Deloitte Consulting LLP awarded $26.18M for technical assistance to South Sudanese governing institutions

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $26,182,655 ($26.2M)

Contractor: Deloitte Consulting LLP

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2013-04-22

End Date: 2015-09-04

Contract Duration: 865 days

Daily Burn Rate: $30.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: "IGF::OT::IGF" TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO KEY SOUTH SUDAN GOVERNING INSTITUTIONS INCLUDING MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC PLANNING, BANK OF SOUTH SUDAN, AND MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND MINING.

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $26.2 million to DELOITTE CONSULTING LLP for work described as: "IGF::OT::IGF" TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO KEY SOUTH SUDAN GOVERNING INSTITUTIONS INCLUDING MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC PLANNING, BANK OF SOUTH SUDAN, AND MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND MINING. Key points: 1. Contract provides critical support to key financial and resource management ministries in South Sudan. 2. The award represents a significant investment in institutional capacity building for a developing nation. 3. Performance period of 865 days indicates a substantial, multi-year engagement. 4. The contract type, Cost Plus Fixed Fee, allows for flexibility while managing project costs. 5. This engagement aims to strengthen governance and economic stability in South Sudan.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $26.18 million over approximately 2.4 years for technical assistance to governing institutions in South Sudan is difficult to benchmark without specific details on the scope of services. However, for large-scale international development projects, this amount can be considered moderate. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type suggests that costs are reimbursed, and a fixed fee is added, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. Benchmarking against similar technical assistance contracts in post-conflict or developing nations would provide a clearer picture of 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 vendors had the opportunity to bid. This competitive process is generally expected to yield better pricing and service quality. The presence of 5 bidders suggests a reasonable level of interest and competition for this type of specialized international development work.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition is favorable for taxpayers as it encourages a range of qualified contractors to offer their best pricing and solutions, potentially leading to more efficient use of public funds.

Public Impact

Beneficiaries include the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, the Bank of South Sudan, and the Ministry of Petroleum and Mining. Services delivered focus on technical assistance to strengthen governing institutions. Geographic impact is concentrated within South Sudan, aiming to improve national governance structures. Workforce implications may include the deployment of international and local consultants, contributing to knowledge transfer.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns inherent in CPFF contracts if not rigorously monitored.
Ensuring effective knowledge transfer and sustainability of institutional capacity beyond the contract period.
Navigating complex political and security environments in South Sudan.
Measuring the tangible impact of technical assistance on governance and economic outcomes.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
Contractor (Deloitte Consulting LLP) is a well-established firm with experience in government contracting.
Focus on critical governing institutions, indicating a strategic approach to development aid.
Clear objectives for technical assistance to improve institutional functioning.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector, specifically under 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' (NAICS 541990). This sector encompasses a wide range of specialized consulting and advisory services. The market for international development consulting is competitive, with major firms often competing for large government contracts aimed at capacity building and institutional reform in developing countries. The value of this contract is moderate within the broader landscape of U.S. foreign aid and technical assistance programs.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. As a large contract awarded to a major consulting firm, the primary focus is likely on the prime contractor's capabilities. The absence of small business set-asides means that opportunities for small businesses to directly participate in this specific contract may be limited, though they could potentially be involved as subcontractors if Deloitte chooses to engage them.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Agency for International Development (USAID), which awarded the contract. Mechanisms likely include regular reporting requirements from Deloitte, performance reviews, and financial audits to ensure funds are used appropriately and objectives are met. The Inspector General of USAID would have jurisdiction for investigating fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

USAID Technical Assistance Programs
International Development Aid
Governance and Institutional Strengthening Programs
Foreign Assistance Contracts

Risk Flags

Operating environment risk (South Sudan)
Contract type risk (CPFF)
Sustainability of capacity building
Measuring impact of technical assistance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $26.2 million to DELOITTE CONSULTING LLP. "IGF::OT::IGF" TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO KEY SOUTH SUDAN GOVERNING INSTITUTIONS INCLUDING MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC PLANNING, BANK OF SOUTH SUDAN, AND MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND MINING.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DELOITTE CONSULTING LLP.

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 $26.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2013-04-22. End: 2015-09-04.

What specific technical assistance activities were undertaken by Deloitte Consulting LLP under this contract?

The contract focused on providing technical assistance to key South Sudanese governing institutions, including the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, the Bank of South Sudan, and the Ministry of Petroleum and Mining. While the exact nature of the 'technical assistance' is not detailed in the summary data, it typically involves expert advice, training, process improvement, system implementation, and capacity building. For ministries of finance, this could include support in budgeting, fiscal management, and economic policy formulation. For a central bank, it might involve monetary policy implementation, financial sector regulation, and banking supervision. For a ministry of petroleum, assistance could relate to resource management, revenue transparency, and contract negotiation frameworks. The goal is generally to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability of these critical government bodies.

How does the $26.18 million contract value compare to similar technical assistance efforts in South Sudan or comparable nations?

Benchmarking the $26.18 million contract value requires comparing it to similar technical assistance initiatives in countries facing similar development challenges, particularly those in post-conflict or fragile states. Large-scale technical assistance programs for institutional capacity building can range significantly in cost, often running into tens or hundreds of millions of dollars over several years, depending on the scope, duration, and complexity of the supported institutions. For instance, World Bank or UN-funded projects aimed at strengthening public financial management or resource governance in other African nations often involve substantial budgets. Without specific details on the deliverables and the number of personnel deployed, a precise comparison is difficult. However, for a multi-year engagement supporting multiple high-level government bodies in a country like South Sudan, $26.18 million appears to be within a plausible range for significant technical support.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how might they be mitigated?

Primary risks associated with this contract include the inherent instability and challenging operating environment in South Sudan (political, security, logistical), potential for corruption or misuse of funds, difficulties in achieving sustainable institutional capacity building, and the complexities of managing a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract. Mitigation strategies would involve robust due diligence on local partners, stringent financial controls and auditing, clear performance metrics and regular monitoring, phased implementation with adaptive management, strong stakeholder engagement (including government counterparts and local communities), and ensuring the expertise of the deployed consultants aligns with the specific needs. USAID's oversight mechanisms and Deloitte's internal risk management protocols are crucial for addressing these potential issues.

What is Deloitte Consulting LLP's track record with USAID or similar international development contracts?

Deloitte Consulting LLP is a major global professional services firm with extensive experience in providing consulting services to governments and international organizations worldwide, including USAID. They have a history of undertaking large and complex projects in areas such as public financial management, economic development, governance, and institutional reform across various regions. While specific contract performance details are often proprietary, Deloitte's consistent ability to win and execute significant contracts with agencies like USAID suggests a generally positive track record. Their experience likely includes navigating the complexities of working in challenging environments and delivering technical assistance to public sector institutions.

How has spending on technical assistance to South Sudan's governing institutions evolved over time, and does this contract represent a significant shift?

Analyzing the historical spending on technical assistance to South Sudan's governing institutions requires access to historical foreign aid and contract databases. South Sudan, since its independence in 2011, has been a recipient of substantial international aid aimed at state-building and development, often channeled through agencies like USAID, the World Bank, and other bilateral donors. Spending on technical assistance to ministries of finance, central banks, and resource management bodies is a common component of such aid. This $26.18 million contract, awarded in 2013, represents a significant, multi-year investment in institutional capacity building during a critical period for the young nation. Whether it represents a 'shift' would depend on the scale and focus of previous and subsequent aid efforts in these specific sectors.

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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Deloitte LLP (UEI: 014127109)

Address: 1725 DUKE ST, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 22314

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $52,165,887

Exercised Options: $26,182,655

Current Obligation: $26,182,655

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline