Millennium Challenge Corporation's $2.75M WASH Project Consulting Contract Awarded to Mathematica Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,749,390 ($2.7M)

Contractor: Mathematica Inc.

Awarding Agency: Millennium Challenge Corporation

Start Date: 2016-09-29

End Date: 2023-09-29

Contract Duration: 2,556 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.1K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF INDEPENDENT EVALUATION OF THE CABO VERDE II WATER, SANITATION, AND HYGIENE (WASH) PROJECT

Plain-Language Summary

Millennium Challenge Corporation obligated $2.7 million to MATHEMATICA INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF INDEPENDENT EVALUATION OF THE CABO VERDE II WATER, SANITATION, AND HYGIENE (WASH) PROJECT Key points: 1. Contract awarded for consulting services related to water, sanitation, and hygiene projects. 2. Mathematica Inc. secured the contract, indicating a focus on specialized technical expertise. 3. The contract duration spans over 7 years, suggesting a long-term engagement for project support. 4. Awarded under Special Acquisition Procedures (SAP), the procurement method warrants further review for competition. 5. The 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' NAICS code points to a broad range of potential activities. 6. The contract type is Time and Materials, which can pose cost control challenges if not managed closely.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $2.75 million over seven years appears moderate for a consulting engagement of this scope. Benchmarking against similar technical consulting services for international development projects would be necessary to fully assess value for money. The Time and Materials pricing structure, while flexible, requires diligent oversight to prevent cost overruns and ensure efficient resource utilization. Without specific performance metrics or deliverables tied to this value, a definitive assessment of value is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under SAP (Special Acquisition Procedures), which generally implies a full and open competition, though specific details of the solicitation and evaluation process are not provided. The presence of two bidders suggests a degree of competition, but the exact number of proposals received and the evaluation criteria would offer a clearer picture of the competitive landscape. A limited number of bidders can sometimes lead to less aggressive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: A competed contract, even with a limited number of bidders, generally offers better value to taxpayers than a sole-source award. It encourages providers to offer competitive pricing and services to win the contract.

Public Impact

Beneficiaries include communities in Cabo Verde receiving improved water, sanitation, and hygiene services. The contract supports the implementation and evaluation of the WASH project, aiming for sustainable development outcomes. Geographic impact is focused on Cabo Verde, a nation with specific development needs in these sectors. The project likely involves local technical experts and potentially contributes to capacity building within the region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost escalation if not closely monitored.
Limited information on specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess project success.
The duration of the contract (7 years) requires sustained oversight to ensure continued relevance and effectiveness.

Positive Signals

Awarded through a competitive process, suggesting potential for good value.
Focus on WASH projects addresses critical development needs.
Mathematica Inc. is a reputable research and consulting firm, implying a level of quality.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' sector, which encompasses a wide array of specialized advisory and analytical services. The market for such services is competitive, with numerous firms offering expertise in areas like international development, public health, and infrastructure. The Millennium Challenge Corporation's spending in this area is often tied to specific development projects in partner countries, aiming to leverage private sector expertise for public good.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information regarding subcontracting plans. Given the nature of the services and the prime contractor, it is possible that larger firms are involved, but the extent of small business participation is not detailed in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically be managed by the Millennium Challenge Corporation's program managers, who are responsible for monitoring contract performance, deliverables, and expenditures. The Inspector General's office may also conduct audits or investigations as deemed necessary. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, but detailed performance reports are often internal.

Related Government Programs

International Development Assistance
Water and Sanitation Infrastructure Projects
Public Health Consulting Services
Scientific and Technical Consulting

Risk Flags

Time and Materials contract type requires close monitoring to control costs.
Limited competition information requires further scrutiny of the procurement process.
Long contract duration necessitates sustained oversight for effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Millennium Challenge Corporation awarded $2.7 million to MATHEMATICA INC.. IGF::OT::IGF INDEPENDENT EVALUATION OF THE CABO VERDE II WATER, SANITATION, AND HYGIENE (WASH) PROJECT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MATHEMATICA INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Millennium Challenge Corporation (Millennium Challenge Corporation).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2016-09-29. End: 2023-09-29.

What specific deliverables were expected from Mathematica Inc. under this contract?

The provided data does not specify the exact deliverables. However, given the contract's focus on the Cabo Verde II Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Project, deliverables likely included technical assessments, project design support, implementation guidance, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and final project reports. Mathematica's expertise suggests a strong emphasis on data analysis, research, and evidence-based recommendations to ensure the project's effectiveness and sustainability in improving WASH conditions in Cabo Verde.

How does the $2.75 million contract value compare to similar international WASH project consulting contracts?

Direct comparison is difficult without access to a comprehensive database of similar international WASH consulting contracts, including their scope, duration, and specific services rendered. However, $2.75 million over seven years for a national-level WASH project suggests a moderate investment in technical assistance. Larger, multi-year infrastructure-heavy projects might command higher consulting fees, while smaller, localized initiatives would naturally have lower budgets. The value also depends heavily on the specific technical challenges and the level of expertise required, which Mathematica Inc. is known to provide.

What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for this type of project?

The primary risk with a Time and Materials contract is the potential for cost overruns, as the contractor is reimbursed for actual labor hours and material costs incurred. Without robust oversight and clearly defined task limits, the total cost can exceed initial estimates. For a WASH project, this could manifest as extended research periods, unforeseen technical challenges requiring more labor, or increased material costs. Effective risk mitigation involves detailed work breakdown structures, regular progress reviews, and strict adherence to pre-approved labor rates and material markups by the contracting agency.

What is Mathematica Inc.'s track record with government contracts, particularly in international development?

Mathematica Inc. has a significant track record of working with U.S. federal agencies, including USAID, HHS, and others, on research and evaluation projects. They are well-regarded for their expertise in areas such as health, education, and social policy. Their involvement in international development projects, like the Cabo Verde WASH initiative, aligns with their capabilities in program evaluation and technical assistance. While specific details of past performance on similar WASH projects are not provided here, their general reputation suggests a competent and experienced contractor.

How has Millennium Challenge Corporation spending on technical consulting services evolved over the past five years?

Analyzing the evolution of Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) spending on technical consulting services requires access to historical contract data. Generally, agencies like MCC allocate funds for consulting based on the needs of their development programs and projects. Spending can fluctuate year-to-year depending on the initiation of new projects, the phase of existing ones, and overall budget appropriations. Given the focus on project implementation and evaluation in developing countries, consistent, albeit variable, spending on technical consulting is expected to support MCC's mission.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: MCC-16-RFQ-0212

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 600 ALEXANDER PARK, PRINCETON, NJ, 08540

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,749,390

Exercised Options: $2,749,390

Current Obligation: $2,749,390

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 95332418A0018

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline