Department of Education awards $21.7M contract for international math and science study participation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $21,658,872 ($21.7M)

Contractor: Research Triangle Institute

Awarding Agency: Department of Education

Start Date: 2020-10-19

End Date: 2029-11-30

Contract Duration: 3,329 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: U.S. PARTICIPATION IN THE TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY (TIMSS) 2023 TO ADMINISTER ASSESSMENTS IN MATH AND SCIENCE DATA COLLECTION.

Place of Performance

Location: DURHAM, DURHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27709

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Education obligated $21.7 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE for work described as: U.S. PARTICIPATION IN THE TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY (TIMSS) 2023 TO ADMINISTER ASSESSMENTS IN MATH AND SCIENCE DATA COLLECTION. Key points: 1. Contract supports the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2023. 2. Research Triangle Institute is the primary contractor. 3. The contract spans nearly a decade, indicating long-term program needs. 4. Funding mechanism is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, common for research and development. 5. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 6. The contract value is substantial, reflecting the scope of international educational assessment. 7. No small business set-aside was applied to this contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $21.7 million over approximately 10 years for administering international assessments appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar large-scale educational research contracts is difficult without more specific details on deliverables. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure allows for cost reimbursement plus a negotiated profit, which can be efficient for complex research projects where exact costs are hard to predict.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The presence of two bidders suggests a moderate level of competition for this specialized service. While not a large number, it implies that the agency sought multiple proposals to ensure a competitive price and selection.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to better pricing and service quality, preventing potential overcharges associated with less competitive solicitations.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are U.S. students and educators, who will gain insights into international performance in math and science. The contract facilitates the administration of assessments for the TIMSS 2023 study. Geographic impact is national, as the data collected informs U.S. educational policy nationwide. Workforce implications include employment for researchers, data collectors, and administrative staff at the contractor and potentially subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns inherent in Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts if not closely monitored.
Long contract duration could lead to scope creep or evolving requirements not fully captured in initial pricing.
Reliance on a single primary contractor for a critical, long-term study requires robust performance management.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a fair and transparent process.
Contract duration aligns with the cyclical nature of international educational studies.
Research Triangle Institute has a history of conducting large-scale research, implying relevant expertise.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the 'Other Accounting Services' (NAICS 541219) category, but its core function is educational research and data collection for international comparative studies. The market for such specialized research services is relatively niche, often dominated by established research institutions and think tanks. The value of this contract is significant within this specialized sector, reflecting the complexity and scale of international educational assessments.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Given the specialized nature of administering international educational assessments, it is possible that larger, experienced research organizations are better positioned to compete. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist within the scope of this award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be managed by program officials within the Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Accountability measures would be tied to the delivery of assessment data according to established international protocols and timelines. Transparency is generally maintained through public reporting of study results, though specific contract performance details may be less accessible.

Related Government Programs

National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)
Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA)
International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) studies

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure.
Risk of performance degradation over the long contract duration.
Limited competition (2 bidders) may impact optimal price discovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Education awarded $21.7 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE. U.S. PARTICIPATION IN THE TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY (TIMSS) 2023 TO ADMINISTER ASSESSMENTS IN MATH AND SCIENCE DATA COLLECTION.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $21.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-10-19. End: 2029-11-30.

What is the track record of Research Triangle Institute (RTI) in administering large-scale international educational assessments?

Research Triangle Institute (RTI) has a significant track record in conducting large-scale research and data collection, including international studies. They have been involved in various educational research projects funded by government agencies and international organizations. RTI's experience typically includes survey design, data collection, psychometric analysis, and reporting. Their involvement in previous iterations of TIMSS or similar large-scale international assessments would be a key indicator of their capability to successfully execute this contract. A review of their past performance on similar contracts would provide further insight into their reliability and expertise in managing complex, multi-year international research initiatives.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) pricing structure compare to other potential contract types for this service?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type is often used when the scope of work is well-defined but the exact costs are difficult to estimate upfront, which is common in research and development or complex service contracts like administering international assessments. This structure reimburses the contractor for allowable costs and pays a fixed fee (profit) negotiated at the outset. Compared to a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contract, CPFF offers more flexibility for the government if requirements change, but it carries a higher risk of cost overruns if not managed diligently. A Cost-Reimbursement contract without a fixed fee might offer less incentive for cost control. For this specific contract, CPFF likely balances the need for flexibility with contractor accountability for managing costs within the negotiated fee.

What are the primary risks associated with a contract of this duration (nearly 10 years)?

Contracts spanning nearly a decade present several risks. Firstly, there's the risk of 'scope creep,' where the project's objectives or requirements may expand beyond the original agreement, potentially leading to cost increases or delays if not managed through formal contract modifications. Secondly, the long duration increases the likelihood of changes in technology, methodologies, or personnel, which could impact performance or efficiency. Thirdly, maintaining consistent oversight and performance management over such an extended period requires sustained institutional focus and resources. Finally, economic fluctuations or shifts in government priorities could affect future funding, although the current award suggests a commitment. Robust contract management, clear performance metrics, and regular reviews are crucial to mitigate these risks.

What does the 'Other Accounting Services' NAICS code signify in relation to the actual work performed?

The assignment of NAICS code 541219 ('Other Accounting Services') to this contract appears to be a categorization artifact rather than a precise description of the primary work. While accounting principles might be involved in managing the contract's finances, the core activities described – administering assessments in math and science for the TIMSS study – fall squarely within the domain of educational research, data collection, and program management. This code is often used for services that don't fit neatly into more specific categories. It's important to look beyond the NAICS code to the contract description ('U.S. PARTICIPATION IN THE TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY (TIMSS) 2023 TO ADMINISTER ASSESSMENTS IN MATH AND SCIENCE DATA COLLECTION') to understand the true nature and scope of the work being performed.

How does the number of bidders (2) impact price discovery and value for money?

Having two bidders generally provides a baseline for price discovery, indicating that the government received at least two distinct proposals and associated pricing. This is better than a sole-source situation but less competitive than having numerous bidders. With only two offers, the government has a limited range of options to compare, which could potentially reduce the downward pressure on pricing compared to a scenario with, say, five or more bidders. However, if both proposals were strong and the evaluation process was rigorous, the competition between these two entities could still yield good value for money. The specific nature of the service and the contractor's capabilities also play a role; if only a few entities possess the required expertise, two bidders might represent a healthy level of competition within that niche market.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Services › Other Accounting Services

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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3040 CORNWALLIS RD, DURHAM, NC, 27709

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: $21,658,872

Exercised Options: $21,658,872

Current Obligation: $21,658,872

Actual Outlays: $14,786,707

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 12

Total Subaward Amount: $2,488,629

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00Q14OADU217

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline