USAID's $26.6M IGF M&E and Joint Education Program contract awarded to Integrated Business & Technical Consultants, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $26,643,697 ($26.6M)

Contractor: Integrated Business & Technical Consultants, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2016-01-19

End Date: 2021-11-18

Contract Duration: 2,130 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF M&E AND JOINT EDUCATION PROGRAM.

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $26.6 million to INTEGRATED BUSINESS & TECHNICAL CONSULTANTS, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF M&E AND JOINT EDUCATION PROGRAM. Key points: 1. The contract's value of $26.6 million over its period of performance suggests a significant investment in monitoring, evaluation, and education support. 2. Awarded under full and open competition, this contract indicates a competitive bidding process was utilized, potentially leading to better pricing. 3. The contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully, posing a potential risk. 4. The duration of 2130 days (approximately 5.8 years) allows for sustained program support but also requires long-term oversight. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541990 points to a broad range of professional, scientific, and technical services. 6. The absence of small business set-aside flags suggests the primary awardee is not a small business, with subcontracting opportunities needing further review.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award amount of $26.6 million for a nearly six-year contract for monitoring, evaluation, and education services appears within a reasonable range for complex, long-term government support. However, without specific benchmarks for similar M&E and education programs within USAID or comparable agencies, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type introduces a degree of risk, as it allows the contractor to recover all allowable costs plus a fixed fee, which could lead to higher final costs compared to fixed-price contracts if cost controls are not robust. Further analysis of the fixed fee percentage and the contractor's cost performance would be necessary for a definitive value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating that the solicitation was broadly advertised, and multiple bids were likely considered. The fact that it was full and open competition suggests that the agency sought the widest possible pool of qualified contractors. The presence of 5 offers (no: 5) indicates a healthy level of interest and competition for this requirement. This competitive environment is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive proposals.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition process typically benefits taxpayers by driving down prices through market forces and encouraging a wider range of innovative solutions. This approach helps ensure that government funds are used efficiently by selecting the most cost-effective and technically capable offerors.

Public Impact

Beneficiaries include international communities and educational institutions receiving support through USAID's development programs. Services delivered encompass monitoring and evaluation of program effectiveness, as well as joint education initiatives. The geographic impact is likely global, aligning with USAID's mission to advance development and humanitarian assistance worldwide. Workforce implications may include employment for consultants, researchers, and education specialists involved in program implementation and oversight.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher spending if not closely monitored.
Long contract duration (over 5 years) requires sustained vigilance to ensure continued performance and value.
The broad NAICS code (541990) might indicate a less specialized requirement, potentially leading to a wider range of contractor capabilities and varying quality.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process and competitive pricing.
Multiple offers received (5) indicate strong market interest and a competitive environment.
The contract supports critical USAID functions in monitoring, evaluation, and education, aligning with agency goals.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically under NAICS code 541990. This broad category encompasses a wide array of services, including research and development, consulting, and technical support. Government spending in this sector is substantial, supporting various agency missions from defense and intelligence to international development and healthcare. Benchmarking this contract's value requires comparison against similar M&E and education support contracts within USAID or other development agencies, considering the scope, duration, and complexity of services provided.

Small Business Impact

The contract details do not indicate a specific small business set-aside. The primary awardee, Integrated Business & Technical Consultants, Inc., is likely not a small business given the contract value. Further investigation into the subcontracting plan would be necessary to determine the extent to which small businesses will participate in fulfilling this contract's requirements and contribute to the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Agency for International Development (USAID). As a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, rigorous financial oversight and performance monitoring are crucial to ensure costs remain reasonable and the fixed fee is justified by performance. Transparency would be facilitated through contract reporting requirements and potentially through USAID's Inspector General (IG) audits, should any concerns regarding waste, fraud, or abuse arise. The contract's duration necessitates ongoing oversight to ensure continued alignment with program objectives.

Related Government Programs

USAID Monitoring and Evaluation Programs
International Education Assistance
Global Development Support Contracts
Professional and Technical Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent oversight to manage costs.
Long contract duration necessitates sustained performance monitoring.
Broad NAICS code may indicate a need for careful definition of services and performance standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $26.6 million to INTEGRATED BUSINESS & TECHNICAL CONSULTANTS, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF M&E AND JOINT EDUCATION PROGRAM.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INTEGRATED BUSINESS & TECHNICAL CONSULTANTS, 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 $26.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2016-01-19. End: 2021-11-18.

What is the track record of Integrated Business & Technical Consultants, Inc. with government contracts, particularly with USAID?

A review of publicly available contract data indicates that Integrated Business & Technical Consultants, Inc. (IBTCI) has a significant history of receiving federal contracts, including numerous awards from USAID. IBTCI specializes in international development, with a strong focus on monitoring and evaluation (M&E), research, and capacity building. Their portfolio often includes complex, multi-year projects in challenging environments. While specific performance metrics for past contracts are not detailed here, their consistent awards from USAID suggest a satisfactory performance history and a recognized expertise in the required service areas. Further due diligence would involve examining past performance evaluations and any documented issues or successes on prior USAID engagements.

How does the $26.6 million total award compare to similar M&E and education support contracts managed by USAID?

The $26.6 million total award for this 2130-day (approx. 5.8 years) contract for M&E and joint education programs is substantial, reflecting the long-term and comprehensive nature of the services. To benchmark this value, one would need to compare it against other large-scale, multi-year M&E and education support contracts awarded by USAID or similar development agencies like the Department of State or Millennium Challenge Corporation. Factors such as geographic scope, specific technical requirements (e.g., data collection methodologies, training programs), and the number of countries or projects covered would influence comparability. Generally, contracts of this duration and scope in the development sector can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars, making this award appear within a plausible range, though specific cost-efficiency metrics would require deeper analysis of deliverables and outcomes.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract of this magnitude and duration?

The primary risks associated with a CPFF contract of this magnitude ($26.6M) and duration (over 5 years) revolve around cost control and potential for contractor inefficiency. In a CPFF structure, the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. This can incentivize the contractor to incur higher costs, as their profit margin (the fixed fee) remains constant regardless of the total cost. For USAID, this means rigorous oversight is essential to ensure that all costs are reasonable, allocable, and necessary for contract performance. Without strong cost monitoring and performance management, there is a risk of cost overruns and reduced value for money. The long duration amplifies this risk, as sustained vigilance is required throughout the contract lifecycle.

What is the expected impact of this contract on USAID's program effectiveness in the targeted regions?

This contract is expected to significantly enhance USAID's program effectiveness by providing crucial monitoring and evaluation (M&E) expertise and supporting joint education initiatives. Robust M&E allows USAID to track progress, measure impact, identify challenges, and make data-driven adjustments to its development programs, thereby increasing accountability and efficiency. The focus on joint education programs suggests a commitment to improving educational outcomes in partner countries, which can have long-term societal benefits, including enhanced human capital, economic growth, and stability. By ensuring programs are well-managed, their results are accurately measured, and educational components are strengthened, this contract directly contributes to USAID's overarching mission of advancing development and fostering self-reliance.

How has USAID's spending on 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' (NAICS 541990) trended over the past five years?

Analyzing USAID's spending trends for NAICS code 541990, 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services,' over the past five years would reveal the agency's reliance on this broad service category. This code encompasses a diverse range of services, making it essential to isolate spending related to M&E and education support for a precise comparison. Generally, government-wide spending in professional and technical services has seen fluctuations influenced by budget appropriations, geopolitical priorities, and the specific needs of agencies like USAID. A detailed analysis would involve examining annual obligated amounts for this NAICS code, identifying the largest contracts within it, and assessing whether spending has increased or decreased, indicating shifts in agency strategy or operational requirements. This context helps determine if the $26.6M award is part of a growing or shrinking investment in such services.

What are the implications of awarding this contract under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources'?

The designation 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' implies a specific procurement history. It suggests that at some point, a decision was made to exclude certain sources (perhaps due to prior contract issues, specific technical requirements, or a previous limited competition phase). However, the subsequent 'Full and Open Competition' phase means that the opportunity was then opened to all responsible sources. This approach aims to balance specific needs with broad market engagement. For taxpayers, it suggests an effort to ensure fair pricing and access to a wide range of capabilities, while acknowledging a potentially complex procurement history. The key takeaway is that while there might have been prior exclusions, the final award was made through a competitive process open to the broader market.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: SOL-660-15-000014

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8618 WESTWOOD CENTER DR STE 400, VIENNA, VA, 22182

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $27,143,698

Exercised Options: $27,143,698

Current Obligation: $26,643,697

Actual Outlays: $13,242,748

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 2

Total Subaward Amount: $5,799,512

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: AIDOAAI1500022

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline