Insight Systems Corp. awarded $34.7M contract for agricultural development knowledge support to USAID

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $34,766,621 ($34.8M)

Contractor: Insight Systems Corporation

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2013-10-01

End Date: 2019-03-30

Contract Duration: 2,006 days

Daily Burn Rate: $17.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF KNOWLEDGE DRIVEN AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT (KDAD) TO PROVIDE KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT, COMMUNICATIONS AND TRAINING SUPPORT TO THE BUREAU OF FOOD SECURITY AND THE FEED THE FUTURE INITIATIVE.

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20523

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $34.8 million to INSIGHT SYSTEMS CORPORATION for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF KNOWLEDGE DRIVEN AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT (KDAD) TO PROVIDE KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT, COMMUNICATIONS AND TRAINING SUPPORT TO THE BUREAU OF FOOD SECURITY AND THE FEED THE FUTURE INITIATIVE. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Insight Systems Corporation for knowledge management, communications, and training. 2. The contract supports the Bureau of Food Security and the Feed the Future initiative. 3. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, indicating a competitive process. 4. The sector involves professional and management development training within the agricultural development domain.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to higher costs if not managed carefully. However, the fixed fee component provides some cost control.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method aims to ensure fair pricing by considering multiple qualified bidders.

Taxpayer Impact: The contract value of $34.7 million represents a significant investment in agricultural development, with taxpayer funds supporting knowledge sharing and training initiatives.

Public Impact

Supports critical agricultural development programs like Feed the Future. Enhances knowledge management and communication for improved program effectiveness. Provides training to build capacity within the Bureau of Food Security.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires careful oversight to manage costs.
Potential for scope creep in knowledge management and communication support.

Positive Signals

Supports a high-impact initiative (Feed the Future).
Full and open competition ensures competitive pricing.
Long contract duration allows for sustained support.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional and management development training sector, specifically applied to agricultural development. Spending in this area often focuses on capacity building and knowledge transfer to improve program outcomes and sustainability.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the contractor is Insight Systems Corporation, and there is no specific information provided regarding small business participation or subcontracting. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business involvement.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Agency for International Development (USAID), a federal agency with established oversight mechanisms. The contract type and duration suggest ongoing monitoring is expected.

Related Government Programs

Professional and Management Development Training
Agency for International Development Contracting
Agency for International Development Programs

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract requires diligent cost monitoring.
Potential for undefined scope in knowledge management services.
Contract duration is long (over 5 years), increasing risk of changing requirements.
No explicit mention of small business subcontracting goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $34.8 million to INSIGHT SYSTEMS CORPORATION. IGF::OT::IGF KNOWLEDGE DRIVEN AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT (KDAD) TO PROVIDE KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT, COMMUNICATIONS AND TRAINING SUPPORT TO THE BUREAU OF FOOD SECURITY AND THE FEED THE FUTURE INITIATIVE.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INSIGHT SYSTEMS CORPORATION.

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 $34.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2013-10-01. End: 2019-03-30.

What is the specific impact of the knowledge management and communication support on the effectiveness of the Feed the Future initiative?

The knowledge management and communication support are intended to improve the dissemination of best practices, lessons learned, and program data among stakeholders involved in the Feed the Future initiative. This facilitates better decision-making, collaboration, and adaptation of strategies, ultimately aiming to enhance the initiative's overall effectiveness in achieving its food security goals.

What are the key performance indicators used to assess the contractor's performance and ensure value for money?

Key performance indicators likely focus on the quality and timeliness of knowledge products, the effectiveness of communication channels, and the impact of training sessions. USAID would monitor metrics related to stakeholder engagement, knowledge utilization, and reported improvements in program implementation directly attributable to the contractor's support.

How does this contract contribute to USAID's broader mission in global food security and agricultural development?

This contract directly supports USAID's mission by strengthening the operational capacity of the Bureau of Food Security and the Feed the Future initiative. By improving knowledge management and communication, it ensures that lessons learned from field operations are captured and shared, leading to more efficient and impactful programming and policy development in global agriculture.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational Services › Business Schools and Computer and Management Training › Professional and Management Development Training

Product/Service Code: EDUCATION AND TRAINING › EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1655 NORTH FORT MYER DR STE 700, ARLINGTON, VA, 22209

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $34,766,621

Exercised Options: $34,766,621

Current Obligation: $34,766,621

Actual Outlays: $13,610

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline