USAID Awards $23.4M to Palladium International for Ecuador Democracy Support Mechanism

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,402,500 ($23.4M)

Contractor: Palladium International LLC

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2023-04-18

End Date: 2025-03-12

Contract Duration: 694 days

Daily Burn Rate: $33.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TO ACQUIRE IMPLEMENTING PARTNER SUPPORT TO ESTABLISH AND MANAGE A FLEXIBLE, QUICK-RESPONSE MECHANISM SUPPORTING ACTIVITIES THAT WILL SUPPORT DEMOCRACY AND STABILITY IN ECUADOR

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $23.4 million to PALLADIUM INTERNATIONAL LLC for work described as: TO ACQUIRE IMPLEMENTING PARTNER SUPPORT TO ESTABLISH AND MANAGE A FLEXIBLE, QUICK-RESPONSE MECHANISM SUPPORTING ACTIVITIES THAT WILL SUPPORT DEMOCRACY AND STABILITY IN ECUADOR Key points: 1. Contract focuses on democracy and stability initiatives in Ecuador. 2. Palladium International LLC, a known entity, secured the award. 3. Competition was full and open, suggesting market availability. 4. The sector involves administrative and management consulting services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $23.4M for a 22-month period appears reasonable for establishing and managing a flexible support mechanism. Benchmarking against similar USAID programs for democracy and stability initiatives would provide further context.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The award was made under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to support democracy and stability efforts abroad, with the aim of fostering long-term positive outcomes.

Public Impact

Enhances democratic processes and institutional capacity in Ecuador. Provides rapid response capabilities for emerging stability challenges. Supports U.S. foreign policy objectives in Latin America. Potential for long-term positive impact on Ecuadorian society.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
Potential for scope creep in a 'flexible' mechanism.
Geopolitical risks in Ecuador could impact program effectiveness.

Positive Signals

Clear objective of supporting democracy and stability.
Utilizes a well-established implementing partner.
Full and open competition process.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under administrative and general management consulting services, a broad category often used for program management and technical assistance. Spending in this area by USAID is typically aimed at achieving specific foreign policy and development goals.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small businesses were not directly awarded this contract, as Palladium International LLC is a large business. There is no information on subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be managed by the Agency for International Development (USAID) through regular reporting and performance reviews. The contract's duration and delivery order structure allow for ongoing monitoring of progress and accountability.

Related Government Programs

Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
Agency for International Development Contracting
Agency for International Development Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for political interference impacting program goals.
Security risks for personnel and program activities.
Challenges in measuring the direct impact of democracy-building efforts.
Dependency on local partner effectiveness and stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $23.4 million to PALLADIUM INTERNATIONAL LLC. TO ACQUIRE IMPLEMENTING PARTNER SUPPORT TO ESTABLISH AND MANAGE A FLEXIBLE, QUICK-RESPONSE MECHANISM SUPPORTING ACTIVITIES THAT WILL SUPPORT DEMOCRACY AND STABILITY IN ECUADOR

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PALLADIUM INTERNATIONAL LLC.

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 $23.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-04-18. End: 2025-03-12.

What specific activities will the 'quick-response mechanism' undertake, and how will success be measured?

The mechanism is designed to support democracy and stability in Ecuador, likely through grants, technical assistance, or capacity building. Specific activities would be detailed in the full contract. Success metrics would typically include indicators related to democratic governance, rule of law, civil society strengthening, and conflict mitigation, assessed through regular reporting and evaluations by USAID.

What are the primary risks associated with implementing democracy and stability programs in Ecuador, and how are they mitigated?

Risks include political instability, corruption, security concerns, and potential resistance from certain factions. Mitigation strategies would involve thorough risk assessments, adaptive program design, strong local partnerships, robust monitoring and evaluation, and clear communication channels with stakeholders and the U.S. Embassy.

How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness of U.S. foreign assistance in the region?

This contract aims to enhance the effectiveness of U.S. foreign assistance by providing a flexible and responsive tool to address evolving needs in Ecuador. By supporting democracy and stability, it seeks to foster a more secure and prosperous environment, aligning with broader U.S. foreign policy goals for Latin America and potentially reducing the need for future, more costly interventions.

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

Solicitation ID: 7200AA23R00033

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1331 PENNSYLVANIA AVE NW STE 600, WASHINGTON, DC, 20004

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $49,010,035

Exercised Options: $29,010,035

Current Obligation: $23,402,500

Actual Outlays: $16,796,288

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 7200AA19D00032

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline