USAID's $51.4M tuberculosis project in South Africa awarded to University Research Co., LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $51,368,506 ($51.4M)

Contractor: University Research CO., LLC

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2016-03-17

End Date: 2022-07-31

Contract Duration: 2,327 days

Daily Burn Rate: $22.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF-TASK ORDER FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF TUBERCULOSIS PROJECT IN SOUTH AFRICA FOR FIVE YEARS TO HELP USAID IN REDUCING THE BURDEN OF TB IN SOUTH AFRICA.

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $51.4 million to UNIVERSITY RESEARCH CO., LLC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF-TASK ORDER FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF TUBERCULOSIS PROJECT IN SOUTH AFRICA FOR FIVE YEARS TO HELP USAID IN REDUCING THE BURDEN OF TB IN SOUTH AFRICA. Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract duration of approximately 2327 days (over 6 years) indicates a long-term commitment to the project. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can incentivize cost control while ensuring contractor effort. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541990 covers 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services,' a broad category. 5. The award was a delivery order, implying it's part of a larger contract vehicle. 6. The contractor, University Research Co., LLC, has secured this significant award, indicating their capacity and qualifications in the field.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific performance metrics or comparable project data. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure means the final cost is dependent on actual expenses plus a predetermined fee. While the total award is substantial, its value for money hinges on the successful reduction of tuberculosis burden in South Africa, as outlined in the project's objectives. Further analysis would require understanding the project's specific deliverables and outcomes against its cost.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The number of bidders is not specified, but this procurement method generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and service quality. The agency likely sought proposals that best met the technical and cost requirements for implementing the tuberculosis project.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the most effective and cost-efficient solution for a critical public health initiative.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the populations in South Africa affected by tuberculosis, who will receive services aimed at reducing the disease's burden. The project aims to support USAID's mission in combating a major public health challenge in the region. Geographic impact is focused on South Africa, with potential implications for regional health security. The contract may have implications for the public health workforce in South Africa through training and capacity building.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The broad NAICS code (541990) makes it difficult to assess specific industry benchmarks or specialized expertise.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it hard to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the spending.
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type, while common, can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
The long duration indicates a strategic, long-term commitment to addressing a significant health issue.
The project directly addresses a critical global health priority (tuberculosis reduction).

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically related to public health and international development. The market for such services is driven by government funding for global health initiatives, research, and program implementation. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other USAID-funded health projects or similar international public health programs implemented by other government agencies or NGOs.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans is not provided in the data. Given the nature and scale of the contract, it is possible that subcontracting opportunities may exist for specialized services, but this is not explicitly stated.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Agency for International Development (USAID), likely through its Inspector General's office and program officials. Accountability measures would be tied to the project's performance metrics and deliverables outlined in the contract. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting requirements for federal spending.

Related Government Programs

USAID Global Health Programs
Tuberculosis Control Initiatives
International Public Health Services
Federal Contracts for Scientific and Technical Services

Risk Flags

Contract duration exceeds typical project cycles, requiring sustained oversight.
Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates rigorous cost monitoring.
Broad NAICS code may obscure specific service delivery risks.
Project's success is highly dependent on local context and partner collaboration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $51.4 million to UNIVERSITY RESEARCH CO., LLC. IGF::OT::IGF-TASK ORDER FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF TUBERCULOSIS PROJECT IN SOUTH AFRICA FOR FIVE YEARS TO HELP USAID IN REDUCING THE BURDEN OF TB IN SOUTH AFRICA.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY RESEARCH CO., 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 $51.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2016-03-17. End: 2022-07-31.

What specific services are included under the 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' NAICS code for this tuberculosis project?

The NAICS code 541990, 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services,' is a broad category. For this specific contract, the description indicates the task order is for the 'IMPLEMENTATION OF TUBERCULOSIS PROJECT IN SOUTH AFRICA.' This likely encompasses a range of activities such as public health program management, research, data collection and analysis, technical assistance to local health authorities, community outreach, potentially training of healthcare workers, and monitoring and evaluation of TB prevention and treatment efforts. The exact scope would be detailed in the task order's statement of work, which is not provided here but would specify the precise professional and scientific services required to achieve the project's objectives of reducing the burden of TB in South Africa.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type influence the cost and risk for this project?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type means the contractor (University Research Co., LLC) is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred during performance, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. This structure shifts some of the cost risk to the government, as the final contract price is not fixed upfront and depends on actual costs. However, the fixed fee provides an incentive for the contractor to manage costs efficiently, as their profit is capped. For a complex, long-term project like implementing a tuberculosis program in South Africa, CPFF can be appropriate because the exact costs may be difficult to estimate precisely at the outset due to potential unforeseen challenges in program implementation, research, or logistical issues. USAID's oversight is crucial to ensure costs are reasonable and allocable.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar tuberculosis control projects managed by USAID?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for similar USAID tuberculosis control projects would require access to detailed contract databases and program reports. Generally, USAID funds a variety of global health initiatives, including significant investments in combating infectious diseases like TB. Spending can vary widely based on the geographic scope, duration, specific interventions (e.g., drug-resistant TB treatment, prevention campaigns, diagnostics development), and the implementing partners. Projects can range from tens of millions to hundreds of millions of dollars over several years. Understanding past spending helps in benchmarking current awards and assessing trends in funding priorities and program effectiveness within USAID's global health portfolio.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) expected for this tuberculosis project in South Africa?

While specific KPIs are not detailed in the provided data, typical performance indicators for a USAID-funded tuberculosis control project in South Africa would likely focus on measurable outcomes related to disease reduction and improved health. These could include: reduction in TB incidence and mortality rates, increased case detection and treatment success rates (especially for drug-resistant TB), improved access to diagnostics and treatment, successful implementation of prevention strategies (e.g., contact tracing, latent TB infection management), enhanced capacity of local health systems and personnel, and effective utilization of funds. The contract's statement of work would define these KPIs, and performance would be monitored against them.

What is the track record of University Research Co., LLC in managing large-scale international health projects?

University Research Co., LLC (URC) has a significant track record in implementing global health projects, particularly in areas like infectious diseases, maternal and child health, and health systems strengthening. They have worked extensively with USAID and other international donors on projects in various countries. Their experience often involves capacity building for local healthcare providers, improving health service delivery, and conducting research. A review of their project portfolio and past performance evaluations would provide a more detailed understanding of their capabilities in managing complex, large-scale international health initiatives like the tuberculosis project in South Africa.

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: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7200 WISCONSIN AVE STE 600, BETHESDA, MD, 20814

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $64,801,397

Exercised Options: $64,801,397

Current Obligation: $51,368,506

Actual Outlays: $15,269,506

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 120

Total Subaward Amount: $15,333,290

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: AIDOAAI1400035

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline