USAID's $23.16M Mali program contract awarded to DT GLOBAL INC. for management consulting services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,161,899 ($23.2M)

Contractor: DT Global Inc

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2013-05-28

End Date: 2023-09-21

Contract Duration: 3,768 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: M/OAA IS REQUESTED TO ISSUE THE AWARD AND PROVIDE INITIAL FUNDING TO THE RFTOP FOR A PROGRAM IN MALI. COR:MEGAN MAMULA ; CO:CRIS SYLVIA IGF::CL::IGF

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22201

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $23.2 million to DT GLOBAL INC for work described as: M/OAA IS REQUESTED TO ISSUE THE AWARD AND PROVIDE INITIAL FUNDING TO THE RFTOP FOR A PROGRAM IN MALI. COR:MEGAN MAMULA ; CO:CRIS SYLVIA IGF::CL::IGF Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract duration of 3768 days (over 10 years) indicates a long-term program requirement. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. 4. The primary service is Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services. 5. The contract was awarded as a Delivery Order under a larger contract vehicle. 6. The contract is managed by the Agency for International Development (USAID).

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total value of $23.16 million over more than 10 years averages to approximately $2.3 million per year. Without specific performance metrics or comparable contracts for similar programs in Mali, it is difficult to definitively assess value for money. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type carries inherent risks of cost escalation, as the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee. This necessitates robust oversight to ensure costs remain reasonable and aligned with program objectives.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under a full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The presence of 4 bidders suggests a reasonable level of competition for this requirement. A competitive process is generally expected to drive better pricing and service quality as contractors vie for the award.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition is favorable for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining competitive pricing and ensures that the government is not limited to a single provider, potentially leading to cost savings.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the programs and initiatives supported by USAID in Mali, aimed at development and stability. The services delivered include administrative management and general management consulting, crucial for program execution and oversight. The geographic impact is focused on Mali, supporting U.S. foreign policy objectives in the region. The contract supports the workforce involved in implementing and managing these programs, both within the contractor's organization and potentially local entities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher spending if not closely monitored.
Long contract duration (over 10 years) increases the risk of scope creep or misalignment with evolving program needs.
Reliance on a single delivery order under a larger contract vehicle might limit flexibility if the underlying contract vehicle is not optimal.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust selection process.
Multiple bidders (4) participated, suggesting market interest and a competitive environment.
The contract is managed by USAID, an agency with significant experience in managing complex international development programs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically administrative and management consulting. This sector is characterized by a wide range of service providers, from large multinational corporations to specialized small businesses. USAID frequently utilizes such contracts to support its extensive portfolio of international development programs. Benchmarking spending in this category requires comparing contract values and durations for similar management support services provided to international development agencies in comparable regions.

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 mandated by this specific award. The primary contractor, DT GLOBAL INC., is likely a large business, and their subcontracting practices would be governed by the terms of the larger contract vehicle under which this delivery order was issued.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract is likely managed by USAID contracting officers and program officials. As a delivery order under a larger contract, oversight may also be influenced by the terms and conditions of the base contract. Transparency would be facilitated through contract award databases and potentially program reports. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if there are concerns regarding fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract's execution.

Related Government Programs

USAID Mali Programs
International Development Consulting Services
Administrative and Management Support Contracts
Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee Contracts
Delivery Orders

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type carries inherent cost overrun risks.
Long contract duration may lead to misalignment with evolving program needs.
Potential for insufficient oversight on contractor expenditures.
Complexity of managing programs in a challenging environment like Mali.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $23.2 million to DT GLOBAL INC. M/OAA IS REQUESTED TO ISSUE THE AWARD AND PROVIDE INITIAL FUNDING TO THE RFTOP FOR A PROGRAM IN MALI. COR:MEGAN MAMULA ; CO:CRIS SYLVIA IGF::CL::IGF

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DT GLOBAL INC.

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 $23.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2013-05-28. End: 2023-09-21.

What is the track record of DT GLOBAL INC. in managing similar USAID programs in complex environments like Mali?

DT GLOBAL INC. has a history of working with USAID on various international development projects. Their experience often includes program management, technical assistance, and logistical support in challenging regions. To assess their track record specifically for Mali programs, a review of their past performance evaluations, contract history with USAID, and any reported issues or successes on similar projects would be necessary. This would involve examining data on project outcomes, adherence to budget, and client satisfaction. Without specific performance data for this contract or directly comparable past contracts, a definitive assessment of their track record is limited to their general experience in the field.

How does the average annual cost of this contract compare to similar USAID management support contracts in other countries?

The average annual cost for this contract is approximately $2.3 million ($23.16 million / ~10.3 years). Comparing this to similar USAID management support contracts requires access to a database of comparable awards, considering factors like country risk, program complexity, and the specific services provided. Generally, management support in high-risk or complex environments can command higher costs due to increased logistical, security, and operational demands. Without specific benchmarks for comparable contracts in similar regions or for programs of similar scope, it's challenging to definitively state whether this contract represents a high, low, or average cost. However, the long duration and CPFF structure warrant careful cost monitoring.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of this contract and the program it supports?

The specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract are not detailed in the provided data. Typically, for USAID programs involving administrative and management consulting, KPIs would be tied to the objectives of the program being supported. This could include metrics related to program efficiency, achievement of development goals (e.g., improved governance, economic growth, stability), timely delivery of services, adherence to budget, and stakeholder satisfaction. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee nature of the contract implies that the fixed fee is earned upon achievement of certain milestones or performance levels, which would be defined in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) and associated performance metrics.

What is the risk assessment associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for this program?

The primary risk associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract is the potential for cost overruns. While the fee is fixed, the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs. If costs escalate beyond initial projections due to inefficiencies, unforeseen circumstances, or inadequate oversight, the total contract value could increase significantly, even if the fixed fee remains the same. This necessitates robust government oversight to scrutinize costs, ensure they are reasonable and allocable, and prevent unnecessary expenditures. The long duration of this contract amplifies this risk, requiring sustained vigilance from the contracting agency.

How has USAID's spending on administrative and management consulting services in Mali trended over the past five years?

Analyzing USAID's spending trends on administrative and management consulting services in Mali over the past five years would require access to historical contract award data. This would involve querying databases for contracts awarded by USAID to various entities for services classified under NAICS code 541611 (Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services) or similar codes, specifically within Mali. Such an analysis would reveal whether spending in this category has been increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable, and could highlight major contractors or program shifts. Without this specific historical data, it's impossible to provide a trend analysis.

What is the potential impact of this contract on the local Malian economy and workforce?

The impact on the local Malian economy and workforce depends heavily on the specific implementation details outlined in the contract's Statement of Work. While the primary contractor is DT GLOBAL INC., USAID programs often emphasize local capacity building and utilization of local resources. This could involve hiring local staff, engaging local subcontractors, or procuring local goods and services. The extent to which this occurs would determine the direct economic benefit and workforce implications within Mali. A review of the contract's clauses on local content, subcontracting plans, and employment practices would be needed for a precise assessment.

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

Parent Company: DT Global LLC

Address: 2101 WILSON BLVD STE 700, ARLINGTON, VA, 22201

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $49,250,028

Exercised Options: $49,250,028

Current Obligation: $23,161,899

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: AIDDOTI000800050

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline