USAID's $13M Sudan Infrastructure IQC with Louis Berger Group Inc. for Consulting Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $13,000,906 ($13.0M)
Contractor: THE Louis Berger Group, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development
Start Date: 2008-11-01
End Date: 2012-03-31
Contract Duration: 1,246 days
Daily Burn Rate: $10.4K/day
Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: CAPACITY BUILDING UNDER SUDAN INFRASTRUCTURE IQC
Plain-Language Summary
Agency for International Development obligated $13.0 million to THE LOUIS BERGER GROUP, INC. for work described as: CAPACITY BUILDING UNDER SUDAN INFRASTRUCTURE IQC Key points: 1. The contract awarded to The Louis Berger Group, Inc. for capacity building in Sudan's infrastructure. 2. This was a competitive delivery order under an existing IQC, suggesting some level of market vetting. 3. The contract duration was 1246 days, indicating a long-term project. 4. The primary service category is Other Management Consulting Services (NAICS 541618). 5. The contract type was Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract was awarded under a competitive delivery order, implying a degree of price discovery. However, the CPFF contract type requires careful oversight to ensure costs remain reasonable and fixed fees are justified.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Awarded as a competitive delivery order, indicating that multiple vendors likely had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds were used for capacity building in a developing nation's infrastructure, with the cost efficiency dependent on effective project execution and oversight.
Public Impact
Supports infrastructure development in Sudan, potentially impacting economic growth and stability. Capacity building efforts could lead to long-term improvements in Sudan's ability to manage its own infrastructure. The use of a US agency (USAID) highlights international development aid efforts. Long contract duration suggests a significant and ongoing need for these services.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- CPFF contract type can incentivize higher costs if not closely monitored.
- Geopolitical risks associated with operating in Sudan.
- Potential for scope creep in long-term consulting projects.
Positive Signals
- Competitive award process.
- Focus on capacity building, a sustainable development goal.
- Long-term engagement allows for deeper impact.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under management consulting services, specifically related to infrastructure. Benchmarks for such services can vary widely based on the complexity, location, and duration of the project.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The CPFF contract type necessitates robust oversight from USAID to ensure costs are reasonable and the fixed fee is earned. Monitoring performance against objectives is crucial for accountability.
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.
- Operating in a challenging environment like Sudan.
- Long contract duration increases risk of scope creep and cost escalation.
- Potential for insufficient oversight on consulting services.
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 $13.0 million to THE LOUIS BERGER GROUP, INC.. CAPACITY BUILDING UNDER SUDAN INFRASTRUCTURE IQC
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 $13.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2008-11-01. End: 2012-03-31.
What specific infrastructure projects or areas did the capacity building focus on, and what were the measurable outcomes?
The specific infrastructure projects or areas of focus are not detailed in the provided data. Capacity building can encompass a wide range of activities, from training local personnel in project management and engineering to developing policy frameworks for infrastructure development. Measurable outcomes would typically include improved efficiency in project execution, enhanced local expertise, and the successful completion of infrastructure initiatives.
How effectively did USAID manage the Cost Plus Fixed Fee aspect to control costs and ensure value for money?
Effective management of a CPFF contract relies on stringent oversight, detailed cost tracking, and clear performance metrics. USAID would need to ensure that the fixed fee was commensurate with the effort and risk involved, and that all costs incurred were reasonable, allocable, and allowable. Regular audits and progress reviews are essential to prevent cost overruns and ensure the contractor is incentivized to perform efficiently.
What was the long-term impact of this capacity building initiative on Sudan's infrastructure sector and its ability to self-manage?
The long-term impact hinges on the sustainability of the training and policy recommendations provided. If the capacity building successfully transferred knowledge and skills to Sudanese entities, it could lead to improved project delivery, better maintenance of infrastructure, and more effective long-term planning. Without specific outcome data, assessing the full impact remains challenging, but the intent is to foster self-sufficiency.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Management Consulting Services
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 1
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: $26,164,162
Exercised Options: $26,164,162
Current Obligation: $13,000,906
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: AID650I000600010
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2008-11-01
Current End Date: 2012-03-31
Potential End Date: 2012-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2020-04-30
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