Integrated Business & Technical Consultants, Inc. contract for professional services awarded by USAID for $22.4M

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $22,446,878 ($22.4M)

Contractor: Integrated Business & Technical Consultants, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2005-05-31

End Date: 2009-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,675 days

Daily Burn Rate: $13.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PROVIDE REGULAR PERFORMANCE MONITORING FOR MISSION IMPLEMENTERS

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $22.4 million to INTEGRATED BUSINESS & TECHNICAL CONSULTANTS, INC. for work described as: PROVIDE REGULAR PERFORMANCE MONITORING FOR MISSION IMPLEMENTERS Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing environment. 2. The contract duration of 1675 days indicates a long-term need for these services. 3. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can incentivize cost control by the contractor. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541990 covers 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services,' a broad category. 5. The contract was awarded in 2005, providing historical context for current spending patterns. 6. The value of the contract is moderate within the context of federal professional services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific performance metrics or comparable contract data. The CPFF structure, while allowing for cost recovery, can sometimes lead to higher overall costs compared to fixed-price contracts if not managed tightly. The fixed fee component provides some predictability, but the variable cost component requires careful oversight to ensure value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely considered. This process generally promotes price discovery and allows the government to select the best value offer. The presence of 3 bids suggests a reasonable level of competition for this service category.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition typically results in more competitive pricing, which is beneficial for taxpayers by ensuring federal funds are used efficiently.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely USAID's mission implementers who receive support services. Services delivered under this contract would have supported various international development programs. The geographic impact would be global, aligning with USAID's mission to advance democracy and U.S. interests abroad. Workforce implications include employment for professionals in technical and business consulting roles.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require diligent monitoring to prevent cost overruns.
The broad nature of 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' can sometimes lead to scope creep if not clearly defined.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive process.
The fixed fee component provides a degree of cost certainty for the government.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, a significant area of federal spending. This sector encompasses a wide range of expertise, from management consulting to scientific research. Federal spending in this area supports a diverse array of government functions, both domestically and internationally. Comparable spending benchmarks would depend on the specific nature of the 'other' professional services provided.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. The contractor, Integrated Business & Technical Consultants, Inc., is not explicitly identified as a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would have been managed by the Agency for International Development (USAID) contracting officers and program managers. Performance monitoring, invoicing review, and adherence to contract terms are standard oversight mechanisms. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance reports are often internal.

Related Government Programs

USAID Technical Assistance Contracts
International Development Support Services
Professional and Management Consulting Services

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure
Risk of scope creep in long-duration contracts
Need for robust performance monitoring

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $22.4 million to INTEGRATED BUSINESS & TECHNICAL CONSULTANTS, INC.. PROVIDE REGULAR PERFORMANCE MONITORING FOR MISSION IMPLEMENTERS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INTEGRATED BUSINESS & TECHNICAL CONSULTANTS, INC..

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 $22.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2005-05-31. End: 2009-12-31.

What specific types of 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' were provided under this contract?

The provided data categorizes this contract under NAICS code 541990, 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services.' This is a broad classification that can encompass a wide array of services not specified elsewhere. Without access to the contract's statement of work or task orders, it is impossible to determine the precise nature of the services rendered. These could range from specialized research and analysis, program management support, technical consulting, to logistical planning, all tailored to support USAID's mission implementers in their international development objectives.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure typically impact contractor performance and cost efficiency?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type is designed to reimburse the contractor for allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. This structure is often used when the scope of work is not precisely defined or when there is significant uncertainty. While it allows flexibility and ensures the contractor is compensated for unforeseen challenges, it can incentivize cost accumulation as the contractor is reimbursed for costs. The fixed fee, however, provides a ceiling on profit, encouraging efficiency to maximize the fee relative to effort. Effective government oversight is crucial to manage costs and ensure the contractor remains focused on delivering value within the agreed-upon scope.

What was the historical spending trend for similar services by the Agency for International Development (USAID) around the time of this contract award?

Analyzing historical spending trends for USAID in the 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' category around 2005 would provide context for the $22.4 million award. Federal procurement data, such as that available through USASpending.gov, could reveal patterns in contract values, durations, and types (e.g., CPFF vs. fixed-price) for similar services. Understanding whether this contract was typical, large, or small relative to other USAID procurements in this domain would help assess its significance and potential value for money. Without specific historical data analysis, it's difficult to definitively benchmark this contract's scale.

What are the potential risks associated with a long-duration contract (1675 days) for professional services?

Long-duration contracts, such as this 1675-day (approximately 4.6 years) agreement, carry several potential risks. One primary risk is scope creep, where the requirements may evolve significantly over time, potentially leading to cost overruns or a misalignment between the original contract and current needs. Another risk is contractor performance degradation; motivation and quality may wane over extended periods without continuous re-evaluation. Furthermore, market conditions and technological advancements can render the contracted services or solutions obsolete before the contract concludes. Effective contract management, including regular performance reviews and potential for contract modifications, is essential to mitigate these risks.

How does the 'full and open competition' award method influence the selection of contractors and the final price?

The 'full and open competition' award method is the statutory preferred method for federal procurements, designed to maximize competition and ensure the government obtains the best value. It requires that all responsible sources be permitted to submit a bid or proposal. This broad solicitation typically leads to a larger pool of potential offerors, increasing the likelihood of receiving competitive pricing. The selection process under full and open competition usually involves evaluating proposals based on a combination of technical merit, past performance, and price, with the contract awarded to the offeror whose proposal represents the best value to the government. This method is intended to drive down costs and improve the quality of services acquired.

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

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8614 WESTWOOD CENTER DR STE 400, VIENNA, VA, 11

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Other Minority Owned Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $28,370,123

Exercised Options: $22,446,878

Current Obligation: $22,446,878

Timeline