USAID awards $21.3M contract to ICF for lead program support, highlighting long-term engagement

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $21,313,102 ($21.3M)

Contractor: ICF Incorporated, L.L.C.

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2011-09-27

End Date: 2017-01-31

Contract Duration: 1,953 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: NEW COMPETITIVE CONTRACT FOR LEAD PROGRAM

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $21.3 million to ICF INCORPORATED, L.L.C. for work described as: NEW COMPETITIVE CONTRACT FOR LEAD PROGRAM Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the 5-year duration and scope of professional services. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these specialized services. 3. Contract type (Cost No Fee) indicates potential for cost overruns if not managed closely. 4. Performance period spans nearly 2000 days, suggesting a significant, ongoing program. 5. ICF Incorporated, L.L.C. is the sole awardee, indicating specific expertise or market concentration. 6. The contract falls under 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services', a broad category.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $21.3 million over approximately 5 years averages to about $4.26 million annually. This seems within a reasonable range for specialized professional, scientific, and technical services supporting a lead program. Benchmarking against similar long-term, broad-scope contracts for USAID or other development agencies would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The 'Cost No Fee' contract type, while common for certain types of work, warrants close monitoring to ensure costs remain aligned with objectives.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders likely had the opportunity to submit proposals. The presence of three bids (no) suggests a competitive environment, though the exact number of bidders doesn't always correlate directly with the intensity of competition. This approach generally promotes price discovery and allows the agency to select the best value offer.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the most cost-effective solution for essential program support.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the Agency for International Development (USAID), which receives critical support for its lead program initiatives. Services delivered likely include research, analysis, technical assistance, and program management related to lead exposure and mitigation. The geographic impact is potentially global, as USAID operates in numerous countries, though specific regions may be prioritized. Workforce implications include employment for professionals in scientific, technical, and program management fields within ICF and potentially its subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The 'Cost No Fee' contract type can lead to higher-than-expected costs if not rigorously managed, as the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs without a fixed profit margin.
The broad nature of 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' could lead to scope creep if not clearly defined and monitored.
Long contract durations (1953 days) can sometimes reduce flexibility and increase the risk of the contract becoming outdated if program needs evolve significantly.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process and potential for competitive pricing.
The contract is with a single, established entity (ICF Incorporated, L.L.C.), implying a level of trust and proven capability.
The long performance period indicates a stable, ongoing need for these services, suggesting the program is considered important and effective.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector, specifically NAICS code 541990. This sector is characterized by a wide range of specialized services, including research, consulting, and technical support. The market size for such services supporting international development programs is substantial, with numerous firms competing for government contracts. This specific award to ICF represents a portion of USAID's overall spending in this category, supporting its mission-critical functions.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless ICF actively engages small businesses as subcontractors, which is not detailed here.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Agency for International Development (USAID). As a definitive contract, it is subject to standard federal procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases and reporting requirements. The Inspector General for USAID would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

USAID Global Health Programs
USAID Environmental Programs
International Development Assistance
Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
Federal Professional Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Cost Control Risk (Cost No Fee)
Scope Creep Potential (Broad Service Category)
Long-Term Contract Dependency

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $21.3 million to ICF INCORPORATED, L.L.C.. NEW COMPETITIVE CONTRACT FOR LEAD PROGRAM

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ICF INCORPORATED, L.L.C..

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 $21.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2011-09-27. End: 2017-01-31.

What is ICF Incorporated, L.L.C.'s track record with USAID and similar federal agencies?

ICF Incorporated, L.L.C. has a significant history of contracting with various U.S. federal agencies, including USAID, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Department of Energy (DOE). Their work often spans areas like environmental science, public health, energy, and international development. Reviewing past performance evaluations and contract histories with these agencies would provide insight into their reliability, quality of service, and ability to manage complex projects. Specific details on past performance metrics, such as on-time delivery, budget adherence, and client satisfaction, would be crucial for a comprehensive assessment of their track record.

How does the average annual cost of this contract compare to similar USAID lead program support contracts?

This contract averages approximately $4.26 million per year over its 5-year term. To benchmark this value, one would need to identify comparable contracts awarded by USAID or other development agencies for similar lead program support. Key comparison points would include the scope of services, duration, geographic focus, and contract type. Without specific comparable data, it's challenging to definitively state if this represents excellent or fair value. However, given the specialized nature of the services and the long-term commitment, the annual cost appears within a plausible range for significant program support.

What are the primary risks associated with the 'Cost No Fee' contract type for this program?

The 'Cost No Fee' (CNF) contract type means the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred in performing the contract, but receives no fee or profit. The primary risk for the government is that costs could escalate beyond initial expectations without a built-in profit incentive for the contractor to control them. This necessitates robust government oversight to ensure costs are reasonable, allocable, and allowable. For the contractor, the risk lies in not being compensated for their overhead or the value of their expertise beyond direct costs. This type of contract is often used when the scope is uncertain or when the government wants to ensure all necessary work is performed without the contractor having to estimate profit margins upfront.

What does the duration of this contract (1953 days) imply about the stability and importance of the lead program?

A contract duration of 1953 days, approximately 5.3 years, suggests that the lead program supported by this contract is considered a long-term, strategic initiative by USAID. Such extended periods indicate a stable funding stream and a consistent need for the services provided. It implies that the program's objectives are complex and require sustained effort over multiple years, rather than short-term, project-based interventions. This stability can be beneficial for program continuity and allows the contractor to build deep expertise and relationships within the program.

How does the 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' category (NAICS 541990) typically perform in terms of cost and competition?

NAICS code 541990 is a broad category encompassing a diverse range of services, making generalizations about cost and competition difficult. However, contracts within this category often involve specialized expertise, which can lead to higher per-unit costs compared to more commoditized services. Competition can vary significantly; while some niches may have few qualified bidders, others might attract numerous firms. The fact that this specific contract was competed under 'full and open' with three bids suggests a moderately competitive market for this particular service offering within the broader category. The value-for-money assessment would depend heavily on the specific deliverables and expertise required.

What is the significance of ICF Incorporated, L.L.C. being the sole awardee in this instance?

While the contract was awarded under 'full and open competition', the fact that ICF Incorporated, L.L.C. is the sole awardee suggests they were the only bidder to meet all the requirements or offer the best value proposition according to the evaluation criteria. This could indicate a high barrier to entry for competitors due to specialized knowledge, established relationships, or unique qualifications required for the lead program. Alternatively, it might suggest that the market for this specific service, despite being open, has limited players capable of undertaking such a long-term and comprehensive contract.

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 NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: ICF International, Inc.

Address: 9300 LEE HWY, FAIRFAX, VA, 22031

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $21,549,871

Exercised Options: $21,549,871

Current Obligation: $21,313,102

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline