USAID awards $32.7M for Sudan engagement, a follow-on task order to DT GLOBAL INC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $32,700,000 ($32.7M)

Contractor: DT Global Inc

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2023-07-11

End Date: 2026-09-05

Contract Duration: 1,152 days

Daily Burn Rate: $28.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: USAID/OTI SUDAN 2 PROGRAM - FOLLOW-ON TASK ORDER TO EXPLORE SUDAN ENGAGEMENT

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $32.7 million to DT GLOBAL INC for work described as: USAID/OTI SUDAN 2 PROGRAM - FOLLOW-ON TASK ORDER TO EXPLORE SUDAN ENGAGEMENT Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a robust market search. 2. Task order structure indicates a need for continued or expanded services beyond an initial scope. 3. The administrative management and general management consulting services category is broad, requiring specific performance metrics for value assessment. 4. Fixed fee contract type provides some cost certainty but requires careful monitoring of scope creep. 5. The duration of over three years suggests a significant, long-term engagement. 6. The contract's focus on Sudan engagement highlights a critical geopolitical area of interest for USAID.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $32.7 million for administrative management and general management consulting services over approximately three years is substantial. Benchmarking this against similar USAID engagements in complex environments is crucial for a true value assessment. Without specific deliverables or performance metrics, it's difficult to ascertain if the pricing reflects optimal value for money. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure necessitates close oversight to ensure efficiency and prevent cost overruns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this method generally fosters competitive pricing and encourages a wider pool of potential contractors. The agency's commitment to this procurement approach suggests a desire for best-value solutions.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the competitive process, which is intended to drive down costs and ensure that the government receives the most advantageous terms possible.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are USAID and potentially the Sudanese population through improved engagement strategies and program implementation. Services delivered include administrative management and general management consulting, likely supporting USAID's operational and strategic objectives in Sudan. The geographic impact is focused on Sudan, a region facing significant humanitarian and political challenges. Workforce implications may involve the deployment of consultants and program staff, both locally and internationally, to support the contract's objectives.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in a complex and evolving environment like Sudan.
Ensuring effective performance management and accountability for a long-term engagement.
The broad nature of 'administrative management and general management consulting' requires clear performance indicators.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive marketplace.
Follow-on task order suggests successful prior performance or a recognized need for continued support.
Fixed fee component provides some cost control, contingent on effective oversight.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically administrative and management consulting. This sector is vital for government operations, providing expertise in areas ranging from strategic planning to operational efficiency. The market for such services is competitive, with numerous firms capable of supporting complex international development efforts. USAID's spending in this area often supports its mission delivery in challenging regions.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (ss and sb fields) was not a specific set-aside requirement for this contract. While the primary awardee is DT GLOBAL INC., further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses within the scope of this task order. The absence of explicit small business set-aside goals suggests the focus was on securing the best overall solution through open competition.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with USAID's contracting officers and program officials. Accountability measures would be embedded in the contract's performance work statement and reporting requirements. Transparency is facilitated by the contract award process itself, with public availability of contract data. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

USAID Sudan Country Development Cooperation Strategy
USAID Bureau for Conflict Prevention and Stabilization Programs
International Development Consulting Services
Management and Administrative Support Services

Risk Flags

Geopolitical Instability
Security Risks in Operating Environment
Complex Humanitarian Situation
Potential for Corruption
Logistical Challenges

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $32.7 million to DT GLOBAL INC. USAID/OTI SUDAN 2 PROGRAM - FOLLOW-ON TASK ORDER TO EXPLORE SUDAN ENGAGEMENT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DT GLOBAL 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 $32.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-07-11. End: 2026-09-05.

What is the specific nature of the 'Sudan engagement' this task order aims to support, and what are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for success?

The specific nature of the 'Sudan engagement' is not detailed in the provided data, but it is described as a 'follow-on task order to explore Sudan engagement.' This suggests it builds upon or expands previous efforts by USAID's Office of Transition and Stability Operations (OTI). Typically, such engagements in complex environments focus on areas like stabilization, conflict mitigation, governance support, or humanitarian assistance coordination. Key performance indicators (KPIs) would likely be defined in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) and could include metrics related to the successful implementation of specific activities, stakeholder engagement levels, achievement of programmatic milestones, and contribution to broader U.S. foreign policy objectives in Sudan. Without access to the PWS, these remain speculative but would be critical for assessing value and effectiveness.

How does the $32.7 million cost compare to similar USAID task orders for management consulting in complex or conflict-affected regions?

Benchmarking the $32.7 million cost requires comparing it to similar task orders awarded by USAID for administrative and management consulting services in comparable complex or conflict-affected regions. Factors such as the duration of the contract (over three years), the specific services required, the level of risk associated with the operating environment (Sudan), and the number of bidders in the competition all influence pricing. Generally, engagements in high-risk environments with specialized needs command higher costs due to increased operational complexities, security requirements, and the need for highly experienced personnel. A detailed analysis would involve querying contract databases for similar awards, normalizing for contract length and scope, and examining the pricing structures (e.g., labor rates, overhead) to determine if this award represents a fair and reasonable price.

What is DT GLOBAL INC.'s track record with USAID, particularly in Sudan or similar challenging environments?

DT GLOBAL INC. has a significant history of working with USAID, often in complex and challenging international development contexts. Their portfolio typically includes programs focused on stabilization, governance, economic growth, and humanitarian assistance. To assess their track record specifically for this task order, one would examine their past performance evaluations on similar USAID contracts, looking for indicators of successful project delivery, adherence to budget and schedule, and positive stakeholder feedback. Their experience in Sudan or other regions with similar political, security, and operational dynamics would be particularly relevant. A review of their past performance ratings and any documented issues or successes on prior USAID contracts would provide crucial context for evaluating their capability to execute this follow-on task order effectively.

Given the 'follow-on task order' nature, what was the scope and outcome of the original contract or task order it is following?

The designation 'follow-on task order' implies that this $32.7 million award is a continuation or expansion of services previously contracted, likely under a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or a preceding task order. The original scope would have established the initial framework for USAID's engagement activities in Sudan. The outcome of that initial effort would have informed the decision to issue this follow-on, suggesting that the initial work was either successful and warranted expansion, or identified further needs that require continued support. Understanding the objectives, deliverables, and performance of the preceding contract is essential to contextualize the purpose and expected impact of this new task order, and to assess the continuity and evolution of USAID's strategy in Sudan.

What are the potential risks associated with implementing administrative and management consulting services in Sudan, and how are they being mitigated?

Implementing administrative and management consulting services in Sudan presents several significant risks, primarily stemming from the country's volatile political and security situation, complex humanitarian needs, and potential infrastructure challenges. These risks include: security threats to personnel, logistical difficulties in accessing remote areas, potential for corruption, political instability impacting program continuity, and challenges in effective stakeholder engagement due to fragmented governance. Mitigation strategies would typically involve robust security protocols, contingency planning, close coordination with local authorities and other international organizations, stringent financial controls and anti-corruption measures, adaptive management approaches to respond to changing conditions, and building strong relationships with local partners. The effectiveness of these mitigation strategies is crucial for the successful execution of the contract.

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: 7200AA23R00089

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: DT Global LLC

Address: 1500 WILSON BLVD, ARLINGTON, VA, 22209

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $96,801,542

Exercised Options: $56,801,542

Current Obligation: $32,700,000

Actual Outlays: $24,477,116

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $104,284

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 7200AA19D00020

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline