Department of Education awards $14.3M contract to American Institutes for Research for literacy program evaluation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,359,354 ($14.4M)

Contractor: American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences

Awarding Agency: Department of Education

Start Date: 2018-05-18

End Date: 2028-02-29

Contract Duration: 3,574 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: THIS IS A CONTRACT TO EXAMINE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STRIVING READERS COMPREHENSIVE LITERACY (SRCL) PROGRAM AND TO ASSESS THE FEASIBILITY OF AN IMPACT EVALUATION OF THE COMPREHENSIVE LITERACY STATE DEVELOPMENT (CLD) PROGRAM (WITH AN OPTION TO CONDUCT THE IMPACT EVALUATION, IN OPTION PERIOD I, IF DEEMED FEASIBLE).

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20002

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Education obligated $14.4 million to AMERICAN INSTITUTES FOR RESEARCH IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES for work described as: THIS IS A CONTRACT TO EXAMINE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STRIVING READERS COMPREHENSIVE LITERACY (SRCL) PROGRAM AND TO ASSESS THE FEASIBILITY OF AN IMPACT EVALUATION OF THE COMPREHENSIVE LITERACY STATE DEVELOPMENT (CLD) PROGRAM (WITH AN OPTION TO CONDUCT THE IMPACT EVALUATION, IN … Key points: 1. Contract focuses on evaluating the Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy program and assessing feasibility for a Comprehensive Literacy State Development program impact evaluation. 2. The contract includes an option to conduct the full impact evaluation in its first option period. 3. Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which allows for reimbursement of costs plus a fixed fee for profit. 5. Performance period extends over 9 years, suggesting a long-term commitment to the evaluation. 6. The contractor, American Institutes for Research, has a strong background in behavioral sciences research.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $14.3 million over a potential 9-year period appears reasonable for a comprehensive literacy program evaluation, especially considering the inclusion of an option for a full impact evaluation. Benchmarking against similar large-scale educational program evaluations suggests this pricing is within expected ranges. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, while requiring careful oversight, is appropriate for research and development where final costs can be uncertain.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded through full and open competition, meaning multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The presence of 3 bidders suggests a healthy level of competition for this research and evaluation service. This competitive process is expected to drive fair pricing and ensure the selection of a contractor with the most suitable qualifications and approach.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the best value for money in the evaluation of significant educational programs.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are students and educators involved in the Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy and Comprehensive Literacy State Development programs. The services delivered include program examination, feasibility assessment, and potentially a full impact evaluation of literacy initiatives. The geographic impact is national, focusing on federally funded literacy programs across states. Workforce implications include support for researchers and evaluators employed by the contractor and potentially within educational institutions involved in the programs.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns inherent in Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts requires diligent monitoring.
The long performance period necessitates sustained oversight to ensure continued alignment with program goals and effective use of funds.
Ensuring the 'feasibility assessment' for the impact evaluation is robust and objective is critical for future funding decisions.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive market for these services.
The contractor, American Institutes for Research, is a reputable organization with extensive experience in educational research.
The contract structure allows for flexibility to adapt to the findings of the initial examination phase.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on social sciences and humanities. The market for educational program evaluation is substantial, driven by federal and state requirements for accountability and evidence-based practices. This contract aligns with the Department of Education's mission to assess and improve educational outcomes, particularly in literacy.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded through full and open competition and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside. While the primary contractor is a large research institution, there may be opportunities for small businesses to participate as subcontractors, depending on the specific needs of the evaluation. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business subcontracting.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be provided by the Department of Education, likely through program managers and contracting officers. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates close monitoring of costs and progress. Transparency will be maintained through regular reporting requirements outlined in the contract. The Inspector General's office may also conduct audits as part of their oversight responsibilities.

Related Government Programs

Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy Program
Comprehensive Literacy State Development Program
Educational Program Evaluation Services
Federal Education Research Grants

Risk Flags

Cost Overrun Risk (CPFF)
Long-Term Contract Management
Effectiveness of Evaluation Design
Data Availability and Quality

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Education awarded $14.4 million to AMERICAN INSTITUTES FOR RESEARCH IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES. THIS IS A CONTRACT TO EXAMINE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STRIVING READERS COMPREHENSIVE LITERACY (SRCL) PROGRAM AND TO ASSESS THE FEASIBILITY OF AN IMPACT EVALUATION OF THE COMPREHENSIVE LITERACY STATE DEVELOPMENT (CLD) PROGRAM (WITH AN OPTION TO CONDUCT THE IMPACT EVALUATION, IN OPTION PERIOD I, IF DEEMED FEASIBLE).

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AMERICAN INSTITUTES FOR RESEARCH IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Education (Department of Education).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $14.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-05-18. End: 2028-02-29.

What is the track record of American Institutes for Research in conducting similar large-scale educational program evaluations for the federal government?

American Institutes for Research (AIR) has a well-established track record in conducting large-scale educational research and evaluation for federal agencies, including the Department of Education. They have been involved in numerous studies assessing the effectiveness of various educational programs, interventions, and policies. Their expertise spans areas like early childhood education, K-12 interventions, higher education, and workforce development. AIR often leads consortia or works with partners to bring diverse expertise to complex evaluations. Their experience includes designing rigorous impact evaluations, conducting formative and summative assessments, and disseminating findings to policymakers and practitioners. This background suggests they are well-equipped to handle the scope and complexity of the SRCL and CLD program evaluations.

How does the $14.3 million contract value compare to other federal contracts for educational program evaluations of similar scope and duration?

The $14.3 million contract value for a potential 9-year evaluation of literacy programs appears to be within a reasonable range for large-scale federal educational research contracts. Contracts for comprehensive program evaluations, especially those involving impact studies and multiple phases, can range from several million to tens of millions of dollars. Factors influencing cost include the complexity of the research design, the number of sites or participants, the duration of the study, and the specific deliverables required. Given that this contract includes an initial examination and feasibility study, with an option for a full impact evaluation, the allocated funding seems proportionate to the anticipated work. Comparable contracts for national-scale program assessments often fall within this financial bracket.

What are the primary risks associated with this Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risk with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract is the potential for cost overruns, as the government reimburses the contractor for allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee. If the contractor's costs exceed estimates, the government still pays the agreed-upon fixed fee, potentially leading to a higher overall cost than anticipated. Mitigation strategies include robust government oversight, detailed cost monitoring, regular audits, and clearly defined performance metrics. The Department of Education will need to actively manage the contract, ensuring that all costs incurred are reasonable, allocable, and necessary for the work performed. Strong contract administration and clear communication channels with the contractor are crucial to managing these risks effectively.

What does the 'feasibility of an impact evaluation' clause imply for the future of the Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLD) program funding?

The 'feasibility of an impact evaluation' clause signifies a prudent approach by the Department of Education. It means that before committing significant resources to a full-scale impact evaluation of the CLD program, the contractor will first assess whether such an evaluation is practical, methodologically sound, and likely to yield meaningful results. This assessment will consider factors like the program's implementation fidelity across different states, the availability and quality of data, the feasibility of establishing control or comparison groups, and the overall cost-effectiveness of an impact study. If the feasibility assessment is negative, it could imply that the CLD program, as currently implemented or measured, may not be suitable for a rigorous impact evaluation, potentially influencing future funding decisions or program modifications. Conversely, a positive assessment would pave the way for the optional impact evaluation.

How does this contract align with the Department of Education's broader goals for improving literacy rates across the United States?

This contract directly aligns with the Department of Education's overarching mission to promote educational excellence and ensure equal access to learning opportunities. Improving literacy rates is a fundamental component of this mission, as literacy is foundational to success in all academic areas and in life. By funding the evaluation of the Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy (SRCL) program and assessing the potential impact evaluation of the Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLD) program, the Department is seeking evidence-based insights. These insights are crucial for understanding what works in literacy education, identifying effective strategies, and informing policy and practice at federal, state, and local levels. The goal is to ensure that federal investments in literacy are effective and lead to measurable improvements in student outcomes.

What is the significance of the 9-year performance period (including option periods) for this contract?

The extended 9-year performance period, encompassing the base period and option periods, is significant as it reflects the long-term nature of comprehensive program evaluation and the potential for sustained research engagement. It allows for the thorough examination of the SRCL program's implementation and the potential for a multi-year impact evaluation of the CLD program. Such a long duration is often necessary to observe the full effects of educational interventions, track changes over time, and gather sufficient data for robust analysis. It also provides stability for the research team and allows for adaptation to evolving program needs or research methodologies. For the Department of Education, it ensures continuity in the evaluation process and the development of deep institutional knowledge regarding these critical literacy initiatives.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities

Product/Service Code: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 91990018R0004

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1000 THOMAS JEFFERSON ST N W, WASHINGTON, DC, 20007

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: $14,359,354

Exercised Options: $14,359,354

Current Obligation: $14,359,354

Actual Outlays: $11,406,076

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 3

Total Subaward Amount: $1,374,765

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline