Over $48.7M awarded for technical services, with a significant portion allocated to a single contractor

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $48,753,781 ($48.8M)

Contractor: Research Foundation for the State University of NEW York, the

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2014-01-01

End Date: 2023-03-21

Contract Duration: 3,366 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::CT::IGF AGILE AND HARMONIZED ASSISTANCE FOR DEVOLVED INSTITUTIONS (AHADI) PROJECT

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $48.8 million to RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK, THE for work described as: IGF::CT::IGF AGILE AND HARMONIZED ASSISTANCE FOR DEVOLVED INSTITUTIONS (AHADI) PROJECT Key points: 1. The contract awarded to THE RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK represents a substantial investment in professional, scientific, and technical services. 2. A definitive contract structure was utilized, suggesting a need for a long-term, flexible arrangement. 3. The contract duration of 3366 days indicates a lengthy engagement, requiring sustained oversight. 4. The 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' NAICS code points to a broad scope of work. 5. The absence of small business set-aside flags suggests the primary awardee is not a small business, and subcontracting opportunities may be limited. 6. The contract type 'COST PLUS FIXED FEE' can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific deliverables and performance metrics. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure necessitates close monitoring to ensure costs remain reasonable and the fixed fee is justified by the effort expended. Comparing it to similar large-scale technical assistance contracts would reveal if the overall award value is within expected ranges for the scope of services provided.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The number of offers (10) suggests a competitive process, which typically aids in price discovery and achieving fair market value. However, the final award going to a single entity implies that this contractor best met the government's requirements.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a market that drives efficiency and potentially lower prices. The presence of multiple bidders suggests that government funds were likely used judiciously to secure the best value.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the Agency for International Development (USAID) and potentially partner institutions or countries receiving devolved institutional support. Services delivered encompass a wide range of professional, scientific, and technical expertise aimed at improving institutional capacity. The geographic impact is not specified but likely relates to USAID's international development programs. Workforce implications could include employment for researchers, technical experts, and support staff at the awardee institution and potentially in the field.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts require diligent oversight to prevent scope creep and ensure cost efficiency.
The broad NAICS code could indicate a wide range of potential services, making it difficult to precisely track spending against specific objectives without further detail.
Long contract duration increases the risk of evolving needs not being met by the original contract scope.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
A significant number of offers (10) indicates strong market interest and a competitive environment.
The contract supports the Agency for International Development's mission, implying alignment with strategic foreign policy goals.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector, a broad category encompassing a wide array of specialized expertise. The NAICS code 541990, 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services,' signifies services not elsewhere classified, often including research, consulting, and technical support. Spending in this sector is substantial across government agencies, supporting everything from scientific research to program management and policy analysis. Comparable spending benchmarks would depend heavily on the specific nature of the technical assistance provided under this contract.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation was not a primary focus, as there is no indication of a small business set-aside. The awardee, THE RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK, is likely a large institution. This suggests that subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may be limited unless specifically mandated or pursued by the prime contractor. Further analysis would be needed to determine if any subcontracting plans were included or if small businesses were involved in the competitive bidding process.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Agency for International Development (USAID). As a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract with a long duration, robust financial and performance monitoring mechanisms are crucial. This includes regular reporting from the contractor, audits, and potentially site visits to ensure that funds are being used effectively and for their intended purpose. Transparency would be enhanced through public reporting of contract performance and expenditures.

Related Government Programs

USAID Technical Assistance Programs
International Development Projects
Global Capacity Building Initiatives
Research and Development Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may lead to scope misalignment over time.
Cost-plus-fixed-fee structure requires diligent cost and performance oversight.
Broad NAICS code necessitates clear definition of deliverables and performance metrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $48.8 million to RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK, THE. IGF::CT::IGF AGILE AND HARMONIZED ASSISTANCE FOR DEVOLVED INSTITUTIONS (AHADI) PROJECT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK, THE.

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 $48.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2014-01-01. End: 2023-03-21.

What specific technical services were provided under this contract?

The contract falls under the NAICS code 541990, 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services.' This broad classification suggests a wide range of potential services, which could include research, analysis, consulting, program support, training, and technical assistance related to the Agency for International Development's (USAID) mission. Without more specific contract line item details or performance reports, the exact nature of the services remains generalized. However, given the contract's title, 'AGILE AND HARMONIZED ASSISTANCE FOR DEVOLVED INSTITUTIONS (AHADI) PROJECT,' it likely involved supporting institutional strengthening, governance, and service delivery in partner countries, particularly focusing on devolved or local governance structures.

How does the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure impact value for money?

The Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) contract structure means the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. This structure is often used when the scope of work is not precisely defined or is expected to evolve. For value for money, it necessitates rigorous oversight by the government to ensure that costs incurred are reasonable, allocable, and necessary. The fixed fee provides an incentive for the contractor to control costs, as any savings below the estimated cost do not reduce their fee. However, if not managed diligently, CPFF contracts can lead to higher overall costs compared to fixed-price contracts, as the government bears the risk of cost overruns. The effectiveness of value for money hinges on the government's ability to monitor expenditures and performance closely.

What is the historical spending trend for similar technical services contracts by USAID?

USAID historically spends significant amounts on professional, scientific, and technical services to support its global development objectives. While specific historical spending trends for contracts under NAICS 541990 are not detailed here, USAID's overall budget allocation reflects a substantial investment in technical assistance, program support, and research. The agency frequently utilizes various contract types, including cost-reimbursement and fixed-price vehicles, depending on the nature of the requirement. Analyzing USAID's annual reports and budget justifications would provide a broader context for spending patterns in this service category, revealing whether this $48.7 million contract is typical, large, or small relative to other similar engagements over time.

What are the potential risks associated with the long duration of this contract?

The contract's duration of 3366 days (over 9 years) presents several potential risks. Firstly, the objectives and requirements may evolve significantly over such a long period, potentially rendering the original scope of work outdated or less relevant. This necessitates flexibility and potentially contract modifications, which can add complexity and cost. Secondly, maintaining consistent contractor performance and engagement over nearly a decade can be challenging. There's a risk of performance degradation, loss of institutional knowledge within the contractor's team, or shifts in the contractor's strategic priorities. Lastly, long-term contracts increase the exposure to economic fluctuations, changes in government priorities, or unforeseen geopolitical events that could impact the contract's feasibility or effectiveness.

How does the 'AHADI Project' title inform the contract's purpose?

The title 'AGILE AND HARMONIZED ASSISTANCE FOR DEVOLVED INSTITUTIONS (AHADI) PROJECT' provides crucial context for the contract's purpose. 'Agile' suggests an adaptive approach to project management, allowing for flexibility in response to changing conditions. 'Harmonized Assistance' implies coordination with other development partners or initiatives to ensure a unified approach. 'Devolved Institutions' points to a focus on strengthening local or regional governance structures, empowering them to manage resources and deliver services more effectively. 'AHADI' itself is likely a project name, possibly with a meaning in a local language related to 'promise' or 'agreement,' reinforcing the collaborative and commitment-oriented nature of the work. Therefore, the contract likely funds activities aimed at improving the capacity and functioning of local government entities in a coordinated and adaptable manner.

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: 10

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: THE Research Foundation for the State University of NEW York

Address: 1400 WASHINGTON AVE, ALBANY, NY, 12222

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $48,753,781

Exercised Options: $48,753,781

Current Obligation: $48,753,781

Actual Outlays: $9,083,622

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 3

Total Subaward Amount: $4,246,970

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline