USAID's $18.8M Trade Alliance Project Contract Awarded to Nathan Associates LLC Under Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,809,488 ($18.8M)

Contractor: Nathan Associates LLC

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2013-04-22

End Date: 2019-04-15

Contract Duration: 2,184 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF REGIONAL TRADE AND MARKET ALLIANCES PROJECT

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $18.8 million to NATHAN ASSOCIATES LLC for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF REGIONAL TRADE AND MARKET ALLIANCES PROJECT Key points: 1. The contract, valued at $18.8 million, supports regional trade and market alliances. 2. Nathan Associates LLC, a single awardee, secured this contract. 3. The contract duration was 2184 days, ending in April 2019. 4. The NAICS code 541990 indicates 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services'. 5. The contract type was Cost Plus Fixed Fee, with 7 modifications.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar technical services contracts is difficult without more specific cost breakdowns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the single awardee indicates that only one entity ultimately met the requirements or was selected.

Taxpayer Impact: The $18.8 million expenditure aims to foster economic growth through trade alliances, with the ultimate taxpayer impact depending on the project's success in achieving its objectives.

Public Impact

Supports international economic development initiatives. Aims to strengthen regional trade relationships and market access. Potential for job creation and economic growth in partner regions. Contract duration suggests a long-term commitment to project goals.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require diligent oversight to control costs.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes it hard to assess value.
Small business participation is not indicated.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Addresses a critical area of international economic policy.
Long contract duration suggests sustained effort towards goals.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under professional, scientific, and technical services, specifically focusing on international trade and market development. Spending in this sector often supports policy analysis, research, and program implementation for economic growth.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a stated factor in this contract award. Further investigation would be needed to determine if any subcontracting opportunities were utilized.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract underwent 7 modifications, suggesting potential changes in scope or requirements over its duration. Oversight would focus on the justification for these modifications and their impact on cost and schedule.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
Multiple contract modifications (7).
No indication of small business subcontracting.
Lack of specific performance outcome data.
Long contract duration without clear interim milestones.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $18.8 million to NATHAN ASSOCIATES LLC. IGF::CL::IGF REGIONAL TRADE AND MARKET ALLIANCES PROJECT

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 $18.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2013-04-22. End: 2019-04-15.

What specific outcomes were achieved by the Regional Trade and Market Alliances Project to justify the $18.8 million investment?

The provided data does not detail the specific outcomes or deliverables of the Regional Trade and Market Alliances Project. To assess value, a review of project reports, performance metrics, and final impact assessments would be necessary. Understanding the tangible benefits, such as increased trade volumes, improved market access, or strengthened economic partnerships, is crucial for evaluating the return on investment.

What were the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract structure for this project?

The primary risk with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract is the potential for cost overruns if the contractor's costs exceed initial estimates, as the government pays the actual costs plus a predetermined fee. This structure can incentivize contractors to incur higher costs, as their fee remains fixed. Effective oversight is critical to monitor costs, ensure efficiency, and prevent scope creep.

How effectively did the full and open competition process ensure the best value for the government in selecting Nathan Associates LLC?

While full and open competition is designed to maximize competition and achieve best value, the single awardee suggests that Nathan Associates LLC was the only entity that met all the stringent requirements or offered the most advantageous proposal. Assessing the effectiveness requires reviewing the solicitation's criteria, the number of bids received, and the evaluation process to confirm that a robust competition occurred and the selection was well-justified.

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) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

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, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $18,954,951

Exercised Options: $18,954,951

Current Obligation: $18,809,488

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline