USAID contract for Jordan healthcare services saw significant spending over 12 years, managed by ABT Global LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $73,427,819 ($73.4M)

Contractor: ABT Global LLC

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2009-09-01

End Date: 2022-04-20

Contract Duration: 4,614 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.9K/day

Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS TO ASSIST THE GOVERNMENT OF JORDAN IMPROVE ACCESS TO AND QUALITY OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES AND INFORMATION THROUGH STRENGTHENING, EXPANDING AND INSTITUTIONALIZING HEALTH CARE DELIVERY SYSTEMS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR AT THE CENTRAL MOH, HEALTH DIRECTORATE (HOSPITALS AND PRIMARY HEALTH FACILITIES), AND THE COMMUNITY LEVELS.

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $73.4 million to ABT GLOBAL LLC for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS TO ASSIST THE GOVERNMENT OF JORDAN IMPROVE ACCESS TO AND QUALITY OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES AND INFORMATION THROUGH STRENGTHENING, EXPANDING AND INSTITUTIONALIZING HEALTH CARE DELIVERY SYSTEMS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR AT THE CENTRAL MOH, HEALTH DIRECTOR… Key points: 1. Contract aimed to improve healthcare access and quality in Jordan's public sector. 2. Services included strengthening and expanding healthcare delivery systems at central, directorate, and community levels. 3. The contract spanned over a decade, indicating a long-term commitment to the program's goals. 4. ABT Global LLC managed the delivery order, suggesting established expertise in international development consulting. 5. The 'Other Management Consulting Services' NAICS code points to a broad scope of advisory and support functions. 6. A Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type implies that costs were reimbursed plus a fixed fee for profit. 7. The contract was awarded as a competitive delivery order, suggesting multiple bids were considered.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award amount of over $73 million for a 12-year period for international health services in Jordan represents a substantial investment. Benchmarking this against similar USAID-funded health sector strengthening projects would be necessary for a precise value-for-money assessment. However, the duration suggests a sustained effort to achieve complex development goals. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure can sometimes lead to higher costs if not carefully managed, but it also allows for flexibility in project scope.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded as a 'COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER,' indicating that the government solicited bids from multiple potential contractors. The presence of 3 bids suggests a reasonable level of competition for this specific task order. A competitive process is generally expected to yield better pricing and service offerings compared to sole-source awards.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering price discovery and encouraging contractors to offer their best value.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the citizens of Jordan, who are expected to experience improved access to and quality of healthcare services. Public sector healthcare facilities at central, directorate (hospitals and primary health), and community levels will receive support. The program aims to institutionalize improvements, leading to long-term benefits beyond the contract period. The contract supports the Jordanian Ministry of Health and its associated directorates, strengthening public health infrastructure.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns inherent in Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts if not rigorously monitored.
Long contract duration could lead to scope creep or misalignment with evolving healthcare needs if not actively managed.
Effectiveness of service delivery is dependent on the stability and cooperation of the Jordanian public health sector.

Positive Signals

Competitive award process suggests potential for good value and contractor accountability.
Long-term engagement indicates a sustained commitment to improving healthcare, allowing for deeper impact.
Focus on strengthening public sector systems aims for sustainable, institutionalized improvements.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Management Consulting Services sector, specifically focusing on public health program implementation in an international development context. USAID often contracts for such services to support partner nations in building capacity and improving essential services. The market for these services is competitive, with numerous firms specializing in international development, public health, and government consulting. The spending aligns with broader U.S. foreign assistance goals aimed at global health security and development.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans was not explicitly provided in the data. As a competitive delivery order, it's possible that small businesses could have participated in the bidding process or served as subcontractors. Further investigation would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement and its impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), likely through its Inspector General's office and program management teams. USAID typically employs various oversight mechanisms, including regular reporting requirements, site visits, and performance evaluations, to ensure accountability and transparency. The Inspector General's office conducts audits and investigations to detect fraud, waste, and abuse.

Related Government Programs

USAID Global Health Programs
International Health Sector Strengthening
Public Health Capacity Building
Management and Consulting Services for Government

Risk Flags

Long contract duration increases risk of evolving needs not being met.
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require diligent oversight to manage costs effectively.
Success is highly dependent on host government commitment and capacity.
Potential for political or economic instability impacting program delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $73.4 million to ABT GLOBAL LLC. THE PURPOSE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS TO ASSIST THE GOVERNMENT OF JORDAN IMPROVE ACCESS TO AND QUALITY OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES AND INFORMATION THROUGH STRENGTHENING, EXPANDING AND INSTITUTIONALIZING HEALTH CARE DELIVERY SYSTEMS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR AT THE CENTRAL MOH, HEALTH DIRECTORATE (HOSPITALS AND PRIMARY HEALTH FACILITIES), AND THE COMMUNITY LEVELS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ABT GLOBAL 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 $73.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-09-01. End: 2022-04-20.

What was the specific performance of ABT Global LLC on this contract?

Detailed performance metrics for ABT Global LLC on this specific task order are not publicly available in the provided data. However, the contract's long duration (over 12 years) and its completion suggest that the government found the services satisfactory enough to maintain the engagement. USAID contracts typically involve regular performance reviews and reporting. Without access to those internal USAID reports or specific project outcomes, a definitive assessment of ABT Global LLC's performance is challenging. Generally, for such long-term international development contracts, success is measured by improvements in key health indicators, institutional capacity building within the partner country's health system, and the sustainability of implemented programs.

How does the total spending compare to similar USAID health sector projects?

The total award of approximately $73.4 million over 12 years for a health sector strengthening project in Jordan is a significant investment. To benchmark this effectively, one would need to compare it with other USAID-funded health initiatives in the Middle East or similar middle-income countries focusing on public health system reform. Factors influencing cost include the scope of services (e.g., technical assistance, training, infrastructure support), the specific health challenges addressed, the duration, and the local cost environment. Projects with similar objectives but in different regions or with different scopes could vary widely. A direct comparison would require identifying projects with comparable goals, scale, and duration within USAID's portfolio.

What are the primary risks associated with this type of long-term international development contract?

Long-term international development contracts like this one carry several inherent risks. Political and economic instability in the host country can disrupt program implementation and impact outcomes. Changes in U.S. foreign policy or budget priorities could lead to funding reductions or shifts in focus. Furthermore, challenges in adapting to local cultural contexts, ensuring effective knowledge transfer to local institutions, and maintaining consistent project management over an extended period are significant risks. There's also the risk of 'institutionalization fatigue' within the partner government, where initial enthusiasm wanes, making sustained adoption of new systems difficult. Finally, unforeseen public health crises or epidemiological shifts could necessitate rapid program adaptation, straining resources and existing plans.

How effective was the 'Other Management Consulting Services' provided in achieving the stated goals?

The effectiveness of the 'Other Management Consulting Services' in improving healthcare access and quality in Jordan is difficult to quantify solely from the contract data. These services likely encompassed a broad range of activities, including strategic planning, policy advice, technical assistance, training development, and potentially support for health information systems. The success of such consulting engagements hinges on the quality of the advice, the ability of the Jordanian government to implement recommendations, and the alignment of the consulting firm's expertise with the specific needs of the public health sector. Measuring effectiveness would require analyzing specific health outcome data (e.g., maternal mortality rates, vaccination coverage, disease prevalence) and institutional capacity assessments conducted before, during, and after the contract period.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar USAID contracts in the region?

Historical spending patterns for similar USAID contracts in the Middle East region for health sector development often show substantial, multi-year commitments. USAID frequently engages in large-scale, long-term projects aimed at building capacity and improving health outcomes in partner countries. These contracts can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the country's needs, the scope of the program, and the duration. Spending is typically allocated across various components, including technical assistance, training, equipment, and sometimes infrastructure. The $73.4 million awarded for this Jordanian project aligns with the scale of major health initiatives USAID undertakes in the region, reflecting a strategic investment in public health infrastructure and services.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other 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

Address: 55 WHEELER STREET, CAMBRIDGE, MA, 02138

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Subchapter S Corporation

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $73,493,833

Exercised Options: $73,493,833

Current Obligation: $73,427,819

Actual Outlays: $26,919

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: AIDGHSI000700003

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline