USAID's $95M CELI Contract Awarded to ARD, Inc. for Technical Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $95,225,285 ($95.2M)

Contractor: ARD, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2011-04-20

End Date: 2024-02-09

Contract Duration: 4,678 days

Daily Burn Rate: $20.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: CELI - CENTRAL REGION PROGRAM

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $95.2 million to ARD, INC. for work described as: CELI - CENTRAL REGION PROGRAM Key points: 1. Contract Value: $95.2M over 13 years. 2. Competition: Full and open competition. 3. Risk: Long duration and cost-plus contract type may pose cost control risks. 4. Sector: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's long duration (13 years) and cost-plus fixed fee structure suggest potential for cost overruns. Benchmarking against similar long-term, complex service contracts is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing. However, the cost-plus fixed fee structure allows for cost reimbursement, potentially impacting the final price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The long-term nature and cost-reimbursement structure of this contract warrant close monitoring to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently and effectively.

Public Impact

Long-term contract (13 years) for essential technical services. Full and open competition suggests a fair process for selecting the contractor. Cost-plus fixed fee structure requires robust oversight to manage expenses.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration
Cost-plus contract type
Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data

Positive Signals

Full and open competition
Significant contract value indicates important services provided

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services.' Spending in this sector can vary widely based on agency needs, but long-term contracts like this often support critical, ongoing operational requirements.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation was incorporated through subcontracting.

Oversight & Accountability

The long duration and cost-plus nature of this contract necessitate strong oversight from the Agency for International Development to ensure cost control and adherence to contract terms. Regular audits and performance reviews are crucial.

Related Government Programs

All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Agency for International Development Contracting
Agency for International Development Programs

Risk Flags

Long contract duration (13 years)
Cost-plus contract type
Potential for cost overruns
Lack of detailed service description
No small business award

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $95.2 million to ARD, INC.. CELI - CENTRAL REGION 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 $95.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2011-04-20. End: 2024-02-09.

What specific technical services are provided under this contract, and how do they align with USAID's mission objectives?

The contract, 'CELI - CENTRAL REGION PROGRAM,' is categorized under 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services.' While the specific services are not detailed, such contracts typically support program implementation, research, analysis, or technical assistance. For USAID, these services likely contribute to international development goals in the central region, potentially involving areas like economic development, public health, or governance support.

What are the primary risks associated with the cost-plus fixed fee structure over a 13-year period?

The primary risks with a cost-plus fixed fee (CPFF) contract over a long duration include potential for cost overruns if the fixed fee is not adequately justified or if contractor efficiencies are not realized. The government bears the risk of cost increases, while the contractor is incentivized to complete the work within the agreed-upon cost ceiling to earn their fee. This structure requires diligent oversight to prevent scope creep and ensure cost reasonableness.

How effectively does the full and open competition method ensure value for money given the contract's nature?

Full and open competition is generally the most effective method for ensuring value for money as it maximizes the pool of potential bidders, fostering competition that can drive down prices. However, for complex, long-term service contracts like this, the ultimate value depends on the clarity of the statement of work, the evaluation criteria used, and the government's ability to manage the contract effectively throughout its lifespan to ensure performance and cost control.

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

Solicitation ID: SOL-514-10-000001

Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 159 BANK ST STE 300, BURLINGTON, VT, 05401

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $113,953,981

Exercised Options: $113,953,981

Current Obligation: $95,225,285

Actual Outlays: $-48,231

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline