NIH awards $5.5M for Mali-based scientific support, highlighting a sole-source contract for specialized services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,527,521 ($5.5M)

Contractor: Universite DES Sciences, DES Techniques ET DES Technologies DE Bamako (usttb)

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2024-12-01

End Date: 2026-11-30

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.6K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SUPPORT SERVICES FOR NIAID ICER MALI

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $5.5 million to UNIVERSITE DES SCIENCES, DES TECHNIQUES ET DES TECHNOLOGIES DE BAMAKO (USTTB) for work described as: SUPPORT SERVICES FOR NIAID ICER MALI Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a sole-source basis, limiting competitive pricing benefits. 2. Duration of 729 days suggests a need for sustained, specialized support. 3. Focus on professional, scientific, and technical services indicates a knowledge-intensive requirement. 4. Geographic focus on Mali suggests critical support for overseas research or public health initiatives. 5. Contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. 6. No small business set-aside, potentially limiting opportunities for smaller entities.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

Benchmarking this contract's value is challenging due to its sole-source nature and specific geographic focus. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure requires careful oversight to ensure costs remain reasonable and fixed fees are justified. Without comparable contracts for similar services in the same region, assessing value for money is difficult. The total award amount of $5.5M over two years for specialized scientific support in Mali warrants scrutiny to ensure efficient use of funds.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed. This approach is typically used when only one responsible source is available or when a compelling justification exists for excluding competition. The lack of competition means that price discovery through market forces was not utilized, potentially leading to higher costs than if multiple bids were solicited.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may face higher costs due to the absence of competitive bidding. The justification for sole-source procurement needs to be robust to ensure funds are not unnecessarily expended.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely researchers and public health initiatives operating in Mali, requiring specialized scientific and technical support. Services delivered are expected to be critical for the continuity and success of ongoing scientific projects or health programs. The geographic impact is concentrated in Mali, supporting U.S. government interests or partnerships within that region. Workforce implications may involve highly skilled scientific personnel, potentially including local hires or expatriates, depending on the specific needs.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits price competition and potential cost savings.
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type carries inherent risk of cost escalation.
Lack of transparency in the justification for sole-source procurement.
Limited visibility into the specific technical requirements and performance metrics.
Potential for contractor to incur costs beyond initial estimates without competitive pressure.

Positive Signals

Supports critical scientific and technical services in a challenging geographic location.
Ensures continuity of essential research or public health operations.
Award to a university suggests a focus on academic expertise and research capabilities.
Fixed fee component provides some level of cost predictability for the fee portion.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls under the 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' category (NAICS 541990). This broad sector encompasses a wide range of specialized services. Spending in this area can vary significantly based on agency needs, from basic research support to highly specialized technical consulting. Benchmarking is difficult due to the niche nature of the services and the specific geographic focus.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside (ss=false, sb=false). Given the sole-source nature, it's unlikely that subcontracting opportunities for small businesses were explicitly mandated or sought through a competitive process. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses for support.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a division of the Department of Health and Human Services. The CPFF contract type necessitates rigorous financial and performance oversight to manage costs and ensure deliverables are met. Transparency regarding the sole-source justification and ongoing performance reporting will be key accountability measures. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply for any investigations into fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

NIH Research Support Contracts
Global Health Research Funding
Scientific and Technical Services
International Development Assistance
Cost-Plus Contracts

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
International operations
Limited competition

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $5.5 million to UNIVERSITE DES SCIENCES, DES TECHNIQUES ET DES TECHNOLOGIES DE BAMAKO (USTTB). SUPPORT SERVICES FOR NIAID ICER MALI

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITE DES SCIENCES, DES TECHNIQUES ET DES TECHNOLOGIES DE BAMAKO (USTTB).

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (National Institutes of Health).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-12-01. End: 2026-11-30.

What is the specific justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis to UNIVERSITE DES SCIENCES, DES TECHNIQUES ET DES TECHNOLOGIES DE BAMAKO (USTTB)?

The provided data indicates the contract was awarded 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION,' which is synonymous with a sole-source justification. Typically, such justifications are based on factors like the unique capabilities of the contractor, the urgency of the requirement, or the unavailability of other responsible sources. For this specific contract, the justification would likely stem from USTTB possessing unique scientific expertise, established infrastructure, or critical local knowledge essential for supporting NIAID's initiatives in Mali. Without the full justification document, the precise reasons remain speculative, but it implies that no other entity could fulfill the requirement as effectively or efficiently.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type compare to other contract types in terms of risk and value for money?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type is often used when the scope of work is not precisely defined or when there is uncertainty about the costs involved. It reimburses the contractor for allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. Compared to fixed-price contracts, CPFF shifts more cost risk to the government, as the contractor is reimbursed for actual costs incurred. However, it offers more flexibility than fixed-price contracts when requirements are evolving. For value for money, CPFF requires robust government oversight to ensure costs are reasonable and the fixed fee is appropriate. It can be advantageous when innovation or exploration is needed, but it carries a higher risk of cost overruns if not managed diligently, potentially making it less cost-effective than competitive fixed-price contracts in stable environments.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source award for scientific support services in an international context?

Sole-source awards for international scientific support carry several risks. Firstly, the lack of competition can lead to inflated prices, as the government does not benefit from market-driven cost reductions. Secondly, without competitive proposals, there's a reduced incentive for the contractor to innovate or optimize performance beyond the minimum requirements. Thirdly, reliance on a single source can create dependency and limit flexibility if the contractor's capabilities change or if alternative solutions emerge. In an international context, risks are amplified by potential geopolitical factors, logistical challenges, and differing regulatory environments, making the justification for sole-sourcing even more critical to scrutinize.

What does the duration of the contract (729 days) suggest about the nature of the services being procured?

A contract duration of 729 days, approximately two years, suggests that the services required are not short-term or ad-hoc. This extended period indicates a need for sustained support, likely involving ongoing research, development, operational assistance, or long-term project management. Such durations are common for complex scientific endeavors, public health programs, or technical assistance initiatives that require continuity and a stable support structure. It implies that the contractor will be integrated into the client's operations for a significant period, necessitating a reliable and capable partner.

How does the geographic focus on Mali influence the assessment of this contract's value and risk?

The geographic focus on Mali significantly influences the assessment of this contract's value and risk. Operating in Mali presents unique logistical, security, and cultural challenges that can increase operational costs and complexity. These factors may justify a higher contract value compared to similar services provided in more stable regions. However, they also introduce higher risks, including potential disruptions to service delivery, difficulties in personnel deployment, and increased security costs. The value proposition must account for these elevated risks and costs, and the government's oversight must be particularly vigilant to ensure that the unique challenges of the operating environment do not lead to inefficiencies or compromised outcomes.

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 › AGRICULTURE R&D SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: HAMDALLAYE ACI 2000, BAMAKO

Business Categories: Category Business, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $8,806,395

Exercised Options: $5,527,521

Current Obligation: $5,527,521

Actual Outlays: $1,571,054

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75N93020D00004

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline