USAID awards $24.8M contract for TB project in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan to Project HOPE

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,712,173 ($23.7M)

Contractor: Project Hope - the People-To-People Health Foundation Inc

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2014-09-01

End Date: 2023-05-14

Contract Duration: 3,177 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF - TO AWARD A NEW USAID/CAR TB PROJECT $24.8 MLN (TAJIKISTAN AND UZBEKISTAN)

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $23.7 million to PROJECT HOPE - THE PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE HEALTH FOUNDATION INC for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF - TO AWARD A NEW USAID/CAR TB PROJECT $24.8 MLN (TAJIKISTAN AND UZBEKISTAN) Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract type is a Definitive Contract, typically used for long-term requirements. 3. The contract duration is substantial at 3,177 days, indicating a long-term commitment. 4. The award value of $24.8 million is significant for a public health initiative in the region. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541990 covers 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services', indicating a broad scope. 6. The contract's purpose is to address Tuberculosis (TB) in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, a critical public health issue.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific performance metrics or comparable project costs. The 'Cost No Fee' (Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee) contract type suggests that the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee, which can sometimes lead to less cost control compared to fixed-price contracts. However, the fixed fee incentivizes the contractor to manage costs to maximize their profit margin. Further analysis would require understanding the scope of work and the specific services provided.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition,' indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The presence of two bids suggests a moderate level of competition for this specific requirement. While two bidders participated, it's unclear if this represents robust competition or if other potential bidders were deterred by the contract's complexity or scope.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by encouraging competitive pricing and potentially leading to better value. However, the limited number of bidders in this instance warrants further investigation into the reasons for lower-than-expected participation.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the populations of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, who will receive services aimed at combating Tuberculosis. The contract aims to deliver public health services related to Tuberculosis prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The geographic impact is focused on Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, addressing a specific regional health challenge. The contract may have implications for the local healthcare workforce in the recipient countries through training or collaboration.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The 'Cost No Fee' contract type can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently.
Limited competition (two bidders) may indicate potential barriers to entry or a niche market, potentially impacting price discovery.
The long contract duration (3,177 days) increases the risk of scope creep or changing requirements over time.

Positive Signals

Awarded through 'Full and Open Competition,' which is a positive indicator for market engagement.
The contract addresses a critical public health issue (Tuberculosis), aligning with USAID's mission.
The contractor, Project HOPE, is a known entity in global health, suggesting potential expertise.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector, specifically related to public health program implementation. The global health sector, particularly in areas like infectious disease control, often involves significant government funding. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within USAID's portfolio of health-related grants and contracts in Central Asia or for similar disease-specific initiatives.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication from the provided data that this contract included a small business set-aside. Furthermore, the data does not specify any subcontracting requirements for small businesses. The impact on the small business ecosystem is therefore likely minimal unless Project HOPE voluntarily engages small businesses as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Agency for International Development (USAID). As a Definitive Contract, it is subject to standard contract administration and oversight procedures. Transparency would be enhanced through public reporting of contract performance and financial expenditures. The Inspector General of USAID would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this award.

Related Government Programs

USAID Global Health Programs
Tuberculosis Control Initiatives
International Public Health Contracts
Central Asia Health Sector Funding

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to 'Cost No Fee' contract type.
Limited competition (two bidders) may impact price discovery.
Long contract duration increases risk of scope creep and changing requirements.
Sustainability of interventions post-contract needs consideration in developing healthcare systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $23.7 million to PROJECT HOPE - THE PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE HEALTH FOUNDATION INC. IGF::CL::IGF - TO AWARD A NEW USAID/CAR TB PROJECT $24.8 MLN (TAJIKISTAN AND UZBEKISTAN)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PROJECT HOPE - THE PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE HEALTH FOUNDATION 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 $23.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2014-09-01. End: 2023-05-14.

What is the track record of Project HOPE - The People-to-People Health Foundation Inc. in managing similar USAID contracts?

Project HOPE has a long history of implementing health programs globally, often in partnership with government agencies like USAID. Their track record typically involves managing complex health initiatives, including those focused on infectious diseases. To assess their specific performance on similar USAID contracts, one would need to review past performance evaluations, contract close-out reports, and any documented instances of award or termination for default. Data on their success in meeting performance metrics, managing budgets, and adhering to timelines for comparable projects would be crucial for a comprehensive assessment. Without access to these specific performance records, it's difficult to definitively gauge their suitability and past success for this particular TB project.

How does the $24.8 million award compare to other USAID TB control projects in the region or globally?

The $24.8 million award for this TB project in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan represents a significant investment. To benchmark this value, one would compare it against the total budget allocated by USAID for similar TB control programs in other Central Asian countries or in regions with comparable epidemiological burdens and healthcare infrastructure. Factors such as the project's duration (over 8 years), the specific interventions planned (e.g., diagnostics, treatment, prevention, community outreach), and the prevailing cost of healthcare services in the target countries would influence the comparison. A higher award might be justified by a more comprehensive scope, a longer duration, or higher operational costs in the region. Conversely, a lower award for a similar scope might indicate greater cost-efficiency or a more focused intervention.

What are the primary risks associated with a 'Cost No Fee' contract for a long-term public health project?

A 'Cost No Fee' (Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee) contract, while reimbursing the contractor for allowable costs, includes a fixed fee that is determined at the outset. The primary risks for the government include potential cost overruns if the contractor's actual costs exceed projections significantly, as the government is obligated to cover these costs up to the contract ceiling. The fixed fee, however, provides some incentive for the contractor to control costs to maximize their profit margin. For a long-term project like this (over 8 years), risks also include the potential for scope creep, where the project's objectives may expand beyond the original intent, leading to increased costs. Effective oversight, clear performance metrics, and robust contract management are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure value for taxpayer money.

What are the potential implications of awarding a large contract for public health services in countries with developing healthcare systems?

Awarding a large contract for public health services in countries with developing healthcare systems can have profound implications. Positively, it can significantly bolster capacity building, introduce advanced medical technologies and practices, improve access to essential services for vulnerable populations, and contribute to workforce development through training and knowledge transfer. However, potential challenges include ensuring the sustainability of interventions after the contract ends, avoiding the creation of parallel health systems that may not integrate well with existing structures, and navigating complex local political and logistical landscapes. It's crucial that such contracts are designed with long-term sustainability and local ownership in mind, working collaboratively with national health authorities to strengthen, rather than bypass, existing systems.

How does the NAICS code 541990 ('All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services') inform the scope of this TB control contract?

The NAICS code 541990 is a broad classification that encompasses a wide array of professional, scientific, and technical services not elsewhere classified. For this Tuberculosis control contract, it suggests that the scope of work is likely diverse and may include activities such as epidemiological research, program design and evaluation, technical assistance to local health ministries, public health campaign development, data analysis, and potentially specialized laboratory services or training. This broad classification indicates flexibility in the types of services that can be procured under the contract, allowing USAID to adapt to evolving needs in TB control efforts in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. However, it also means that the specific deliverables and services must be clearly defined within the contract's statement of work to ensure clarity and accountability.

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

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 255 CARTER HALL LN, MILLWOOD, VA, 22646

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Foundation, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $24,288,162

Exercised Options: $24,288,162

Current Obligation: $23,712,173

Actual Outlays: $182,120

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 3

Total Subaward Amount: $4,113,214

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline