USAID Spends $20.3M on ASEAN Technical Support via Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $20,341,397 ($20.3M)

Contractor: Nathan Associates LLC

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2007-10-01

End Date: 2013-09-26

Contract Duration: 2,187 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THIS IS TASK ORDER #01 UNDER THE ADVANCE BASIC IQC. THE PURPOSE OF THIS CPFF TERM-TYPE OF TASK ORDER IS TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR THE ASEAN-US ENHANCED PARTNERSHIP AND CREATION OF THE ASEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PHASE 2 OF THE ASEAN-US TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING FACILITY.TAS::72 1095::TAS

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $20.3 million to NATHAN ASSOCIATES LLC for work described as: THIS IS TASK ORDER #01 UNDER THE ADVANCE BASIC IQC. THE PURPOSE OF THIS CPFF TERM-TYPE OF TASK ORDER IS TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR THE ASEAN-US ENHANCED PARTNERSHIP AND CREATION OF THE ASEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PHASE 2 OF THE ASEAN-US TECHNICAL ASS… Key points: 1. Contract awarded to NATHAN ASSOCIATES LLC for technical support related to the ASEAN-US Enhanced Partnership. 2. The contract spans over 6 years, indicating a long-term need for these services. 3. Competition was full and open, suggesting a robust price discovery process. 4. The sector is professional, scientific, and technical services, with a focus on international development.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's total value of $20.3 million over nearly 6 years averages approximately $3.4 million annually. Without specific benchmarks for similar technical assistance contracts in international development, a precise value assessment is difficult. However, the duration suggests a sustained need.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically allows for the widest range of potential bidders and encourages competitive pricing. This method is expected to yield a fair market price.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment for service providers.

Public Impact

Supports US foreign policy objectives in Southeast Asia. Aims to foster economic integration and stability within the ASEAN region. Provides technical expertise for a significant international partnership.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics or deliverables in provided data.
Potential for scope creep in long-term technical support contracts.
Geopolitical risks associated with international development projects.

Positive Signals

Clear objective of supporting a strategic international partnership.
Awarded through a competitive process.
Long contract duration suggests sustained and valued support.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' (NAICS 541990). Spending in this broad category can vary significantly, but international technical assistance often involves specialized expertise and can represent a substantial investment for agencies like USAID.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation was not a factor in this contract award (ss: false, sb: false). This suggests the prime contractor is likely a larger entity, and opportunities for small businesses may have been limited to subcontracting roles not detailed here.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Agency for International Development (USAID), a federal agency responsible for overseeing foreign assistance. Oversight would typically involve program managers monitoring progress, deliverables, and financial expenditures to ensure accountability.

Related Government Programs

All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Agency for International Development Contracting
Agency for International Development Programs

Risk Flags

Long contract duration (6 years) increases exposure to changing needs.
Lack of specific performance metrics in the data.
Potential for scope creep in technical assistance.
Geopolitical risks inherent in international development.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $20.3 million to NATHAN ASSOCIATES LLC. THIS IS TASK ORDER #01 UNDER THE ADVANCE BASIC IQC. THE PURPOSE OF THIS CPFF TERM-TYPE OF TASK ORDER IS TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR THE ASEAN-US ENHANCED PARTNERSHIP AND CREATION OF THE ASEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PHASE 2 OF THE ASEAN-US TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING FACILITY.TAS::72 1095::TAS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NATHAN ASSOCIATES 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 $20.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-10-01. End: 2013-09-26.

What specific technical support activities were undertaken, and how did they directly contribute to the creation of the ASEAN Economic Community?

The provided data lacks specifics on the technical support activities. To assess value, details on the nature of the technical assistance, such as policy analysis, capacity building workshops, or economic modeling, and their direct impact on ASEAN Economic Community milestones would be needed. Understanding these specifics would clarify the tangible outcomes achieved with the $20.3 million investment.

Given the 6-year duration, what mechanisms were in place to mitigate the risk of evolving geopolitical landscapes or changing development priorities in Southeast Asia?

Long-term international development contracts require adaptive management. While not detailed here, effective mitigation strategies would likely include built-in flexibility clauses, regular reviews of project alignment with USAID and ASEAN objectives, and contingency planning for unforeseen political or economic shifts within the region. The contract's structure should allow for adjustments to maintain relevance and effectiveness.

How was the effectiveness of NATHAN ASSOCIATES LLC's technical support measured throughout the contract's lifecycle?

Measuring effectiveness would typically involve establishing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) tied to the project's objectives, such as progress towards ASEAN Economic Community goals or successful implementation of the technical assistance facility. Regular performance reviews, stakeholder feedback, and independent evaluations would be crucial to gauge the contractor's impact and ensure the $20.3 million investment yielded desired development outcomes.

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: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2101 WILSON BLVD STE 1200, ARLINGTON, VA, 22201

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $20,647,225

Exercised Options: $20,647,225

Current Obligation: $20,341,397

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: AID486I000700008

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline