USAID awards $20.8M for water, sanitation, and hygiene in South Sudan to DT GLOBAL INC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $20,800,737 ($20.8M)

Contractor: DT Global Inc

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2021-09-23

End Date: 2025-02-26

Contract Duration: 1,252 days

Daily Burn Rate: $16.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: USAID SOUTH SUDAN GENDER AWARE SUSTAINABLE WATER, SANITATION, AND HYGIENE ACTIVITY

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $20.8 million to DT GLOBAL INC for work described as: USAID SOUTH SUDAN GENDER AWARE SUSTAINABLE WATER, SANITATION, AND HYGIENE ACTIVITY Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical WASH services in a challenging environment. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a robust bidding process. 3. Contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can incentivize cost control. 4. Performance period spans over three years, indicating a significant program. 5. The contractor, DT GLOBAL INC, has experience in international development. 6. The NAICS code 541990 covers a broad range of professional services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $20.8 million for a 3-year WASH activity in South Sudan appears to be within a reasonable range for complex international development projects. Benchmarking against similar USAID WASH programs would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure means costs are reimbursed plus a fixed fee, which can lead to cost efficiencies if managed well, but also carries the risk of cost overruns if not closely monitored. Without specific performance metrics and cost breakdowns, a definitive value assessment is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The presence of 6 bidders suggests a competitive environment, which generally leads to better pricing and service offerings for the government. The level of competition is a positive sign for price discovery and ensuring taxpayer funds are used effectively.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process helps ensure that USAID secures the best possible value for its investment in critical WASH services, potentially leading to more efficient resource allocation and greater impact on the ground.

Public Impact

Beneficiaries include vulnerable populations in South Sudan requiring improved access to clean water and sanitation facilities. Services delivered encompass sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions. Geographic impact is focused on specific regions within South Sudan identified as having critical WASH needs. Workforce implications may include local employment opportunities for project implementation and support staff.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require diligent oversight to manage costs and ensure the fixed fee remains appropriate.
The complexity of operating in South Sudan presents inherent logistical and security risks that could impact performance and cost.
Ensuring equitable distribution of services across diverse geographic areas within South Sudan can be challenging.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition suggests a strong pool of qualified bidders, increasing the likelihood of selecting a capable contractor.
Focus on WASH is a critical development priority for USAID, aligning with global health and sustainability goals.
The multi-year duration allows for sustained program implementation and impact.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader international development and humanitarian aid sector, specifically focusing on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programs. USAID is a major funder of such activities globally. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other large-scale WASH initiatives funded by USAID or other international donors in similar challenging environments. The market for WASH services in developing countries is competitive, with numerous non-profit organizations, private contractors, and international NGOs vying for funding.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have explicit small business subcontracting requirements noted. While the primary awardee is DT GLOBAL INC, a large entity, the potential for small business participation would likely be through subcontracting opportunities if DT GLOBAL INC chooses to engage them. Further analysis of the subcontracting plan would be needed to assess the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

USAID has established oversight mechanisms for its contracts, including regular reporting requirements, site visits, and performance evaluations. Accountability is typically managed through contract clauses, performance metrics, and the potential for contract modifications or termination if performance is unsatisfactory. Transparency is facilitated through public contract databases like USASpending.gov. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to investigations of fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

USAID WASH Programs
Global Health Security Initiatives
International Disaster Assistance
Humanitarian Aid Operations

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF contract type.
Security and logistical challenges in South Sudan.
Need for strong community engagement and acceptance.
Ensuring long-term sustainability of WASH infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $20.8 million to DT GLOBAL INC. USAID SOUTH SUDAN GENDER AWARE SUSTAINABLE WATER, SANITATION, AND HYGIENE ACTIVITY

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 $20.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-09-23. End: 2025-02-26.

What is DT GLOBAL INC's track record with USAID, particularly on WASH-related projects?

DT GLOBAL INC has a significant history of working with USAID on various international development projects. While specific details on their WASH-related project portfolio with USAID require deeper database exploration, their general experience encompasses areas like governance, health, economic growth, and resilience. Their ability to secure a large contract like this suggests a demonstrated capacity to meet USAID's requirements. A thorough review would involve examining past performance evaluations, contract values, and project outcomes for similar initiatives to assess their suitability and past success in delivering complex development programs.

How does the $20.8 million cost compare to similar USAID WASH activities in other regions or countries?

Comparing the $20.8 million cost requires identifying comparable USAID WASH activities based on scope, duration, geographic context, and target population. Projects in regions with similar levels of development challenges and operational complexities would serve as the best benchmarks. For instance, large-scale WASH programs in other parts of Sub-Saharan Africa or conflict-affected regions might offer relevant comparisons. Without access to a detailed breakdown of anticipated costs (personnel, logistics, materials, etc.) and specific performance targets for this contract, a precise value-for-money assessment relative to benchmarks is difficult. However, for a multi-year, comprehensive WASH program in a challenging environment like South Sudan, this funding level is not unusual.

What are the primary risks associated with implementing a WASH program in South Sudan, and how are they mitigated in this contract?

Implementing a WASH program in South Sudan presents significant risks, including political instability, security concerns, logistical challenges due to poor infrastructure, potential for corruption, and the need for community acceptance and participation. This contract, being a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) type, allows for reimbursement of costs incurred plus a fixed fee, which can provide flexibility in addressing unforeseen challenges. However, effective risk mitigation relies heavily on the contractor's robust risk management plan, USAID's oversight, and adaptive management strategies. Specific mitigation measures would likely include detailed security protocols, strong local partnerships, community engagement strategies, and contingency planning for logistical disruptions. The success hinges on the contractor's ability to navigate these complex factors.

What specific performance metrics will be used to evaluate the success of this USAID WASH activity?

While the provided data does not detail specific performance metrics, USAID WASH activities typically employ a range of quantitative and qualitative indicators to measure success. These often include metrics related to increased access to safe drinking water (e.g., number of people with access, quantity of water provided), improved sanitation facilities (e.g., number of latrines constructed/rehabilitated, household latrine coverage), adoption of hygiene practices (e.g., handwashing rates, knowledge scores), and the sustainability of interventions (e.g., functionality of water systems, community management structures). The contract likely includes a Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlining these Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and targets that the contractor must meet.

How does the $20.8 million spending compare to overall USAID spending on WASH programs globally or in similar regions?

The $20.8 million allocated to this specific USAID South Sudan WASH activity represents a significant investment for a single project. To contextualize this, one would need to compare it against USAID's total annual budget for WASH programs worldwide, as well as their spending in comparable regions like East Africa or other conflict-affected countries. USAID is a major global funder of WASH, with billions allocated over time. This single contract, while substantial, is likely one of many projects contributing to USAID's broader WASH objectives. Its proportion within the overall USAID WASH portfolio would indicate its relative scale and importance.

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

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: DT Global LLC

Address: 1625 I STREET, NW SUITE 200, WASHINGTON, DC, 20006

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: $39,987,524

Exercised Options: $39,987,524

Current Obligation: $20,800,737

Actual Outlays: $19,771,607

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 21

Total Subaward Amount: $3,979,054

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline