USAID awards $49M contract for management consulting services to Research Triangle Institute

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $49,041,544 ($49.0M)

Contractor: Research Triangle Institute

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2005-01-01

End Date: 2011-12-31

Contract Duration: 2,555 days

Daily Burn Rate: $19.2K/day

Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: BASE AWARD FOR 497-M-00-05-00029-00.TAS::72 1021::TAS

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $49.0 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE for work described as: BASE AWARD FOR 497-M-00-05-00029-00.TAS::72 1021::TAS Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Research Triangle Institute for administrative management and general management consulting. 2. The contract was awarded competitively, indicating potential for price discovery. 3. The total value of the award is $49,041,543.82. 4. The contract duration is 2555 days, spanning from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2011. 5. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, which shifts cost risk to the contractor.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $49M over 7 years for management consulting services appears within a reasonable range for large-scale government projects. However, without specific deliverables or scope details, a precise benchmark is difficult.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The contract was awarded via a 'COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER', suggesting multiple vendors were considered. This competitive process is generally expected to yield a fair price, though the specific number of bidders and the bidding process details are not provided.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for necessary consulting services.

Public Impact

Ensures continued administrative and management support for Agency for International Development programs. Supports the agency's operational efficiency and strategic planning. The fixed-price nature of the contract provides budget certainty for the agency. Long contract duration may indicate a stable, ongoing need for these services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics or outcomes in the provided data.
Potential for scope creep over the 7-year contract duration.
Limited insight into the specific consulting services provided.

Positive Signals

Competitive award process.
Firm Fixed Price contract type.
Award to a known entity (Research Triangle Institute).

Sector Analysis

Management consulting services are crucial for government agencies to optimize operations and implement strategic initiatives. Benchmarks for such contracts vary widely based on scope, duration, and agency needs, but a $49M award over seven years for administrative and general management consulting is substantial.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, small businesses were likely not primary awardees, though they may have participated as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically involve regular performance reviews by the Agency for International Development to ensure the contractor meets contractual obligations and delivers value. The firm-fixed-price structure incentivizes the contractor to manage costs effectively.

Related Government Programs

Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
Agency for International Development Contracting
Agency for International Development Programs

Risk Flags

Contract duration is lengthy (7 years).
Specific deliverables and performance metrics are not detailed.
No indication of small business participation.
Potential for contractor lock-in over the long term.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $49.0 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE. BASE AWARD FOR 497-M-00-05-00029-00.TAS::72 1021::TAS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE.

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 $49.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2005-01-01. End: 2011-12-31.

What specific management consulting services were rendered under this contract, and how did they contribute to the Agency for International Development's mission?

The provided data identifies the contract as being for 'Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services' (NAICS 541611). While the specific services are not detailed, they likely encompassed areas such as organizational efficiency, strategic planning, process improvement, and program management support for USAID's international development initiatives. The value of these services would be measured by their impact on improving program delivery, resource allocation, and overall agency effectiveness in achieving its foreign aid objectives.

Given the 7-year duration and $49M value, what were the key risk mitigation strategies employed by USAID to ensure successful project outcomes?

With a long-term, high-value contract, USAID likely employed several risk mitigation strategies. These could include clearly defined performance standards and deliverables, regular progress reviews and reporting requirements, and potentially phased payments tied to milestones. The firm-fixed-price nature itself mitigates cost overrun risk for the government. Additionally, contractor past performance evaluations and robust contract management oversight by agency personnel are critical for ensuring successful outcomes and addressing potential issues proactively.

How does the competitive nature of this award, as indicated by 'COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER', translate into tangible benefits for taxpayers?

A competitive award process, even for a delivery order, generally leads to better pricing for taxpayers compared to sole-source or limited competition scenarios. It encourages multiple vendors to offer their best prices and solutions to win the contract. This competition drives efficiency and innovation, ensuring that the government receives high-quality services at a more reasonable cost. The presence of competition signals that the agency sought the most advantageous offer available in the marketplace.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3040 CORNWALLIS RD, RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, 04

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $49,041,544

Exercised Options: $49,041,544

Current Obligation: $49,041,544

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS10F0097L

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline