USAID's $24.7M Violence Prevention Contract Awarded to Creative Associates International, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,739,102 ($24.7M)

Contractor: Creative Associates International, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2016-01-04

End Date: 2023-03-10

Contract Duration: 2,622 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF - SECONDARY VIOLENCE PREVENTION ACTIVITY

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $24.7 million to CREATIVE ASSOCIATES INTERNATIONAL, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF - SECONDARY VIOLENCE PREVENTION ACTIVITY Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in secondary violence prevention activities. 2. Full and open competition suggests a robust bidding process, potentially leading to competitive pricing. 3. The contract duration of over 6 years indicates a long-term commitment to the program's objectives. 4. The cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type may allow for flexibility but requires careful cost oversight. 5. The professional, scientific, and technical services sector is characterized by specialized expertise and varying market rates. 6. Performance context is crucial for understanding the effectiveness of violence prevention strategies over the contract period.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific performance metrics and comparable program costs. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure necessitates close monitoring to ensure costs remain reasonable and that the fixed fee adequately compensates the contractor for their efforts without excessive profit. Comparing this to other international development contracts focused on social programs would provide better context for 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 had the opportunity to submit proposals. This process is designed to foster a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and a wider selection of qualified contractors. The presence of multiple bidders generally suggests that the market has sufficient capacity to meet the government's needs.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive bidding process that aims to secure the best value for public funds by encouraging lower prices and higher quality services.

Public Impact

Beneficiaries include communities and individuals targeted by secondary violence prevention programs in regions where USAID operates. Services delivered likely encompass program design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of violence prevention initiatives. Geographic impact is determined by the specific countries and regions where USAID implements its development programs. Workforce implications may include the employment of program managers, technical experts, local staff, and consultants.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently.
The long duration of the contract requires sustained oversight to ensure continued relevance and effectiveness.
Measuring the direct impact of violence prevention programs can be complex and subject to external factors.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a fair and transparent procurement process.
The contract addresses a critical area of international development: violence prevention.
The contractor, Creative Associates International, Inc., likely has a track record in similar development programs.

Sector Analysis

The professional, scientific, and technical services sector is broad, encompassing a wide range of specialized expertise. Contracts in this area often support government agencies in areas like research, consulting, and program management. The market size for such services globally is substantial, with significant government spending directed towards international development and technical assistance. This contract fits within the broader category of social program implementation and development aid.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions for this contract. Therefore, the primary focus was likely on full and open competition among all eligible offerors. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses would depend on the prime contractor's strategy and the nature of the services required, but there is no explicit indication of a focus on small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Agency for International Development (USAID), likely through its program offices and potentially its Office of Inspector General (OIG). Mechanisms would include regular progress reports, site visits, performance reviews, and financial audits. Transparency would be facilitated through public contract databases and reporting requirements, though specific program details might be sensitive.

Related Government Programs

USAID Development Assistance
International Security Assistance
Global Health Security Initiatives
Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Programs

Risk Flags

Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type requires diligent oversight to manage costs.
Long contract duration necessitates sustained monitoring for effectiveness and relevance.
Measuring the impact of violence prevention programs can be inherently challenging.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $24.7 million to CREATIVE ASSOCIATES INTERNATIONAL, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF - SECONDARY VIOLENCE PREVENTION ACTIVITY

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CREATIVE ASSOCIATES INTERNATIONAL, 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 $24.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2016-01-04. End: 2023-03-10.

What is the track record of Creative Associates International, Inc. in managing similar violence prevention contracts for USAID or other agencies?

Creative Associates International, Inc. has a significant history of working with USAID and other government agencies on international development projects, including those focused on education, democracy and governance, and peace and stability. Their experience often involves implementing complex programs in challenging environments. While specific details on past violence prevention contracts would require deeper research into their portfolio and performance reports, their general profile suggests they are a capable contractor for this type of work. A review of past performance evaluations and any contract awards or disputes would provide a more definitive assessment of their track record in managing similar projects, including their ability to meet performance targets, manage budgets, and navigate local contexts effectively.

How does the cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) structure compare to other contract types for similar international development services, and what are the implications for value for money?

The Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) contract type is often used when the scope of work is not precisely defined at the outset or involves a high degree of uncertainty, which can be common in complex social programs like violence prevention. It allows the contractor to be reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. Compared to fixed-price contracts, CPFF offers more flexibility but can potentially lead to higher costs if not managed rigorously, as the contractor has less incentive to control expenses beyond what is necessary to complete the work. For value for money, effective government oversight is paramount to ensure costs are reasonable and the fixed fee is appropriate for the level of effort and risk. Other contract types, like Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) or Cost-Plus-Incentive-Fee (CPIF), might offer different risk/reward profiles and incentives for cost control.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) typically used to measure the success of secondary violence prevention activities funded by USAID, and how are they monitored?

Key performance indicators for secondary violence prevention activities often focus on measurable changes in community safety, reduction in specific types of violence, increased community engagement in prevention efforts, and improved capacity of local partners. Examples might include a decrease in reported incidents of domestic violence or youth gang activity in targeted areas, an increase in participation in community-led safety initiatives, or improved skills among local law enforcement or social workers in conflict resolution. Monitoring typically involves a combination of quantitative data collection (e.g., incident reports, survey data) and qualitative assessments (e.g., focus groups, case studies). USAID's program office, along with the implementing partner, would establish a detailed monitoring and evaluation (M&E) plan outlining specific KPIs, data collection methodologies, reporting frequencies, and targets.

What is the historical spending trend for violence prevention programs or similar social development initiatives by USAID over the past five years?

Analyzing historical spending trends for violence prevention programs by USAID requires access to detailed budget and expenditure data, which is often aggregated under broader categories like 'Peace and Security,' 'Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance,' or 'Economic Growth.' While specific figures for 'violence prevention' as a standalone category may not be readily available in public summaries, overall USAID spending on programs aimed at conflict mitigation, stabilization, and social development has been substantial and subject to shifts based on global priorities and geopolitical events. Trends can indicate increasing or decreasing emphasis on such interventions. For precise historical data, one would need to consult USAID's annual budget documents, congressional budget justifications, and contract award databases, looking for specific program areas related to conflict prevention and social cohesion.

What are the potential risks associated with implementing long-term (over 6 years) violence prevention programs in potentially unstable regions, and how are these risks mitigated?

Long-term violence prevention programs in unstable regions face numerous risks, including political instability, changes in government policies, security threats to personnel and beneficiaries, corruption, cultural misunderstandings, and the potential for program fatigue or lack of sustained local ownership. Mitigation strategies are critical and typically involve robust security protocols, continuous risk assessment and adaptation, strong local partnerships to ensure cultural relevance and sustainability, transparent financial management to combat corruption, and flexible program design that can adapt to changing contexts. USAID's oversight, including regular field assessments and close collaboration with the implementing partner, is crucial for identifying and addressing these risks proactively throughout the contract's duration.

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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5301 WISCONSIN AVE NW STE 700, WASHINGTON, DC, 20015

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $24,986,356

Exercised Options: $24,986,356

Current Obligation: $24,739,102

Actual Outlays: $3,175,037

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 2

Total Subaward Amount: $999,498

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: AIDOAAI1500011

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline