USAID Awards $45.3M Task Order to Management Systems International for Consulting Services in Colombia

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $45,284,664 ($45.3M)

Contractor: Management Systems International, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2015-07-24

End Date: 2019-07-23

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $31.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF NEW SWIFT IV TASK ORDER - COLOMBIA

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $45.3 million to MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF NEW SWIFT IV TASK ORDER - COLOMBIA Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $45.3 million for administrative and general management consulting. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration is 1460 days, spanning over four years. 4. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. 5. No small business participation was reported for this specific award.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type, while allowing flexibility, carries inherent risks of cost escalation. Benchmarking against similar consulting contracts is difficult without detailed scope and performance data, but the fixed fee component aims to provide some cost control.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The use of full and open competition indicates that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid, which typically fosters competitive pricing. The agency likely sought the best value through this process, though the specific price discovery mechanisms are not detailed.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for consulting services aimed at supporting agency operations in Colombia. The effectiveness of these services in achieving program goals will ultimately determine the value for taxpayers.

Public Impact

Supports U.S. foreign policy objectives through management consulting in Colombia. Potential impact on local development and program implementation in the region. Ensures administrative efficiency for agency operations abroad.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to higher costs than fixed-price contracts.
Lack of small business participation may limit opportunities for smaller, specialized firms.
Geographic focus on Colombia requires specific operational and security considerations.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition promotes a competitive environment.
Long-term contract duration allows for sustained support and relationship building.
Clear NAICS code (541611) indicates a well-defined service category.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under professional, scientific, and technical services, specifically administrative and general management consulting. Spending in this sector is common across government agencies for program support and operational efficiency. Benchmarks vary widely based on the specific services and duration.

Small Business Impact

This specific task order did not report any small business participation. While the prime contractor is not identified as a small business, opportunities for subcontracting to small businesses were not explicitly detailed in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically be managed by the Agency for International Development's contracting officers and program managers. Regular performance reviews and financial audits are standard procedures to ensure accountability and proper use of funds.

Related Government Programs

Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
Agency for International Development Contracting
Agency for International Development Programs

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
No reported small business participation.
Potential for cost overruns without stringent oversight.
Geographic and operational complexities in Colombia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $45.3 million to MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.. IGF::CL::IGF NEW SWIFT IV TASK ORDER - COLOMBIA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, 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 $45.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2015-07-24. End: 2019-07-23.

What specific management and consulting services are being provided under this task order, and how do they align with USAID's strategic goals in Colombia?

The task order is for Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services (NAICS 541611). While the exact services are not detailed, they likely involve supporting USAID's operational efficiency, program management, and strategic planning within Colombia. This could include areas like financial management, human resources, logistics, or policy implementation, all aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of U.S. foreign assistance programs in the country.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for these services, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

The primary risk of a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract is that the contractor may have less incentive to control costs, as their profit is fixed regardless of the actual costs incurred. Mitigation strategies typically include robust oversight, detailed cost reporting requirements, negotiation of a fair fixed fee, and clear performance metrics to ensure value for money. USAID would monitor expenditures closely and ensure the contractor adheres to the agreed-upon scope.

How will the effectiveness of Management Systems International's consulting services be measured to ensure value for taxpayer money?

Effectiveness is typically measured through Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) outlined in the contract's Performance Work Statement (PWS). These KPIs would relate to the specific objectives of the consulting services, such as improvements in operational efficiency, successful program implementation support, or achievement of defined project milestones. Regular progress reports, client feedback, and independent evaluations would also contribute to assessing the contractor's performance and overall value.

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

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Tetra Tech, Inc. (UEI: 045224250)

Address: 200 12TH ST SOUTH, ARLINGTON, VA, 22202

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $84,150,514

Exercised Options: $64,312,245

Current Obligation: $45,284,664

Actual Outlays: $2,745,397

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: AIDOAAI1400012

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline