USAID's $26.7M RTAC contract leverages university expertise for research and technical assistance

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $26,737,961 ($26.7M)

Contractor: National Opinion Research Center

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2018-07-11

End Date: 2024-09-30

Contract Duration: 2,273 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE LEVEL OF EFFORT

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT REPRESENTED BY THE UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (USAID) IS ISSUING THE CONTRACT NO. 7200AA18C00057 ENTITLED, RESEARCH TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER (RTAC). THE RESULTANT CONTRACT IS A FIRM FIXED PRICE (FFP) CONTRACT FOR KNOWN TASKS AND COST REIMBURSEMENT FOR EMERGENT TASKS. THE PURPOSE OF THE CONTRACT IS TO DEVELOP A RESEARCH TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER TO SUPPORT SCIENTIFIC AND RESEARCH-BASED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE (TA) NEEDS FOR THE AGENCY BY LEVERAGING THE TECHNICAL AND RESEARCH EXPERTISE OF THE HIGHER EDUCATION COMMUNITY. ANTICIPATED ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: CREATION OF EVIDENCE-TO-ACTION POLICY BRIEFS, TECHNICAL REPORTS, STRATEGIC RESEARCH AGENDA SETTING AND RESEARCH ACTIVITY CONSULTATIONS, COORDINATION OF UNIVERSITY-BASED RESEARCHERS FOR EXPERT PANELS OR CONVENINGS, SECTOR-FOCUSED TRAININGS, AND OTHER SHORT-TERM TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE (STTA) OR RELATED TA.

Place of Performance

Location: CHICAGO, COOK County, ILLINOIS, 60637

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $26.7 million to NATIONAL OPINION RESEARCH CENTER for work described as: THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT REPRESENTED BY THE UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (USAID) IS ISSUING THE CONTRACT NO. 7200AA18C00057 ENTITLED, RESEARCH TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER (RTAC). THE RESULTANT CONTRACT IS A FIRM FIXED PRICE (FFP) CONTRACT FOR KNOWN TASKS… Key points: 1. Contract aims to bridge research and practical application for USAID's development goals. 2. Utilizes a mix of firm-fixed-price and cost-reimbursement to manage known and emergent tasks. 3. Relies on the higher education community for specialized technical and research expertise. 4. Focuses on generating evidence-based policy briefs and strategic research agendas. 5. Contract duration extends over six years, indicating a long-term need for these services. 6. Competition was full and open, suggesting a broad search for qualified contractors.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value of $26.7 million over six years for research technical assistance appears reasonable given the scope of supporting scientific and research-based needs for a major federal agency. Benchmarking against similar large-scale technical assistance contracts within USAID or other development agencies would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm-fixed-price component for known tasks suggests cost control, while the cost-reimbursement for emergent tasks allows flexibility. The reliance on academic institutions for expertise is a common and often cost-effective approach for specialized research.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The data shows 8 bidders participated in this competition. A robust competition level generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more innovative solutions as contractors vie for the award. The agency sought to leverage the expertise of the higher education community, suggesting a broad outreach to universities and research institutions.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it drives down costs through market forces and ensures the government receives the best value by considering a wide range of potential providers.

Public Impact

Benefits USAID by providing critical research and technical assistance to inform development programs. Supports the higher education community by engaging universities in applied research and policy development. Aims to improve the effectiveness of international development initiatives through evidence-based strategies. Facilitates the translation of academic research into actionable policy and program interventions. Contributes to setting strategic research agendas that align with global development challenges.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if emergent tasks under cost-reimbursement become extensive.
Ensuring consistent quality and timely delivery across diverse university research teams can be challenging.
Measuring the direct impact of research and technical assistance on development outcomes requires robust evaluation frameworks.

Positive Signals

Leveraging the deep technical and research expertise inherent in the higher education sector.
Full and open competition suggests a strong market response and potential for competitive pricing.
The long contract duration allows for sustained support and development of institutional knowledge.
The contract structure balances cost certainty for defined tasks with flexibility for unforeseen needs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' sector, a broad category encompassing specialized advisory and analytical services. The market for such services is diverse, including think tanks, universities, and private consulting firms. USAID's spending in this area is crucial for grounding its development initiatives in rigorous research and evidence. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within federal solicitations for similar technical assistance or research support contracts, often measured by the total value of task orders or the overall contract ceiling.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-asides or subcontracting goals for this contract. Given the nature of engaging higher education institutions for research, the primary awardees are likely large universities or research centers. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved as subcontractors or partners within the university consortia.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Agency for International Development (USAID). Mechanisms likely include regular progress reports, performance reviews, and potentially site visits to ensure adherence to contract terms and objectives. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting of federal spending. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

USAID Research and Innovation Division
USAID Technical Assistance Contracts
Federal Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
University Research Partnerships with Government

Risk Flags

Potential for cost creep in cost-reimbursable elements.
Ensuring alignment between academic research and practical development needs.
Measuring the tangible impact of research and technical assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $26.7 million to NATIONAL OPINION RESEARCH CENTER. THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT REPRESENTED BY THE UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (USAID) IS ISSUING THE CONTRACT NO. 7200AA18C00057 ENTITLED, RESEARCH TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER (RTAC). THE RESULTANT CONTRACT IS A FIRM FIXED PRICE (FFP) CONTRACT FOR KNOWN TASKS AND COST REIMBURSEMENT FOR EMERGENT TASKS. THE PURPOSE OF THE CONTRACT IS TO DEVELOP A RESEARCH TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER TO SUPPORT SCIENTIFIC AND RESEARCH-BASED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE (TA) NEEDS FOR THE AGENCY BY LEV

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NATIONAL OPINION RESEARCH CENTER.

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 $26.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-07-11. End: 2024-09-30.

What is the track record of the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) in managing large federal research and technical assistance contracts, particularly for international development agencies?

NORC at the University of Chicago has a long history of conducting large-scale research and evaluation projects for federal agencies, including significant work for USAID, the National Science Foundation, and the Department of Health and Human Services. Their expertise spans survey research, program evaluation, and data analysis. For USAID, NORC has previously managed contracts related to global health, education, and economic development. Their experience suggests a capacity to handle complex research agendas and manage diverse research teams. However, a detailed review of past performance on similar USAID contracts would be necessary to fully assess their suitability and efficiency in delivering the specific technical assistance outlined in the RTAC contract.

How does the $26.7 million contract value compare to other similar technical assistance contracts awarded by USAID or other development agencies?

The $26.7 million value for a six-year Research Technical Assistance Center (RTAC) contract is substantial, reflecting a significant commitment to research and evidence-based programming. To benchmark this value, one would compare it to other large, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) or large prime contracts awarded by USAID, the Department of State, or other agencies like the Millennium Challenge Corporation for similar research, technical assistance, or program support services. For instance, contracts focused on policy analysis, strategic planning, or capacity building within the development sector often range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars over their lifespan. The specific nature of RTAC, focusing on leveraging academic expertise, might position it differently than contracts for direct program implementation, but the overall investment appears aligned with the agency's strategic goals for research integration.

What are the primary risks associated with a contract that combines Firm Fixed Price (FFP) and Cost Reimbursement (CR) elements for technical assistance?

Combining FFP and CR elements in a contract like RTAC presents a dual risk profile. The FFP component for known tasks offers cost certainty to the government, minimizing the risk of cost overruns for defined deliverables. However, the CR component for emergent tasks introduces financial risk for USAID. If the scope or frequency of emergent tasks is not well-managed or underestimated, costs could escalate beyond initial projections. Conversely, contractors may face risks if the CR ceiling is insufficient to cover necessary emergent work, potentially impacting their ability to fully support the agency's evolving needs. Effective risk mitigation requires clear definitions of 'emergent tasks,' robust oversight, and realistic budgeting for both components.

How effective is the model of leveraging the 'higher education community' for technical assistance in international development compared to other contracting models?

Leveraging the higher education community offers distinct advantages for technical assistance in international development. Universities and research institutions possess deep subject matter expertise, cutting-edge research capabilities, and often a global network of scholars and practitioners. This model can bring academic rigor and innovative thinking to development challenges. However, it can also present challenges. University research cultures may differ from the fast-paced, results-oriented demands of development programming, potentially leading to slower response times or a focus on theoretical rather than immediately applicable solutions. Furthermore, managing multiple academic institutions or researchers under a single contract requires strong coordination and project management to ensure cohesive delivery and alignment with USAID's strategic objectives, unlike a single, dedicated private sector firm.

What historical spending patterns exist for USAID's research and technical assistance contracts, and how does this RTAC contract fit within them?

USAID historically allocates significant resources to research and technical assistance (TA) to inform its development programs across various sectors like health, education, agriculture, and democracy. Spending patterns often reflect agency priorities, with shifts occurring based on global challenges and administration focus. Contracts for TA can range from large, multi-year IDIQs supporting broad technical areas to smaller, project-specific consultancies. The RTAC contract, with its $26.7 million ceiling over six years, represents a substantial, long-term investment in institutionalizing research capacity and evidence generation within USAID. It fits within a pattern of agencies seeking to strengthen the evidence base for their interventions, moving beyond anecdotal approaches to data-driven decision-making. Its focus on leveraging academic expertise is a common strategy to access specialized knowledge efficiently.

What are the implications of the 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' NAICS code (541690) for the type of work performed under this contract?

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541690, 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services,' is a broad category that encompasses a wide array of specialized consulting services not elsewhere classified. For the RTAC contract, this code signifies that the work involves providing expert advice, analysis, and technical support rooted in scientific and technical disciplines, but not fitting into more specific categories like environmental consulting, management consulting, or IT consulting. This allows USAID flexibility to procure a diverse range of research-related services, such as policy analysis, research design, data interpretation, and strategic planning, drawing upon expertise from various scientific fields relevant to international development. It suggests the contract is intended to be adaptable to evolving research needs.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 7200AA18R00023

Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE LEVEL OF EFFORT (B)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1155 E 60TH ST, CHICAGO, IL, 60637

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $28,000,000

Exercised Options: $28,000,000

Current Obligation: $26,737,961

Actual Outlays: $23,589,869

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 11

Total Subaward Amount: $4,731,349

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline