USAID awards $14M to Louis Berger Group for clean water access in Southern Sudan
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $14,055,203 ($14.1M)
Contractor: THE Louis Berger Group, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development
Start Date: 2007-09-26
End Date: 2012-07-31
Contract Duration: 1,770 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THE AWARD IS TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO CLEAN WATER IN SOUTHERN SUDANTAS::72 1021::TAS
Plain-Language Summary
Agency for International Development obligated $14.1 million to THE LOUIS BERGER GROUP, INC. for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THE AWARD IS TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO CLEAN WATER IN SOUTHERN SUDANTAS::72 1021::TAS Key points: 1. Spending focused on critical humanitarian aid for water infrastructure. 2. Louis Berger Group, a major player in international development, secured the contract. 3. Potential risks include project execution in a challenging geopolitical region. 4. The sector is 'Other Management Consulting Services', supporting broader development goals.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. Benchmarking is difficult without specific service details, but the per-unit cost appears high given the duration and total value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the specific pricing discovery mechanisms within the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure warrant scrutiny to ensure value for money.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed towards essential humanitarian aid, aiming to improve living conditions and public health in a developing region.
Public Impact
Direct impact on improving access to clean water for a vulnerable population. Potential for long-term health and economic benefits in Southern Sudan. Supports U.S. foreign policy objectives related to global development and humanitarian assistance.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher costs.
- Geopolitical instability in Southern Sudan poses execution risks.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes value assessment challenging.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical humanitarian need.
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Long contract duration allows for sustained impact.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under 'Other Management Consulting Services' but is directly tied to infrastructure development and humanitarian aid. Spending benchmarks for similar international water projects vary widely based on location and scope.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates the prime contractor is The Louis Berger Group, Inc., a large firm. There is no explicit information provided regarding small business participation in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
USAID's Office of Inspector General would typically oversee such contracts to ensure proper execution and financial accountability. The contract's duration and value suggest a need for robust monitoring.
Related Government Programs
- Other Management Consulting Services
- Agency for International Development Contracting
- Agency for International Development Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Geopolitical instability in the region.
- Potential for cost overruns.
- Lack of detailed performance metrics in the provided data.
- Limited information on small business subcontracting.
Tags
other-management-consulting-services, agency-for-international-development, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Agency for International Development awarded $14.1 million to THE LOUIS BERGER GROUP, INC.. THE PURPOSE OF THE AWARD IS TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO CLEAN WATER IN SOUTHERN SUDANTAS::72 1021::TAS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THE LOUIS BERGER GROUP, 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 $14.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2007-09-26. End: 2012-07-31.
What specific metrics were used to define 'improved access to clean water' and how will success be measured?
The contract details do not specify the exact metrics for measuring improved access to clean water. Typically, such metrics would include the number of people served, reduction in waterborne diseases, and sustainability of water sources. USAID's program offices and the implementing contractor would establish these during the project's lifecycle, with oversight from the Agency.
What are the primary risks associated with executing a water infrastructure project in Southern Sudan, and what mitigation strategies are in place?
Key risks include political instability, security concerns, logistical challenges in remote areas, and potential corruption. Mitigation strategies likely involve close coordination with local authorities, robust security protocols, phased implementation, and stringent financial controls. The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure may offer some flexibility but also requires careful cost management.
How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure ensure cost-effectiveness for this humanitarian project?
A Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract allows the contractor to recover allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee. While it provides flexibility for scope changes common in development projects, it can incentivize higher costs if not rigorously monitored. Cost-effectiveness is achieved through detailed cost proposals, regular audits, and performance reviews by the agency to ensure the fixed fee remains appropriate for the work performed.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Management Consulting Services
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Louis Berger Hawthorne Services Inc. (UEI: 203698522)
Address: 100 HALSTED ST, EAST ORANGE, NJ, 07018
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $14,600,000
Exercised Options: $14,600,000
Current Obligation: $14,055,203
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: AID650I000600010
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2007-09-26
Current End Date: 2012-07-31
Potential End Date: 2012-07-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2019-08-19
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