USAID's $45.7M Quality Health Care Project in Central Asia awarded to ABT Global LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $45,661,446 ($45.7M)

Contractor: ABT Global LLC

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2010-09-03

End Date: 2024-03-06

Contract Duration: 4,933 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE QUALITY HEALTH CARE PROJECT (QHCP) IN CENTRAL ASIA

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $45.7 million to ABT GLOBAL LLC for work described as: THE QUALITY HEALTH CARE PROJECT (QHCP) IN CENTRAL ASIA Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in regional health initiatives. 2. Competition dynamics suggest a robust bidding process for this service category. 3. Contract duration of over 12 years indicates a long-term strategic objective. 4. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure requires careful monitoring of expenditures. 5. Focus on professional, scientific, and technical services highlights specialized needs. 6. Geographic focus on Central Asia points to specific development priorities.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's total value of $45.7 million over nearly 13 years averages approximately $3.5 million annually. Benchmarking this against similar USAID health projects in developing regions is challenging without more specific service details. However, the cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) pricing structure, while common for complex projects, can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently. The fixed fee component needs to be assessed for reasonableness relative to the scope of work and contractor performance.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. With 3 bidders identified, this suggests a reasonable level of competition for the services required. A competitive process is generally expected to yield better pricing and service quality for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is favorable for taxpayers as it drives down costs through market forces and encourages innovative solutions from a wider pool of contractors.

Public Impact

Beneficiaries include populations in Central Asian countries receiving improved health services. Services delivered encompass professional, scientific, and technical support for healthcare systems. Geographic impact is concentrated within Central Asia, addressing regional health challenges. Workforce implications may involve training local healthcare professionals and supporting technical staff.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration (nearly 13 years) increases the risk of scope creep and potential for cost escalation.
Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type can incentivize higher spending if not rigorously overseen.
Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data makes it difficult to assess effectiveness.
The broad 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' NAICS code suggests a wide range of potential activities, increasing oversight complexity.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive selection process.
Contractor ABT Global LLC has secured a significant, long-term award, suggesting confidence in their capabilities.
The project addresses critical health needs in Central Asia, aligning with U.S. foreign policy objectives.
A definitive contract award provides a clear framework for service delivery and payment.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically related to public health and international development. This sector is characterized by specialized expertise and often involves long-term engagements to achieve complex development goals. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within USAID's portfolio of health-focused projects in similar geographic regions, though specific project scopes can vary widely.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside criterion for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses through set-asides is likely minimal. However, ABT Global LLC may engage small businesses as subcontractors, depending on the project's needs and their subcontracting plan, which is not detailed here. The overall impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on the extent of any subcontracting opportunities created.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Agency for International Development (USAID), likely through its contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are typically embedded within the contract terms, including reporting requirements, performance standards, and payment milestones. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, but detailed project-specific reporting and Inspector General oversight would depend on the specific mechanisms USAID has established for this project.

Related Government Programs

USAID Global Health Programs
USAID Central Asia Missions
International Health Development Projects
Public Health Infrastructure Support

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may increase risk of cost escalation and scope creep.
Cost-plus-fixed-fee structure requires diligent oversight to control expenditures.
Broad NAICS code may indicate complexity and potential for undefined tasks.
Limited data on specific performance metrics hinders effectiveness assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $45.7 million to ABT GLOBAL LLC. THE QUALITY HEALTH CARE PROJECT (QHCP) IN CENTRAL ASIA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ABT GLOBAL 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 $45.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-09-03. End: 2024-03-06.

What is the historical spending pattern for 'The Quality Health Care Project (QHCP) in Central Asia' by ABT Global LLC?

The provided data indicates a total award amount of $45,661,445.69 for 'The Quality Health Care Project (QHCP) in Central Asia' awarded to ABT Global LLC. The contract period spans from September 3, 2010, to March 6, 2024, a duration of approximately 4933 days or nearly 13.5 years. While the total award amount is given, the data does not detail the year-over-year spending or disbursement patterns. To understand the historical spending pattern, one would need access to the contract's financial execution reports, which would show how funds were drawn down and utilized across the contract's lifecycle. This would reveal if spending was consistent, front-loaded, or back-loaded, and whether it aligned with planned project milestones.

How does the pricing structure (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) for this contract compare to similar USAID health projects in Central Asia?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure is common for complex, long-term projects where the scope may evolve or precise cost estimation is difficult at the outset, such as international health initiatives. For USAID health projects in Central Asia, CPFF contracts are frequently used to incentivize contractor performance while allowing flexibility. However, CPFF contracts require robust oversight to manage costs effectively, as the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee. Benchmarking the 'fixed fee' component against similar contracts is crucial to ensure it represents fair value for the services rendered and the contractor's assumed risk. Without specific details on the fee percentage and the total project costs, a direct comparison is difficult, but the structure itself is standard for this type of development work.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of 'The Quality Health Care Project (QHCP) in Central Asia'?

The provided data does not explicitly list the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for 'The Quality Health Care Project (QHCP) in Central Asia.' Typically, USAID contracts of this nature would include specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) KPIs tied to health outcomes, system strengthening, capacity building, and service delivery improvements within the target Central Asian countries. These might include metrics related to disease reduction, increased access to healthcare services, improved maternal and child health, strengthened health workforce skills, or enhanced health information systems. The success of the project would be evaluated against these pre-defined KPIs, often reported quarterly or annually by the contractor and reviewed by USAID.

What is the track record of ABT Global LLC in managing large-scale international development contracts, particularly in the health sector?

ABT Global LLC has been awarded a significant contract valued at approximately $45.7 million for 'The Quality Health Care Project (QHCP) in Central Asia,' indicating a level of trust and capability recognized by the Agency for International Development (USAID). While this specific award suggests experience, a comprehensive assessment of their track record would require reviewing their past performance on other USAID or similar international development contracts. This includes examining project completion records, adherence to budget and schedule, quality of deliverables, and any past performance evaluations or disputes. Their ability to manage a project of this duration and complexity in the health sector is a key indicator of their experience and capacity.

What are the potential risks associated with the long duration (nearly 13 years) of this contract?

The nearly 13-year duration of 'The Quality Health Care Project (QHCP) in Central Asia' presents several potential risks. Firstly, the extended timeline increases the likelihood of changes in the political or economic landscape of Central Asia, potentially impacting project objectives or feasibility. Secondly, there's a risk of 'scope creep,' where project goals or tasks may expand beyond the original intent without adequate adjustments to budget or timeline, especially under a CPFF structure. Thirdly, maintaining consistent project focus and momentum over such a long period can be challenging for both the contractor and the contracting agency. Finally, the longer the contract, the greater the potential for unforeseen cost increases due to inflation or shifts in market rates for services and personnel, even with a fixed fee component.

How does the geographic focus on Central Asia influence the contract's objectives and potential impact?

The geographic focus on Central Asia is central to the contract's objectives and potential impact. This region often faces specific public health challenges, such as infectious disease control, access to healthcare in remote areas, and strengthening of health systems infrastructure. By concentrating efforts here, USAID aims to address these unique needs and contribute to regional stability and development. The impact could include improved health outcomes for millions, enhanced capacity of local healthcare providers and institutions, and the establishment of more resilient health systems. The success of the project will be measured by its tangible contributions to the health and well-being of the populations within these specific Central Asian countries.

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

Solicitation ID: HE-176-09-005

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 55 WHEELER ST, CAMBRIDGE, MA, 02138

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $56,084,456

Exercised Options: $56,084,456

Current Obligation: $45,661,446

Actual Outlays: $87,294

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $12,622,014

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline