USAID's $25.4M HIV/AIDS Program in Ghana Aims to Reduce Infections by 30% by 2013

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $25,357,740 ($25.4M)

Contractor: Family Health International

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2010-02-26

End Date: 2022-04-25

Contract Duration: 4,441 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS TO ACQUIRE THE SERVICES OF A CONTRACTOR TO IMPLEMENT THE HIV/AIDS SERVICE DELIVERY SUPPORT PROGRAM. USG GHANA AIMS TO CONTRIBUTE TO GHANA?S NATIONAL GOAL OF ACHIEVING A 30% REDUCTION IN NEW INFECTIONS BY 2013 BY SUPPORTING EFFORTS TO REDUCE HIV/AIDS TRANSMISSION AMONG MOST AT RISK POPULATIONS (MARP) AND THEIR SEXUAL PARTNERS. THE OBJECTIVES OF THIS CONTRACT ARE: 1. IMPROVE MARP AND PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS (PLHIV)?S KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICE OF KEY HEALTH BEHAVIORS. 2. INCREASE UTILIZATION OF QUALITY HIV/AIDS RELATED HEALTH SERVICES FOR MARP AND PLHIV. 3. STRENGTHEN HUMAN AND INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY OF MARP AND PLHIV PROGRAM IMPLEMENTERS AND COORDINATION BODIES.

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $25.4 million to FAMILY HEALTH INTERNATIONAL for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS TO ACQUIRE THE SERVICES OF A CONTRACTOR TO IMPLEMENT THE HIV/AIDS SERVICE DELIVERY SUPPORT PROGRAM. USG GHANA AIMS TO CONTRIBUTE TO GHANA?S NATIONAL GOAL OF ACHIEVING A 30% REDUCTION IN NEW INFECTIONS BY 2013 BY SUPPORTING EFFORTS TO REDUCE HIV/A… Key points: 1. The contract focuses on improving knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment among key populations. 2. It aims to increase the utilization of quality HIV/AIDS-related health services for at-risk populations and people living with HIV/AIDS. 3. Capacity building for program implementers and coordination bodies is a key objective, strengthening the local infrastructure for HIV/AIDS response. 4. The program aligns with Ghana's national goal of reducing new HIV infections, indicating a strategic focus on public health outcomes.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar public health programs is difficult due to the specific nature of the services and geographic focus.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the long duration and specific nature of the services might limit the number of truly competitive bids.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to support a critical public health initiative in Ghana, aiming for a significant reduction in HIV/AIDS transmission.

Public Impact

Supports a vital public health initiative in Ghana, contributing to the reduction of HIV/AIDS transmission. Aims to improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations, including those most at risk and living with HIV/AIDS. Strengthens local capacity for managing and implementing health programs, fostering long-term sustainability. Addresses a significant global health challenge with potential for broader impact on public health infrastructure.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize contractor to increase costs.
Long contract duration may indicate potential for scope creep or evolving needs.
Measuring the direct impact of service delivery support on infection rates can be challenging.

Positive Signals

Clear alignment with national public health goals.
Focus on capacity building for sustainable program implementation.
Awarded through full and open competition.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader health and social services sector, specifically focusing on HIV/AIDS prevention and support. Spending in this area is often driven by global health initiatives and humanitarian aid, with benchmarks varying widely based on program scope and region.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this contract. The prime contractor, Family Health International, is a large non-profit organization, suggesting the focus may not have been on small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract's success relies on effective monitoring and evaluation by USAID to ensure objectives are met and funds are used efficiently. Regular reporting and performance reviews are crucial for accountability.

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.
Long contract duration (over 12 years).
Potential difficulty in directly attributing infection rate reduction solely to this program.
Reliance on partner country infrastructure and data accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $25.4 million to FAMILY HEALTH INTERNATIONAL. THE PURPOSE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS TO ACQUIRE THE SERVICES OF A CONTRACTOR TO IMPLEMENT THE HIV/AIDS SERVICE DELIVERY SUPPORT PROGRAM. USG GHANA AIMS TO CONTRIBUTE TO GHANA?S NATIONAL GOAL OF ACHIEVING A 30% REDUCTION IN NEW INFECTIONS BY 2013 BY SUPPORTING EFFORTS TO REDUCE HIV/AIDS TRANSMISSION AMONG MOST AT RISK POPULATIONS (MARP) AND THEIR SEXUAL PARTNERS. THE OBJECTIVES OF THIS CONTRACT ARE: 1. IMPROVE MARP AND PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS (PLHIV)?S KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICE OF KEY HE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FAMILY HEALTH INTERNATIONAL.

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 $25.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-02-26. End: 2022-04-25.

What specific metrics are used to measure the '30% reduction in new infections' and how is the program's contribution to this target assessed?

The program likely utilizes established epidemiological surveillance systems in Ghana to track HIV incidence rates among key populations. Success would be measured by comparing pre-program infection rates with rates during and after program implementation, attributing changes to the program's interventions through rigorous impact evaluations and statistical analysis.

Given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, what mechanisms are in place to control costs and ensure value for money, especially over a long contract duration?

Effective oversight by USAID is critical. This includes detailed budget reviews, regular financial audits, and performance-based milestone tracking. Fixed fee components should be clearly defined and tied to achievable deliverables, with mechanisms for negotiating adjustments only for unforeseen, essential scope changes.

How does the program adapt to evolving HIV/AIDS prevention strategies and the changing needs of the target populations over its extended duration?

The program should incorporate adaptive management principles, allowing for flexibility in service delivery based on ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and feedback from beneficiaries and local partners. Regular consultations with public health experts and community stakeholders are essential to ensure strategies remain evidence-based and relevant.

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: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 359 BLACKWELL ST STE 200, DURHAM, NC, 27701

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: $26,564,920

Exercised Options: $26,564,920

Current Obligation: $25,357,740

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: AIDGHHI000700043

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline