USAID's $24.7M primary health care project saw a 5-year extension, raising questions about long-term value and cost-effectiveness
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $24,727,070 ($24.7M)
Contractor: Management Sciences for Health, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development
Start Date: 2013-08-01
End Date: 2023-12-31
Contract Duration: 3,804 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.5K/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 - PRIMARY HEALTH CARE PROJECT TO INCREASE COMMUNITY BASED PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SERVICE UPTAKE AND THE ADOPTION OF HEALTHY BEHAVIOR.
Plain-Language Summary
Agency for International Development obligated $24.7 million to MANAGEMENT SCIENCES FOR HEALTH, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF - PRIMARY HEALTH CARE PROJECT TO INCREASE COMMUNITY BASED PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SERVICE UPTAKE AND THE ADOPTION OF HEALTHY BEHAVIOR. Key points: 1. The contract's extended duration suggests a sustained need for primary health care services in the supported regions. 2. The cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) contract type may incentivize cost overruns, requiring close monitoring of expenditures. 3. The lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data makes it difficult to assess the project's true impact and value for money. 4. The contract's significant duration and cost indicate a substantial investment in health sector development. 5. Competition dynamics are unclear without knowing the number of proposals received and evaluated. 6. The project's success hinges on effective implementation and measurable improvements in community health outcomes.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The total obligated amount of $24.7 million over approximately 10 years (including extensions) for a primary health care project requires careful benchmarking against similar international development initiatives. Without specific performance data or detailed cost breakdowns, it's challenging to definitively assess value for money. The CPFF contract type, while allowing for flexibility, can sometimes lead to higher costs compared to fixed-price contracts if not managed rigorously. Further analysis of cost per beneficiary or per service delivered would be needed for a more robust valuation.
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. However, the number of bidders is not specified, which limits the assessment of the competitive landscape. A robust competition typically involves several qualified bidders, driving down prices and fostering innovation. The fact that it was competed fully is a positive sign for price discovery, but the ultimate effectiveness of this competition in securing the best value is not fully evident from the data.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by encouraging a wider pool of contractors to offer competitive pricing, potentially leading to more efficient use of public funds.
Public Impact
Beneficiaries include communities receiving increased access to primary health care services. The project aims to improve the adoption of healthy behaviors within these communities. Geographic impact is likely concentrated in regions where USAID has identified primary health care needs. Workforce implications could include training and capacity building for local healthcare providers.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost creep due to the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to gauge project effectiveness and impact.
- Long contract duration may indicate challenges in achieving objectives or a need for sustained, but potentially inefficient, support.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a fair and transparent procurement process.
- The project addresses a critical area of need: primary health care.
- The significant funding indicates a commitment to improving health outcomes.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically related to international development and public health. The market for such services is characterized by a mix of large, established non-profit organizations and specialized consulting firms. Benchmarking this spending against other USAID primary health care initiatives or similar global health projects would provide further context on its scale and efficiency.
Small Business Impact
The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-asides or subcontracting plans for this contract. Therefore, its direct impact on the small business ecosystem is not discernible from this information. Further investigation would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or if the prime contractor has a history of engaging with small business partners.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Agency for International Development (USAID) contracting officers and program officials. The Inspector General's office may also conduct audits or investigations into the contract's performance and financial management. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though detailed programmatic oversight information is not provided here.
Related Government Programs
- USAID Global Health Programs
- International Health Assistance
- Primary Health Care Initiatives
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Lack of detailed performance metrics
Tags
usaid, international-development, primary-health-care, definitive-contract, cost-plus-fixed-fee, full-and-open-competition, professional-scientific-technical-services, health, long-term-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Agency for International Development awarded $24.7 million to MANAGEMENT SCIENCES FOR HEALTH, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF - PRIMARY HEALTH CARE PROJECT TO INCREASE COMMUNITY BASED PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SERVICE UPTAKE AND THE ADOPTION OF HEALTHY BEHAVIOR.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MANAGEMENT SCIENCES FOR HEALTH, 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 $24.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2013-08-01. End: 2023-12-31.
What were the specific performance objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) for this primary health care project?
The provided data does not detail the specific performance objectives or Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract. Typically, such projects would have measurable goals related to increased service utilization, improved health outcomes (e.g., reduced maternal or child mortality, increased vaccination rates), enhanced community health worker capacity, and adoption of specific health behaviors. Without these KPIs, it is impossible to quantitatively assess the project's success or the value delivered. Future analysis should seek to obtain the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) and any associated performance monitoring plans to evaluate its effectiveness against stated goals.
How does the cost per beneficiary or per service delivered compare to similar primary health care projects funded by USAID or other international donors?
A direct comparison of cost per beneficiary or per service delivered is not possible with the current data. The total obligated amount is $24.7 million, and the contract duration is approximately 10 years (from 2013 to 2023). To perform a meaningful benchmark, one would need to know the number of beneficiaries reached or the volume of specific services provided over this period. Additionally, comparable projects would need to be identified, considering factors like geographic region, specific health focus (e.g., maternal health, infectious diseases), and the local cost environment. Obtaining detailed programmatic reports and financial breakdowns from USAID would be necessary for such an analysis.
What is the track record of Management Sciences for Health, Inc. (MSH) in delivering similar international health projects, and have they faced any past performance issues?
Management Sciences for Health, Inc. (MSH) is a well-established non-profit organization with extensive experience in global health programming. They have a long history of implementing projects focused on strengthening health systems, improving access to care, and promoting public health initiatives in numerous countries. While specific past performance issues related to this particular contract are not detailed in the provided data, MSH's overall track record is generally considered strong within the global health community. However, a comprehensive assessment would require reviewing their performance evaluations on other USAID contracts and any publicly available reports or audits concerning their operations.
Given the 5-year extension, what were the primary reasons for extending the contract, and were there any changes to the scope of work or budget?
The provided data indicates a contract duration of 3804 days (approximately 10.4 years), suggesting that the initial award likely included provisions for extensions or that significant modifications occurred. The specific reasons for any extensions, such as the 5-year extension mentioned, are not detailed. Typically, extensions are granted due to the continued need for services, successful project performance, or unforeseen circumstances that require additional time to achieve objectives. Without access to contract modification documents or program reports, it's impossible to confirm if the scope of work or budget was adjusted during these extensions. Such information would be crucial for understanding the evolution of the project and its long-term financial commitment.
What is the breakdown of the $24.7 million obligated amount by fiscal year or by major cost categories (e.g., personnel, travel, equipment)?
The provided data summarizes the total obligated amount ($24,727,069.65) but does not offer a breakdown by fiscal year or by major cost categories. Understanding how the funds were allocated across personnel, travel, equipment, subcontracts, and indirect costs is essential for a thorough financial analysis and for assessing cost-efficiency. This level of detail is typically found in contract financial reports or agency budget documents. Without this breakdown, it is difficult to scrutinize the expenditure patterns or identify potential areas for cost savings or efficiency improvements.
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
Solicitation ID: SOL-687-13-000001
Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 784 MEMORIAL DR, CAMBRIDGE, MA, 02139
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $24,858,165
Exercised Options: $24,858,165
Current Obligation: $24,727,070
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2013-08-01
Current End Date: 2023-12-31
Potential End Date: 2023-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2023-10-13
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