Department of Education awards $40.9M contract for MTSS-R training to improve reading outcomes in early elementary schools

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $40,947,225 ($40.9M)

Contractor: American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences

Awarding Agency: Department of Education

Start Date: 2018-09-27

End Date: 2028-11-30

Contract Duration: 3,717 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: THIS CONTRACT IS TO EVALUATE THE IMPACT OF OFFERING SCHOOLS TRAINING IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF MULTI-TIERED SYSTEMS OF SUPPORT FOR READING (MTSS-R) IN EARLY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ON STAFF PRACTICE AND STUDENT OUTCOMES. THE TRAINING IS EXPECTED TO BE INTENSIVE AND FOCUSED ON ENABLING SCHOOL STAFF TO SUCCESSFULLY IMPLEMENT THE KEY COMPONENTS OF MTSS-R.

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 $40.9 million to AMERICAN INSTITUTES FOR RESEARCH IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES for work described as: THIS CONTRACT IS TO EVALUATE THE IMPACT OF OFFERING SCHOOLS TRAINING IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF MULTI-TIERED SYSTEMS OF SUPPORT FOR READING (MTSS-R) IN EARLY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ON STAFF PRACTICE AND STUDENT OUTCOMES. THE TRAINING IS EXPECTED TO BE INTENSIVE AND FOCUSED ON ENABLING … Key points: 1. Focuses on research and development in social sciences and humanities, specifically educational interventions. 2. Aims to evaluate the impact of specialized reading training on staff practices and student performance. 3. Contract duration spans nearly 10 years, suggesting a long-term commitment to program evaluation. 4. Utilizes a Cost Plus Fixed Fee payment structure, common for R&D where costs can be less predictable. 5. The contract is a definitive contract, indicating a commitment to a specific scope of work over time. 6. Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $40.9 million over nearly 10 years for an educational R&D program appears substantial. Benchmarking this against similar large-scale educational intervention studies is difficult without more specific details on the scope and deliverables. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure means the final cost could vary, but the fixed fee component provides some cost control. The value proposition hinges on the demonstrated effectiveness of the MTSS-R training and its scalability.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple offerors had the opportunity to bid. This suggests a competitive environment that should theoretically lead to better pricing and value. The presence of 3 bids, as indicated, provides a basis for comparison, though the specific details of the proposals are not available.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a market that drives efficiency and potentially lower costs through competitive bidding.

Public Impact

Early elementary school students in participating districts will benefit from improved reading instruction. School staff will receive intensive training to implement Multi-Tiered Systems of Support for Reading (MTSS-R). The program aims to enhance staff practices related to reading intervention and support. Potential positive impacts on student reading outcomes and academic achievement. The geographic impact is focused on schools within the District of Columbia, as indicated by the 'DC' location code.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration (nearly 10 years) could lead to scope creep or evolving needs not fully captured in initial pricing.
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts carry inherent risks of cost overruns if not meticulously managed and monitored.
The effectiveness of the MTSS-R training itself is a key variable; if the training is not impactful, the investment may not yield desired student outcomes.
Dependence on school staff adoption and sustained implementation of new practices.

Positive Signals

Focus on a well-defined educational intervention (MTSS-R) with potential for measurable impact.
Commitment to rigorous evaluation of training impact on staff and students.
Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a considered and potentially cost-effective selection.
Long-term nature allows for sustained implementation and evaluation, increasing the likelihood of observing meaningful results.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities sector, specifically focusing on educational program evaluation. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541720 confirms this. This sector involves the systematic study of human behavior, social structures, and educational methodologies. The contract's value is significant for a single R&D project in education, suggesting a focus on a potentially high-impact intervention.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation (sb) is false, and there is no mention of small business set-asides. This suggests the contract was not specifically targeted towards small businesses. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist depending on the prime contractor's strategy, but they are not a mandated component of this award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Education's program and contract management offices. As a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, rigorous financial oversight and auditing would be expected to ensure costs are reasonable and allocable. Transparency would be facilitated through regular reporting requirements from the contractor and potential public dissemination of research findings. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Education Innovation and Research Program
Institute of Education Sciences Research Grants
Early Childhood Education Initiatives
Reading First Program Evaluations
Federal Education Research Grants

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure.
Risk of ineffective training leading to limited student outcome improvements.
Challenges in ensuring consistent implementation fidelity across schools.
Long contract duration may not fully account for evolving educational needs or technologies.
Dependence on contractor's ability to manage complex research and data collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Education awarded $40.9 million to AMERICAN INSTITUTES FOR RESEARCH IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES. THIS CONTRACT IS TO EVALUATE THE IMPACT OF OFFERING SCHOOLS TRAINING IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF MULTI-TIERED SYSTEMS OF SUPPORT FOR READING (MTSS-R) IN EARLY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ON STAFF PRACTICE AND STUDENT OUTCOMES. THE TRAINING IS EXPECTED TO BE INTENSIVE AND FOCUSED ON ENABLING SCHOOL STAFF TO SUCCESSFULLY IMPLEMENT THE KEY COMPONENTS OF MTSS-R.

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 $40.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-09-27. End: 2028-11-30.

What is the track record of American Institutes for Research in Behavioral Sciences (AIR) with similar large-scale educational R&D contracts?

American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a well-established research organization with extensive experience in education, health, and international development. They have a history of managing large federal contracts, including those focused on educational interventions, program evaluation, and research. AIR has been involved in numerous studies evaluating the effectiveness of educational programs and curricula across various grade levels and subject areas. Their work often involves rigorous research designs, data collection, and analysis to inform policy and practice. Specific details on their past performance with contracts of similar scope and value to this $40.9M award would typically be available through federal procurement databases like SAM.gov or through AIR's own published reports and project portfolios. Their long-standing presence and numerous publications suggest a generally strong track record in the field of educational research and development.

How does the $40.9 million cost compare to similar evaluations of educational interventions?

The $40.9 million cost for a nearly 10-year evaluation of an educational intervention like MTSS-R training is substantial, placing it among larger-scale research grants. However, direct comparisons are challenging without knowing the exact scope, number of schools/districts involved, intensity of the intervention, and the specific metrics being evaluated. Large-scale randomized controlled trials or longitudinal studies evaluating comprehensive educational reforms can easily run into tens of millions of dollars. Factors influencing cost include the complexity of the research design, the need for extensive data collection (surveys, observations, student assessments), the duration of the study, and the number of personnel required. Given the long-term nature and the focus on evaluating impact on both staff practice and student outcomes, the budget appears commensurate with a significant, multi-year research endeavor in the education sector.

What are the primary risks associated with this Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract structure for an R&D project?

The primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract structure for this R&D project revolve around cost control and contractor efficiency. In a CPFF arrangement, the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. While the fixed fee provides some incentive for the contractor to manage costs (as it doesn't increase with higher costs), there's less direct financial incentive to minimize costs compared to fixed-price contracts. If the project scope is not precisely defined or if unforeseen technical challenges arise, the 'cost' component can escalate significantly, leading to a higher overall expenditure than initially anticipated. Effective oversight by the Department of Education is crucial to scrutinize allowable costs, ensure efficiency, and prevent unnecessary spending. The risk for the government is that the final cost could exceed initial projections if cost management is not rigorous.

How will the effectiveness of the MTSS-R training be measured, and what constitutes success?

The effectiveness of the MTSS-R training will be measured by evaluating its impact on both staff practice and student outcomes. Success will likely be defined by statistically significant improvements in key performance indicators related to reading instruction and student achievement. For staff practice, measures could include fidelity of implementation of MTSS-R components, changes in instructional strategies observed in classrooms, and teacher self-efficacy in supporting struggling readers. For student outcomes, success would be indicated by improvements in standardized reading assessments, progress monitoring data, and potentially other indicators like student engagement in reading activities. The contract's objective to 'evaluate the impact' suggests a rigorous research design will be employed, likely involving pre- and post-training assessments, control or comparison groups, and detailed data analysis to attribute observed changes directly to the training intervention.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar educational research and development contracts by the Department of Education?

The Department of Education, primarily through its Institute of Education Sciences (IES), consistently funds a significant portfolio of educational research and development contracts and grants. Historical spending patterns show a commitment to evaluating interventions, improving educational practices, and understanding student outcomes across various subjects and grade levels. Contracts similar in scope to this MTSS-R evaluation, focusing on literacy or foundational skills in early grades, are common. While specific dollar amounts vary widely based on project duration, scale, and research design, multi-million dollar awards for comprehensive, multi-year evaluations are not unusual. The Department often funds projects aiming to develop, pilot, and rigorously test interventions. Spending is typically allocated across different research centers, specific grant competitions, and large-scale program evaluations, reflecting a strategic investment in evidence-based educational practices.

What are the potential challenges in implementing and evaluating MTSS-R in early elementary schools?

Implementing and evaluating Multi-Tiered Systems of Support for Reading (MTSS-R) in early elementary schools presents several challenges. Firstly, ensuring consistent and high-fidelity implementation across diverse school settings requires significant buy-in, training, and ongoing support for teachers and administrators. Teachers may face time constraints, varying levels of prior knowledge, and resistance to adopting new pedagogical approaches. Secondly, accurately measuring the impact on student outcomes can be complex, as reading development is influenced by numerous factors beyond classroom instruction, including home environment and individual student characteristics. Thirdly, establishing appropriate comparison or control groups for evaluation purposes can be difficult, especially if the intervention becomes widely adopted. Finally, sustaining the MTSS-R framework beyond the initial implementation and evaluation period requires systemic changes and ongoing resource allocation, which can be a challenge for schools and districts.

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: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 91990018R0020

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: $40,947,225

Exercised Options: $40,947,225

Current Obligation: $40,947,225

Actual Outlays: $38,771,722

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 2

Total Subaward Amount: $6,319,387

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline