USAID ROLPAS Program: $50.5M for Jordan's Rule of Law and Accountability, awarded to ARD, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $50,450,789 ($50.5M)

Contractor: ARD, Inc

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2015-11-03

End Date: 2023-03-15

Contract Duration: 2,689 days

Daily Burn Rate: $18.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF - THE PURPOSE OF THE USAID RULE OF LAW AND PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY STRENGTHENING PROGRAM (USAID ROLPAS) IS TO SUPPORT JORDANIAN EFFORTS TO ENHANCE GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY TO CITIZENS; STRENGTHEN THE RULE OF LAW TO BETTER PROTECT HUMAN AND LEGAL RIGHTS; AND INCREASE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CIVIL SOCIETY AND PRIVATE SECTOR ORGANIZATIONS TO ADVOCATE FOR THEIR INTERESTS, PROVIDE SERVICES TO THEIR MEMBERS, AND PARTICIPATE IN GOVERNING PROCESSES. THIS PROGRAM WILL SUPPORT CIVIL SOCIETY AND PRIVATE SECTOR EFFORTS TO DEMAND GREATER ASSURANCES FROM THEIR GOVERNMENT WITH REGARD TO THOSE PROTECTIONS AND ACCOUNTABILITY.

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $50.5 million to ARD, INC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF - THE PURPOSE OF THE USAID RULE OF LAW AND PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY STRENGTHENING PROGRAM (USAID ROLPAS) IS TO SUPPORT JORDANIAN EFFORTS TO ENHANCE GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY TO CITIZENS; STRENGTHEN THE RULE OF LAW TO BETTER PROTECT HUMAN AND LEGAL RIGHTS; AND INCREASE T… Key points: 1. Program aims to enhance government accountability and rule of law in Jordan. 2. Focuses on strengthening civil society and private sector advocacy. 3. Contract awarded via full and open competition. 4. Spending spans over 8 years, indicating a long-term development initiative.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's cost-plus-fixed-fee structure can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar international development programs is difficult due to unique country-specific objectives.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process that should have driven a reasonable price. However, the cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) pricing structure requires diligent oversight to ensure cost efficiency.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting a long-term development initiative aimed at improving governance and rights in Jordan, with the potential for significant positive impact if objectives are met.

Public Impact

Enhances democratic principles and citizen engagement in Jordan. Strengthens legal protections and human rights for Jordanian citizens. Empowers civil society organizations to advocate for their interests. Promotes government accountability to its citizens. Supports private sector participation in governance.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type can incentivize higher costs.
Long contract duration (2689 days) increases risk of scope creep or changing needs.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes outcome assessment challenging.

Positive Signals

Awarded via full and open competition.
Clear program objectives focused on critical development areas.
Supports long-term stability and governance improvements.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services, often associated with international development and technical assistance. Spending benchmarks for such programs vary widely based on geographic focus, program complexity, and duration.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small businesses were not directly involved as prime contractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses participated as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The Agency for International Development (USAID) is responsible for overseeing this program. The long duration and CPFF structure necessitate robust monitoring and evaluation to ensure funds are used effectively and objectives are achieved.

Related Government Programs

Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
Agency for International Development Contracting
Agency for International Development Programs

Risk Flags

Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type.
Long contract duration.
Potential for scope creep.
Difficulty in measuring direct impact.
Geopolitical instability in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $50.5 million to ARD, INC. IGF::OT::IGF - THE PURPOSE OF THE USAID RULE OF LAW AND PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY STRENGTHENING PROGRAM (USAID ROLPAS) IS TO SUPPORT JORDANIAN EFFORTS TO ENHANCE GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY TO CITIZENS; STRENGTHEN THE RULE OF LAW TO BETTER PROTECT HUMAN AND LEGAL RIGHTS; AND INCREASE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CIVIL SOCIETY AND PRIVATE SECTOR ORGANIZATIONS TO ADVOCATE FOR THEIR INTERESTS, PROVIDE SERVICES TO THEIR MEMBERS, AND PARTICIPATE IN GOVERNING PROCESSES. THIS PROGRAM WILL SUPPORT CIVIL SOCIETY AND

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 $50.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2015-11-03. End: 2023-03-15.

What is the expected return on investment for this program in terms of measurable improvements in rule of law and accountability in Jordan?

Quantifying the ROI for rule of law and accountability programs is inherently challenging. Success is typically measured through qualitative indicators like increased citizen trust, reduced corruption perception, and improved legal recourse. While the $50.5M investment is substantial, its true value will be realized through sustained positive changes in Jordan's governance and legal frameworks over the long term.

What are the primary risks associated with the cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type for this long-term development program?

The primary risk with a CPFF contract is the potential for cost overruns, as the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs plus a fixed fee. For a long-term program like this, there's also a risk that the fixed fee may not adequately incentivize efficiency or innovation. Robust oversight is crucial to manage costs and ensure the contractor remains focused on achieving program objectives within budget.

How effectively will the program's objectives be measured given the broad nature of 'rule of law' and 'accountability'?

Measuring the effectiveness of rule of law and accountability programs requires a multi-faceted approach. Key performance indicators should focus on tangible outcomes such as legislative reforms enacted, judicial efficiency improvements, increased citizen access to justice, and enhanced transparency in government operations. Regular independent evaluations and stakeholder feedback are essential to gauge progress and adapt strategies.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Tetra Tech, Inc.

Address: 605 MARKET ST STE 800, SAN FRANCISCO, CA, 94105

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $50,813,479

Exercised Options: $50,813,479

Current Obligation: $50,450,789

Actual Outlays: $18,265,641

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 53

Total Subaward Amount: $14,918,765

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: AIDOAAI1300036

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline