USAID awards $21.9M for education policy collaboration networks to Education Development Center, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $21,884,249 ($21.9M)

Contractor: Education Development Center, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2020-08-07

End Date: 2025-02-13

Contract Duration: 1,651 days

Daily Burn Rate: $13.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: E3ED_LEADING THROUGH LEARNING NETWORKS - THE LEADING THROUGH LEARNING NETWORKS ACTIVITY WILL SUPPORT INCREASED COLLABORATION IN TECHNICAL AREAS RELAVENT TO THE USAID EDUCATION POLICY THROUGH NETWORKS OR COMMUNITIES OF PRACTICE CURATE, COLLECT, AND S

Place of Performance

Location: WALTHAM, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02453

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $21.9 million to EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER, INC. for work described as: E3ED_LEADING THROUGH LEARNING NETWORKS - THE LEADING THROUGH LEARNING NETWORKS ACTIVITY WILL SUPPORT INCREASED COLLABORATION IN TECHNICAL AREAS RELAVENT TO THE USAID EDUCATION POLICY THROUGH NETWORKS OR COMMUNITIES OF PRACTICE CURATE, COLLECT, AND S Key points: 1. Contract supports collaboration in technical areas relevant to USAID's education policy. 2. Focus on networks and communities of practice for knowledge sharing. 3. Potential for improved educational outcomes through enhanced technical collaboration. 4. Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $21.9M over approximately 5.5 years appears reasonable for supporting extensive collaboration networks. Benchmarking against similar large-scale programmatic support contracts would provide further context.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process that likely resulted in fair market pricing. The use of a Delivery Order under an existing contract vehicle (MASSACHUSETTS) indicates a structured procurement approach.

Taxpayer Impact: The investment aims to improve educational strategies and outcomes, potentially leading to more effective use of taxpayer funds in development assistance.

Public Impact

Enhances global educational policy through collaborative learning. Supports knowledge sharing and best practices among experts. Aims to strengthen technical capacity in education development.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in network activities.
Measuring the direct impact of networks on policy can be challenging.

Positive Signals

Supports a critical area of USAID's mission.
Leverages existing contract vehicles for efficiency.
Promotes collaboration and knowledge dissemination.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services sector, specifically supporting programmatic and policy development for USAID. Spending in this area often focuses on expert services, research, and technical assistance to achieve agency objectives.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate specific set-asides for small businesses. The prime contractor, Education Development Center, Inc., is a large organization, suggesting that subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist but are not explicitly detailed in this award.

Oversight & Accountability

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a degree of oversight in the procurement process. Ongoing monitoring by USAID will be crucial to ensure the effective functioning and impact of the learning networks.

Related Government Programs

Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
Agency for International Development Contracting
Agency for International Development Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for limited measurable impact.
Dependency on contractor's network management capabilities.
Risk of participant fatigue or disengagement.
Challenges in adapting to evolving policy needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $21.9 million to EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER, INC.. E3ED_LEADING THROUGH LEARNING NETWORKS - THE LEADING THROUGH LEARNING NETWORKS ACTIVITY WILL SUPPORT INCREASED COLLABORATION IN TECHNICAL AREAS RELAVENT TO THE USAID EDUCATION POLICY THROUGH NETWORKS OR COMMUNITIES OF PRACTICE CURATE, COLLECT, AND S

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER, 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 $21.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-08-07. End: 2025-02-13.

How will the effectiveness of these learning networks in influencing USAID's education policy be measured?

Measuring the effectiveness will likely involve tracking participation rates, the quality of knowledge shared, the adoption of best practices by stakeholders, and ultimately, demonstrable improvements in USAID's education programming and policy implementation. Regular reporting and impact assessments by the contractor will be essential for USAID to evaluate the networks' influence.

What are the primary risks associated with managing and sustaining these collaborative networks over the contract period?

Key risks include maintaining consistent engagement from diverse participants, ensuring the quality and relevance of discussions, managing intellectual property, and preventing network activities from becoming overly bureaucratic or detached from practical application. The contractor must actively facilitate, moderate, and demonstrate value to mitigate these risks.

Does the 'Leading Through Learning Networks' initiative align with current global trends in educational development and knowledge management?

Yes, the initiative aligns well with global trends emphasizing collaborative approaches, communities of practice, and evidence-based policymaking in education. The focus on technical areas and knowledge sharing is consistent with the growing recognition that complex educational challenges require collective intelligence and shared learning for effective solutions.

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

Solicitation ID: 7200AA20Q00010

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 300 5TH AVE STE 2010, WALTHAM, MA, 02451

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $36,800,913

Exercised Options: $36,800,913

Current Obligation: $21,884,249

Actual Outlays: $21,239,085

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 21

Total Subaward Amount: $7,466,819

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS10F0406P

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline