USAID's $23M Kivu Value Chain contract awarded to ARD, Inc. for five years
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $24,742,192 ($24.7M)
Contractor: ARD, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development
Start Date: 2017-05-23
End Date: 2022-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,956 days
Daily Burn Rate: $12.6K/day
Sector: Other
Official Description: IGF::CL,CT::IGF THE PURPOSE OF THIS ACTION IS TO CONTRACT THE SERVICE FOR KIVU VALUE CHAIN FOR THE PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS STARTING FROM THE DATE OF THE AWARD. TOTAL ESTIMATED COST FOR THIS AWARD IS $22,993,029.
Plain-Language Summary
Agency for International Development obligated $24.7 million to ARD, INC. for work described as: IGF::CL,CT::IGF THE PURPOSE OF THIS ACTION IS TO CONTRACT THE SERVICE FOR KIVU VALUE CHAIN FOR THE PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS STARTING FROM THE DATE OF THE AWARD. TOTAL ESTIMATED COST FOR THIS AWARD IS $22,993,029. Key points: 1. Contract aims to develop the Kivu value chain over a five-year period. 2. The total estimated cost of $22,993,029 suggests a significant investment in regional development. 3. The contract duration of 1956 days (approximately 5 years) indicates a long-term commitment. 4. ARD, Inc. is the sole contractor for this specific service. 5. The contract type is a definitive contract, implying a fixed price or cost reimbursement structure. 6. No specific performance metrics or outcomes are detailed in the provided data.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The total estimated cost of $22,993,029 for a five-year contract focused on value chain development is substantial. Without comparable contracts or detailed scope of work, it's difficult to benchmark value for money. The absence of performance data makes it challenging to assess if the investment yields effective results. The pricing appears to be an estimate, and actual costs could vary.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: unknown
The provided data does not specify the competition level for this contract. It is unclear if it was competed fully and openly, limited, or awarded sole-source. The lack of information on the bidding process prevents an assessment of how many bidders participated and what that means for price discovery and overall value.
Taxpayer Impact: Without knowing the competition level, it's impossible to determine the specific impact on taxpayers. A well-competed contract typically leads to better pricing and more innovative solutions, benefiting taxpayers.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are likely stakeholders within the Kivu value chain, including producers, processors, and potentially consumers. The contract aims to deliver services that support and enhance the Kivu value chain. The geographic impact is focused on the Kivu region, likely in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Workforce implications could include job creation and skills development within the region.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of transparency regarding the competition process.
- Absence of specific performance metrics to gauge effectiveness.
- Potential for cost overruns if not closely managed.
- Limited information on how value for money will be ensured.
Positive Signals
- Long-term commitment suggests a strategic focus on regional development.
- Award to a single contractor (ARD, Inc.) may indicate specialized expertise.
- Definitive contract type provides a framework for service delivery.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the 'Other' sector, likely related to economic development and international aid. Value chain development is a critical component of economic growth, aiming to improve efficiency and profitability across various stages of production and distribution. Comparable spending benchmarks would depend on the specific sub-sector and geographic focus within the Kivu region.
Small Business Impact
The provided data does not indicate any small business set-aside provisions or subcontracting plans. Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses and the small business ecosystem is unknown. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved or could be involved in supporting the Kivu value chain development.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight mechanisms and accountability measures are not detailed in the provided data. Transparency assessment is limited due to the lack of information on the procurement process and performance reporting. Inspector General jurisdiction would typically apply to USAID contracts, but specific oversight activities for this contract are not mentioned.
Related Government Programs
- USAID Economic Development Programs
- International Development Assistance
- Value Chain Development Initiatives
- Agricultural Development Programs
- Trade Facilitation Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of detailed performance metrics.
- Unclear competition process.
- Potential security and political risks in the Kivu region.
- Limited information on value for money assessment.
Tags
economic-development, international-aid, value-chain, usaid, ard-inc, definitive-contract, long-term-contract, kivu-region, development-assistance, contract-services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Agency for International Development awarded $24.7 million to ARD, INC.. IGF::CL,CT::IGF THE PURPOSE OF THIS ACTION IS TO CONTRACT THE SERVICE FOR KIVU VALUE CHAIN FOR THE PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS STARTING FROM THE DATE OF THE AWARD. TOTAL ESTIMATED COST FOR THIS AWARD IS $22,993,029.
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 $24.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2017-05-23. End: 2022-09-30.
What is the specific scope of work for the Kivu Value Chain contract?
The provided data indicates the purpose is to 'contract the service for Kivu value chain'. However, the specific scope of work, deliverables, and activities are not detailed. This would typically involve activities aimed at improving productivity, market access, and competitiveness for various sectors within the Kivu region's value chains. Examples could include technical assistance, training, market analysis, infrastructure support, or policy advocacy, depending on the identified needs and strategic objectives of USAID in the region.
What is ARD, Inc.'s track record with USAID and similar value chain development contracts?
ARD, Inc. (now Tetra Tech ARD) has a history of working with USAID on international development projects, including those focused on economic growth and value chain development. Their expertise often lies in areas such as agriculture, natural resources management, and private sector development. A comprehensive review of their past performance, including client feedback, project outcomes, and any past performance issues or awards, would be necessary to fully assess their suitability and track record for this specific Kivu Value Chain contract. Without access to past performance evaluations or detailed project histories, a definitive assessment cannot be made.
How does the estimated cost of $22,993,029 compare to similar value chain development contracts in other regions?
Benchmarking this contract's estimated cost requires comparison with similar value chain development initiatives funded by USAID or other international donors in comparable regions. Factors influencing cost include the specific sectors targeted (e.g., agriculture, mining, services), the scale of intervention, the duration of the contract, and the prevailing economic and security conditions in the region. Without specific data on comparable contracts, it is difficult to definitively state whether $22,993,029 represents a high, low, or average investment. However, for a five-year program in a complex region like Kivu, this figure suggests a significant commitment to achieving substantial development outcomes.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) and expected outcomes for this contract?
The provided data does not specify the key performance indicators (KPIs) or expected outcomes for this contract. Typically, value chain development contracts would include measurable objectives related to increased income for producers, improved market linkages, enhanced product quality, job creation, or increased exports. The absence of this information makes it challenging to assess the contract's potential effectiveness and measure its success upon completion. USAID contracts usually require detailed performance management plans with clearly defined KPIs.
What is the historical spending by USAID on value chain development in the Kivu region or similar areas?
Historical spending data from USAID on value chain development in the Kivu region or similar areas would provide context for the $22,993,029 award. Analyzing past investments can reveal trends, identify successful approaches, and highlight areas where further investment is needed. Without access to USAID's historical contract databases or specific program reports for the Kivu region, it is not possible to provide a precise figure for past spending. However, USAID generally invests significantly in economic growth and agricultural development in regions like Eastern DRC.
What are the potential risks associated with implementing a five-year value chain development program in the Kivu region?
Implementing a five-year value chain development program in the Kivu region presents several potential risks. These include political and security instability, which can disrupt program activities and endanger personnel. Infrastructure limitations (transport, energy, communication) can hinder market access and operational efficiency. Corruption and governance challenges may impede fair competition and resource allocation. Furthermore, market volatility, climate change impacts on agriculture, and the complex socio-economic dynamics of the region can affect the sustainability of interventions. Effective risk mitigation strategies, including robust security protocols, community engagement, and adaptive management, are crucial for success.
More Contracts from ARD, Inc.
- Foreign Assistance Program — $189.2M (Agency for International Development)
- Foreign Assistance Program — $182.0M (Agency for International Development)
- THE Purpose of This Activity IS to Improve the Conditions of Conflict Affected Rural Households in a Sustainable Manner. This Will BE Achieved by Providing Massive Access to Land Titles While Supporting Land Restitution AS Part of the Broader Land TI — $115.8M (Agency for International Development)
- Celi - Central Region Program — $95.2M (Agency for International Development)
- - the Purpose of This Negotiation IS to Issue a Task Order for the Acquisition of Services to Support the Development of Tools, Systems, and Skills to Enable Usaid to Support the Government of Colombia S (GOC) Efforts to Fulfill ITS Mandate to Resolve the Land Issues AT the Heart of the Conflict — $76.3M (Agency for International Development)
Other Agency for International Development Contracts
- - Ghsc Idiq - Hiv/Aids to — $6.7B (Chemonics International, Inc.)
- Covid-19 Vaccines for International Donation — $4.2B (Pfizer Inc)
- This IS a NEW Task Order (# 03) Issued Against the Basic IQC # Gpo-I-00-05-00032-00. the Purpose of This Task Order IS to Facilitate Continuation of the Scms Program in ALL Pepfar Countries — $3.3B (Partnership for Supply Chain Management Inc)
- - Ghsc Idiq - Malaria Task Order — $2.9B (Chemonics International, Inc.)
- NEW Malaria Task Order Under the Deliver IQC; 2 Year Base Base Contract, 1 Option Year — $1.1B (John Snow, Incorporated)