USDA awards $740K contract for child and adult food program materials, highlighting administrative management needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $74,059 ($74.1K)

Contractor: ICF Incorporated, L.L.C.

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2024-05-01

End Date: 2025-02-24

Contract Duration: 299 days

Daily Burn Rate: $248/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: DEVELOPMENT OF MATERIALS TO RENEW THE INFORMATION COLLECTION REQUESTS (ICR) FOR THE CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM (CACFP) AND THE SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM (SFSP).

Place of Performance

Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20190

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $74,058.92 to ICF INCORPORATED, L.L.C. for work described as: DEVELOPMENT OF MATERIALS TO RENEW THE INFORMATION COLLECTION REQUESTS (ICR) FOR THE CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM (CACFP) AND THE SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM (SFSP). Key points: 1. Contract focuses on renewing information collection requests for vital child and adult nutrition programs. 2. Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services are key to this award. 3. The contract duration of 299 days suggests a focused effort on specific program documentation. 4. Awarded via BPA Call, indicating a pre-competed framework was utilized. 5. The firm-fixed-price structure aims to control costs for the government. 6. This award supports the Food and Nutrition Service's mission to ensure food security for vulnerable populations.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $740,589.20 for administrative management consulting services appears reasonable given the scope of renewing information collection requests for two significant federal programs (CACFP and SFSP). Benchmarking against similar contracts for regulatory support and program management within the Department of Agriculture would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, the fixed-price nature of the contract suggests that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which is generally favorable for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The use of a BPA Call suggests that a broader contract vehicle was already in place and competed, with this being a call against that existing agreement. The specific number of bidders for this BPA Call is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation implies a competitive process was initiated.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for taxpayers by encouraging multiple vendors to bid and offer their best pricing.

Public Impact

Beneficiaries include children and adults participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). The services delivered will ensure the continued compliance and effectiveness of information collection for these critical nutrition programs. The geographic impact is nationwide, as CACFP and SFSP serve eligible populations across the United States. Workforce implications include the need for skilled administrative and management consultants to support the Food and Nutrition Service.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if the 'renewal' of ICRs involves more than anticipated documentation updates.
Reliance on a single contractor (ICF Incorporated, L.L.C.) for critical program documentation could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process was followed.
Firm-fixed-price contract type helps control costs and provides budget certainty.
The contractor, ICF Incorporated, L.L.C., likely has relevant experience in administrative management and consulting for federal programs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the administrative management and general management consulting services sector, a segment of the professional services industry that supports government agencies in operational efficiency and program management. The market for these services is competitive, with numerous firms offering expertise in regulatory compliance, information management, and program support. The value of this specific contract is relatively modest within the broader federal consulting landscape, but it is critical for the functioning of essential nutrition programs.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside. Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses through this specific award is likely minimal unless ICF Incorporated, L.L.C. plans to subcontract portions of the work to small businesses. Further analysis of ICF's subcontracting plans would be needed to assess the broader impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service contracting officers and program managers. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of accountability by linking payment to deliverables. Transparency is generally maintained through federal contract databases like FPDS.gov, where award details are published. The Inspector General's office for the Department of Agriculture would have jurisdiction over any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)
Information Collection Requests (ICRs)
Federal Program Management Consulting
USDA Administrative Support Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for delays if renewal process is more complex than anticipated.
Ensuring the quality and accuracy of renewed information collection requests is critical.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $74,058.92 to ICF INCORPORATED, L.L.C.. DEVELOPMENT OF MATERIALS TO RENEW THE INFORMATION COLLECTION REQUESTS (ICR) FOR THE CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM (CACFP) AND THE SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM (SFSP).

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ICF INCORPORATED, L.L.C..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Food and Nutrition Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $74,058.92.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-05-01. End: 2025-02-24.

What is the track record of ICF Incorporated, L.L.C. in supporting federal nutrition programs?

ICF Incorporated, L.L.C. has a significant track record in providing professional services to various U.S. federal agencies, including the Department of Agriculture. Their expertise often spans program management, research, data analysis, and technical assistance. For nutrition programs specifically, ICF has been involved in studies, evaluations, and support services related to initiatives like SNAP, WIC, and the programs mentioned in this award (CACFP and SFSP). Their history suggests they possess the institutional knowledge and capabilities required for tasks such as renewing information collection requests, which often involve understanding complex regulatory frameworks and stakeholder engagement. A review of past performance evaluations and contract history would further detail their specific contributions and success rates in similar federal engagements.

How does the $740,589.20 award compare to similar contracts for information collection renewal?

Comparing this $740,589.20 award requires identifying contracts with similar scopes, such as the development, renewal, or management of Information Collection Requests (ICRs) for federal programs, particularly within the Department of Agriculture or related agencies. The duration of 299 days and the focus on administrative management consulting are key parameters. While specific, directly comparable contract data is not immediately available without extensive database searches, this value appears moderate for a project involving the renewal of ICRs for two major federal programs. The complexity of the programs, the number of stakeholders involved, and the specific regulatory requirements for ICR renewal would influence the cost. Generally, such projects can range from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand dollars, depending on these factors. The firm-fixed-price structure suggests a defined scope, which aids in cost predictability.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract for the government?

The primary risks for the government in this contract revolve around the successful and timely completion of the information collection request renewals. A key risk is potential contractor underperformance by ICF Incorporated, L.L.C., which could lead to delays in program compliance or operational disruptions. Scope creep is another risk; if the renewal process uncovers unforeseen complexities or requires more extensive research and analysis than initially anticipated, costs could increase or timelines could be jeopardized, although the firm-fixed-price contract aims to mitigate this. Furthermore, ensuring the quality and accuracy of the renewed ICRs is crucial, as these documents form the basis for data collection that informs program policy and effectiveness. Dependence on the contractor's expertise for navigating regulatory requirements also presents a risk if that expertise is not fully leveraged or if there are knowledge gaps.

How effective are Information Collection Requests (ICRs) in supporting federal nutrition programs?

Information Collection Requests (ICRs) are fundamental to the effective operation and oversight of federal nutrition programs like CACFP and SFSP. They serve as the mechanism through which the government gathers essential data from program operators, participants, and sometimes vendors. This data is critical for monitoring program integrity, ensuring compliance with regulations, identifying areas for improvement, and assessing overall program effectiveness and impact. For instance, data collected via ICRs helps the Food and Nutrition Service understand participation rates, food service practices, nutritional quality of meals, and operational challenges. Without robust and regularly renewed ICRs, the agency's ability to make informed policy decisions, allocate resources efficiently, and demonstrate accountability to Congress and the public would be significantly hampered. Therefore, the renewal process supported by this contract is vital for maintaining the data infrastructure that underpins these programs.

What is the historical spending trend for administrative management consulting services at the Department of Agriculture?

Historical spending trends for administrative management consulting services at the Department of Agriculture (USDA) indicate a consistent need for external expertise to support program operations, policy development, and administrative efficiency. While specific figures fluctuate annually based on agency priorities and budget allocations, the USDA regularly contracts for these services across its various mission areas, including food and nutrition. Spending in this category often increases during periods of regulatory change, program reform, or when agencies need specialized skills for complex projects like information system upgrades or the development/renewal of information collection instruments. The overall trend reflects a reliance on contractors to supplement internal capabilities, particularly for specialized analytical, management, and technical support functions essential for managing large-scale federal programs.

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) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: RFQ 12319824Q0009

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: ICF International, Inc.

Address: 1902 RESTON METRO PLAZA, RESTON, VA, 20190

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $74,059

Exercised Options: $74,059

Current Obligation: $74,059

Actual Outlays: $74,059

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 12319821A0003

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline