USAID's $47.9M contract for Somali education services awarded to Creative Associates International, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $47,914,017 ($47.9M)

Contractor: Creative Associates International, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2019-09-25

End Date: 2024-10-09

Contract Duration: 1,841 days

Daily Burn Rate: $26.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ACCELERATED QUALITY LEARNING FOR SOMALI CHILDREN AND YOUTH CONTRACT

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $47.9 million to CREATIVE ASSOCIATES INTERNATIONAL, INC. for work described as: ACCELERATED QUALITY LEARNING FOR SOMALI CHILDREN AND YOUTH CONTRACT Key points: 1. Contract focuses on educational services for Somali children and youth, indicating a commitment to human capital development in the region. 2. The contract's duration of over 5 years suggests a long-term investment in educational programming. 3. Awarded under full and open competition, this contract likely benefited from a competitive bidding process. 4. The use of a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) pricing structure requires careful monitoring of costs to ensure value. 5. The specific nature of 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' warrants a closer look at the deliverables. 6. The absence of small business set-asides may limit opportunities for smaller firms in this contract's execution.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific performance metrics or comparable project costs. The CPFF structure, while common for complex services, can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently. The total award amount of $47.9 million over five years suggests a significant investment, but its effectiveness hinges on the quality of services delivered and the impact on educational outcomes in Somalia. Further analysis of contractor performance on similar USAID projects would provide a more robust value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting that multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The presence of four bids (no is 4) indicates a reasonable level of competition, which typically helps in achieving fair market prices. However, the specific details of the bidding process, such as the number of proposals received and the evaluation criteria, are not provided, limiting a deeper assessment of the competitive dynamics.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to more cost-effective solutions and better pricing. It ensures that the government explores a wide range of capabilities and potentially secures better value for public funds.

Public Impact

Beneficiaries include Somali children and youth who will receive educational services. Services delivered are likely related to curriculum development, teacher training, and educational program implementation. The geographic impact is focused on Somalia, addressing educational needs in a specific region. Workforce implications may include the employment of local educators and support staff within Somalia, as well as personnel from the contractor.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can incentivize cost increases if not rigorously overseen, potentially impacting overall value.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the true impact and effectiveness of the educational services provided.
The broad 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' category requires detailed scrutiny to ensure alignment with stated educational goals.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process and potential for competitive pricing.
The significant duration of the contract (over 5 years) indicates a sustained commitment to improving education in Somalia.
The contract addresses a critical development need, focusing on education for children and youth.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically addressing education and development initiatives. The global education services market is substantial, with significant investment from governments and international organizations aimed at improving access and quality of education in developing regions. USAID's spending in this area is consistent with its mission to promote human welfare and development. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing other USAID or similar international donor contracts for educational programs in conflict-affected or developing countries.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside (sb is false). There is no information provided regarding subcontracting plans or goals for small businesses. This suggests that opportunities for small businesses to participate in this contract may be limited, potentially concentrating the work among larger prime contractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Agency for International Development (USAID). Mechanisms likely include regular performance reviews, financial audits, and site visits to ensure compliance with contract terms and objectives. Transparency is typically managed through contract award databases and reporting requirements. The Inspector General's office for USAID would have jurisdiction for audits and investigations related to potential fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

USAID Education Programs
International Development Assistance
Humanitarian Aid
Global Education Initiatives
Somalia Development Projects

Risk Flags

Cost Overrun Risk (CPFF)
Security and Stability in Somalia
Logistical Challenges
Measuring Educational Impact
Limited Infrastructure

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $47.9 million to CREATIVE ASSOCIATES INTERNATIONAL, INC.. ACCELERATED QUALITY LEARNING FOR SOMALI CHILDREN AND YOUTH CONTRACT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CREATIVE ASSOCIATES INTERNATIONAL, 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 $47.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-09-25. End: 2024-10-09.

What specific educational services are being delivered under this contract, and how are they tailored to the Somali context?

The contract, 'ACCELERATED QUALITY LEARNING FOR SOMALI CHILDREN AND YOUTH CONTRACT,' awarded to Creative Associates International, Inc., focuses on providing educational services. While the data indicates the broad category of 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services,' the title suggests a focus on improving the quality and accessibility of education for young people in Somalia. Specific services likely include curriculum development or adaptation, teacher training and professional development, provision of learning materials, potentially establishing or supporting learning centers, and implementing accelerated learning programs designed to help children and youth catch up on missed schooling. The tailoring to the Somali context would involve addressing specific challenges such as low school enrollment, high dropout rates, limited infrastructure, and the need for culturally relevant educational content, possibly in multiple languages spoken in Somalia. Detailed program reports and evaluations would provide a clearer picture of the exact services and their contextualization.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) pricing structure compare to other contract types for similar international development services, and what are the associated risks?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type is often used for complex services where the scope of work is not precisely defined at the outset, or when there is significant uncertainty in the cost of performance, such as in international development projects. In a CPFF contract, the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. Compared to fixed-price contracts, CPFF offers flexibility but carries the risk of cost overruns if the contractor's costs exceed estimates. The fixed fee, however, provides a ceiling on the contractor's profit, incentivizing efficiency to some extent. Other contract types like Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF) or Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) might offer stronger incentives for performance and cost control by adjusting the fee based on achieving specific targets. For taxpayers, the primary risk with CPFF is that costs can escalate, leading to a higher total expenditure than initially anticipated, necessitating robust oversight from the agency to manage and validate all incurred costs.

What is Creative Associates International, Inc.'s track record with USAID, particularly on education or development contracts in similar regions?

Creative Associates International, Inc. has a significant history of working with USAID on various international development projects, including those focused on education, democracy and governance, and economic growth. They have implemented numerous programs in challenging environments, often in regions similar to Somalia, such as other parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Their experience typically involves designing and managing complex, multi-year projects aimed at improving educational access and quality, strengthening local institutions, and fostering community development. While specific performance ratings for individual contracts are not publicly detailed in this data, their continued awards from USAID suggest a generally positive track record and perceived capability in delivering on development objectives. A deeper dive into USAID's contract database or performance reports could provide more granular insights into their past performance on specific education initiatives.

How does the $47.9 million total contract value compare to other USAID education initiatives globally or within similar fragile states?

The $47.9 million total award for this five-year education contract in Somalia is a substantial investment, reflecting the significant needs and USAID's commitment to the region. To benchmark this value, one would compare it to other USAID education contracts awarded globally or in comparable fragile or post-conflict states. For instance, USAID funds numerous education programs in countries like Afghanistan, South Sudan, or Yemen, which often involve large-scale interventions due to extensive educational deficits. The cost per beneficiary or cost per program outcome (e.g., per student reached, per teacher trained) would be a more precise metric for comparison. Without access to detailed cost breakdowns and specific outcome data for this contract and its peers, it's difficult to definitively state whether $47.9 million represents high, low, or average spending. However, the amount is consistent with the scale of development challenges and USAID's typical funding levels for major education sector support in high-need countries.

What are the potential risks associated with implementing education programs in Somalia, and how might this contract mitigate them?

Implementing education programs in Somalia presents numerous risks, including security concerns, political instability, limited infrastructure, cultural sensitivities, and logistical challenges in reaching remote populations. Security risks can disrupt program delivery, endanger personnel, and damage educational facilities. Political instability can lead to shifting priorities or hinder program implementation. Limited infrastructure, such as a lack of schools, electricity, or transportation, complicates service delivery. Cultural factors and the need for locally relevant curricula require careful navigation. This contract, awarded to Creative Associates International, Inc., likely aims to mitigate these risks through experienced program management, strong local partnerships, adaptive programming strategies, and robust security protocols. The long duration of the contract (over 5 years) allows for sustained engagement and adaptation to evolving conditions. The focus on 'accelerated quality learning' suggests an approach designed to rapidly address educational gaps, potentially making it more resilient to disruptions.

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) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 72062318R00004

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5301 WISCONSIN AVE NW STE 700, WASHINGTON, DC, 20015

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $48,596,507

Exercised Options: $48,596,507

Current Obligation: $47,914,017

Actual Outlays: $40,955,538

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 6

Total Subaward Amount: $8,795,402

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline