impacting the overall project timeline.

Positive Signals

Clear purpose for essential public infrastructure.
Long-term engagement allows for sustained focus and expertise.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Architectural Services (NAICS 541310) sector. Spending in this sector is driven by public and private infrastructure needs. The value aligns with large-scale public works projects.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved in this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine their participation and impact.

Oversight & Accountability

The Agency for International Development is responsible for oversight. The task order structure suggests oversight is managed through the agency's contracting mechanisms.

Related Government Programs

Architectural Services
Agency for International Development Contracting
Agency for International Development Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns if project scope expands.
Risk of contractor performance issues impacting project timeline.
Dependency on the 'exclusion of sources' justification for fairness.
Long project duration increases exposure to market and economic fluctuations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $4.7 million to BITAR MUHANDESOUN MUSTASHAROUN. THE PURPOSE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS TO OBTAIN FULL ARCHITECT-ENGINEER PLANNING AND DESIGN SERVICES FOR 30 NEW PUBLIC MOE SCHOOLS. THE ANTICIPATED DURATION OF THIS TASK ORDER IS 5 YEARS (2021-2026). ATTACHED PLEASE FIND THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS: 1.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BITAR MUHANDESOUN MUSTASHAROUN.

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 $4.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-03-18. End: 2026-09-20.

What specific criteria were used to exclude certain sources in the 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' process, and how did this impact the final price?

The justification for excluding specific sources is crucial for understanding the competitive landscape. If exclusions were based on specialized capabilities or past performance, it might limit price competition. Conversely, if exclusions were arbitrary, it could lead to a higher price than a truly open competition might yield. A detailed review of the contract file is necessary to assess the rationale and its financial implications.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this task order, and how will USAID ensure the quality of architectural and engineering services over the 5-year period?

Effective oversight requires clearly defined KPIs related to design quality, adherence to project timelines, and compliance with building codes and standards. USAID should implement regular progress reviews, milestone assessments, and potentially independent quality assurance checks. Establishing a robust communication channel with the contractor and addressing any issues promptly will be vital for ensuring successful project delivery and taxpayer value.

How does the $4.65M allocation for planning and design services compare to the estimated total construction costs for the 30 schools, and does this ratio align with industry benchmarks?

Understanding the ratio of design costs to total project costs is essential for assessing value. A typical range for A-E services in large construction projects can vary significantly but often falls between 5-15% of total construction costs. If this $4.65M represents only the design phase, comparing it to the projected construction budget will reveal if it's within expected parameters or if further scrutiny is warranted.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - GENERAL

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 130 AL- MU'TASEM STREET, AMMAN

Business Categories: Category Business, Foreign Owned, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,650,743

Exercised Options: $4,650,743

Current Obligation: $4,650,743

Actual Outlays: $3,344,103

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 72027820D00017

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline