USAID contract for PEPFAR support in Southern Africa awarded to John Snow, Inc. for over $22.7 million

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $22,759,401 ($22.8M)

Contractor: John Snow, Incorporated

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2008-05-13

End Date: 2013-07-07

Contract Duration: 1,881 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SUPPORT TO STRENGTHEN CAPACITY OF INDIVIDUALS AND INSTITUTIONS TO COLLECT , ANALYSE AND USE INFORMATION TO INFORM PEPFAR PROGRAMS IN SOUTH AFRICA, LESOTHO AND SWAZILAND.

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $22.8 million to JOHN SNOW, INCORPORATED for work described as: SUPPORT TO STRENGTHEN CAPACITY OF INDIVIDUALS AND INSTITUTIONS TO COLLECT , ANALYSE AND USE INFORMATION TO INFORM PEPFAR PROGRAMS IN SOUTH AFRICA, LESOTHO AND SWAZILAND. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on strengthening information collection, analysis, and use for PEPFAR programs. 2. Geographic scope includes South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini, targeting critical public health initiatives. 3. The contract duration of approximately 5 years allowed for sustained capacity building. 4. Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust market for these services. 5. The nature of the services provided (technical assistance and data analysis) is crucial for program effectiveness. 6. The contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) can incentivize cost control while ensuring necessary services are delivered.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of over $22.7 million for a 5-year period of performance for technical assistance in public health information systems appears reasonable given the scope and complexity of PEPFAR programs. Benchmarking against similar contracts for capacity building and data analysis in international development would provide a more precise assessment, but the scale suggests a significant investment in a critical area. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type allows for flexibility in addressing unforeseen challenges while providing a defined profit margin for the contractor.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. This competitive process is expected to drive better pricing and service quality. The fact that it was competed openly suggests that the agency sought the best value from the market for these specialized services.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by ensuring that the government receives competitive pricing and the most suitable services available, preventing potential overcharges associated with less competitive procurement methods.

Public Impact

Beneficiaries include individuals and institutions in South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini involved in PEPFAR programs. Services delivered include strengthening the capacity to collect, analyze, and utilize information for improved public health outcomes. Geographic impact is concentrated in Southern Africa, a region heavily affected by HIV/AIDS and targeted by PEPFAR. Workforce implications include training and capacity building for local personnel in data management and analysis.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns inherent in Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts if not closely monitored.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical data analysis and capacity building could pose a risk if performance falters.
Ensuring effective knowledge transfer to local institutions is crucial for long-term sustainability beyond the contract period.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive market and potentially good value.
Focus on capacity building aims for sustainable improvements in information systems.
The contractor, John Snow, Inc., has a history of working on public health initiatives, suggesting relevant expertise.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on public health program support and data analytics. The market for such services is driven by government funding for international development and health initiatives, particularly in areas like PEPFAR. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other contracts awarded by USAID and similar agencies for technical assistance, capacity building, and health information systems management in developing countries.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans was not explicitly provided in the data. However, given the specialized nature of the services and the full and open competition, it's possible that larger firms were primary awardees. Further investigation into subcontracting opportunities would be needed to assess the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically be managed by the Agency for International Development (USAID) contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures would be embedded in the contract's performance work statement, requiring regular reporting on activities, deliverables, and capacity-building progress. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting requirements for federal spending.

Related Government Programs

PEPFAR Programs
Global Health Security Initiatives
International Development Assistance
Public Health Information Systems

Risk Flags

Contract duration exceeds 5 years, requiring careful monitoring of performance and budget.
Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee contract type necessitates robust government oversight to manage costs.
Geographic focus on high-impact HIV/AIDS regions requires sustained and effective program delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $22.8 million to JOHN SNOW, INCORPORATED. SUPPORT TO STRENGTHEN CAPACITY OF INDIVIDUALS AND INSTITUTIONS TO COLLECT , ANALYSE AND USE INFORMATION TO INFORM PEPFAR PROGRAMS IN SOUTH AFRICA, LESOTHO AND SWAZILAND.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is JOHN SNOW, INCORPORATED.

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 $22.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-05-13. End: 2013-07-07.

What is the track record of John Snow, Incorporated (JSI) in managing large-scale international public health contracts, particularly those related to PEPFAR?

John Snow, Incorporated (JSI) has a significant track record in managing international public health programs, including extensive work with PEPFAR. They have been involved in various aspects of the program, such as strengthening health systems, improving laboratory capacity, supporting supply chain management, and enhancing data collection and analysis. Their experience often involves working in complex environments across multiple countries, similar to the scope of this contract. JSI's history suggests a capacity to handle large budgets and diverse technical requirements, often collaborating with local partners to build sustainable capacity. Their long-standing presence in the global health arena indicates a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within programs like PEPFAR.

How does the cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) contract type potentially impact cost efficiency for this type of technical assistance?

The Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) contract type allows the contractor (JSI) to be reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. For technical assistance and capacity-building efforts like this, CPFF can be advantageous because the scope of work can be somewhat unpredictable and may evolve as needs are better understood or as challenges arise in implementation. It ensures that the contractor is not disincentivized from performing necessary work due to cost uncertainties. However, it also places a greater burden on the government to closely monitor costs to prevent potential overruns and ensure that the fixed fee remains a reasonable profit margin. Effective oversight is critical to achieving value for money under a CPFF arrangement.

What were the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of this contract in strengthening information systems for PEPFAR?

While specific KPIs are not detailed in the provided data, contracts of this nature typically focus on measurable improvements in data quality, timeliness, and utilization. Key performance indicators likely included metrics related to the number of individuals trained in data collection and analysis, the establishment or enhancement of data management platforms, the frequency and accuracy of data reporting, and evidence of data being used to inform programmatic decisions within PEPFAR. Success would also be measured by the sustainability of the strengthened systems and the capacity of local institutions to manage them independently after the contract period. The agency would have monitored these indicators through regular progress reports and site visits.

What is the significance of providing support to South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini specifically within the context of PEPFAR?

South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini have historically been among the countries most heavily impacted by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, making them priority focus areas for PEPFAR. These nations have faced significant public health challenges, including high prevalence rates and strained healthcare systems. Strengthening information systems in these countries is crucial for effective program implementation, resource allocation, monitoring treatment efficacy, tracking patient outcomes, and responding to evolving epidemiological trends. By investing in data capacity in these specific locations, PEPFAR aims to maximize the impact of its interventions and move towards epidemic control and long-term health security.

How does this contract align with broader U.S. foreign policy goals related to global health and development?

This contract directly aligns with broader U.S. foreign policy goals by supporting PEPFAR, a flagship initiative aimed at combating the global HIV/AIDS epidemic. By strengthening health information systems and building local capacity in critical areas like South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini, the U.S. demonstrates its commitment to global health security and sustainable development. Effective data management is fundamental to the success of public health interventions, enabling better targeting of resources, improved program outcomes, and increased accountability. This investment contributes to stabilizing communities, improving health equity, and fostering self-sufficiency in partner nations, thereby advancing U.S. interests in a healthier and more secure world.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › GENERAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 44 FARNSWORTH ST FL 7, BOSTON, MA, 90

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Subchapter S Corporation

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $22,890,925

Exercised Options: $22,890,925

Current Obligation: $22,759,401

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: AIDGHSI000700002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline