USAID's $24M Vietnam activity awarded to ECODIT LLC for professional services, spanning over 4 years

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,994,900 ($24.0M)

Contractor: Ecodit LLC

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2016-09-26

End Date: 2021-02-26

Contract Duration: 1,614 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF USAID GREEN ANNAMITES ACTIVITY (VIETNAM)

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $24.0 million to ECODIT LLC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF USAID GREEN ANNAMITES ACTIVITY (VIETNAM) Key points: 1. The contract's value appears reasonable given the duration and scope of professional services. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) can introduce cost escalation risks if not managed closely. 4. Performance context is limited without specific deliverables or outcome metrics. 5. This falls under professional, scientific, and technical services, a broad category. 6. The awardee, ECODIT LLC, has experience in international development projects.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $23.99 million over approximately 4 years for professional services in Vietnam suggests a moderate annual spend. Benchmarking against similar USAID-funded technical assistance contracts would provide a clearer picture of value for money. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type, while allowing flexibility, requires careful oversight to ensure costs remain reasonable and the fixed fee is justified by the scope of work.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating that while initial sources might have been considered, the final award was made through a broad competitive process. The number of bidders is not specified, but the 'full and open' nature suggests multiple interested parties had the opportunity to submit proposals, which generally promotes competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: A fully competed contract is generally favorable for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining services at a fair market price through competitive pressure.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely local communities and stakeholders in Vietnam receiving support through the 'Green Annamites Activity'. The services delivered fall under 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services', implying a broad range of expert support. The geographic impact is focused on Vietnam, specifically the Annamites region. Workforce implications could include the engagement of local Vietnamese professionals and international experts.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the effectiveness of the services provided.
The broad nature of 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' could lead to scope creep if not clearly defined.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust selection process.
The contractor, ECODIT LLC, has a stated focus on international development, suggesting relevant expertise.
The contract duration of over 4 years allows for sustained program implementation and impact.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically related to international development and environmental programs. The market for such services is global, with significant government spending directed towards technical assistance and program implementation in developing countries. USAID is a major procurer in this space, often seeking specialized expertise for complex challenges.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans is not explicitly detailed in the provided data. As the contract was awarded under full and open competition, it does not appear to have been specifically set aside for small businesses. Further review of the contract details would be needed to ascertain any subcontracting requirements or opportunities for small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Agency for International Development (USAID). Mechanisms likely include regular reporting requirements from the contractor, performance reviews, and financial audits. The Inspector General of USAID would have jurisdiction for investigating fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

USAID Development Assistance Programs
Environmental and Natural Resource Management Programs
Technical Assistance Contracts
International Professional Services

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent cost oversight.
Scope definition for 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' needs clarity to prevent creep.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $24.0 million to ECODIT LLC. IGF::OT::IGF USAID GREEN ANNAMITES ACTIVITY (VIETNAM)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ECODIT LLC.

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 $24.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2016-09-26. End: 2021-02-26.

What specific environmental or development goals does the 'Green Annamites Activity' aim to achieve?

The provided data does not detail the specific environmental or development goals of the 'Green Annamites Activity'. However, given the context of USAID and the contractor's focus on international development, it likely aims to address issues such as biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource management, climate change adaptation, or community development within the Annamites region of Vietnam. A thorough review of the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) or Performance Work Statement (PWS) would be necessary to ascertain the precise objectives and expected outcomes.

How does ECODIT LLC's past performance compare to other potential bidders for this type of contract?

The provided data does not include specific details on ECODIT LLC's past performance or a comparison with other bidders. However, ECODIT LLC's stated mission focuses on international development, suggesting they possess relevant experience. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations submitted during the procurement process, client references, and any documented successes or challenges on similar USAID or international development projects. Without this information, a direct comparison is not possible.

What are the key risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for this activity?

The primary risk with a CPFF contract is that the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. If costs escalate beyond initial projections due to inefficiencies, unforeseen circumstances, or scope creep, the total contract cost can increase significantly, potentially exceeding the initial budget. For USAID, this necessitates robust oversight to ensure costs are reasonable and allocable, and that the fixed fee remains appropriate for the defined scope of work. Effective management of the contractor's performance and adherence to the SOW are critical to mitigating these risks.

What is the historical spending trend for similar professional services contracts by USAID in Vietnam?

The provided data does not offer historical spending trends for similar contracts by USAID in Vietnam. To analyze this, one would need to access historical procurement databases (like USASpending.gov or agency-specific portals) and filter for contracts awarded by USAID to companies providing professional, scientific, and technical services in Vietnam over several fiscal years. This would allow for an examination of the volume, value, and types of services procured, providing context for the $23.99 million awarded to ECODIT LLC.

How does the duration of this contract (1614 days) compare to typical USAID technical assistance projects?

A contract duration of 1614 days, approximately 4.4 years, is within the typical range for significant USAID technical assistance projects. Such projects often require multi-year commitments to achieve sustainable development outcomes. Shorter-term contracts might focus on specific assessments or short-term interventions, while longer durations allow for capacity building, policy reform support, and deep engagement with local partners. The length suggests a substantial program with potentially complex objectives.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: SOL-440-16-000007

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1600 WILSON BLVD STE 1220, ARLINGTON, VA, 22209

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $23,994,900

Exercised Options: $23,994,900

Current Obligation: $23,994,900

Actual Outlays: $10,765,746

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 74

Total Subaward Amount: $12,067,492

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: AIDOAAI1400016

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline