USAID's $48.9M GEEL IDIQ task order to International Resources Group Ltd. for technical services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $48,903,532 ($48.9M)

Contractor: International Resources Group Ltd.

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2015-09-30

End Date: 2021-09-29

Contract Duration: 2,191 days

Daily Burn Rate: $22.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF TASK ORDER NUMBER 2 UNDER THE GROWTH, ENTERPRISE, EMPLOYMENT AND LIVELIHOODS (GEEL) IDIQ.

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $48.9 million to INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES GROUP LTD. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF TASK ORDER NUMBER 2 UNDER THE GROWTH, ENTERPRISE, EMPLOYMENT AND LIVELIHOODS (GEEL) IDIQ. Key points: 1. Contract awarded under a full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can incentivize cost control but requires careful oversight. 3. The duration of the contract is approximately 6 years, indicating a long-term need for these services. 4. The NAICS code 541990 covers 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services,' a broad category. 5. The contract was awarded as a Delivery Order under an IDIQ, a common procurement method for flexible service needs. 6. No small business set-aside was utilized, indicating the competition was open to all eligible offerors.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific deliverables and performance metrics. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates robust oversight to ensure costs remain reasonable and that the fixed fee is justified. Comparing this to similar broad technical services contracts would require detailed analysis of scope and outcomes, which are not provided here. The total award amount of $48.9 million over six years suggests a significant investment in professional services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit an offer. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the designation implies a competitive process was intended. Full and open competition generally promotes price discovery and can lead to more favorable pricing for the government compared to limited or sole-source procurements.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the potential for competitive pricing and the assurance that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid, fostering a more efficient use of public funds.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely USAID and its implementing partners who receive professional, scientific, and technical support. Services delivered fall under a broad category, potentially encompassing program management, technical assistance, research, and analysis for international development initiatives. The geographic impact is likely global, aligning with USAID's mission to advance American interests and promote democratic values abroad. Workforce implications could include employment for technical experts, consultants, and support staff involved in international development projects.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require diligent monitoring to prevent cost overruns and ensure the fixed fee is commensurate with the effort.
The broad nature of 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' could lead to scope creep if not managed carefully.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the true value and effectiveness of the services rendered.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a potentially competitive and fair bidding process.
The contract is a delivery order under an IDIQ, allowing for flexibility and task-specific management.
The long contract duration suggests a sustained need and potential for building expertise within the contractor.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector, specifically under NAICS code 541990. This sector is characterized by a wide range of specialized services, including consulting, research, and technical support. The market is diverse, with many firms competing for government contracts. Comparable spending benchmarks would depend on the specific nature of the technical services provided, but overall government spending in this category is substantial.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, and there is no indication of specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. This means the primary contract was open to all eligible firms, and the prime contractor has discretion regarding subcontracting. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether International Resources Group Ltd. voluntarily engages small businesses as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Agency for International Development (USAID). As a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, USAID would need to closely monitor incurred costs, the justification for the fixed fee, and the contractor's performance against task orders. Transparency would be enhanced through regular reporting requirements and potentially through public contract databases, though specific oversight mechanisms are not detailed here.

Related Government Programs

USAID IDIQ Contracts
International Development Assistance
Professional and Technical Services Procurement
Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee Contracts

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent oversight to manage costs.
Broad NAICS code may indicate potential for scope creep if not well-defined.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes value assessment difficult.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $48.9 million to INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES GROUP LTD.. IGF::OT::IGF TASK ORDER NUMBER 2 UNDER THE GROWTH, ENTERPRISE, EMPLOYMENT AND LIVELIHOODS (GEEL) IDIQ.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES GROUP LTD..

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 $48.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2015-09-30. End: 2021-09-29.

What specific types of technical services were delivered under this task order?

The provided data indicates the contract falls under NAICS code 541990, 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services.' This is a broad category that can encompass a wide array of activities, such as program management support, policy analysis, research and development, environmental consulting, engineering services, and technical assistance for development projects. Without access to the specific task orders issued under this IDIQ, the precise nature of the services rendered remains undefined. However, given the awarding agency is USAID, the services likely relate to supporting international development goals, economic growth, and humanitarian assistance efforts in various countries.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure compare to other contract types for similar services?

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. It reimburses the contractor for allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. Compared to Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contracts, CPFF offers more flexibility for the government if requirements change but can lead to higher costs if not managed diligently, as the contractor is incentivized to incur costs to cover their overhead. Cost-Reimbursement contracts (like Cost Plus Incentive Fee or Cost Plus Award Fee) might offer better cost control mechanisms by linking profit to performance or cost savings. For well-defined services, FFP is generally preferred for its cost certainty.

What is the typical performance history of International Resources Group Ltd. with USAID?

International Resources Group Ltd. (IRG) has a history of working with USAID on various projects related to international development. A review of publicly available contract databases and USAID's own reporting would be necessary to provide a comprehensive performance history. Generally, firms that receive multiple awards from an agency like USAID have demonstrated a capacity to meet contractual requirements. However, specific performance metrics, past performance evaluations, and any instances of contract disputes or terminations would need to be examined to fully assess their track record. Without access to detailed performance reviews, it's difficult to provide a definitive assessment.

What is the historical spending trend for 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' by USAID?

Analyzing historical spending trends for NAICS code 541990 by USAID requires access to comprehensive federal procurement data over multiple fiscal years. Generally, USAID, as a major development agency, expends significant funds on professional and technical services to support its global mission. Spending in this category can fluctuate based on geopolitical priorities, specific program needs, and the availability of other contracting vehicles. A detailed trend analysis would involve aggregating spending data for this NAICS code across all USAID contracts over several years to identify patterns, peak spending periods, and the proportion of USAID's total budget allocated to these services.

Are there any known risks associated with the broad scope of 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' contracts?

Yes, contracts classified under 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' (NAICS 541990) carry inherent risks due to their broad and often undefined nature. A primary risk is scope creep, where the project's objectives expand beyond the original agreement without corresponding adjustments to cost or schedule. This can be exacerbated by unclear requirements or inadequate project management. Another risk is difficulty in performance measurement; if deliverables are not clearly defined and measurable, assessing the contractor's success becomes challenging. Furthermore, the wide variety of services can make it difficult to establish accurate benchmarks for pricing and value, potentially leading to overpayment if not carefully managed.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › ECONOMIC GROWTH/PRODUCTIVITY R&D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Research Triangle Institute (UEI: 004868105)

Address: 1320 BRADDOCK PLACE, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 22314

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $50,630,797

Exercised Options: $50,630,797

Current Obligation: $48,903,532

Actual Outlays: $25,338,473

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 34

Total Subaward Amount: $8,508,172

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: AID623I1500001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline