USAID task order for media development in Egypt awarded to Management Systems International, Inc. for $15.6M

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,559,707 ($15.6M)

Contractor: Management Systems International, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2006-04-10

End Date: 2011-07-01

Contract Duration: 1,908 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.2K/day

Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TASK ORDER #1 UNDER REDI MEDIA IQC TO BUILD CAPACITY IN EGYPT TO PROMOTE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AMONG MID-CAREER PROFESSIONALS, EMERGING JOURNALISTS AND MEDIA MANAGERS UNDER THE MEDIA DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $15.6 million to MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. for work described as: TASK ORDER #1 UNDER REDI MEDIA IQC TO BUILD CAPACITY IN EGYPT TO PROMOTE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AMONG MID-CAREER PROFESSIONALS, EMERGING JOURNALISTS AND MEDIA MANAGERS UNDER THE MEDIA DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM. Key points: 1. Contract awarded through a competitive process, suggesting potential for fair pricing. 2. The contract duration of 1908 days indicates a long-term commitment to the program. 3. Focus on professional development for mid-career professionals and journalists highlights a capacity-building objective. 4. The 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' NAICS code suggests a broad scope of work. 5. Task order issued under an existing IDIQ contract, implying pre-negotiated terms and conditions. 6. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can incentivize cost control by the contractor.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this specific task order is challenging without comparable data for similar media development programs in Egypt. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure means the final cost is subject to actual expenses plus a predetermined fee. While the fee itself can be benchmarked, the overall cost-effectiveness depends heavily on the efficiency of the contractor's execution and the actual costs incurred.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This task order was issued under a competitive IDIQ contract, indicating that multiple vendors were likely considered. The specific competition details for this task order are not provided, but the underlying IDIQ was competed. A competitive award generally allows for a range of solutions and pricing to be evaluated, potentially leading to better value.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process helps ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by fostering price discovery and encouraging contractors to offer competitive terms.

Public Impact

Mid-career professionals and emerging journalists in Egypt benefit from enhanced skills and knowledge. Media managers receive training to improve their leadership and operational capabilities. The program aims to strengthen the media sector in Egypt, potentially leading to improved information dissemination. Workforce implications include the development of a more skilled and professional media workforce. The geographic impact is focused on Egypt, supporting local capacity building.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns inherent in Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts if not closely monitored.
Scope creep could increase costs beyond initial estimates if not managed effectively.
Measuring the long-term impact and effectiveness of professional development programs can be difficult.

Positive Signals

Awarded under a competitive IDIQ, suggesting a pre-vetted pool of capable contractors.
Focus on professional development aligns with USAID's mission to foster sustainable development.
The fixed fee component provides some cost certainty for the government.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on media development and capacity building. This is a niche area within broader international development efforts. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within USAID's portfolio of media and democracy-building programs, which can vary significantly in scope and cost depending on the region and objectives.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans for this specific task order is not available in the provided data. As it was awarded under a competitive IDIQ, the prime contractor, Management Systems International, Inc., would have had the discretion to utilize small businesses for subcontracting, but this is not explicitly detailed.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically be managed by the Agency for International Development (USAID) contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures would be tied to the performance work statement and reporting requirements outlined in the contract. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting, though specific program details may be limited.

Related Government Programs

USAID Media Development Programs
International Professional Development Initiatives
Foreign Assistance for Media Capacity Building

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires careful monitoring to manage potential cost overruns.
Measuring the tangible, long-term impact of professional development programs can be challenging.
Geopolitical risks in Egypt could impact program implementation and continuity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $15.6 million to MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.. TASK ORDER #1 UNDER REDI MEDIA IQC TO BUILD CAPACITY IN EGYPT TO PROMOTE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AMONG MID-CAREER PROFESSIONALS, EMERGING JOURNALISTS AND MEDIA MANAGERS UNDER THE MEDIA DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 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 $15.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2006-04-10. End: 2011-07-01.

What is the track record of Management Systems International, Inc. with USAID, particularly on similar media development contracts?

Management Systems International, Inc. (MSI) has a significant history of working with USAID on various international development projects. While specific details on their past performance on media development contracts in Egypt are not immediately available from this data alone, MSI has been involved in programs related to governance, democracy, human rights, and economic growth. Their experience often includes capacity building, training, and technical assistance. A deeper dive into USAID's contract database and MSI's corporate reports would be necessary to fully assess their track record on directly comparable media-focused initiatives and their performance metrics on those projects.

How does the $15.6 million cost compare to similar media development programs funded by USAID or other agencies?

Directly comparing the $15.6 million cost of this task order to similar programs is challenging without more specific data on the scope, duration, and objectives of those other programs. Media development initiatives can vary widely in cost based on factors such as the target audience size, the complexity of training modules, the duration of the program, and the geographic region. This task order, spanning over 1900 days, suggests a substantial and long-term effort. To provide a meaningful comparison, one would need to identify other USAID or international donor-funded media capacity-building projects in the Middle East or similar developing regions and analyze their budgets relative to their stated goals and deliverables.

What are the primary risks associated with this type of media development contract in Egypt?

Key risks for this media development contract in Egypt could include political instability affecting program implementation, potential government interference with media activities, challenges in reaching and engaging the target audience (mid-career professionals, journalists, managers), and the difficulty in measuring the long-term impact of professional development on media quality and independence. There's also a risk of the program being perceived as externally influenced, which could undermine its local acceptance and effectiveness. Furthermore, security concerns in the region could impact personnel safety and operational continuity.

How effective are Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts in achieving development objectives like media capacity building?

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts can be effective for complex projects where the scope is not fully defined at the outset, such as many development initiatives. The fixed fee provides the contractor with an incentive to control costs, as their profit is capped. However, the government bears the risk of cost overruns if actual costs exceed estimates. For media capacity building, effectiveness hinges on the contractor's ability to deliver high-quality training and technical assistance, and for USAID to provide robust oversight to ensure funds are used efficiently and objectives are met. The success is highly dependent on the contractor's expertise and the clarity of the program's goals.

What is the historical spending trend for USAID's media development programs?

Historical spending trends for USAID's media development programs show a consistent, albeit fluctuating, investment in strengthening independent media globally. While specific aggregate figures for 'media development' can be difficult to isolate due to categorization variations, USAID has historically allocated significant resources to programs aimed at improving media freedom, professionalism, and access to information in various regions, including the Middle East. Spending often increases in response to political transitions or needs identified in strategic development plans. Analyzing USAID's annual reports and budget allocations over the past decade would provide a clearer picture of the overall investment trends in this sector.

What are the potential implications of this contract on the Egyptian media landscape?

This contract has the potential to positively impact the Egyptian media landscape by enhancing the skills and professionalism of journalists, editors, and media managers. Improved capacity could lead to more objective reporting, adherence to ethical standards, and innovative content creation. By focusing on professional development, the program aims to strengthen the long-term sustainability and quality of media organizations. However, the ultimate impact will depend on the program's design, implementation, and its ability to foster an environment where these enhanced skills can be effectively applied, free from undue external influence or censorship.

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: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 600 WATER ST SW STE A, WASHINGTON, DC, 98

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $108,497,949

Exercised Options: $108,497,949

Current Obligation: $15,559,707

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: AID263I000600008

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline