USAGM Awards $3.2M for Tajikistan Broadcasting Services, Sole-Source Contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,229,716 ($3.2M)

Contractor: Miscellaneous Foreign Awardees

Awarding Agency: U.S. Agency for Global Media

Start Date: 2024-06-01

End Date: 2026-12-31

Contract Duration: 943 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.4K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: USAGM MW AND SW BROADCASTING SERVICES TAJIKISTAN

Plain-Language Summary

U.S. Agency for Global Media obligated $3.2 million to MISCELLANEOUS FOREIGN AWARDEES for work described as: USAGM MW AND SW BROADCASTING SERVICES TAJIKISTAN Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a miscellaneous foreign awardee for broadcasting services. 2. The contract is for a firm fixed price, with a duration of 943 days. 3. No small business participation is indicated. 4. The contract falls under the Radio Broadcasting Stations product service code.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $3.2M for broadcasting services over approximately 2.5 years appears high without competitive benchmarking. The lack of competition makes it difficult to assess if this price is reasonable compared to similar services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers as there was no market pressure to offer the best price.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition for this $3.2M contract raises concerns about potential overspending of taxpayer funds.

Public Impact

Taxpayers may be paying a premium due to the absence of competitive bidding. The specific impact on the public's access to information via these broadcasting services is unclear. Oversight is needed to ensure the services provided meet the intended objectives and value for money.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competition
No small business participation

Positive Signals

Clear contract duration
Firm fixed price contract type

Sector Analysis

Broadcasting services, particularly in foreign markets, can vary significantly in cost. Without competitive bids, it's challenging to benchmark this $3.2M award against industry standards for similar services.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication of small business participation in this contract. This represents a missed opportunity to support small businesses and potentially leverage their specialized services.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure the U.S. Agency for Global Media is receiving fair value and that the services are essential and effectively delivered.

Related Government Programs

Radio Broadcasting Stations
U.S. Agency for Global Media Contracting
U.S. Agency for Global Media Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks competition
Potential for inflated pricing
No small business utilization
Limited transparency in price discovery
Effectiveness metrics not detailed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

U.S. Agency for Global Media awarded $3.2 million to MISCELLANEOUS FOREIGN AWARDEES. USAGM MW AND SW BROADCASTING SERVICES TAJIKISTAN

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MISCELLANEOUS FOREIGN AWARDEES.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: U.S. Agency for Global Media (U.S. Agency for Global Media).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-06-01. End: 2026-12-31.

What is the justification for awarding this broadcasting contract on a sole-source basis?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, urgent needs, or a lack of available sources. Without further details, it's impossible to ascertain the specific rationale. However, sole-source contracts often bypass competitive processes, potentially leading to higher costs and reduced transparency for taxpayer-funded initiatives.

What are the risks associated with a sole-source contract for broadcasting services in Tajikistan?

The primary risk is paying a non-competitive price, potentially exceeding fair market value. Other risks include a lack of innovation, potential for vendor lock-in, and reduced accountability if the vendor knows they are the only option. Ensuring service quality and effectiveness also becomes more critical without competitive pressure.

How will the effectiveness of these broadcasting services be measured and ensured?

Effectiveness should be measured against predefined objectives outlined in the contract, such as audience reach, content impact, or adherence to broadcasting standards. Regular performance reviews, independent evaluations, and clear reporting requirements from the vendor are crucial for ensuring accountability and measuring the success of the services provided.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Information › Radio and Television Broadcasting Stations › Radio Broadcasting Stations

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1800 F ST NW, WASHINGTON, DC, 20405

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $16,767,646

Exercised Options: $5,917,086

Current Obligation: $3,229,716

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline