USAID's $41.4M GISR MENA Contract to Tetra Tech Aims to Strengthen Regional Systems Against Shocks

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $41,388,123 ($41.4M)

Contractor: Tetra Tech, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2018-08-13

End Date: 2025-08-14

Contract Duration: 2,558 days

Daily Burn Rate: $16.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF GISR MENA IS TO SUSTAINABLY STRENGTHEN LOCAL, NATIONAL, AND REGIONAL SYSTEMS TO ADAPT TO SHOCKS AND STRESSORS IN THE MENA REGION.

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $41.4 million to TETRA TECH, INC. for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF GISR MENA IS TO SUSTAINABLY STRENGTHEN LOCAL, NATIONAL, AND REGIONAL SYSTEMS TO ADAPT TO SHOCKS AND STRESSORS IN THE MENA REGION. Key points: 1. The contract focuses on building resilience in the MENA region against various shocks and stressors. 2. Tetra Tech, Inc. is the sole awardee for this significant regional development initiative. 3. The contract's duration of over 2500 days suggests a long-term commitment to system strengthening. 4. Engineering services are the core of this contract, indicating a focus on infrastructure and technical solutions.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar large-scale regional development contracts is difficult without more specific cost breakdowns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the specific details of the price discovery mechanism are not provided.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being invested in long-term regional stability and adaptation capabilities in the MENA region.

Public Impact

Enhances regional capacity to respond to climate change and other environmental challenges. Supports local and national governments in developing more robust and adaptable systems. Aims to improve the overall quality of life and economic stability in the MENA region. Fosters international cooperation on critical development issues.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure.
Complexity of measuring long-term impact on regional systems.
Geopolitical instability in the MENA region could impact project execution.

Positive Signals

Addresses critical development needs in a vital region.
Long-term focus on sustainability and resilience.
Awarded through full and open competition.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically focused on international development and resilience building. Spending in this area is crucial for addressing global challenges like climate change and instability.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific subcontracting goals or participation from small businesses in this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Awarded by the Agency for International Development (USAID), this contract likely falls under standard federal oversight mechanisms. Further details on specific oversight activities and accountability measures would require access to contract performance reports.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Agency for International Development Contracting
Agency for International Development Programs

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
Geopolitical instability in the MENA region.
Complexity of measuring long-term systemic impact.
Potential for scope creep in a large regional program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $41.4 million to TETRA TECH, INC.. THE PURPOSE OF GISR MENA IS TO SUSTAINABLY STRENGTHEN LOCAL, NATIONAL, AND REGIONAL SYSTEMS TO ADAPT TO SHOCKS AND STRESSORS IN THE MENA REGION.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TETRA TECH, 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 $41.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-08-13. End: 2025-08-14.

How will the effectiveness of strengthening local, national, and regional systems be measured over the contract's duration?

Effectiveness will likely be measured through a combination of quantitative and qualitative indicators. These could include metrics related to improved infrastructure resilience, enhanced disaster response times, successful implementation of adaptation strategies, and increased capacity of local institutions. Regular performance reviews and impact assessments conducted by USAID will be crucial for tracking progress and ensuring the contract meets its objectives.

What are the primary risks associated with implementing a large-scale regional system strengthening program in the MENA region?

Key risks include geopolitical instability, potential for corruption, varying levels of institutional capacity across different countries, cultural and linguistic barriers, and the unpredictable nature of climate change impacts. Economic volatility and security concerns can also disrupt project activities and hinder long-term sustainability. Mitigation strategies will need to be adaptive and context-specific.

What is the anticipated long-term value proposition for taxpayers from this investment in the MENA region?

The long-term value for taxpayers lies in fostering regional stability, reducing the need for future humanitarian aid, and mitigating the global impacts of climate change and conflict. By strengthening adaptive capacity, the investment aims to create more self-sufficient and resilient societies, which can lead to reduced security threats and improved global economic conditions.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › SOCIAL SERVICES R&D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3475 EAST FOOTHILL BOULEVARD, PASADENA, CA, 91107

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $95,490,240

Exercised Options: $95,490,240

Current Obligation: $41,388,123

Actual Outlays: $22,140,509

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 12

Total Subaward Amount: $1,909,301

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00Q14OADU138

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline