USAID's $233M Afghan Building Capacity Program: Consulting Services for Reconstruction Efforts
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $233,189,232 ($233.2M)
Contractor: Domestic Awardees (undisclosed)
Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development
Start Date: 2007-02-02
End Date: 2014-12-18
Contract Duration: 2,876 days
Daily Burn Rate: $81.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: AFGHAN BUILDING CAPACITY PROGRAM (ABC)TAS::72 1037::TAS
Plain-Language Summary
Agency for International Development obligated $233.2 million to DOMESTIC AWARDEES (UNDISCLOSED) for work described as: AFGHAN BUILDING CAPACITY PROGRAM (ABC)TAS::72 1037::TAS Key points: 1. Significant investment in Afghan reconstruction through consulting services. 2. Competition method was 'Full and Open', suggesting broad market access. 3. Contract type 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' can lead to cost overruns. 4. Focus on 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' indicates specialized needs.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, while allowing flexibility, carries inherent risks of cost escalation. Benchmarking is difficult without specific deliverables and comparable projects.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Full and open competition was utilized, which typically promotes competitive pricing. However, the 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' structure may limit the price discovery benefits of competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds were used to support reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan through consulting services, with potential for cost inefficiencies due to contract type.
Public Impact
Supported reconstruction and capacity building in Afghanistan. Provided specialized consulting services to achieve program objectives. Contract duration spanned over seven years, indicating long-term commitment.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Undisclosed domestic awardees
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition utilized
- Long contract duration suggests sustained effort
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under professional services, specifically technical consulting, often seen in large-scale international development and reconstruction efforts. Benchmarks for such programs are highly variable based on geopolitical context and project scope.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates 'Domestic Awardees (Undisclosed)' and does not specify if small businesses were involved or benefited from this contract. Further investigation would be needed to assess small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight of this program would typically involve USAID's Inspector General and potentially other governmental bodies to ensure funds were used effectively and for their intended purpose, especially given the long duration and cost-plus nature.
Related Government Programs
- Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
- Agency for International Development Contracting
- Agency for International Development Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type increases risk of cost overruns.
- Undisclosed domestic awardees obscure potential conflicts or contractor performance history.
- Long contract duration (7+ years) requires sustained oversight to prevent scope creep or inefficiency.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes outcome assessment difficult.
- Geopolitical instability in Afghanistan could impact program effectiveness and cost.
Tags
other-scientific-and-technical-consultin, agency-for-international-development, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Agency for International Development awarded $233.2 million to DOMESTIC AWARDEES (UNDISCLOSED). AFGHAN BUILDING CAPACITY PROGRAM (ABC)TAS::72 1037::TAS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is DOMESTIC AWARDEES (UNDISCLOSED).
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 $233.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2007-02-02. End: 2014-12-18.
What were the specific deliverables and outcomes achieved by the Afghan Building Capacity Program, and how do they align with the $233 million investment?
The provided data lacks specific details on deliverables and outcomes. To assess value, a review of program reports, audits, and final evaluations would be necessary to determine if the $233 million investment in consulting services effectively contributed to Afghan capacity building and reconstruction goals as intended.
What were the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type for this program, and how were they mitigated?
The primary risk of a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract is the potential for cost overruns, as the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs plus a fixed fee. Mitigation strategies could include robust cost monitoring, clear performance standards, and strict oversight by the agency to control expenditures and ensure efficiency.
How effective was the 'Full and Open Competition' in ensuring competitive pricing and selecting the most capable contractors for this specialized consulting work?
While 'Full and Open Competition' theoretically maximizes the pool of potential bidders, the 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' structure can temper its effectiveness in driving down prices. The ultimate effectiveness hinges on the clarity of the statement of work and the agency's ability to evaluate technical proposals rigorously alongside cost considerations.
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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1800 F ST NW, WASHINGTON, DC, 20405
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $233,189,232
Exercised Options: $233,189,232
Current Obligation: $233,189,232
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2007-02-02
Current End Date: 2014-12-18
Potential End Date: 2014-12-18 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-08-26
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