USAID's Mali Peacebuilding Project awarded to Creative Associates International for $24.8M to foster community resilience against violence

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,849,631 ($24.8M)

Contractor: Creative Associates International, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2018-04-16

End Date: 2024-04-04

Contract Duration: 2,180 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THE USAID MALI PEACEBUILDING, STABILIZATION AND RECONCILIATION PROJECT (PS&R)PROGRAM IS TO STRENGTHEN TARGETED COMMUNITIES' RESILIENCE TO VIOLENCE AND CONFLICT THROUGH COMMUNITY-BASED CONFLICT MITIGATION AND MANAGEMENT, AND BY BUILDING TRUST BETWEEN MALIAN GOVERNMENT ACTORS AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES.

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $24.8 million to CREATIVE ASSOCIATES INTERNATIONAL, INC. for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THE USAID MALI PEACEBUILDING, STABILIZATION AND RECONCILIATION PROJECT (PS&R)PROGRAM IS TO STRENGTHEN TARGETED COMMUNITIES' RESILIENCE TO VIOLENCE AND CONFLICT THROUGH COMMUNITY-BASED CONFLICT MITIGATION AND MANAGEMENT, AND BY BUILDING TRUST BETWEEN MALIAN GOVERNME… Key points: 1. The project aims to enhance community resilience to violence and conflict through local conflict mitigation and trust-building initiatives. 2. Focus on community-based approaches suggests a localized strategy for peacebuilding efforts in Mali. 3. The contract duration of nearly six years indicates a long-term commitment to addressing complex conflict dynamics. 4. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type allows for flexibility but requires careful oversight of costs. 5. The absence of small business set-asides or subcontracting requirements may limit broader economic participation. 6. Performance context is crucial given the challenging security and political environment in Mali.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's value of $24.8 million over approximately six years for a peacebuilding initiative in a complex environment like Mali appears within a reasonable range for such programs. Benchmarking against similar USAID-funded peacebuilding or stabilization projects in other fragile states would provide a more precise assessment of value for money. The CPFF structure necessitates diligent financial oversight to ensure costs remain aligned with project objectives and do not escalate unnecessarily.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The presence of 7 bidders suggests a competitive process, which generally leads to better pricing and innovative solutions. This level of competition is positive for price discovery and ensures that the most capable contractor is selected.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the best value for public funds by encouraging multiple firms to offer their best terms and capabilities.

Public Impact

Targeted communities in Mali are the primary beneficiaries, receiving support to mitigate and manage conflict. The project delivers services aimed at strengthening resilience to violence and fostering trust between government actors and local populations. Geographic impact is focused within specific communities in Mali, addressing localized conflict drivers. Workforce implications include potential employment opportunities for local staff and international personnel involved in project implementation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The CPFF contract type can incentivize cost overruns if not managed rigorously.
Operating in a high-risk environment like Mali presents inherent security and logistical challenges.
Measuring the direct impact and effectiveness of peacebuilding initiatives can be inherently difficult.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
Long contract duration (nearly 6 years) indicates a sustained commitment to addressing complex issues.
Clear project objectives focused on community resilience and trust-building.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on international development and peacebuilding. The market for such services is driven by government foreign aid and security objectives. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other USAID or State Department contracts for similar stabilization, conflict resolution, or development programs in challenging regions, which often involve multi-million dollar awards over several years.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the prime contractor, Creative Associates International, will likely manage the entire scope of work. This could limit opportunities for small businesses to participate in this specific contract, although they may be involved in other USAID initiatives.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is primarily the responsibility of the Agency for International Development (USAID), which manages the contract and monitors performance against objectives. Accountability measures are embedded in the contract terms, requiring regular reporting and adherence to project milestones. Transparency is facilitated through public contract data, but detailed programmatic oversight mechanisms are internal to USAID. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to potential fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

USAID Mali Programs
Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution Programs
International Development Assistance
Stabilization Efforts in Fragile States

Risk Flags

High-risk operating environment
Complex political and security situation
Difficulty in measuring peacebuilding impact
Potential for unintended consequences

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $24.8 million to CREATIVE ASSOCIATES INTERNATIONAL, INC.. THE PURPOSE OF THE USAID MALI PEACEBUILDING, STABILIZATION AND RECONCILIATION PROJECT (PS&R)PROGRAM IS TO STRENGTHEN TARGETED COMMUNITIES' RESILIENCE TO VIOLENCE AND CONFLICT THROUGH COMMUNITY-BASED CONFLICT MITIGATION AND MANAGEMENT, AND BY BUILDING TRUST BETWEEN MALIAN GOVERNMENT ACTORS AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CREATIVE ASSOCIATES 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 $24.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-04-16. End: 2024-04-04.

What is the track record of Creative Associates International in implementing similar peacebuilding projects in complex environments?

Creative Associates International has a significant track record in international development, including implementing programs focused on democracy, governance, education, and economic growth in challenging regions. While specific details on their peacebuilding project performance in Mali require deeper analysis of past performance evaluations and USAID reports, the company has experience managing large-scale, multi-year contracts for various US government agencies. Their portfolio often includes community-level interventions and capacity building. A thorough review would involve examining past performance metrics, client feedback, and any documented successes or challenges in similar contexts to fully assess their suitability and past effectiveness for this specific type of project.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar USAID peacebuilding initiatives in other regions?

The awarded amount of approximately $24.8 million over nearly six years for USAID's Mali Peacebuilding, Stabilization and Reconciliation Project (PS&R) is substantial, reflecting the complexity and long-term nature of peacebuilding efforts in fragile states. To benchmark this value, one would compare it to similar USAID programs in regions like the Sahel, Sub-Saharan Africa, or the Middle East that focus on conflict mitigation, community resilience, and stabilization. Factors such as the specific activities, target population size, security environment, and duration significantly influence contract values. Without direct comparative data on projects with identical scopes and contexts, it's challenging to definitively state if this represents superior or inferior value, but the figure aligns with the significant investment typically required for such critical interventions.

What are the primary risks associated with implementing this peacebuilding project in Mali?

The primary risks associated with this peacebuilding project in Mali are multifaceted. Security risks are paramount due to the ongoing conflict and presence of extremist groups, potentially endangering personnel and disrupting activities. Political instability and governance challenges can hinder project implementation and the sustainability of interventions. Socio-cultural complexities and deep-seated mistrust between communities and government actors require careful navigation. Furthermore, the effectiveness of community-based interventions can be difficult to measure and sustain without strong local ownership and government buy-in. Logistical challenges in delivering services across remote or insecure areas also pose significant risks. Finally, the potential for unintended consequences, such as exacerbating local tensions if not carefully managed, is an inherent risk in peacebuilding.

How is the effectiveness of the peacebuilding and stabilization efforts measured?

The effectiveness of peacebuilding and stabilization efforts is typically measured through a combination of quantitative and qualitative indicators defined in the project's Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) plan. Quantitative measures might include tracking the number of community dialogues held, participation rates in conflict mitigation activities, reduction in reported incidents of violence in targeted areas, or increased trust levels measured through surveys. Qualitative measures often involve case studies, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews to understand the nuances of change, community perceptions, and the sustainability of peace initiatives. USAID projects usually require rigorous MEL frameworks to assess progress towards objectives, adapt strategies based on findings, and demonstrate impact to stakeholders and taxpayers.

What is the historical spending trend for USAID's peacebuilding and stabilization programs in similar regions?

Historical spending trends for USAID's peacebuilding and stabilization programs in regions facing similar challenges to Mali (e.g., the Sahel, conflict-affected areas in Africa and the Middle East) generally show significant and sustained investment. These programs often represent a substantial portion of foreign assistance budgets allocated to promoting security and stability. Spending can fluctuate based on geopolitical priorities, emerging crises, and the availability of funding. However, there has been a consistent recognition of the need for long-term, multi-faceted approaches to address the root causes of conflict, which translates into multi-year, multi-million dollar contracts. Analyzing specific historical data for USAID's Bureau for Conflict Prevention and Stabilization or similar offices would reveal trends in funding levels, geographic focus, and the types of interventions prioritized over time.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 72068818R00001

Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5301 WISCONSIN AVE NW STE 700, WASHINGTON, DC, 20015

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $24,849,631

Exercised Options: $24,849,631

Current Obligation: $24,849,631

Actual Outlays: $21,423,365

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 5

Total Subaward Amount: $5,347,801

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline