Over $12.6M for Integrated Protected Area Co-Management (IPAC) services awarded to International Resources Group Ltd

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,614,213 ($12.6M)

Contractor: International Resources Group Ltd.

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2006-09-30

End Date: 2013-06-04

Contract Duration: 2,439 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.2K/day

Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: INTEGRATED PROTECTED AREA CO-MANAGEMENT (IPAC)

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $12.6 million to INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES GROUP LTD. for work described as: INTEGRATED PROTECTED AREA CO-MANAGEMENT (IPAC) Key points: 1. Contract awarded for administrative and management consulting services, focusing on co-management of protected areas. 2. The contract duration was approximately 6.7 years, indicating a long-term need for these services. 3. Awarded as a competitive delivery order, suggesting multiple bids were considered. 4. The contractor, International Resources Group Ltd., has experience in international development projects. 5. The contract type was Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can incentivize cost control but requires careful oversight. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541611 points to general management consulting.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific performance metrics or comparable international co-management contracts. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure means the final cost is tied to actual expenses plus a predetermined fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. However, the fixed fee component provides some predictability for the contractor's profit.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded as a 'COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER,' indicating that it was competed under a broader contract vehicle, likely allowing for multiple bidders to submit proposals. The presence of competition is generally positive for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive offers.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process helps ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a market-driven price for the services rendered.

Public Impact

International Resources Group Ltd. benefits through contract revenue and project execution. The services delivered aim to improve the co-management of integrated protected areas, likely in developing countries. Geographic impact is expected to be in regions where protected areas require co-management strategies, potentially enhancing biodiversity and local community involvement. Workforce implications include employment for consultants, project managers, and local staff involved in protected area management.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require diligent oversight to prevent scope creep and ensure costs remain reasonable.
The long duration of the contract (nearly 7 years) necessitates ongoing performance monitoring to ensure continued value.
Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data makes it difficult to assess the effectiveness of the co-management strategies implemented.

Positive Signals

Awarded through a competitive process, suggesting a degree of market validation for the chosen contractor and proposed services.
The contractor has a history of working on international development projects, implying relevant expertise for this type of contract.
The focus on co-management of protected areas aligns with international conservation goals.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically management consulting. The market for international development consulting is substantial, with agencies like USAID frequently procuring services for environmental management, governance, and capacity building in partner countries. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other contracts for environmental consulting, conservation program management, and international aid delivery.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions for this contract. It is also unclear if International Resources Group Ltd. is a small business itself or if there are subcontracting requirements that would benefit small businesses. Further investigation into the contract's specific terms and the contractor's size would be needed to assess the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Agency for International Development (USAID). As a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, USAID would be responsible for monitoring expenditures, ensuring compliance with the contract terms, and verifying the reasonableness of costs incurred. Transparency would depend on USAID's reporting practices and the public availability of contract performance information. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply for any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

USAID Environmental Programs
International Conservation Initiatives
Protected Area Management Contracts
Global Development Consulting Services

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent oversight.
Long contract duration necessitates ongoing performance monitoring.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes value assessment difficult.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $12.6 million to INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES GROUP LTD.. INTEGRATED PROTECTED AREA CO-MANAGEMENT (IPAC)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES GROUP LTD..

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 $12.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2006-09-30. End: 2013-06-04.

What was the specific geographic region or countries where the IPAC project was implemented?

The provided data does not specify the exact geographic region or countries where the Integrated Protected Area Co-Management (IPAC) project was implemented. However, given that the contract was awarded by the Agency for International Development (USAID), it is highly probable that the project took place in a developing country or a region where USAID actively engages in development assistance. These projects often focus on areas with significant biodiversity, natural resources, and potential for community-based conservation efforts. Further details would likely be available in USAID's project portfolio or contract performance reports.

How did the final cost compare to the initial estimated cost, given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure?

The provided data does not include information on the initial estimated cost or the final obligated amount for this contract. A Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract structure means that the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a fixed fee representing profit. While the fee is fixed, the total cost can fluctuate based on actual expenses. To determine how the final cost compared to estimates, one would need access to the contract's baseline cost projections and the final expenditure reports. CPFF contracts require robust oversight from the contracting agency to ensure costs are reasonable and allocable to the contract's scope of work.

What were the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to evaluate the success of the IPAC project?

The provided data does not detail the specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that were used to evaluate the success of the Integrated Protected Area Co-Management (IPAC) project. Typically, for such contracts, KPIs would relate to metrics such as the effective management of protected areas, biodiversity conservation outcomes, community engagement levels, sustainable resource utilization, and institutional capacity building for local partners. The Agency for International Development (USAID) usually establishes performance work statements with measurable objectives. Accessing the contract's statement of work or subsequent performance reports would be necessary to identify the specific KPIs.

Can we compare the per-contractor award value to other similar co-management contracts managed by USAID?

Comparing the award value of $12.6 million for this Integrated Protected Area Co-Management (IPAC) contract to other similar contracts managed by USAID requires access to a broader dataset of USAID's procurement history for conservation and co-management projects. Without a benchmark of comparable contracts, it is difficult to definitively state whether this award represents a high, low, or average value. Factors such as the geographic scope, duration, complexity of the protected areas, and the specific co-management models employed would influence the contract value. A comprehensive analysis would involve identifying similar projects and analyzing their award amounts and contract terms.

What is the track record of International Resources Group Ltd. in managing large-scale international development projects?

International Resources Group Ltd. (IRG) has a history of managing international development projects, often focusing on areas such as natural resource management, environmental policy, and sustainable development. While the provided data confirms their award for the IPAC contract, a deeper dive into IRG's project portfolio, past performance evaluations, and client feedback (e.g., from USAID or other development agencies) would be necessary to fully assess their track record. Generally, companies that secure multiple contracts with agencies like USAID demonstrate a capacity to meet the requirements of complex, long-term international initiatives, though specific project successes and challenges would need individual review.

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: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Research Triangle Institute (UEI: 004868105)

Address: 1211 CONNECTICUT AVE NW STE 700, WASHINGTON, DC, 20036

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $12,786,812

Exercised Options: $12,786,812

Current Obligation: $12,614,213

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: AIDEPPI000600007

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline