USAID's $41.9M Energy IDIQ II Task Order for South Asia Energy Partnership

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $41,917,242 ($41.9M)

Contractor: Research Triangle Institute

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2021-04-23

End Date: 2026-05-16

Contract Duration: 1,849 days

Daily Burn Rate: $22.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: REQUEST TO PROCURE A TASK ORDER UNDER THE USAID ENERGY IDIQ II TO OBTAIN SERVICES FOR SOUTH ASIA REGIONAL ENERGY PARTNERSHIP (SAREP). SAREP AIMS TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE, SECURE, RELIABLE AND SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FOR ALL IN SOUTH ASIA THROUGH

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $41.9 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE for work described as: REQUEST TO PROCURE A TASK ORDER UNDER THE USAID ENERGY IDIQ II TO OBTAIN SERVICES FOR SOUTH ASIA REGIONAL ENERGY PARTNERSHIP (SAREP). SAREP AIMS TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE, SECURE, RELIABLE AND SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FOR ALL IN SOUTH ASIA THROUGH Key points: 1. Focuses on improving energy access in South Asia. 2. Contract awarded to Research Triangle Institute. 3. Potential for significant impact on regional energy security and sustainability. 4. Competition method is full and open, suggesting a competitive award process.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract type is Cost Plus Award Fee, which can lead to higher costs if not managed carefully. The award amount of $41.9M for a 5-year period needs further benchmarking against similar USAID energy sector projects.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a broad solicitation for offers. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and allows for a wider pool of qualified contractors to bid.

Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is tied to the effectiveness and efficiency of the SAREP program in achieving its energy access and sustainability goals in South Asia.

Public Impact

Aims to enhance energy access for millions in South Asia. Supports regional energy security and sustainability initiatives. Potential for economic development through improved energy infrastructure. Addresses critical development needs in a vital geopolitical region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Award Fee contract type may incentivize higher costs.
Long duration (5 years) requires sustained oversight.
Limited information on specific performance metrics and evaluation.

Positive Signals

Addresses a critical development need in South Asia.
Full and open competition promotes a fair process.
Potential for significant positive impact on energy access.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically related to energy development and international aid. Benchmarks for similar USAID energy projects would provide better context for cost-effectiveness.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation in this contract or its subcontracts.

Oversight & Accountability

The Agency for International Development (USAID) is responsible for oversight. The Cost Plus Award Fee structure requires careful monitoring of performance against award criteria to ensure value for money and prevent cost overruns.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to CPAF structure.
Long contract duration requires sustained oversight.
Complexity of regional energy initiatives.
Geopolitical and economic stability in South Asia.
Measuring tangible impact across diverse regional contexts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $41.9 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE. REQUEST TO PROCURE A TASK ORDER UNDER THE USAID ENERGY IDIQ II TO OBTAIN SERVICES FOR SOUTH ASIA REGIONAL ENERGY PARTNERSHIP (SAREP). SAREP AIMS TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE, SECURE, RELIABLE AND SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FOR ALL IN SOUTH ASIA THROUGH

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 $41.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-04-23. End: 2026-05-16.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for the SAREP program, and how will their achievement be measured to justify the award fee?

The key performance indicators for the SAREP program are not detailed in the provided data. However, typical KPIs for such initiatives often include metrics related to increased energy access (e.g., number of households connected, MW of new capacity), improved energy reliability (e.g., reduction in outages), and progress towards sustainable energy goals (e.g., adoption of renewables). The achievement of these KPIs would be measured through regular reporting, site visits, and independent evaluations, directly influencing the award fee component of the contract.

Given the Cost Plus Award Fee structure, what specific mechanisms are in place to mitigate the risk of inflated costs and ensure taxpayer value?

To mitigate risks associated with a Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contract, USAID likely employs several mechanisms. These include clearly defined performance objectives and award fee criteria, rigorous monitoring and evaluation of contractor performance against these criteria, and independent audits of costs. The 'award' portion of the fee is contingent on exceeding baseline performance, incentivizing efficiency rather than just cost incurrence. Regular progress reviews and transparent reporting are crucial for ensuring accountability and value for taxpayer money.

How does the projected impact of SAREP on energy access and sustainability in South Asia compare to other similar international development programs funded by the US government?

The projected impact of SAREP is significant, aiming to improve access to affordable, secure, reliable, and sustainable energy across South Asia. Comparing its impact requires detailed program goals and baseline data for SAREP against other US-funded international energy programs. Factors like regional focus, specific technological interventions (e.g., grid expansion vs. off-grid solutions), and the socio-economic context of the target countries will influence relative effectiveness. A comprehensive analysis would involve comparing investment levels, target populations, and achieved outcomes over time.

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

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)

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: $48,897,991

Exercised Options: $48,897,991

Current Obligation: $41,917,242

Actual Outlays: $27,458,186

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 81

Total Subaward Amount: $18,923,676

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