USAID's $30.7M contract for promoting private sector engagement awarded to SSG-ADVISORS LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $30,707,948 ($30.7M)

Contractor: Ssg-Advisors LLC

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2017-08-28

End Date: 2024-01-19

Contract Duration: 2,335 days

Daily Burn Rate: $13.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF THIS CONTRACT IS TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND OTHER SUPPORT FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF USAIDS GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT LABS CENTER FOR TRANSFORMATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM ENTITLED PROMOTING EXCELLENCE IN PRIVATE SECTOR ENGAGEMENT

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 $30.7 million to SSG-ADVISORS LLC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF THIS CONTRACT IS TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND OTHER SUPPORT FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF USAIDS GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT LABS CENTER FOR TRANSFORMATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM ENTITLED PROMOTING EXCELLENCE IN PRIVATE SECTOR ENGAGEMENT Key points: 1. Contract provides technical assistance for USAID's Global Development Lab. 2. Focuses on promoting excellence in private sector engagement. 3. Awarded through full and open competition. 4. Contract duration spans over 6 years. 5. Services include administrative management and general management consulting. 6. Contract type is Time and Materials, indicating potential for cost variability. 7. The contract is a definitive contract, suggesting a long-term relationship.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific performance metrics or comparable contracts. The Time and Materials pricing structure can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. However, the duration and scope suggest a significant investment in a critical program area for USAID.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources,' indicating a robust bidding process. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, this method generally ensures a wide range of potential contractors can participate, fostering competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining the best value through competitive bidding.

Public Impact

Benefits USAID in implementing its Global Development Lab's initiatives. Delivers technical assistance and support for private sector engagement strategies. Impacts USAID's operational effectiveness in development programs. Supports the development of partnerships between the public and private sectors globally.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost escalation if not closely monitored.
Long contract duration (over 6 years) requires sustained oversight to ensure continued value.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the effectiveness of the technical assistance provided.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process.
Contract supports a key strategic initiative for USAID in private sector engagement.
The contractor, SSG-ADVISORS LLC, has been awarded this contract, implying some level of qualification.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the management consulting services sector, specifically focusing on administrative and general management. This sector is crucial for government agencies seeking expertise in program implementation and strategic partnerships. The market for such services is competitive, with numerous firms offering specialized support.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from a set-aside. The primary contractor, SSG-ADVISORS LLC, is likely a larger entity, and its role in subcontracting would depend on its own business practices and the specific needs of the contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Agency for International Development (USAID). As a definitive contract with a long duration, regular performance reviews and financial audits are expected. Transparency would be facilitated through contract award databases and potentially through USAID's Inspector General reports if any issues arise.

Related Government Programs

USAID Global Development Lab Programs
Technical Assistance Contracts
Private Sector Engagement Initiatives
Management and Consulting Services

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials contract type.
Risk of contractor performance degradation over a long contract duration.
Need for robust oversight to ensure continued relevance and value.
Limited transparency on the number of bidders in the competitive process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $30.7 million to SSG-ADVISORS LLC. IGF::OT::IGF THIS CONTRACT IS TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND OTHER SUPPORT FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF USAIDS GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT LABS CENTER FOR TRANSFORMATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM ENTITLED PROMOTING EXCELLENCE IN PRIVATE SECTOR ENGAGEMENT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SSG-ADVISORS LLC.

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 $30.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-08-28. End: 2024-01-19.

What is the track record of SSG-ADVISORS LLC in performing similar USAID contracts?

Information regarding SSG-ADVISORS LLC's specific track record with USAID on similar contracts is not detailed in the provided data. However, the award of this significant definitive contract suggests they possess the capabilities and experience deemed necessary by USAID for technical assistance in promoting private sector engagement. Further investigation into past performance evaluations, other awarded contracts, and client feedback would be required for a comprehensive assessment of their track record. Agencies typically maintain internal records of contractor performance, which can influence future awards.

How does the total contract value of $30.7 million compare to similar technical assistance contracts for promoting private sector engagement?

The $30.7 million contract value for technical assistance in promoting private sector engagement is substantial, reflecting the long duration (over 6 years) and the strategic importance of the program. Without access to a comprehensive database of similar contracts, a direct comparison is difficult. However, USAID's focus on global development and partnerships suggests that investments in this area can be significant. The value should be assessed against the scope of work, the complexity of the engagement, and the expected outcomes. It is a considerable investment, indicating a high priority placed on this initiative by the agency.

What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract of this magnitude and duration?

The primary risk with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract of this magnitude ($30.7 million over 6+ years) is the potential for cost overruns. T&M contracts pay the contractor for direct labor hours at specified hourly rates and for the actual cost of materials. If not managed diligently with strict oversight, scope control, and efficient resource utilization, the total cost can exceed initial estimates. For USAID, this means ensuring that the technical assistance provided is necessary, that labor hours are reasonable, and that material costs are justified. The long duration amplifies this risk, requiring sustained vigilance from the agency throughout the contract's life cycle.

How effective is the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method in ensuring value for money for this contract?

The 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method is designed to maximize competition and thus enhance value for money. By allowing all responsible sources to submit proposals, it theoretically leads to a wider pool of potential contractors, driving down prices and encouraging innovation. However, the effectiveness in ensuring value for money also depends on the clarity of the solicitation, the evaluation criteria, and the agency's ability to accurately assess proposals. While this method is generally preferred for its competitive nature, the ultimate value realized will depend on the contractor's performance and USAID's contract management.

What are the potential performance implications of awarding a long-term contract for technical assistance?

Long-term contracts for technical assistance, like this $30.7 million award to SSG-ADVISORS LLC, can offer stability and allow for deeper integration of expertise within the agency. This can lead to more consistent support and a better understanding of USAID's evolving needs. However, it also carries risks. Contractor performance might degrade over time if not actively managed, or the contractor might become complacent. Furthermore, the agency's needs might change significantly over a 6+ year period, potentially making the contracted services less relevant or requiring costly modifications. Continuous performance monitoring and flexibility are crucial to mitigate these risks.

What is the historical spending pattern for administrative management and general management consulting services by USAID?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for administrative management and general management consulting services by USAID would require access to detailed procurement data beyond the scope of this single contract. Generally, agencies like USAID utilize consulting services for program support, strategic planning, and technical assistance, especially in complex global development environments. Spending in this category can fluctuate based on program priorities, budget allocations, and the need for specialized expertise. This $30.7 million contract represents a significant investment within this category, suggesting a strong emphasis on enhancing private sector engagement capabilities.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General 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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: SOL-OAA-17-000006

Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1 MILL STREET SUITE 201, BURLINGTON, VT, 05401

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Other Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $38,070,000

Exercised Options: $38,070,000

Current Obligation: $30,707,948

Actual Outlays: $23,220,815

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 6

Total Subaward Amount: $1,426,969

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline