University Research Co., LLC awarded $68.7M for professional, scientific, and technical services by USAID

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $68,689,704 ($68.7M)

Contractor: University Research CO., LLC

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2011-03-04

End Date: 2015-03-30

Contract Duration: 1,487 days

Daily Burn Rate: $46.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PRIMARY HEALTH CARE PROGRAM

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $68.7 million to UNIVERSITY RESEARCH CO., LLC for work described as: PRIMARY HEALTH CARE PROGRAM Key points: 1. Contract value of $68.7M over 4 years suggests significant investment in specialized services. 2. Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a broad market search. 3. The contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) can lead to cost overruns if not managed closely. 4. The duration of 1487 days (approx. 4 years) allows for sustained program support. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541990 covers a broad range of 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services'. 6. The contract was awarded to a single entity, University Research Co., LLC. 7. The base contract value is substantial, requiring robust oversight.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific service details. However, a $68.7 million award over four years for 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' indicates a significant investment. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type, while allowing flexibility, carries inherent risks of cost escalation if not meticulously managed. Comparing this to similar large-scale, long-term service contracts would be necessary for a more precise value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition,' suggesting that the Agency for International Development (USAID) sought proposals from all responsible sources. The number of bids received (8) indicates a reasonable level of interest in the market for these services. This competitive process is generally expected to promote price discovery and potentially lead to more favorable pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process helps ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by driving down costs through market forces.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely international populations or programs supported by USAID's mission, receiving services facilitated by this contract. The services delivered fall under a broad category, potentially encompassing research, analysis, technical assistance, or program management. Geographic impact is likely international, aligning with USAID's foreign assistance objectives. Workforce implications could include employment for researchers, analysts, and technical experts, both domestically and potentially in the regions where services are delivered.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires diligent oversight to prevent uncontrolled cost growth.
The broad NAICS code may obscure the specific nature and cost drivers of the services procured.
Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data makes it difficult to assess effectiveness.
The single awardee, while competitively selected, limits ongoing market pressure for innovation or cost reduction during the contract period.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust market engagement.
The substantial contract value indicates a significant need and potential for impactful service delivery.
The contract duration allows for continuity of essential services.
The base contract value of $46,193 suggests an initial scope, with potential for growth through task orders.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically under NAICS code 541990. This broad category encompasses a wide array of services, including research and development, consulting, and specialized technical support. The market for such services is diverse, with many firms competing for government contracts. USAID's spending in this area likely supports its global development and humanitarian aid initiatives, requiring specialized expertise to address complex international challenges.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the direct impact on small business participation is likely minimal unless University Research Co., LLC engages them as subcontractors. Further analysis of subcontracting plans would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Agency for International Development (USAID). As a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, rigorous financial oversight and performance monitoring are crucial to ensure funds are used appropriately and objectives are met. Transparency would depend on USAID's reporting practices and the availability of contract performance information. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

USAID Global Health Programs
USAID Economic Development Initiatives
Department of State Professional Services Contracts
Other Federal Agency Research and Development Contracts

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires vigilant oversight to manage potential cost overruns.
Broad NAICS code may obscure specific service details and associated risks.
Lack of specific performance metrics in summary data hinders effectiveness assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $68.7 million to UNIVERSITY RESEARCH CO., LLC. PRIMARY HEALTH CARE PROGRAM

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY RESEARCH CO., 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 $68.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2011-03-04. End: 2015-03-30.

What is the specific nature of the 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' being provided under this contract?

The provided data uses the broad NAICS code 541990, 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services.' This classification is a catch-all for services not specified elsewhere, potentially including activities like management consulting, research services, technical assistance, data analysis, or specialized scientific support. Without access to the contract's statement of work or task orders, the precise services remain undefined. Understanding the specific deliverables is crucial for assessing performance, value, and risk. For instance, if the contract involves complex research, the evaluation criteria would differ significantly from one focused on administrative support.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure compare to other contract types for similar services, and what are the associated risks?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type is often used when the scope of work is not precisely defined or is expected to evolve, allowing flexibility. The contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. Compared to fixed-price contracts, CPFF offers less cost certainty for the government, as costs can fluctuate. The primary risk is cost overrun, as the contractor has less incentive to control expenses beyond what is necessary to complete the work and earn their fee. Effective oversight, detailed cost accounting, and clear performance metrics are essential to mitigate these risks and ensure value for money.

What was the historical spending pattern for similar services by the Agency for International Development (USAID) prior to this award?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for similar services by USAID would provide context for the $68.7 million award. Without specific historical data, it's difficult to determine if this represents an increase, decrease, or consistent level of investment in 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services.' Trends in USAID's budget allocations, particularly towards research, technical assistance, and program support, would be informative. Understanding past contract values, durations, and contractor performance in this service category could also highlight any shifts in procurement strategy or program focus.

What is the track record of University Research Co., LLC in performing government contracts, particularly those of similar size and scope?

University Research Co., LLC's track record is a critical factor in assessing the risk and potential success of this contract. Information on their past performance, including successful completion of previous contracts, adherence to schedules and budgets, and quality of deliverables, would be essential. Data on any past disputes, contract terminations, or negative performance reviews would also be relevant. Evaluating their experience with Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts and their capacity to manage large-scale, long-term projects, especially within the international development context relevant to USAID, is key to understanding their suitability.

How does the number of bidders (8) in this full and open competition compare to benchmarks for similar service contracts?

Receiving 8 bids in a full and open competition for professional, scientific, and technical services suggests a moderately competitive market for this specific requirement. Benchmarking this number against similar contracts procured by USAID or other agencies within the same NAICS code would provide further insight. A higher number of bidders generally indicates greater market interest and potentially stronger price competition. Conversely, a significantly lower number might suggest barriers to entry, limited qualified vendors, or a highly specialized niche. The quality of the bidders, not just the quantity, is also important for assessing the effectiveness of the competition.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of this contract, and how is performance being monitored?

The effectiveness and value of this contract are contingent upon clearly defined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and robust monitoring mechanisms. Since the specific services are broadly categorized, KPIs would need to be tailored to the actual work performed. Examples could include timely delivery of research reports, successful implementation of technical assistance programs, achievement of specific development outcomes, or client satisfaction metrics. The Agency for International Development (USAID) would be responsible for monitoring these KPIs, likely through regular progress reports, site visits, and performance reviews, especially given the CPFF contract type.

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: 8

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7200 WISCONSIN AVE STE 600, BETHESDA, MD, 20814

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $69,500,192

Exercised Options: $69,500,192

Current Obligation: $68,689,704

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 20

Total Subaward Amount: $58,896,146

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline