USAID Mali Justice Project awarded to DEXIS INTERACTIVE LLC for over $30.7 million

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $30,765,600 ($30.8M)

Contractor: Dexis Interactive LLC

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2015-12-08

End Date: 2024-04-04

Contract Duration: 3,040 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF - USAID MALI JUSTICE PROJECT

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $30.8 million to DEXIS INTERACTIVE LLC for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF - USAID MALI JUSTICE PROJECT Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the extended duration and scope of administrative management consulting services. 2. Full and open competition suggests a potentially competitive pricing environment. 3. The contract's long duration (over 8 years) may present risks related to evolving needs and cost control. 4. Performance context is within administrative and general management consulting, a broad category. 5. This contract fits within the broader USAID mission to support development and governance in foreign countries. 6. The contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) can incentivize cost overruns if not closely monitored.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's total value of over $30.7 million spread across more than 8 years suggests a moderate annual spend. Benchmarking against similar administrative management consulting contracts for international development projects is challenging without more specific service details. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires careful oversight to ensure value for money, as it can lead to higher costs if not managed effectively. The number of offers (3) indicates some level of interest but may not represent the full competitive potential.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. Three offers were received, suggesting a moderate level of competition for this contract. While three bidders is better than a sole-source award, a higher number of bidders could potentially drive prices down further and increase the likelihood of selecting the most cost-effective solution.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a more competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and a wider selection of qualified contractors.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely USAID and the Malian government, receiving administrative and management support for justice sector programs. Services delivered include general management and administrative support, crucial for the effective implementation of development projects. The geographic impact is focused on Mali, supporting U.S. foreign policy objectives in the region. Workforce implications could include the employment of consultants and local staff in Mali to support project activities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently.
Long contract duration increases the risk of scope creep and misalignment with evolving project needs.
Limited information on specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess effectiveness comprehensively.
The broad nature of 'Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services' can sometimes obscure specific deliverables and value.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
The contract has a clear end date, providing a defined period for services.
The contractor, DEXIS INTERACTIVE LLC, has experience in international development contracting.
The contract supports critical justice sector initiatives in Mali, aligning with U.S. foreign assistance goals.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically administrative and management consulting. This sector is characterized by a wide range of services supporting government operations and project management. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without more granular data on the specific consulting services provided within the justice sector in Mali. However, USAID's overall spending on technical assistance and program management globally represents a significant portion of its budget.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses. The award to DEXIS INTERACTIVE LLC, a mid-sized firm, suggests it likely competed on its own merits. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist, but this would depend on DEXIS INTERACTIVE LLC's subcontracting plan and the specific needs of the project. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless significant subcontracting occurs.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Agency for International Development (USAID), specifically the contracting officer and program officials responsible for the Mali Justice Project. Accountability measures would be embedded in the contract terms, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is facilitated by the contract's public award information, but detailed performance data and financial breakdowns may be less accessible. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

USAID Mali Programs
International Rule of Law Programs
Foreign Assistance Management Consulting
Administrative Support Services
Justice Sector Reform Initiatives

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may lead to obsolescence or misalignment with evolving needs.
Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires diligent oversight to control costs.
Operating environment in Mali presents inherent risks to program implementation.
Limited public data on specific performance metrics hinders comprehensive assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $30.8 million to DEXIS INTERACTIVE LLC. IGF::CL::IGF - USAID MALI JUSTICE PROJECT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DEXIS INTERACTIVE 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 $30.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2015-12-08. End: 2024-04-04.

What is the track record of DEXIS INTERACTIVE LLC in managing similar USAID projects, particularly in challenging environments like Mali?

DEXIS INTERACTIVE LLC has a history of working with USAID on various projects, often involving technical assistance, program management, and capacity building in developing countries. Their experience typically spans areas like democracy and governance, economic growth, and health. While specific details on their performance in Mali's justice sector would require a deeper dive into past performance evaluations and contract close-outs, their general profile suggests familiarity with USAID's operational requirements and compliance standards. However, the complexities of the Malian context, including security and political instability, present unique challenges that require robust risk management and adaptive program strategies, regardless of the contractor's general experience.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure compare to other contract types for similar international development consulting services, and what are the implications for cost control?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type is common for services where the scope is not precisely defined at the outset or is expected to evolve, such as in complex development projects. It allows the contractor to recover all allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. Compared to Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contracts, CPFF offers more flexibility but less cost certainty for the government. While FFP incentivizes the contractor to control costs tightly to maximize profit, CPFF shifts more cost risk to the government. Effective cost control under CPFF relies heavily on rigorous oversight, detailed cost monitoring, and clear definition of allowable costs by the contracting officer to prevent unnecessary expenditures and ensure the fixed fee remains appropriate for the effort.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of the Mali Justice Project, and how has DEXIS INTERACTIVE LLC performed against them?

Specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the USAID Mali Justice Project are not publicly detailed in the provided data. Typically, for justice sector projects, KPIs might include metrics related to judicial efficiency (e.g., case processing times), access to justice (e.g., number of people served by legal aid), rule of law adherence (e.g., perception surveys), capacity building of legal professionals (e.g., training hours, competency assessments), and reduction in corruption within the justice system. Assessing DEXIS INTERACTIVE LLC's performance would require access to contract performance reports, quality assurance surveillance reports, and potentially end-of-project evaluations conducted by USAID. Without this granular performance data, a definitive assessment of their success against specific, measurable objectives is not possible.

Given the contract's duration of over 8 years, what mechanisms are in place to ensure the services remain relevant and cost-effective throughout its lifecycle?

The long duration of this contract necessitates proactive management to ensure relevance and cost-effectiveness. Mechanisms typically include regular contract reviews, performance-based adjustments, and formal contract modifications to adapt to changing needs or priorities in Mali's justice sector. USAID contracting officers are expected to conduct periodic reviews to assess continued need and performance. Furthermore, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, while flexible, requires diligent oversight to ensure costs remain reasonable and the fixed fee is justified throughout the contract's life. If significant shifts occur in the operating environment or program objectives, USAID has the option to modify the contract scope, re-compete, or terminate it if necessary, though termination is usually a last resort.

How does the $30.7 million total award compare to other USAID-funded justice sector support programs in similar countries over comparable timeframes?

Comparing the $30.7 million award for the USAID Mali Justice Project to other USAID justice sector programs requires a broad analysis of USAID's portfolio. USAID funds a wide array of programs globally, with costs varying significantly based on country context, program scope, duration, and specific objectives. Projects focused on comprehensive judicial reform, security sector assistance, or extensive capacity building in post-conflict or developing nations can easily reach tens or hundreds of millions of dollars over several years. Mali's context, facing development challenges and security concerns, might necessitate a substantial investment. Without specific data on comparable projects in countries with similar socio-political and economic profiles, it's difficult to definitively state whether this contract's value is high or low, but it appears within a plausible range for a multi-year, comprehensive international development initiative.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting 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: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1331 PENNSYLVANIA AVE NW STE 300, WASHINGTON, DC, 20004

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: $31,880,958

Exercised Options: $31,880,958

Current Obligation: $30,765,600

Actual Outlays: $17,013,383

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 4

Total Subaward Amount: $269,478

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: AIDOAAI1300034

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline