USAID's $22.6M Contract to Enhance Europe's Energy Security via Technical Guidance

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $22,578,195 ($22.6M)

Contractor: Research Triangle Institute

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2021-09-30

End Date: 2025-02-26

Contract Duration: 1,245 days

Daily Burn Rate: $18.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THE C4G ACTIVITY IS TO STRENGTHEN ENERGY SECURITY AND RESILIENCE IN EUROPE AND EURASIA E&E REGION AS PART OF EIS U.S.-EUROPE ENERGY BRIDGE PROJECT. UNDER THIS ACTIVITY, THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE TECHNICAL GUIDANCE

Place of Performance

Location: DURHAM, DURHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27709

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $22.6 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THE C4G ACTIVITY IS TO STRENGTHEN ENERGY SECURITY AND RESILIENCE IN EUROPE AND EURASIA E&E REGION AS PART OF EIS U.S.-EUROPE ENERGY BRIDGE PROJECT. UNDER THIS ACTIVITY, THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE TECHNICAL GUIDANCE Key points: 1. Focuses on energy security and resilience in Europe and Eurasia. 2. Contract awarded via full and open competition. 3. Risk of performance issues given the long duration and complex objectives. 4. Sector: Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's cost-plus-fixed-fee structure allows for flexibility but requires careful monitoring to ensure cost efficiency. Benchmarking against similar technical assistance contracts is difficult due to the specialized nature of the work.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process that should have driven a fair price. The delivery order mechanism allows for phased funding and tasking.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to support critical geopolitical energy security initiatives, aiming for long-term stability and reduced reliance on volatile energy sources.

Public Impact

Strengthens energy security and resilience in a key geopolitical region. Supports U.S. foreign policy objectives related to energy independence. Potential for positive economic impact through improved energy infrastructure. Long-term contract duration may lead to sustained impact. Requires ongoing monitoring to ensure effective use of funds.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep given the technical guidance nature.
Geopolitical instability in the region could impact project execution.
Contractor performance monitoring is crucial for success.

Positive Signals

Addresses a critical national security and foreign policy objective.
Awarded through full and open competition.
Long-term commitment to a vital region.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services,' a broad category. Spending in this area often supports complex, specialized projects requiring expert knowledge, similar to this energy security initiative.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract did not involve small businesses, as the 'sb' field is false. Efforts to subcontract to small businesses were not a stated requirement or outcome for this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

The Agency for International Development (USAID) is responsible for oversight. Given the long duration and international scope, robust monitoring mechanisms are essential to ensure accountability and effective program delivery.

Related Government Programs

All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Agency for International Development Contracting
Agency for International Development Programs

Risk Flags

Geopolitical instability in the E&E region.
Complexity of providing technical guidance across multiple nations.
Long contract duration (over 3 years) increases risk of changing requirements.
Potential for contractor performance issues impacting energy security goals.
Difficulty in quantifying the direct impact of technical guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $22.6 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE. THE PURPOSE OF THE C4G ACTIVITY IS TO STRENGTHEN ENERGY SECURITY AND RESILIENCE IN EUROPE AND EURASIA E&E REGION AS PART OF EIS U.S.-EUROPE ENERGY BRIDGE PROJECT. UNDER THIS ACTIVITY, THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE TECHNICAL GUIDANCE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE.

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 $22.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-09-30. End: 2025-02-26.

How will the effectiveness of the technical guidance be measured to ensure it translates into tangible improvements in energy security and resilience?

Effectiveness will likely be measured through a combination of contractor-provided reports detailing technical assistance activities, key stakeholder feedback from recipient countries, and observable changes in energy infrastructure or policy implementation. USAID's program officers will need to establish clear performance metrics and milestones tied to the project's objectives to track progress and ensure the guidance leads to desired outcomes.

What are the primary risks associated with the geopolitical context of Europe and Eurasia that could impact this project's success?

The primary risks include political instability, potential conflicts, and shifting energy policies within the region. Geopolitical tensions could disrupt energy supply chains, alter demand, or lead to changes in government priorities, potentially affecting the implementation and impact of the technical guidance. Sanctions or trade restrictions could also pose challenges.

Given the 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' structure, what mechanisms are in place to prevent cost overruns and ensure value for taxpayer money?

The fixed fee component provides some cost control, but the 'cost plus' element requires diligent oversight. USAID must implement strict financial controls, regular audits, and performance-based reviews to monitor expenditures. Clear contract terms defining allowable costs and robust reporting requirements from the contractor are crucial to ensure the funds are used efficiently and effectively towards the project's goals.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical 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

Solicitation ID: 720021AAR00026

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3040 E CORNWALLIS RD, RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, 27709

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $24,994,550

Exercised Options: $24,994,550

Current Obligation: $22,578,195

Actual Outlays: $16,655,308

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 54

Total Subaward Amount: $12,409,841

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 7200AA19D00028

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline