USAID's $237M Global Health Support Initiative II contract to CAMRIS INTERNATIONAL, LLC shows strong performance

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $236,762,393 ($236.8M)

Contractor: Camris International, LLC

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2010-06-17

End Date: 2024-08-22

Contract Duration: 5,180 days

Daily Burn Rate: $45.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: GLOBAL HEALTH SUPPORT INITIATIVE II

Place of Performance

Location: BETHESDA, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20814

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $236.8 million to CAMRIS INTERNATIONAL, LLC for work described as: GLOBAL HEALTH SUPPORT INITIATIVE II Key points: 1. Contract value of $237M over 14 years indicates long-term, substantial support for global health initiatives. 2. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process. 3. Performance period of over 14 years highlights sustained engagement and potential for deep impact. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541712 points to significant R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 5. The contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) suggests a need for flexibility in research and development projects. 6. The contract's duration and value suggest a significant role in the agency's broader global health strategy.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's total award value of $237M over more than 14 years represents a significant investment in global health support. Benchmarking this against similar large-scale, long-term R&D contracts within USAID or other development agencies would be necessary for a precise value-for-money assessment. However, the sustained funding over such an extended period suggests a consistent need and perceived value for the services provided by CAMRIS INTERNATIONAL, LLC.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating that proposals were solicited from all responsible sources, with specific exclusions applied. The presence of 8 bids suggests a competitive environment, which typically drives better pricing and innovation. The level of competition is a positive sign for price discovery and ensuring taxpayer value.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive bidding process for this contract likely resulted in more favorable pricing for taxpayers compared to a sole-source award. A robust competition ensures that the government receives the best value for its investment in global health research and support.

Public Impact

Beneficiaries include global populations requiring health support and improved health outcomes through research and development. Services delivered encompass research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences, directly contributing to health advancements. Geographic impact is global, aligning with USAID's mission to support international development and health. Workforce implications include employment for researchers, scientists, and support staff involved in global health projects.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully.
The long duration of the contract may present challenges in adapting to evolving global health needs and technological advancements.
Reliance on a single contractor for over 14 years could limit opportunities for new vendors and innovative approaches.

Positive Signals

The sustained funding and long performance period indicate a high level of trust and satisfaction with the contractor's performance.
Full and open competition suggests a rigorous selection process that likely identified a capable and cost-effective provider.
The contract's focus on R&D in critical life sciences areas aligns with significant public health priorities.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector, specifically NAICS code 541712. This sector is crucial for scientific advancement and innovation. Global health R&D contracts are often large and long-term due to the complex nature of research and the need for sustained effort to achieve breakthroughs. USAID's spending in this area is consistent with its mission to improve health outcomes worldwide.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from a set-aside provision. However, the prime contractor, CAMRIS INTERNATIONAL, LLC, may engage small businesses as subcontractors, depending on their own procurement strategies and the specific needs of the projects under this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Agency for International Development (USAID). As a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, rigorous financial oversight is essential to ensure that costs are reasonable and allocable. Transparency is typically managed through regular reporting requirements from the contractor. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply for any investigations into fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

USAID Global Health Programs
USAID Research and Innovation
Global Health Security Initiatives
International Health Research and Development Contracts

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may require adaptability to evolving global health needs.
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts necessitate vigilant cost oversight by the agency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $236.8 million to CAMRIS INTERNATIONAL, LLC. GLOBAL HEALTH SUPPORT INITIATIVE II

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CAMRIS INTERNATIONAL, 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 $236.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-06-17. End: 2024-08-22.

What is the historical spending trend for the Global Health Support Initiative II contract since its inception?

The Global Health Support Initiative II contract, awarded to CAMRIS INTERNATIONAL, LLC, has a total award value of $236,762,393.45 and a performance period extending from June 17, 2010, to August 22, 2024, spanning over 14 years. While the provided data gives the total obligated amount, it does not detail the year-over-year spending. To understand the spending trend, one would need access to historical contract data that breaks down obligations by fiscal year. This would reveal if spending has been consistent, increasing, or decreasing over the contract's lifecycle, potentially indicating shifts in program priorities or execution pace. The duration suggests a substantial and relatively consistent allocation of funds over time, typical for large-scale R&D initiatives.

How does the cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) contract type impact the risk profile for this contract compared to fixed-price contracts?

The Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) contract type shifts a significant portion of the financial risk from the contractor to the government. In a CPFF arrangement, the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing their profit. This structure is often used for research and development or services where the scope of work is not precisely defined at the outset, allowing for flexibility. However, it increases the government's risk of cost overruns, as the final cost is not capped. Conversely, fixed-price contracts place more risk on the contractor to manage costs within a set budget, potentially leading to higher initial bids to account for uncertainty. For this Global Health Support Initiative II contract, the CPFF type suggests that the R&D activities were inherently uncertain, necessitating flexibility, but requiring robust government oversight to manage costs effectively.

What specific types of research and development activities are typically funded under NAICS code 541712 for global health initiatives?

NAICS code 541712, 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology),' encompasses a broad range of scientific endeavors. For global health initiatives funded under this code, typical activities could include developing new vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics for infectious diseases prevalent in developing nations; engineering innovative medical devices suitable for low-resource settings; conducting epidemiological research to understand disease patterns and inform public health interventions; developing agricultural technologies to improve food security and nutrition; and researching environmental factors impacting health. The 'except Biotechnology' clause means that while life sciences are included, highly specialized biotech research might fall under a different code. The focus is on the application of physical and engineering sciences, alongside biological sciences, to solve pressing global health challenges.

What is the significance of the 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' award type for this contract?

The award type 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' signifies a competitive procurement process where proposals were solicited from all eligible responsible sources. However, specific sources were excluded from consideration. This is a nuanced approach that still aims for broad competition while potentially addressing specific requirements or past performance issues with certain entities. The fact that there were 8 bidders indicates a healthy level of interest and competition despite the exclusions. This method is generally preferred over sole-source awards as it promotes price discovery and allows the agency to select the best value offer. The exclusions suggest a deliberate decision by USAID to refine the pool of potential contractors, possibly based on prior experience or specialized capabilities deemed essential for the Global Health Support Initiative II.

How does the contract's duration of over 14 years influence the assessment of its long-term effectiveness and adaptability?

A contract duration exceeding 14 years, like the Global Health Support Initiative II, suggests a long-term commitment to addressing complex global health challenges. This extended timeframe allows for sustained research, development, and implementation of health programs, which is often necessary for achieving meaningful and lasting impact in areas like disease eradication or health system strengthening. However, such a long duration also presents challenges related to adaptability. Global health landscapes, disease threats, and technological advancements evolve rapidly. The effectiveness of the contract hinges on the mechanisms in place to ensure it remains relevant and responsive to changing needs. This might involve robust contract modification processes, periodic reviews, and the contractor's agility in pivoting research directions or operational strategies as required by USAID.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6931 ARLINGTON RD STE 575, BETHESDA, MD, 20814

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $277,000,900

Exercised Options: $277,000,900

Current Obligation: $236,762,393

Actual Outlays: $84,313

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NOT OBTAINED - WAIVED

Timeline