USAID procures 862 MT of fortified food for WFP South Sudan, valued at $2.46M

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,456,700 ($2.5M)

Contractor: Mana Nutritive AID Products Incorporated

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2024-09-25

End Date: 2025-02-28

Contract Duration: 156 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.7K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PURCHASE OF 862 MT RUSF FOR WFP SOUTH SUDAN FROM BPA CALL 24

Place of Performance

Location: MATTHEWS, MECKLENBURG County, NORTH CAROLINA, 28105

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $2.5 million to MANA NUTRITIVE AID PRODUCTS INCORPORATED for work described as: PURCHASE OF 862 MT RUSF FOR WFP SOUTH SUDAN FROM BPA CALL 24 Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Mana Nutritive Aid Products Inc. for essential food aid. 2. Procurement utilizes a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Call, indicating established vendor relationships. 3. The contract duration is 156 days, suggesting a focused, short-term need. 4. The product is classified under Nonchocolate Confectionery Manufacturing, likely referring to specialized nutritional supplements. 5. Fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty for this humanitarian effort. 6. The award is a result of a competitive process under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures).

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.46 million for 862 metric tons of fortified food appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the product and its urgent humanitarian application. Benchmarking against similar food aid procurements for WFP or other international organizations would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, the fixed-price nature of the contract offers cost control.

Cost Per Unit: Approximately $2,850 per metric ton. This figure should be compared to market rates for similar fortified food products, considering transportation and logistical costs inherent in aid delivery.

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which allows for a broader range of competition for smaller dollar value procurements. While specific details on the number of bidders are not provided, SAP aims to foster competition and efficiency. The use of SAP suggests that multiple vendors were likely solicited, contributing to price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Utilizing competitive SAP procedures helps ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by encouraging competitive pricing for essential humanitarian supplies.

Public Impact

Beneficiaries: Vulnerable populations in South Sudan requiring nutritional support, likely children and malnourished individuals. Services Delivered: Provision of 862 metric tons of fortified food (RUSF - Ready-to-Use Supplementary Food). Geographic Impact: South Sudan, a region facing significant food insecurity and humanitarian crises. Workforce Implications: Supports logistics and distribution networks within South Sudan, potentially involving local personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions impacting timely delivery to South Sudan.
Ensuring the quality and efficacy of the fortified food meets WFP's stringent standards.
Geopolitical instability in South Sudan could affect distribution and impact.

Positive Signals

Direct contribution to alleviating malnutrition in a crisis-affected region.
Leverages established BPA mechanisms for efficient procurement.
Fixed-price contract provides budget predictability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader 'Other' sector, specifically humanitarian aid and food security. The market for specialized fortified foods is driven by international organizations like the World Food Programme (WFP) and government aid agencies. Spending in this area is often project-specific and responsive to global crises, with significant players including food manufacturers specializing in nutritional products and logistics providers.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting is not explicitly detailed for this BPA Call. However, the use of SAP can sometimes facilitate participation by small businesses if they are capable of meeting the requirements. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved in the subcontracting chain.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is primarily managed by the Agency for International Development (USAID) through its contracting officers and program monitors. The World Food Programme (WFP) will also have oversight responsibilities for the distribution and utilization of the food aid in South Sudan. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance reports may be internal.

Related Government Programs

World Food Programme (WFP) Operations
USAID Global Food Security Initiatives
Humanitarian Assistance to South Sudan
Emergency Food Aid Procurement

Risk Flags

Geopolitical instability in South Sudan
Logistical challenges in remote delivery
Potential for supply chain disruptions
Ensuring product quality and efficacy for vulnerable populations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $2.5 million to MANA NUTRITIVE AID PRODUCTS INCORPORATED. PURCHASE OF 862 MT RUSF FOR WFP SOUTH SUDAN FROM BPA CALL 24

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MANA NUTRITIVE AID PRODUCTS INCORPORATED.

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 $2.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-25. End: 2025-02-28.

What is the specific nutritional composition and intended use of the 'RUSF' being procured?

RUSF stands for Ready-to-Use Supplementary Food. These are typically nutrient-dense pastes or bars designed to provide essential vitamins, minerals, and energy to prevent or treat moderate acute malnutrition, particularly in children aged 6 months to 5 years. They are formulated to be consumed directly from the packaging without preparation, making them ideal for emergency settings where clean water and cooking facilities may be scarce. The exact composition varies but often includes a base of vegetable oil, sugar, milk powder (for some formulations), and a fortified vitamin and mineral premix. The procurement by WFP for South Sudan indicates a critical need for targeted nutritional intervention to combat widespread malnutrition.

How does the per-metric-ton cost of this fortified food compare to similar international aid procurements?

The per-metric-ton cost of approximately $2,850 for this fortified food is within a range often seen for specialized nutritional products procured for humanitarian aid. Prices can fluctuate significantly based on the specific formulation, volume, origin of goods, and associated logistical costs (e.g., shipping, handling, import duties). For instance, similar RUSF procurements by UNICEF or WFP in other regions have ranged from $2,000 to over $4,000 per metric ton. Factors such as the 'BPA Call' mechanism suggest a potentially pre-negotiated rate, which could be favorable. A definitive comparison requires access to detailed specifications of the product and current market data for comparable aid shipments.

What are the primary risks associated with delivering food aid to South Sudan, and how are they mitigated?

Delivering food aid to South Sudan involves significant risks, primarily stemming from the country's volatile security situation, poor infrastructure, and humanitarian access challenges. Armed conflict, intercommunal violence, and natural disasters like floods can disrupt supply routes, endanger aid workers, and prevent timely delivery to vulnerable populations. Mitigation strategies employed by organizations like WFP and USAID include rigorous security assessments, coordination with local authorities and peacekeepers, prepositioning of stocks in accessible hubs, utilizing diverse transport modes (air, river, road), and implementing robust monitoring systems to track aid distribution and prevent diversion. The fixed-price nature of this contract helps manage financial risk for USAID, but operational risks remain high.

What is Mana Nutritive Aid Products Incorporated's track record in supplying humanitarian aid, particularly to WFP or USAID?

Mana Nutritive Aid Products Incorporated appears to be a specialized supplier within the food manufacturing sector. While specific details on their extensive track record with WFP or USAID are not immediately available from the provided data, their selection for this BPA Call suggests they meet certain pre-qualification criteria. Companies involved in RUSF production typically undergo rigorous vetting processes by humanitarian agencies to ensure product quality, safety, and compliance with international standards. Further investigation into their past performance, certifications (e.g., HACCP, ISO), and previous contracts would be necessary to fully assess their reliability and experience in large-scale humanitarian supply chains.

How does the use of a BPA Call impact the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of this procurement compared to a new solicitation?

Utilizing a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Call, as done here, generally enhances efficiency and cost-effectiveness for recurring or anticipated needs. A BPA establishes pre-negotiated terms, conditions, and often pricing with a vendor (or multiple vendors) over a period. A 'Call' against that BPA is essentially an order placed under the established agreement. This process bypasses the need for a full, new solicitation for each individual requirement, significantly reducing administrative burden, lead times, and associated costs. It allows agencies to respond more rapidly to needs, like emergency food aid, while potentially leveraging volume discounts or favorable rates negotiated during the initial BPA establishment.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Sugar and Confectionery Product Manufacturing › Nonchocolate Confectionery Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: SUBSISTENCE

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 09/10/2024

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 130 LIBRARY LN STE A, MATTHEWS, NC, 28105

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,456,700

Exercised Options: $2,456,700

Current Obligation: $2,456,700

Actual Outlays: $2,456,700

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 7200AA22A00001

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline