USAID's $123.8M TAMS contract awarded to Integrated Business & Technical Consultants, Inc. for mission support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $123,824,085 ($123.8M)

Contractor: Integrated Business & Technical Consultants, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2019-10-15

End Date: 2025-02-26

Contract Duration: 1,961 days

Daily Burn Rate: $63.1K/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: TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND MISSION SUPPORT (TAMS) WILL PROVIDE HIGH-QUALITY TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND MISSION SUPPORT.

Place of Performance

Location: VIENNA, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22182

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $123.8 million to INTEGRATED BUSINESS & TECHNICAL CONSULTANTS, INC. for work described as: TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND MISSION SUPPORT (TAMS) WILL PROVIDE HIGH-QUALITY TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND MISSION SUPPORT. Key points: 1. Contract provides essential technical and mission support services to USAID. 2. Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. 3. Contract duration extends to February 2025, suggesting a medium-term need. 4. The contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) allows for flexibility but requires careful cost monitoring. 5. Integrated Business & Technical Consultants, Inc. is the sole awardee for this significant support effort. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541330 points to engineering services, suggesting a technical focus.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value of $123.8 million over its period of performance appears reasonable for comprehensive technical and mission support services. Benchmarking against similar large-scale support contracts for federal agencies would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure necessitates diligent oversight to ensure costs remain aligned with the fixed fee and the overall value delivered.

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,' which suggests a robust competitive process. While the specific number of bidders is not detailed, this procurement method generally aims to maximize competition and achieve the best value for the government. The inclusion of 'after exclusion of sources' might indicate a prior limited competition or specific circumstances that led to this approach.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition generally leads to more competitive pricing, potentially saving taxpayer dollars by ensuring the government receives services at a fair market rate.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which receives critical support for its global missions. Services delivered include technical assistance and mission support, crucial for the effective execution of foreign aid and development programs. The geographic impact is likely global, given USAID's mandate, supporting various international development initiatives. Workforce implications may include the direct employment of personnel by Integrated Business & Technical Consultants, Inc. and potential indirect impacts on local economies where USAID operates.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The CPFF contract type can incentivize cost overruns if not managed tightly.
Potential for scope creep exists in technical assistance and mission support contracts.
Reliance on a single contractor for extensive support could pose a risk if performance falters.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing environment.
Long contract duration (1961 days) indicates a stable, ongoing need and potential for contractor efficiency.
The contractor, Integrated Business & Technical Consultants, Inc., has secured a significant award, implying a level of established capability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically engineering services (NAICS 541330). This sector is characterized by a mix of large established firms and specialized smaller businesses. Federal spending in this area supports a wide range of government functions, from infrastructure design to complex program management and technical advisory roles. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within IT, defense, and general government operations support contracts.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting requirements for small businesses mandated by this specific award. The primary focus is on the prime contractor, Integrated Business & Technical Consultants, Inc. The impact on the small business ecosystem would be indirect, potentially through opportunities if the prime contractor chooses to subcontract, or through competition with small businesses for future similar contracts.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the contracting officer and the relevant program officials within USAID. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure necessitates rigorous financial oversight to ensure costs are reasonable and allocable. Transparency is generally maintained through contract reporting mechanisms, though specific details of performance and cost breakdowns may be subject to confidentiality. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse arise.

Related Government Programs

USAID Technical Assistance Contracts
Federal Engineering Services
Mission Support Services
Professional and Technical Services

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent oversight.
Potential for scope creep in technical assistance and mission support.
Long contract duration necessitates sustained performance monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $123.8 million to INTEGRATED BUSINESS & TECHNICAL CONSULTANTS, INC.. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND MISSION SUPPORT (TAMS) WILL PROVIDE HIGH-QUALITY TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND MISSION SUPPORT.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INTEGRATED BUSINESS & TECHNICAL CONSULTANTS, 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 $123.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-10-15. End: 2025-02-26.

What is the track record of Integrated Business & Technical Consultants, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly with USAID?

A thorough review of Integrated Business & Technical Consultants, Inc.'s federal contract history would be necessary to assess their track record. This would involve examining past performance evaluations, any contract disputes or terminations, and their experience with similar types of services (technical assistance, mission support) and contract vehicles (CPFF). Data from sources like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) would be crucial. Understanding their past performance, especially with USAID, provides insight into their reliability, quality of service, and ability to manage complex contracts within budget and schedule.

How does the awarded value of $123.8 million compare to similar technical assistance and mission support contracts?

To benchmark the $123.8 million value, one would need to identify comparable contracts awarded by USAID or other federal agencies for similar technical assistance and mission support services. Key comparison points include contract duration, scope of work, geographic coverage, and the specific services provided. Analyzing the average cost per year or per service unit for these comparable contracts would reveal whether this award is within the expected range. Factors such as the complexity of the mission, the level of expertise required, and prevailing market rates for such services influence the overall cost. Without specific comparable data, it's difficult to definitively state if this represents excellent or questionable value.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract of this magnitude?

The primary risks associated with a CPFF contract of this magnitude ($123.8 million) revolve around cost control and contractor incentive. While the fixed fee provides the contractor with a profit target, the 'cost plus' element means the government reimburses allowable costs. This can create an incentive for the contractor to incur higher costs, as their fee remains constant regardless of the total cost. Key risks include potential cost overruns, difficulty in accurately estimating all project costs upfront, and the need for robust government oversight to scrutinize all claimed expenses. Scope creep is another significant risk, where the project's requirements expand beyond the initial agreement, leading to increased costs and potential delays.

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

The 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method aims to ensure competitive pricing by allowing all responsible sources to submit offers, while potentially excluding specific sources for defined reasons. This approach generally fosters price competition, as multiple bidders vie for the contract. However, the 'exclusion of sources' clause suggests that certain potential bidders were deliberately not considered, which could, in some circumstances, limit the breadth of competition compared to a purely 'full and open' process. The effectiveness in ensuring competitive pricing depends heavily on the number of actual bidders who submitted proposals and the specific rationale for excluding other sources. If the exclusion was narrowly defined and many capable firms still competed, pricing is likely to be competitive.

What are the implications of the contract's duration (1961 days) on service delivery and contractor performance?

A contract duration of 1961 days (approximately 5.4 years) provides a significant period for service delivery and allows the contractor, Integrated Business & Technical Consultants, Inc., to develop deep expertise and continuity in supporting USAID's mission. This extended timeframe can lead to greater efficiency and a better understanding of USAID's evolving needs. For the government, it offers stability in receiving critical support services. However, a long duration also increases the risk of contractor complacency or performance degradation over time. It necessitates ongoing performance monitoring and contract management to ensure sustained quality and value throughout the contract's life. It also allows for potential adjustments to scope or services as USAID's requirements change.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering 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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8618 WESTWOOD CENTER DR STE 400, VIENNA, VA, 22182

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $125,000,000

Exercised Options: $125,000,000

Current Obligation: $123,824,085

Actual Outlays: $113,832,957

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 5

Total Subaward Amount: $89,581,976

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00Q14OADS121

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline