USAID Awards $47.7M Contract to RTI for East and Central Africa Development
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $47,726,110 ($47.7M)
Contractor: Research Triangle Institute
Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development
Start Date: 2023-06-15
End Date: 2028-07-31
Contract Duration: 1,873 days
Daily Burn Rate: $25.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 8
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: EMPOWERING EAST AND CENTRAL AFRICA (EECA)
Plain-Language Summary
Agency for International Development obligated $47.7 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE for work described as: EMPOWERING EAST AND CENTRAL AFRICA (EECA) Key points: 1. Contract Value: $47.7 million over 5 years. 2. Competition: Full and open competition. 3. Risk: Moderate risk due to long-term nature and cost-plus contract type. 4. Sector: Primarily development services, impacting international aid.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar international development contracts is difficult without more specific service details.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires diligent oversight to ensure cost efficiency.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are allocated to support development initiatives in East and Central Africa, aiming for long-term impact and stability.
Public Impact
Supports critical development goals in East and Central Africa. Potential for improved health, education, and economic outcomes in beneficiary regions. Long-term commitment of US foreign assistance funds. Requires ongoing monitoring for effectiveness and accountability.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Long contract duration
- Geopolitical risks in East/Central Africa
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition
- Focus on development impact
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' category, often encompassing a broad range of advisory and support functions for government agencies. Benchmarks are difficult due to the specialized nature of international development work.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and does not specify any small business subcontracting goals. This suggests larger firms are likely the primary awardees or subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
USAID's Office of Inspector General (OIG) will likely provide oversight. The long duration and cost-plus nature necessitate strong program management and financial controls to ensure accountability and prevent waste.
Related Government Programs
- Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
- Agency for International Development Contracting
- Agency for International Development Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type may incentivize higher costs.
- Long contract duration (5 years) increases exposure to changing conditions.
- Geopolitical instability in East and Central Africa presents inherent risks.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
- Potential for scope creep without strict management.
Tags
other-scientific-and-technical-consultin, agency-for-international-development, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Agency for International Development awarded $47.7 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE. EMPOWERING EAST AND CENTRAL AFRICA (EECA)
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 $47.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-06-15. End: 2028-07-31.
What specific development outcomes are expected from this $47.7 million investment, and how will their achievement be measured?
The contract aims to empower East and Central Africa through various development initiatives. Specific outcomes are likely detailed in the contract's statement of work, focusing on areas such as health, economic growth, governance, or education. USAID's standard monitoring and evaluation frameworks will be employed to measure progress against defined performance indicators and ensure accountability for the funds.
What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for international development, and how are they mitigated?
The primary risk is potential cost overruns if the contractor's costs exceed projections, even with a fixed fee. Mitigation strategies include rigorous cost monitoring, detailed audits, clear performance metrics, and strong contract management by USAID to ensure efficient resource utilization and prevent contractor inefficiency from driving up costs.
How does this contract contribute to broader US foreign policy objectives in the East and Central Africa region?
This contract aligns with US foreign policy goals by fostering stability, promoting economic development, and strengthening governance in a strategically important region. By investing in sustainable development, it aims to address root causes of conflict and poverty, thereby enhancing regional security and creating opportunities for US engagement and partnership.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Scientific and Technical Consulting 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: 72067423R00002
Offers Received: 8
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
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: $88,993,687
Exercised Options: $88,993,687
Current Obligation: $47,726,110
Actual Outlays: $18,535,518
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 39
Total Subaward Amount: $5,507,293
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-06-15
Current End Date: 2028-07-31
Potential End Date: 2028-07-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-01-31
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