USAID's $33.3M water sector activity in Jordan aims for sustainable improvements through technical assistance

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $33,343,908 ($33.3M)

Contractor: ARD, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2016-04-01

End Date: 2025-01-15

Contract Duration: 3,211 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF - THE PURPOSE OF USAID IMPROVED WATER SECTOR MANAGEMENT AND GOVERNANCE ACTIVITY (IWSMG) IS TO SUPPORT THE GOVERNMENT OF JORDAN (GOJ) TO ACHIEVE MEASURABLE IMPROVEMENTS AND GREATER SUSTAINABILITY OF THE WATER SECTOR BY PROVIDING TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO STRENGTHEN THE GOJ REFORM, POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION, AND CAPACITY BUILDING EFFORTS.

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $33.3 million to ARD, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF - THE PURPOSE OF USAID IMPROVED WATER SECTOR MANAGEMENT AND GOVERNANCE ACTIVITY (IWSMG) IS TO SUPPORT THE GOVERNMENT OF JORDAN (GOJ) TO ACHIEVE MEASURABLE IMPROVEMENTS AND GREATER SUSTAINABILITY OF THE WATER SECTOR BY PROVIDING TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO STRENGTHEN THE … Key points: 1. Focuses on technical assistance to Jordan's government for water sector reform and capacity building. 2. Contract awarded to ARD, INC. under full and open competition. 3. Long-term engagement with a duration of 3211 days, indicating a significant commitment. 4. Performance period spans from April 2016 to January 2025. 5. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, allowing for flexibility in project execution. 6. Aims to achieve measurable improvements and greater sustainability in the water sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total contract value of $33.3 million over approximately 8.8 years suggests a substantial investment in water sector governance. Benchmarking this against similar international development projects requires detailed analysis of scope and objectives, but the duration and comprehensive nature of the technical assistance point towards a significant, albeit potentially high, investment. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates careful monitoring of costs to ensure value for money, as it allows for cost reimbursement plus a predetermined profit.

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. This competitive process is generally expected to drive better pricing and service quality. The presence of 6 bids suggests a healthy level of interest in this type of international development work.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is favorable for taxpayers as it promotes a competitive environment, potentially leading to more cost-effective solutions and a wider range of innovative approaches to achieve the program's objectives.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Government of Jordan (GOJ) and its water sector institutions, receiving technical assistance. Services delivered include support for reform, policy development and implementation, and capacity building. The geographic impact is focused on Jordan, aiming to improve its national water sector management. Workforce implications include the potential for local capacity building within Jordanian institutions and employment for technical experts.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently.
The long duration of the contract requires sustained oversight to ensure objectives remain relevant and are met effectively.
Measuring the 'measurable improvements' and 'sustainability' will be critical for assessing ultimate success.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
The focus on technical assistance and capacity building aligns with sustainable development goals.
The long-term nature of the contract allows for deep engagement and potential for lasting impact.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically related to international development and public administration. The water sector in many developing nations faces significant challenges in management and governance, making technical assistance crucial. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other USAID or international donor-funded projects focused on institutional reform and capacity building in infrastructure sectors within the Middle East or similar regions.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business participation, including set-asides or subcontracting plans, is not explicitly detailed in the provided data. Further investigation would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement and its impact on the broader small business ecosystem within the context of this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically be managed by USAID's contracting officers and program officers, with potential involvement from USAID's Office of Inspector General (OIG) for audits and investigations. Transparency is facilitated through contract award data and reporting requirements. Accountability measures are tied to the achievement of specific performance metrics outlined in the contract.

Related Government Programs

USAID Water Sector Programs
International Development Assistance
Technical Assistance Contracts
Governance and Institutional Reform Programs
Middle East Water Management Initiatives

Risk Flags

Long-term project duration requires sustained oversight.
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type necessitates careful cost management.
Measuring 'measurable improvements' and 'sustainability' can be challenging.
Political and economic stability in Jordan can impact reform progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $33.3 million to ARD, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF - THE PURPOSE OF USAID IMPROVED WATER SECTOR MANAGEMENT AND GOVERNANCE ACTIVITY (IWSMG) IS TO SUPPORT THE GOVERNMENT OF JORDAN (GOJ) TO ACHIEVE MEASURABLE IMPROVEMENTS AND GREATER SUSTAINABILITY OF THE WATER SECTOR BY PROVIDING TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO STRENGTHEN THE GOJ REFORM, POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION, AND CAPACITY BUILDING EFFORTS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ARD, 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 $33.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2016-04-01. End: 2025-01-15.

What is the specific track record of ARD, INC. in managing similar international water sector development projects?

ARD, INC. (now Tetra Tech) has a history of implementing international development projects, including those focused on water, sanitation, and environmental management. Their experience often involves providing technical assistance, policy support, and capacity building to government agencies and local organizations in various countries. Specific details on their performance for the USAID Improved Water Sector Management and Governance Activity (IWSMG) would require reviewing USAID's performance evaluations and contractor reports for this specific contract. Generally, their work aims to foster sustainable solutions and strengthen institutional capabilities in partner countries, aligning with the objectives of this contract.

How does the total contract value of $33.3 million compare to other USAID water sector initiatives in the Middle East region?

The $33.3 million value for the IWSMG activity is a significant investment, reflecting the complexity and long-term nature of water sector reform. To provide a precise comparison, one would need to analyze the average funding levels for similar USAID water sector projects in the Middle East over comparable timeframes. Factors such as the specific country context, the scope of technical assistance (e.g., policy reform vs. infrastructure support), and the duration of the project heavily influence contract values. Generally, projects focused on institutional strengthening and policy reform, like IWSMG, can command substantial budgets due to the need for sustained engagement and specialized expertise.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of this water sector management activity?

While specific KPIs are not detailed in the provided summary, typical performance indicators for such a USAID technical assistance activity would likely focus on measurable improvements in water sector governance and sustainability. These could include metrics related to the adoption and implementation of new water policies or regulations, increased efficiency in water resource management, enhanced capacity of Jordanian water institutions (measured through training completion rates or improved operational performance), increased access to sustainable water services, and improved financial management within the sector. The contract's success hinges on demonstrating tangible progress against these types of indicators.

What is the risk assessment associated with implementing a long-term water sector reform project in Jordan?

Implementing a long-term water sector reform project in Jordan carries several inherent risks. These include political instability or shifts in government priorities that could affect reform momentum, potential resistance to change from within established institutions, economic challenges impacting funding or implementation capacity, environmental factors such as water scarcity exacerbated by climate change, and the complexities of cross-border water resource management. Technical risks might involve the efficacy of proposed solutions or the capacity of local partners to adopt and sustain reforms. USAID's risk mitigation strategies would likely involve close collaboration with the Jordanian government, phased implementation, continuous monitoring, and adaptive management to address emerging challenges.

How has USAID's spending on water sector technical assistance in Jordan evolved over the past decade?

Analyzing USAID's spending trends on water sector technical assistance in Jordan over the past decade would require a review of historical funding data for relevant programs. Such an analysis could reveal shifts in priorities, funding levels, and the types of interventions supported. For instance, spending might have increased in response to growing water scarcity challenges or regional instability, or shifted towards more sustainable management practices and institutional strengthening. The IWSMG contract, with its substantial budget and long duration, suggests a significant and sustained commitment to addressing Jordan's water sector needs during its period of performance.

What is the anticipated impact of this activity on water resource sustainability in Jordan?

The anticipated impact of the IWSMG activity on water resource sustainability in Jordan is expected to be significant, though dependent on the effective implementation of technical assistance and reforms. By strengthening governance, improving policy development and implementation, and building institutional capacity, the project aims to foster more efficient and equitable management of Jordan's scarce water resources. This could translate into reduced water loss, better allocation of water among competing users (agriculture, industry, domestic), improved water quality, and enhanced resilience to drought and climate change impacts. Ultimately, the goal is to create a more sustainable framework for water management that benefits both the environment and the Jordanian population.

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

Solicitation ID: SOL-278-15-00009

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Tetra Tech, Inc.

Address: 159 BANK ST STE 300, BURLINGTON, VT, 05401

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $33,343,908

Exercised Options: $33,343,908

Current Obligation: $33,343,908

Actual Outlays: $12,217,834

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 44

Total Subaward Amount: $24,775,244

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline