USAID's $15.2M Contract for Ethiopian School Support Awarded to Save the Children Federation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,205,972 ($15.2M)

Contractor: Save the Children Federation, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2008-02-13

End Date: 2012-07-12

Contract Duration: 1,611 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL AND MANAGERIAL STRENGTHENNING SUPPORT TO 1,800 PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES IN 8 REGIONS OF ETHIOPIA

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $15.2 million to SAVE THE CHILDREN FEDERATION, INC. for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL AND MANAGERIAL STRENGTHENNING SUPPORT TO 1,800 PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES IN 8 REGIONS OF ETHIOPIA Key points: 1. Contract focuses on technical and managerial strengthening for 1,800 primary schools in Ethiopia. 2. Awarded to Save the Children Federation, Inc. under a Definitive Contract. 3. The contract aims to improve educational outcomes in underserved communities. 4. This represents a significant investment in international development and education.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to higher costs if not managed carefully. The total award amount of $15.2M over approximately 4 years needs to be assessed against the scope and impact on 1,800 schools.

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 details of the price discovery and how the fixed fee was determined are not provided.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to support educational infrastructure and services in Ethiopia, aiming for long-term development impact.

Public Impact

Enhances educational resources and support for 1,800 primary schools. Aims to improve the quality of education and community engagement in Ethiopia. Supports USAID's broader development goals in the region. Potential for long-term positive impact on student learning outcomes. Investment in human capital development in a developing nation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher spending.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes assessing value difficult.
Long contract duration may not adapt well to changing needs.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition ensures a potentially competitive price.
Focus on a critical development area: education.
Awarded to a reputable organization with experience in the field.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under educational support services, a key component of international development aid. Benchmarks for similar educational support contracts in developing nations would typically vary widely based on scope, duration, and specific objectives.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. The award was made to a large, established non-profit organization.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically be managed by USAID's mission in Ethiopia, ensuring that the contractor meets performance objectives and manages funds appropriately. Accountability relies on reporting mechanisms and potential audits.

Related Government Programs

Educational Support Services
Agency for International Development Contracting
Agency for International Development Programs

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
Potential for scope creep over the contract duration.
Dependency on a single large non-profit organization.
Limited information on specific performance metrics and evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $15.2 million to SAVE THE CHILDREN FEDERATION, INC.. THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL AND MANAGERIAL STRENGTHENNING SUPPORT TO 1,800 PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES IN 8 REGIONS OF ETHIOPIA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SAVE THE CHILDREN FEDERATION, 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 $15.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-02-13. End: 2012-07-12.

What specific technical and managerial strengthening activities are included, and how will their effectiveness be measured to ensure value for money?

The contract details should outline specific activities such as teacher training, curriculum development support, and community engagement programs. Effectiveness should be measured through quantifiable metrics like improved student attendance, test scores, and teacher performance evaluations. Regular reporting and independent evaluations are crucial to ensure value for money and accountability for the $15.2M investment.

Given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, what mechanisms are in place to mitigate the risk of cost overruns and ensure efficient use of funds?

USAID should have established clear cost ceilings and rigorous financial oversight procedures. The fixed fee component provides some incentive for efficiency, but regular audits, performance-based milestones, and transparent reporting are essential to monitor spending and prevent unnecessary cost increases. The agency's contract officers must actively manage the contract to ensure adherence to budget.

How does this contract align with and contribute to USAID's long-term development strategy for Ethiopia, particularly in the education sector?

This contract directly supports USAID's goal of improving educational access and quality in Ethiopia. By strengthening primary schools and communities, it aims to build a foundation for future economic and social development. The program's sustainability and integration with local education systems are key factors in its long-term effectiveness and contribution to national development goals.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational Services › Educational Support Services › Educational Support Services

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Education, Training, Employment, and Social Services R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 54 WILTON RD, WESTPORT, CT, 06880

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $59,204,660

Exercised Options: $59,204,660

Current Obligation: $15,205,972

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline