USAID Contracts Palladium International LLC $32.6M for Export Capacity Assistance

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $32,581,393 ($32.6M)

Contractor: Palladium International LLC

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2021-04-01

End Date: 2026-03-31

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $17.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE TRADE ACTIVITY WILL PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO GOE AS WELL AS OTHER PRIVATE SECTOR STAKEHOLDERS TO ACHIEVE THREE RESULTS: ENHANCED EXPORT CAPACITY OF NEW AND EXPANDING EXPORT READY ENTERPRISES IN SELECTED SECTORS STRENGTHENED PUBLIC AND PRI

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $32.6 million to PALLADIUM INTERNATIONAL LLC for work described as: THE TRADE ACTIVITY WILL PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO GOE AS WELL AS OTHER PRIVATE SECTOR STAKEHOLDERS TO ACHIEVE THREE RESULTS: ENHANCED EXPORT CAPACITY OF NEW AND EXPANDING EXPORT READY ENTERPRISES IN SELECTED SECTORS STRENGTHENED PUBLIC AND PRI Key points: 1. Focuses on enhancing export capacity for enterprises in selected sectors. 2. Competition method is 'Full and Open', suggesting broad market access. 3. Risk of limited impact if private sector adoption is slow. 4. Sector is 'Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services', supporting business development.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking is difficult without specific deliverables.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

Full and open competition was utilized, allowing for a wide range of potential contractors. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and innovation.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used to boost private sector export capabilities, aiming for economic growth and increased trade.

Public Impact

Aims to increase the export readiness of businesses. Provides technical assistance to government and private sector stakeholders. Supports economic development through enhanced trade activities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
No small business participation noted.
Long contract duration (5 years).

Positive Signals

Full and open competition.
Focus on export capacity building.
Technical assistance to multiple stakeholders.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under professional, scientific, and technical services, specifically supporting trade and export development. Benchmarks for similar international development assistance contracts vary widely based on scope and objectives.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small businesses were not specifically targeted or involved in this contract, as the 'sb' field is false. Efforts to include small businesses in subcontracting could enhance economic impact.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be crucial to ensure the effectiveness of technical assistance and the achievement of enhanced export capacity. USAID's monitoring mechanisms will be key to accountability.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
Lack of small business participation.
Long contract duration may reduce flexibility.
Dependence on private sector adoption.
Potential for scope creep in technical assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $32.6 million to PALLADIUM INTERNATIONAL LLC. THE TRADE ACTIVITY WILL PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO GOE AS WELL AS OTHER PRIVATE SECTOR STAKEHOLDERS TO ACHIEVE THREE RESULTS: ENHANCED EXPORT CAPACITY OF NEW AND EXPANDING EXPORT READY ENTERPRISES IN SELECTED SECTORS STRENGTHENED PUBLIC AND PRI

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 $32.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-04-01. End: 2026-03-31.

How will the effectiveness of the technical assistance be measured to ensure value for taxpayer money?

Effectiveness will likely be measured through key performance indicators (KPIs) related to increased export volume, number of new export-ready enterprises, and successful market entries. USAID's monitoring and evaluation framework should detail these metrics, ensuring that the assistance directly contributes to the stated results and provides a clear return on investment for the funds allocated.

What are the primary risks associated with Palladium International LLC's ability to deliver on export capacity enhancement?

Key risks include potential challenges in accurately assessing market needs for diverse enterprises, the capacity of selected enterprises to adopt technical guidance, and external market fluctuations impacting export success. Palladium's experience in the specific sectors and regions targeted will be critical in mitigating these risks and ensuring successful outcomes.

Does the 'Full and Open Competition' ensure the most cost-effective solution for enhancing export capacity?

While 'Full and Open Competition' is generally a strong indicator of seeking competitive pricing, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure introduces potential for cost escalation. The true cost-effectiveness will depend on rigorous performance management, clear deliverable definitions, and the contractor's efficiency in achieving the program's export-focused 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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 72026319R00003

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: $36,300,000

Exercised Options: $36,300,000

Current Obligation: $32,581,393

Actual Outlays: $25,763,557

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline