USAID Awards $38.3M for A&A Specialists, Boosting Technical Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $38,318,080 ($38.3M)

Contractor: Cyber Engineering and Technical Alliance, LLC

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2021-09-02

End Date: 2026-09-01

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $21.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE CONTRACTOR WILL PROVIDE THE DELIVERY OF CRITICAL BUT OTHERWISE NON-INHERENTLY GOVERNMENTAL FUNCTIONS THROUGH THE PROVISION OF A&A SPECIALISTS AND SENIOR ADVISORS, FOR A VARIETY OF PERFORMANCE PERIODS, PROVIDING SERVICES EITHER REMOTELY OR IN-

Place of Performance

Location: COLUMBIA, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 21046

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $38.3 million to CYBER ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL ALLIANCE, LLC for work described as: THE CONTRACTOR WILL PROVIDE THE DELIVERY OF CRITICAL BUT OTHERWISE NON-INHERENTLY GOVERNMENTAL FUNCTIONS THROUGH THE PROVISION OF A&A SPECIALISTS AND SENIOR ADVISORS, FOR A VARIETY OF PERFORMANCE PERIODS, PROVIDING SERVICES EITHER REMOTELY OR IN- Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical non-inherently governmental functions via A&A specialists. 2. Competition was full and open after excluding sources, suggesting a competitive process. 3. Risk appears moderate, with a Cost Plus Award Fee structure potentially incentivizing performance. 4. The sector is Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, a broad but essential area.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's Cost Plus Award Fee structure allows for performance-based incentives. While specific benchmarks are unavailable without more data, the award amount suggests a significant investment in specialized advisory services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources.' This indicates an initial broad solicitation followed by a specific exclusion, which could impact the breadth of competition and price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to procure specialized expertise to support critical functions, aiming for efficient service delivery.

Public Impact

Ensures critical government functions are supported by specialized expertise. Supports the Agency for International Development's mission through advisory services. The contract duration of five years allows for sustained support and project continuity. Potential for enhanced program effectiveness through expert guidance.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Award Fee structure requires careful monitoring to ensure cost control.
Exclusion of sources in a full and open competition needs justification.
Reliance on external advisors for critical functions may pose long-term capacity risks.

Positive Signals

Procurement of specialized skills for essential functions.
Competitive award process aims for best value.
Long-term contract provides stability for service delivery.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector, specifically 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services.' Spending in this sector is substantial across government, supporting a wide range of agency operations and specialized needs.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to CYBER ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL ALLIANCE, LLC. Information regarding small business participation or subcontracting goals is not detailed in the provided data, making it difficult to assess small business impact.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract's oversight will be managed by the Agency for International Development. The Cost Plus Award Fee structure necessitates robust performance monitoring and evaluation to ensure accountability and value for money.

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 with Cost Plus Award Fee structure.
Justification for 'exclusion of sources' needs scrutiny.
Dependence on external contractors for critical functions.
Lack of detail on small business participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $38.3 million to CYBER ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL ALLIANCE, LLC. THE CONTRACTOR WILL PROVIDE THE DELIVERY OF CRITICAL BUT OTHERWISE NON-INHERENTLY GOVERNMENTAL FUNCTIONS THROUGH THE PROVISION OF A&A SPECIALISTS AND SENIOR ADVISORS, FOR A VARIETY OF PERFORMANCE PERIODS, PROVIDING SERVICES EITHER REMOTELY OR IN-

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CYBER ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL ALLIANCE, 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 $38.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-09-02. End: 2026-09-01.

What specific 'critical but otherwise non-inherently governmental functions' are being supported by these A&A specialists?

The provided data does not specify the exact nature of the 'critical but otherwise non-inherently governmental functions.' These could range from specialized technical analysis, program management support, policy development assistance, or cybersecurity advisory roles that are essential for agency operations but do not fall under core governmental responsibilities.

How does the 'exclusion of sources' in a full and open competition impact the overall cost-effectiveness and risk mitigation?

Excluding sources after an initial 'full and open' solicitation can limit the competitive pool, potentially leading to higher prices than if all eligible sources had participated. It also raises questions about the justification for exclusion and whether it introduces undue risk by narrowing the selection of qualified vendors.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) and award fee criteria for this Cost Plus Award Fee contract?

The specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and award fee criteria are not detailed in the provided data. These would typically be outlined in the contract's Performance Work Statement (PWS) and would focus on measurable aspects of the A&A specialists' performance, such as timeliness, quality of deliverables, and impact on agency objectives.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8115 MAPLE LAWN BLVD, FULTON, MD, 20759

Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $46,571,821

Exercised Options: $46,571,821

Current Obligation: $38,318,080

Actual Outlays: $14,919,012

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QRAD20D1103

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline