USAID Spends $26.2M on Technical Advisory Services for Project MEL in Colombia

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $26,219,244 ($26.2M)

Contractor: Panagora Group Inc.

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2019-04-05

End Date: 2024-05-04

Contract Duration: 1,856 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 12

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS ACTIVITY IS TO PROVIDE USAID/COLOMBIA WITH TECHNICAL AND ADVISORY SERVICES RELATED TO THE MONITORING, EVALUATION AND LEARNING (MEL) OF USAID/COLOMBIA PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES.

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $26.2 million to PANAGORA GROUP INC. for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS ACTIVITY IS TO PROVIDE USAID/COLOMBIA WITH TECHNICAL AND ADVISORY SERVICES RELATED TO THE MONITORING, EVALUATION AND LEARNING (MEL) OF USAID/COLOMBIA PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Panagora Group Inc. for Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) services. 2. Significant investment in ensuring effective project outcomes and accountability for USAID/Colombia. 3. The contract duration is over 5 years, indicating a long-term need for these services. 4. Services fall under 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services', a broad category.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $26.2M over 5 years suggests a substantial but potentially reasonable investment for comprehensive MEL services. Benchmarking against similar large-scale international development contracts would be needed for a precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources', indicating a competitive process. This method aims to ensure fair pricing and access to a wide range of qualified vendors.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to enhance the effectiveness and accountability of foreign aid programs, aiming for better development outcomes.

Public Impact

Improved oversight and effectiveness of USAID projects in Colombia. Enhanced data collection and analysis for better decision-making in development initiatives. Increased accountability for program performance and resource utilization. Potential for more efficient and impactful foreign assistance delivery.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Broad service category may lack specificity.
Long contract duration could lead to scope creep or evolving needs not fully captured.

Positive Signals

Competitive award process.
Focus on MEL indicates commitment to program effectiveness.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within professional, scientific, and technical services, often supporting government agencies in specialized areas. Spending in this sector is common for agencies like USAID requiring expertise for program implementation and oversight.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates the awardee is Panagora Group Inc. and does not specify any small business participation. Further investigation would be needed to determine if small businesses were subcontracted.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract's focus on Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) inherently supports oversight by tracking project progress and outcomes. Accountability is further addressed through the competitive award process and the nature of the services provided.

Related Government Programs

All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Agency for International Development Contracting
Agency for International Development Programs

Risk Flags

Broad service category.
Long contract duration.
No explicit small business participation noted.
Potential for evolving needs not fully captured in initial scope.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $26.2 million to PANAGORA GROUP INC.. THE PURPOSE OF THIS ACTIVITY IS TO PROVIDE USAID/COLOMBIA WITH TECHNICAL AND ADVISORY SERVICES RELATED TO THE MONITORING, EVALUATION AND LEARNING (MEL) OF USAID/COLOMBIA PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PANAGORA GROUP 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 $26.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-04-05. End: 2024-05-04.

What specific metrics are used to evaluate the success of the MEL services provided by Panagora Group Inc.?

The success of the MEL services is likely evaluated based on the quality and timeliness of reports, the accuracy of data collected, the insights generated for program adjustments, and the overall contribution to USAID/Colombia's project objectives. Specific performance metrics would be detailed in the contract's statement of work and performance standards.

What are the potential risks associated with a long-term contract for technical advisory services in a foreign country?

Risks include potential for cost overruns if project needs change significantly, challenges in adapting to evolving local contexts or political shifts, and the possibility of vendor lock-in. Ensuring robust contract management, regular performance reviews, and clear change order processes can mitigate these risks.

How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness and efficiency of USAID's development assistance in Colombia?

By providing expert MEL services, the contract directly contributes to understanding what works, what doesn't, and why within USAID/Colombia's projects. This allows for data-driven adjustments, improved resource allocation, and ultimately, more impactful and efficient development outcomes, ensuring taxpayer funds are used effectively.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 72051418R00006

Offers Received: 12

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8601 GEORGIA AVE STE 905, SILVER SPRING, MD, 20910

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $26,219,244

Exercised Options: $26,219,244

Current Obligation: $26,219,244

Actual Outlays: $25,627,706

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 25

Total Subaward Amount: $6,768,794

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline