USAID Spends $99.4M on Malaria Programs in Africa via RTI for Procurement and Logistics Support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $99,444,330 ($99.4M)

Contractor: Research Triangle Institute

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2009-09-30

End Date: 2014-09-29

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $54.5K/day

Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS TO SUPPORT PMI, AS WELL AS USAID MISSIONS AND BUREAUS WITH MALARIA PROGRAMS OUTSIDE PMI COUNTRIES, IN PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTING IRS PROGRAMS WITH THE OVERALL GOAL OF REDUCING THE BURDEN OF MALARIA IN AFRICA. THIS TASK ORDER WILL ENHANCE USAID?S ABILITY TO IMPLEMENT IRS PROGRAMS ON THE GROUND THROUGH COST-EFFECTIVE COMMODITIES PROCUREMENT AND LOGISTICS SYSTEMS, ACCESS TO TECHNICAL EXPERTISE, AND IMPLEMENTATION OF IRS IN COUNTRIES AFFECTED BY MALARIA. (B) COMPONENTS: THE FIVE MAIN COMPONENTS OF THIS TASK ORDER ARE AS FOLLOWS: (1) COMPONENT 1: ESTABLISH A WORLDWIDE PROCUREMENT MECHANISM TO SUPPORT IRS AND PREPARE AND EXECUTE ALL ASPECTS OF LOGISTICAL PLANS FOR IRS-RELATED ACTIVITIES INCLUDING TIMELY PROCUREMENT, DISTRIBUTION, AND STORAGE OF ALL COMMODITIES. (2) COMPONENT 2: TOGETHER WITH NMCPS, IMPLEMENT IRS PROGRAMS AND PROVIDE OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT SUPPORT (I.E. FIELD SUPERVISION, OPERATIONS PLANNING, DAY-TO-DAY IMPLEMENTATION MANAGEMENT) AND EXPERT SHORT- AND LONG-TERM TECHNICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANCE, PRIMARILY IN THE PMI FOCUS COUNTRIES BUT ALSO IN OTHER COUNTRIES WHERE USAID SUPPORTS MALARIA PROGRAMS. (3) COMPONENT 3: ENSURE THE SAFE AND JUDICIOUS USE OF INSECTICIDES, INCLUDING PREPARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS, ADHERENCE TO BEST PRACTICES, AND MONITORING OF ACTIVITIES. (4) COMPONENT 4: BUILD AND STRENGTHEN THE CAPACITY OF NMCPS IN THE TECHNICAL AND MANAGERIAL FUNCTIONS OF IRS BY ENGAGING, TRAINING, AND SUPERVISING PERSONNEL AT THE CENTRAL, PROVINCIAL, AND DISTRICT LEVELS. (5) COMPONENT 5: PROVIDE ON-GOING MONITORING AND EVALUATION FOR ACTIVITIES AND ENSURE QUALITY CONTROL MEASURES ARE ESTABLISHED AND IMPLEMENTED. TAS::72 1031::TAS

Place of Performance

Location: DURHAM, DURHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27709

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $99.4 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS TO SUPPORT PMI, AS WELL AS USAID MISSIONS AND BUREAUS WITH MALARIA PROGRAMS OUTSIDE PMI COUNTRIES, IN PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTING IRS PROGRAMS WITH THE OVERALL GOAL OF REDUCING THE BURDEN OF MALARIA IN AFRICA. THIS TASK ORDER WILL ENHANCE USAID?S A… Key points: 1. Focuses on malaria program support in Africa, including commodity procurement and logistics. 2. Contract awarded to Research Triangle Institute (RTI) for a fixed fee. 3. Competition method was 'Competitive Delivery Order', suggesting some level of bidding. 4. Sector is primarily public health and international development, with significant IT and logistics components.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $99.4M over five years for specialized malaria program support appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar large-scale international health program contracts would provide further context.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

Awarded as a 'Competitive Delivery Order', indicating that multiple vendors likely had an opportunity to bid. This competitive process is expected to yield fair pricing for the services rendered.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being directed towards critical global health initiatives, aiming to reduce the burden of malaria in Africa, which has long-term societal benefits.

Public Impact

Directly impacts public health by supporting malaria prevention and control efforts in Africa. Enhances the effectiveness of USAID's malaria programs through improved logistics and commodity access. Contributes to economic stability in affected regions by reducing the impact of malaria.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns in complex logistics and procurement.
Dependency on a single contractor for critical program support.

Positive Signals

Clear objective to reduce malaria burden.
Focus on cost-effective commodities and logistics.
Leverages technical expertise for program implementation.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader public health and international development sector, with significant sub-components in administrative management, consulting, and logistics. Spending benchmarks for similar USAID global health initiatives would be relevant.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate specific involvement or set-asides for small businesses in this task order. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would likely be managed by USAID's program and contracting officers to ensure adherence to the contract terms, delivery of services, and proper financial management.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Complexity of global logistics.
Potential for supply chain disruptions.
Ensuring product quality and authenticity.
Political and economic instability in target regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $99.4 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE. THE PURPOSE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS TO SUPPORT PMI, AS WELL AS USAID MISSIONS AND BUREAUS WITH MALARIA PROGRAMS OUTSIDE PMI COUNTRIES, IN PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTING IRS PROGRAMS WITH THE OVERALL GOAL OF REDUCING THE BURDEN OF MALARIA IN AFRICA. THIS TASK ORDER WILL ENHANCE USAID?S ABILITY TO IMPLEMENT IRS PROGRAMS ON THE GROUND THROUGH COST-EFFECTIVE COMMODITIES PROCUREMENT AND LOGISTICS SYSTEMS, ACCESS TO TECHNICAL EXPERTISE, AND IMPLEMENTATION OF IRS IN COUNTRIES AFFECTED BY MALARIA. (B) COMPON

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE.

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 $99.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-09-30. End: 2014-09-29.

What specific metrics are used to measure the cost-effectiveness of commodity procurement and logistics under this task order?

The task order aims for cost-effectiveness through establishing a worldwide procurement mechanism and optimizing logistical plans. Specific metrics would likely include cost per unit of commodity, delivery time, spoilage rates, and overall program impact relative to expenditure. Detailed performance work statements and reporting requirements would define these measures.

What are the primary risks associated with the global procurement and distribution of malaria commodities in challenging African environments?

Key risks include supply chain disruptions due to infrastructure limitations, political instability, corruption, currency fluctuations, and potential for counterfeit or substandard products. Ensuring timely delivery, proper storage conditions, and accountability throughout the chain are critical mitigation efforts.

How does this task order contribute to the long-term sustainability of malaria programs beyond the contract period?

The task order focuses on building capacity through improved procurement and logistics systems and providing technical expertise. The long-term sustainability hinges on the effective transfer of knowledge and processes to local USAID missions, partner governments, and implementing organizations, enabling them to manage these functions independently post-contract.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › N – Health R&D 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

Address: 3040 CORNWALLIS RD, RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, 27709

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $106,278,450

Exercised Options: $106,278,450

Current Obligation: $99,444,330

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: AIDGHNI000900012

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline