USAID's $55.7M OTI Central America Initiative Task Order Awarded to Creative Associates International

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $55,684,332 ($55.7M)

Contractor: Creative Associates International, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2021-05-18

End Date: 2024-07-16

Contract Duration: 1,155 days

Daily Burn Rate: $48.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: INITIAL FUNDING FOR OTI CENTRAL AMERICA REGIONAL INITIATIVE TASK ORDER

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $55.7 million to CREATIVE ASSOCIATES INTERNATIONAL, INC. for work described as: INITIAL FUNDING FOR OTI CENTRAL AMERICA REGIONAL INITIATIVE TASK ORDER Key points: 1. Significant funding allocated for regional initiative, indicating a substantial program scope. 2. Creative Associates International, a known entity, secured this task order. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can present cost control challenges. 4. Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services are the core focus.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires careful monitoring to ensure costs remain reasonable and aligned with the fixed fee. Benchmarking against similar large-scale consulting contracts is difficult without more granular cost data.

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 pricing discovery mechanisms within the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure need scrutiny to ensure value for money.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for a significant regional initiative, necessitating robust oversight to ensure efficient and effective program execution.

Public Impact

Supports regional stability and development efforts in Central America. Aims to address complex socio-economic and governance challenges. Potential for long-term impact on target populations and partner governments.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data makes outcome assessment difficult.
Potential for scope creep given the broad nature of 'regional initiative'.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process.
Addresses critical regional development needs.
Long contract duration allows for sustained program impact.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under management consulting services, a broad category. The funding level is substantial for a single task order within this sector, suggesting a high-priority program. Benchmarks for similar large-scale, multi-year consulting contracts would be needed for a precise comparison.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the prime contractor is Creative Associates International, Inc. There is no information provided on subcontracting to small businesses for this specific task order.

Oversight & Accountability

The Agency for International Development (USAID) is responsible for oversight. Given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure and the program's scope, rigorous monitoring of expenditures, performance, and adherence to objectives is crucial for accountability.

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.
Broad scope of 'regional initiative' may lead to scope creep.
Lack of detailed performance metrics in provided data.
Potential for cost overruns without stringent oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $55.7 million to CREATIVE ASSOCIATES INTERNATIONAL, INC.. INITIAL FUNDING FOR OTI CENTRAL AMERICA REGIONAL INITIATIVE TASK ORDER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CREATIVE ASSOCIATES 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 $55.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-05-18. End: 2024-07-16.

How effectively are the funds being utilized to achieve the stated objectives of the OTI Central America Regional Initiative?

Assessing effectiveness requires detailed performance reports and outcome data, which are not provided. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates close monitoring of expenditures against milestones to ensure value. Without specific metrics on program impact and efficiency, a definitive judgment on fund utilization effectiveness cannot be made at this time.

What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type for this initiative?

The primary risks include potential cost overruns if the contractor's costs exceed projections, as the government bears the risk of actual costs. There's also a risk of reduced incentive for the contractor to control costs aggressively. Effective oversight is critical to mitigate these risks by scrutinizing costs and ensuring alignment with the fixed fee.

Does the $55.7 million funding level represent a competitive and fair price for the administrative management and consulting services provided?

Determining price fairness requires detailed cost breakdowns and comparison with similar contracts. While awarded under full and open competition, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure complicates direct price comparisons. The benchmark of $4.82 million in base year funding suggests a significant investment, warranting scrutiny of the total contract value against deliverables.

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: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5301 WISCONSIN AVE NW STE 700, WASHINGTON, DC, 20015

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $134,925,296

Exercised Options: $134,925,296

Current Obligation: $55,684,332

Actual Outlays: $54,944,602

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 7200AA19D00016

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline