USAID's $24.8M Contract with ARD, Inc. for Management Consulting Services Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $24,791,708 ($24.8M)
Contractor: ARD, Inc
Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development
Start Date: 2016-03-03
End Date: 2023-03-02
Contract Duration: 2,555 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACTIVITY
Plain-Language Summary
Agency for International Development obligated $24.8 million to ARD, INC for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACTIVITY Key points: 1. Contract Value: $24.8 million over 7 years. 2. Competition: Awarded under full and open competition. 3. Risk: Moderate risk due to cost-plus-fixed-fee structure. 4. Sector: Management Consulting Services.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) type, which can lead to higher costs compared to fixed-price contracts. Benchmarking against similar management consulting contracts is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. However, the CPFF structure may still allow for cost overruns.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are utilized for management consulting services, with the effectiveness and efficiency of these services impacting overall program outcomes.
Public Impact
Supports USAID's mission through expert consulting. Potential for cost efficiencies if managed well. Transparency in contract award process.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee structure may incentivize higher costs.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
- Long contract duration (7 years) could lead to scope creep or outdated services.
Positive Signals
- Awarded via full and open competition.
- Clear contract award date and duration.
- Defined contract type (CPFF).
Sector Analysis
Management consulting services are crucial for government agencies to improve operations and achieve strategic goals. Benchmarks for such contracts vary widely based on scope and duration.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses (ss: false, sb: false).
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the Agency for International Development (USAID). Oversight would focus on ensuring ARD, Inc. delivers on contract objectives and manages costs effectively.
Related Government Programs
- Other Management Consulting Services
- Agency for International Development Contracting
- Agency for International Development Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee structure.
- Long contract duration.
- Lack of specific service details.
- No indication of small business participation.
Tags
other-management-consulting-services, agency-for-international-development, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Agency for International Development awarded $24.8 million to ARD, INC. IGF::CL::IGF TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACTIVITY
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 $24.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2016-03-03. End: 2023-03-02.
What specific management consulting services were provided under this contract, and how did they contribute to USAID's mission objectives?
The provided data only specifies 'Other Management Consulting Services' (NAICS 541618). To assess value, detailed deliverables, project reports, and documented outcomes related to USAID's programmatic goals would be necessary. Without this, it's difficult to quantify the direct impact and value derived from the $24.8 million expenditure.
What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract structure for these management consulting services?
The primary risk of a CPFF contract is that the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. This structure can incentivize contractors to incur higher costs, as their profit margin remains constant regardless of the total expenditure. Effective oversight is crucial to control costs and ensure efficiency.
How does the $24.8 million expenditure for management consulting services compare to similar contracts awarded by USAID or other federal agencies?
Benchmarking this $24.8 million contract against similar ones requires access to detailed contract data, including the specific services rendered, duration, and performance outcomes. Without this granular information, it's challenging to definitively assess if the cost is competitive or represents good value for taxpayer money compared to industry standards or peer contracts.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Management 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
Solicitation ID: SOL-519-15-000008
Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Tetra Tech, Inc. (UEI: 045224250)
Address: 605 MARKET ST STE 800, SAN FRANCISCO, CA, 94105
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $24,791,708
Exercised Options: $24,791,708
Current Obligation: $24,791,708
Actual Outlays: $12,577,806
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 19
Total Subaward Amount: $7,539,728
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2016-03-03
Current End Date: 2023-03-02
Potential End Date: 2023-03-02 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-03-28
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