USAID's $359M contract for reproductive health services awarded to ABT Global LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $29,102,737 ($29.1M)

Contractor: ABT Global LLC

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2004-09-17

End Date: 2009-11-29

Contract Duration: 1,899 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.3K/day

Competition Type: NON-COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PRIVATE SECTOR PROGRAM IQC - TEC $359,000,000. THIS TO IS TO PROVIDE GLOBAL LEADERSHIP, INNOVATION AND TECHNICAL DIRECTION CONCERNING REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND RELATED FAMILY PLANNING BEHAVIORS, PRODUCTS AND SERVICES, AND RELATED HEALTH BEHAVIORS, PRODUCTS AND SERVICES, IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR. 3085 PSP (TASK ORDER #1)

Place of Performance

Location: BETHESDA, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20814

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $29.1 million to ABT GLOBAL LLC for work described as: PRIVATE SECTOR PROGRAM IQC - TEC $359,000,000. THIS TO IS TO PROVIDE GLOBAL LEADERSHIP, INNOVATION AND TECHNICAL DIRECTION CONCERNING REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND RELATED FAMILY PLANNING BEHAVIORS, PRODUCTS AND SERVICES, AND RELATED HEALTH BEHAVIORS, PRODUCTS AND SERVICES, IN THE PRI… Key points: 1. Contract focuses on global leadership and technical direction for reproductive health and family planning. 2. Awarded as a non-competitive delivery order, raising questions about competition and potential cost efficiencies. 3. The contract duration of nearly 5 years suggests a significant, long-term commitment to these services. 4. Services are categorized under 'Other Management Consulting Services,' indicating a broad scope of work. 5. The contract's value places it as a substantial investment in global health initiatives.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total contract value is $359 million over approximately five years. Without specific performance metrics or comparable contracts for similar global reproductive health leadership and technical direction, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. The cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) contract type allows for cost reimbursement plus a fixed fee, which can incentivize cost control but also carries risks if initial cost estimates are inaccurate. Benchmarking against similar large-scale global health consulting contracts would be necessary for a more definitive assessment of pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded as a non-competitive delivery order, meaning it was not subject to a full and open competition. This approach is typically used when a specific contractor possesses unique capabilities or when there is an urgent need. The lack of competition means that the government did not benefit from a range of proposals and potentially lower prices that could arise from a competitive bidding process. The rationale for this sole-source award would need to be thoroughly documented to ensure it was justified.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards can potentially lead to higher costs for taxpayers as the government does not leverage competitive pressures to drive down prices. It also limits opportunities for other qualified firms to secure federal funding.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are populations in developing countries receiving improved reproductive health and family planning services. The contract aims to deliver global leadership, innovation, and technical direction in reproductive health. Geographic impact is global, focusing on regions with significant needs in family planning and reproductive health. Workforce implications include potential employment for public health experts, consultants, and program managers.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may have resulted in a higher price than a competitive award.
Cost-plus-fixed-fee structure requires careful monitoring to ensure cost control.
Scope of 'global leadership and technical direction' is broad and may be difficult to precisely measure performance against.

Positive Signals

Focus on critical global health issues like reproductive health and family planning.
ABT Global LLC is a known entity in international development consulting.
Long-term contract duration suggests a sustained effort towards program goals.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the management consulting services sector, specifically focusing on public health and international development. The market for global health consulting is substantial, with numerous firms competing for large-scale contracts from agencies like USAID, the Department of Health and Human Services, and international organizations. Spending in this area is driven by U.S. foreign policy objectives and global health initiatives. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other large, multi-year contracts awarded for global health program management and technical assistance.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside component, as indicated by 'ss' being false. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting plans for small businesses within the provided data. This means that opportunities for small businesses to participate in this significant contract are likely limited unless they are prime contractors or are subcontracted by the prime. The absence of a small business focus could mean a missed opportunity to leverage the agility and specialized services that small businesses often provide in the development sector.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Agency for International Development (USAID). As a delivery order under an IDIQ, the task order itself would have specific performance requirements and reporting mechanisms. USAID's Office of Inspector General (OIG) would have jurisdiction to investigate potential fraud, waste, or abuse. Transparency would be enhanced through public contract databases like FPDS-NG, though detailed performance reports may not always be publicly accessible.

Related Government Programs

Global Health Security Agenda
President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)
Maternal and Child Health Programs
Family Planning and Reproductive Health Programs

Risk Flags

Non-competitive award
Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type
Lack of specific performance metrics in summary data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $29.1 million to ABT GLOBAL LLC. PRIVATE SECTOR PROGRAM IQC - TEC $359,000,000. THIS TO IS TO PROVIDE GLOBAL LEADERSHIP, INNOVATION AND TECHNICAL DIRECTION CONCERNING REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND RELATED FAMILY PLANNING BEHAVIORS, PRODUCTS AND SERVICES, AND RELATED HEALTH BEHAVIORS, PRODUCTS AND SERVICES, IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR. 3085 PSP (TASK ORDER #1)

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 $29.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2004-09-17. End: 2009-11-29.

What is the track record of ABT Global LLC in managing large-scale international health contracts?

ABT Global LLC, now part of Abt Associates, has a significant history in managing complex international development projects, including those focused on health. They have been involved in numerous USAID-funded initiatives, covering areas such as health systems strengthening, infectious disease control, and maternal and child health. Their experience often includes providing technical assistance, research, and program implementation in various low- and middle-income countries. While specific details on their performance for this particular $359 million contract are not provided in the summary data, their broader portfolio suggests they possess the organizational capacity and expertise to handle such large and critical programs. A deeper dive into their past performance reviews and project outcomes would offer a more comprehensive understanding of their capabilities.

How does the cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) structure compare to other contract types for similar services?

The Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) contract type is common for research and development or complex services where the scope of work is not precisely defined at the outset, or where innovation is a key component. In this case, for 'global leadership, innovation and technical direction,' CPFF allows the contractor to be reimbursed for allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. This differs from fixed-price contracts, where the price is set regardless of the final cost, incentivizing efficiency. It also differs from cost-reimbursement contracts without a fixed fee, which might offer less incentive for cost control. While CPFF can facilitate flexibility and encourage contractor engagement in uncertain environments, it requires robust government oversight to manage costs effectively and ensure the fixed fee remains reasonable relative to the effort.

What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source award for a contract of this magnitude?

The primary risks associated with a sole-source award for a $359 million contract are related to cost and performance. Without competition, there is a reduced incentive for the contractor to offer the lowest possible price, potentially leading to higher costs for the government and taxpayers. Furthermore, the government may not have access to the full range of innovative solutions or specialized expertise that a competitive bidding process could uncover. There's also a risk that the lack of competitive pressure could lead to complacency in performance or a less rigorous approach to project management. Ensuring the justification for the sole-source award is robust and that stringent oversight mechanisms are in place is crucial to mitigate these risks.

What performance metrics are typically used to evaluate success in global reproductive health leadership contracts?

Evaluating success in global reproductive health leadership contracts typically involves a multi-faceted approach. Key performance indicators (KPIs) often include improvements in access to and utilization of family planning services, reductions in unintended pregnancies, decreases in maternal and infant mortality rates related to reproductive health, and increased knowledge and adoption of safe reproductive health practices. For a contract focused on 'leadership, innovation, and technical direction,' metrics might also encompass the successful development and dissemination of new strategies or guidelines, the strengthening of local health systems' capacity to deliver services, the effective coordination of multiple stakeholders, and the measurable impact of innovations introduced. Robust data collection, monitoring, and evaluation frameworks are essential to track progress against these diverse objectives.

How has USAID's spending in reproductive health and family planning evolved over the years?

USAID has historically been a major funder of global reproductive health and family planning (RH/FP) programs, reflecting a long-standing commitment to improving health outcomes worldwide. Spending in this area has fluctuated over time, influenced by administration priorities, global health challenges, and funding appropriations. While specific year-over-year figures require detailed budget analysis, USAID's investments have consistently supported a range of activities, including the provision of contraceptives, maternal and child health services, HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment (often integrated with RH/FP), and technical assistance to strengthen health systems. The agency often partners with international organizations, NGOs, and local governments to implement these programs, making contracts like the one awarded to ABT Global LLC significant components of its overall strategy.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › GENERAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NON-COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 55 WHEELER ST, CAMBRIDGE, MA, 02138

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $355,648,190

Exercised Options: $339,257,395

Current Obligation: $29,102,737

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: AIDGPOI000400007

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline