USAID awards $140M+ for urban development, with 5 contracts under full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $140,075,769 ($140.1M)

Contractor: Domestic Awardees (undisclosed)

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2011-12-07

End Date: 2023-01-10

Contract Duration: 4,052 days

Daily Burn Rate: $34.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: OVERSEAS CONTRACT

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $140.1 million to DOMESTIC AWARDEES (UNDISCLOSED) for work described as: OVERSEAS CONTRACT Key points: 1. Significant investment in urban planning and community development services. 2. Contract structure suggests a focus on cost control with fixed fees. 3. Long contract duration indicates a need for sustained program support. 4. Competition level implies potential for competitive pricing and innovation. 5. Geographic focus on overseas operations highlights international development efforts.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total award amount of over $140 million for urban planning and community development over a 10-year period suggests a substantial program. While specific performance metrics are not detailed here, the contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) allows for flexibility in project execution while aiming for cost efficiency through a fixed fee component. Benchmarking against similar large-scale international development contracts would provide further insight into the value proposition.

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. With 5 bids received, the competition level appears moderate, suggesting that the agency sought a range of solutions. This level of competition generally supports price discovery and can lead to more favorable terms for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition, with multiple bidders, is beneficial for taxpayers as it encourages a competitive environment that can drive down costs and improve the quality of services delivered.

Public Impact

Beneficiaries include urban communities in developing regions requiring planning and development assistance. Services delivered encompass urban planning, community development, and potentially related infrastructure or social programs. Geographic impact is focused on overseas locations where USAID operates. Workforce implications may include local employment opportunities in project implementation and management.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess effectiveness.
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not closely managed.
Long contract duration (over 10 years) carries inherent risks of changing needs and economic conditions.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition suggests a robust procurement process.
Multiple bids indicate significant contractor interest and a competitive market.
The contract's focus on essential development services aligns with USAID's mission.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional services sector, specifically focusing on urban planning and community development, often a component of broader international development initiatives. The market for such services is global, with numerous firms specializing in development consulting, engineering, and project management. The scale of this award suggests a significant program requiring extensive expertise and long-term commitment, likely involving a mix of large international firms and potentially specialized subcontractors.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans was not explicitly provided in the data. Given the scale and nature of the contract, it is possible that larger prime contractors will be responsible for managing subcontracting opportunities, which could include small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Agency for International Development (USAID) contracting officers and program officials. Accountability measures would be embedded in the contract's terms, including reporting requirements and performance standards. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed project-level information may vary.

Related Government Programs

International Development Assistance
Urban Planning Services
Community Development Programs
Global Infrastructure Projects

Risk Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics.
Potential for cost overruns with CPFF contract type.
Long contract duration introduces uncertainty.
Undisclosed awardees limit transparency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $140.1 million to DOMESTIC AWARDEES (UNDISCLOSED). OVERSEAS CONTRACT

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 $140.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2011-12-07. End: 2023-01-10.

What is the specific nature of the urban planning and community development services being procured?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'Administration of Urban Planning and Community and Rural Development.' While specific deliverables are not detailed, this typically encompasses a range of activities such as strategic urban planning, policy development, infrastructure needs assessment, community engagement, capacity building for local governance, and potentially the implementation of pilot projects. The 'OVERSEAS CONTRACT' designation suggests these services are being delivered in foreign countries to support local development efforts, aligning with USAID's mission.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type influence cost control and contractor incentives?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type is designed to provide flexibility for projects where the scope may evolve or is not precisely defined at the outset, common in complex development work. The contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. This structure incentivizes the contractor to manage costs efficiently to maximize their profit margin, as the fee remains constant regardless of the final cost. However, it requires robust oversight from the agency to ensure costs are reasonable and allocable, and to prevent potential scope creep that could inflate the overall contract value beyond the initial estimates.

What are the potential risks associated with a contract duration exceeding 10 years?

A contract duration of over 10 years (4052 days) presents several potential risks. Firstly, the geopolitical and economic landscape in overseas locations can change significantly over such a period, potentially impacting project feasibility or requiring substantial adaptation. Secondly, technological advancements or shifts in development best practices could render initial approaches obsolete. Thirdly, maintaining consistent program focus and effective oversight across such a long timeframe can be challenging for the contracting agency. Finally, there's a risk of contractor performance degradation or loss of institutional knowledge over extended periods.

How does the 'DOMESTIC AWARDEES (UNDISCLOSED)' status impact transparency and accountability?

The 'DOMESTIC AWARDEES (UNDISCLOSED)' status, while indicating the prime contractors are US-based entities, limits transparency regarding the specific companies awarded these significant contracts. This lack of disclosure makes it difficult for the public, oversight bodies, and potential subcontractors to identify the key players involved. While the agency may have internal justifications for non-disclosure (e.g., proprietary information or security concerns), it generally hinders accountability by obscuring direct links between specific firms and the awarded funds, making it harder to track performance and potential conflicts of interest.

What is the historical spending trend for similar urban development contracts by USAID?

The provided data does not include historical spending trends for similar contracts. To assess this, one would need to analyze USAID's procurement history over several years, identifying contracts with similar objectives (urban planning, community development) and geographic scopes. Comparing the $140M+ award to previous spending levels would reveal whether this represents an increase, decrease, or stable investment in this area. Such analysis is crucial for understanding the agency's strategic priorities and budget allocation patterns within the international development sector.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Public Administration › Administration of Housing Programs, Urban Planning, and Community Development › Administration of Urban Planning and Community and Rural Development

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: 5

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, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $140,075,769

Exercised Options: $140,075,769

Current Obligation: $140,075,769

Actual Outlays: $15,344

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline