USAID's $27.4M Pakistan/FATA Initiative with Creative Associates International faces scrutiny over competitive delivery order

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $27,395,287 ($27.4M)

Contractor: Creative Associates International, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2005-11-16

End Date: 2011-01-04

Contract Duration: 1,875 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.6K/day

Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: AA#33704 M/OAA IS REQUESTED TO NEGOTIATE A NEW TO WITH SWIFT II PARTNER CREATIVE FOR THE PAKISTAN/FATA TRANSITION INITIATIVE. CTO:JUSTIN SHERMANTAS::72 1037::TAS

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $27.4 million to CREATIVE ASSOCIATES INTERNATIONAL, INC. for work described as: AA#33704 M/OAA IS REQUESTED TO NEGOTIATE A NEW TO WITH SWIFT II PARTNER CREATIVE FOR THE PAKISTAN/FATA TRANSITION INITIATIVE. CTO:JUSTIN SHERMANTAS::72 1037::TAS Key points: 1. Contract awarded via competitive delivery order, suggesting some price discovery. 2. Focus on administrative management and consulting services for a complex geopolitical region. 3. Potential risks associated with long duration and cost-plus fixed fee contract type. 4. Limited information on specific performance metrics or value for money achieved.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure can incentivize cost overruns. Benchmarking against similar consulting services for international development is difficult without detailed scope and performance data.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The contract was awarded as a competitive delivery order, indicating that multiple vendors likely had an opportunity to bid. However, the specific competition details and the effectiveness of price discovery are not fully detailed.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are allocated to a critical international development initiative. Ensuring cost-effectiveness and achieving program goals are paramount for responsible spending.

Public Impact

Impacts US foreign policy objectives in Pakistan and the FATA region. Supports stability and development efforts in a volatile area. Funds provided to a private contractor for program implementation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
Long contract duration
Geopolitical instability in the region

Positive Signals

Competitive award process
Focus on critical development area

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under administrative management and general management consulting services, often utilized by agencies for complex program execution. Benchmarks for such services vary widely based on scope and region, but the scale suggests a significant undertaking.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the awardee is Creative Associates International, Inc., a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific contract award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is crucial for contracts of this nature, especially given the geopolitical context and the cost-plus contract type. Regular performance reviews and financial audits are essential to ensure accountability and prevent waste.

Related Government Programs

Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
Agency for International Development Contracting
Agency for International Development Programs

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns.
Long contract duration (1875 days) increases risk exposure.
Operating in a high-risk geopolitical region (Pakistan/FATA).
Lack of detailed performance metrics in provided data.
Potential for scope creep given the nature of consulting services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $27.4 million to CREATIVE ASSOCIATES INTERNATIONAL, INC.. AA#33704 M/OAA IS REQUESTED TO NEGOTIATE A NEW TO WITH SWIFT II PARTNER CREATIVE FOR THE PAKISTAN/FATA TRANSITION INITIATIVE. CTO:JUSTIN SHERMANTAS::72 1037::TAS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CREATIVE ASSOCIATES INTERNATIONAL, 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 $27.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2005-11-16. End: 2011-01-04.

What were the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this initiative, and how effectively were they met?

The provided data does not detail the specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) established for the Pakistan/FATA Transition Initiative. Without this information, it is impossible to assess the effectiveness of Creative Associates International's performance in achieving the program's objectives. Further review of contract documentation and performance reports would be necessary to evaluate success.

What specific risks were identified during the competitive bidding process for this delivery order, and how were they mitigated?

The data does not specify the risks identified during the competitive bidding process for this delivery order. While the award was competitive, the nature of the risks associated with operating in the Pakistan/FATA region (e.g., security, political instability, logistical challenges) and how the contractor planned to mitigate them are not detailed here. A thorough risk assessment should have been part of the procurement process.

How does the overall cost of this initiative compare to similar international development projects of comparable scope and duration?

Direct cost comparison is challenging without detailed scope and outcome data for similar projects. The $27.4 million total award for an 1875-day duration suggests a significant investment. However, the effectiveness and value derived from these funds in achieving stability and development goals in a complex region are the ultimate measures of cost-effectiveness, which cannot be determined from this data alone.

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: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5301 WISCONSIN AVE NW STE 700, WASHINGTON, DC, 20015

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $27,395,287

Exercised Options: $27,395,287

Current Obligation: $27,395,287

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: AIDDOTI000300009

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline