USAID's $182M Foreign Assistance Program Awarded to ARD, Inc. for Technical Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $182,021,087 ($182.0M)
Contractor: ARD, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development
Start Date: 2005-12-23
End Date: 2011-10-30
Contract Duration: 2,137 days
Daily Burn Rate: $85.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: FOREIGN ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Plain-Language Summary
Agency for International Development obligated $182.0 million to ARD, INC. for work described as: FOREIGN ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $182 million for professional, scientific, and technical services. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. Contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can carry cost overrun risks. 4. The sector involves 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services', a broad category.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type, while allowing flexibility, can lead to higher costs compared to fixed-price contracts if not managed carefully. Benchmarking CPFF contracts in this broad service category is challenging without more specific task details.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple bidders were likely considered. This method generally promotes price discovery and can lead to more competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are utilized for foreign assistance, with the efficiency and effectiveness of the services rendered being key to maximizing value.
Public Impact
Supports U.S. foreign policy objectives through technical assistance. Impacts recipient countries by providing essential services and expertise. Funds are allocated for a broad range of professional, scientific, and technical services.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- CPFF contract type risk
- Broad service category may obscure specific value
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition
- Long contract duration suggests sustained need
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services,' a broad NAICS code. Spending in this area can vary widely depending on the specific services procured, but large contracts like this often support complex government initiatives.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Larger contracts are often dominated by prime contractors, with subcontracting opportunities for small businesses potentially limited.
Oversight & Accountability
The Agency for International Development (USAID) is responsible for overseeing this contract. The contract's long duration and CPFF structure necessitate robust oversight to ensure cost control and effective service delivery.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Agency for International Development Contracting
- Agency for International Development Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can incentivize cost increases.
- Broad service category lacks specificity for detailed value assessment.
- No indication of small business participation.
- Long duration requires sustained oversight for effectiveness.
Tags
all-other-professional-scientific-and-te, agency-for-international-development, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Agency for International Development awarded $182.0 million to ARD, INC.. FOREIGN ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
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 $182.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2005-12-23. End: 2011-10-30.
What specific technical services were provided under this contract, and how did they align with USAID's foreign assistance goals?
The contract's NAICS code (541990) covers a wide array of services. Without specific task orders or statements of work, it's difficult to ascertain the precise nature of the technical assistance. Understanding the deliverables and their direct contribution to program objectives is crucial for assessing the value and effectiveness of this significant expenditure.
What were the key performance metrics and outcomes achieved during the contract's 2137-day duration?
Given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure and the broad service category, detailed performance metrics are essential for accountability. USAID would need to have established clear objectives and tracked progress against them to ensure the $182 million investment yielded tangible results in the targeted foreign assistance areas.
How did the fixed fee component of the CPFF contract compare to industry standards for similar long-term technical assistance contracts?
Assessing the reasonableness of the fixed fee requires benchmarking against comparable contracts within the foreign assistance and technical services sectors. A fee that is disproportionately high relative to the base cost could indicate a less competitive negotiation or an underestimation of the contractor's efficiency, impacting overall value for taxpayers.
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
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Tetra Tech, Inc. (UEI: 045224250)
Address: 159 BANK ST, BURLINGTON, VT, 05401
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $182,048,095
Exercised Options: $182,048,095
Current Obligation: $182,021,087
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2005-12-23
Current End Date: 2011-10-30
Potential End Date: 2016-11-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2018-02-28
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