USAID's Food Security Center Contract Exceeds $1.2M, Awarded to Social Impact Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $20,178,590 ($20.2M)

Contractor: Social Impact Inc

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2013-10-01

End Date: 2023-09-21

Contract Duration: 3,642 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::CL,CT::IGF FOOD SECURITY SERVICE CENTER (FSCC) TO FUND $1,200,000 C/O FUNDS (CSI 1M&ARP 200K)

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20001

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $20.2 million to SOCIAL IMPACT INC for work described as: IGF::CL,CT::IGF FOOD SECURITY SERVICE CENTER (FSCC) TO FUND $1,200,000 C/O FUNDS (CSI 1M&ARP 200K) Key points: 1. Contract value is $1,200,000, funded by CSI and ARP. 2. Awarded to Social Impact Inc. for Other Management Consulting Services. 3. Competition method was 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources'. 4. Contract duration is over 9 years, indicating long-term engagement.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $1.2M is a significant investment. Benchmarking against similar consulting services contracts is difficult without more detailed scope information, but the long duration suggests substantial service delivery.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition after excluding sources, suggesting a competitive process was intended. However, the exclusion of sources warrants further scrutiny to ensure fair market access.

Taxpayer Impact: The $1.2M allocated to this contract represents taxpayer funds directed towards food security initiatives, with the effectiveness and efficiency of the services provided by Social Impact Inc. being key to its value.

Public Impact

Supports global food security initiatives through consulting services. Long contract duration of over 9 years suggests sustained program support. Funding comes from specific initiatives (CSI, ARP), indicating targeted investment. Awarded to a single vendor, Social Impact Inc.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration may indicate potential for cost overruns or scope creep.
Exclusion of sources in competition method needs clarification.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes value assessment challenging.

Positive Signals

Contract addresses critical area of food security.
Utilizes dedicated funding streams (CSI, ARP).
Awarded through a competitive process.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under 'Other Management Consulting Services' (NAICS 541618), a broad category. Spending in this sector often supports program management, policy analysis, and strategic planning for government agencies. Benchmarks vary widely based on service specificity.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities were provided to small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract's long duration and significant value necessitate robust oversight to ensure performance objectives are met and funds are used efficiently. Accountability mechanisms should be clearly defined and monitored by the Agency for International Development.

Related Government Programs

Other Management Consulting Services
Agency for International Development Contracting
Agency for International Development Programs

Risk Flags

Long contract duration (over 9 years).
Competition method includes 'Exclusion of Sources'.
No specific performance metrics provided.
Awarded to a single entity (Social Impact Inc.).
Small business participation not indicated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $20.2 million to SOCIAL IMPACT INC. IGF::CL,CT::IGF FOOD SECURITY SERVICE CENTER (FSCC) TO FUND $1,200,000 C/O FUNDS (CSI 1M&ARP 200K)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SOCIAL IMPACT 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 $20.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2013-10-01. End: 2023-09-21.

What specific services does Social Impact Inc. provide under this contract to justify the $1.2M cost over 9 years?

The contract is for 'Other Management Consulting Services' (NAICS 541618) supporting the Food Security Service Center. While the exact deliverables are not detailed, such services typically include strategic planning, program evaluation, policy analysis, and operational support aimed at enhancing food security initiatives. The significant duration suggests ongoing, comprehensive support rather than a single project.

What are the risks associated with a 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' and a contract duration exceeding 9 years?

Excluding sources, even after an initial open competition phase, can limit the pool of potential bidders and may raise concerns about fairness and market access. A contract duration over 9 years increases the risk of vendor lock-in, potential for cost escalation if not managed tightly, and the possibility that the services may become outdated or less effective over time without periodic re-evaluation.

How effectively is this $1.2M contract contributing to the Agency for International Development's food security goals?

Effectiveness is currently difficult to assess without specific performance metrics or outcomes data tied to the contract. The value hinges on the quality and impact of the consulting services provided by Social Impact Inc. in advancing food security. Regular reporting and independent evaluations would be crucial to gauge the actual contribution to the agency's broader goals.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Management Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: ALTERNATIVE SOURCES

Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2300 CLARENDON BLVD STE 1000, ARLINGTON, VA, 22201

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $24,430,728

Exercised Options: $24,430,728

Current Obligation: $20,178,590

Actual Outlays: $74,894

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline