Department of Education awards $3.3M for PK-12 and postsecondary education technical support
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $3,322,104 ($3.3M)
Contractor: American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences
Awarding Agency: Department of Education
Start Date: 2021-09-24
End Date: 2023-09-23
Contract Duration: 729 days
Daily Burn Rate: $4.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: Other
Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS CALL ORDER IS TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL ANALYSES AND REPORTS PERTAINING TO PK-12 (PRESCHOOL THROUGH GRADE 12), POSTSECONDARY, AND ADULT AND CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION.
Place of Performance
Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22202
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Education obligated $3.3 million to AMERICAN INSTITUTES FOR RESEARCH IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS CALL ORDER IS TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL ANALYSES AND REPORTS PERTAINING TO PK-12 (PRESCHOOL THROUGH GRADE 12), POSTSECONDARY, AND ADULT AND CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION. Key points: 1. Contract provides essential technical support for educational analyses and reports. 2. Focus on PK-12, postsecondary, and career technical education areas. 3. Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services are the core offering. 4. Contract duration of 729 days indicates a medium-term support need. 5. Awarded under a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Call, suggesting an existing framework. 6. The contractor, American Institutes for Research, has a significant presence in behavioral sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $3.32 million over approximately two years for specialized technical support in education analysis appears reasonable. Benchmarking against similar consulting contracts for government agencies, particularly those involving data analysis and reporting in the education sector, would provide a more precise value assessment. However, given the scope of supporting PK-12, postsecondary, and career technical education, the pricing seems aligned with the complexity and specialized knowledge required.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of 6 bidders suggests a healthy level of interest and competition for this type of specialized support. This competitive process is expected to drive more favorable pricing and ensure the selection of a qualified contractor.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to better value and potentially lower costs for the services rendered.
Public Impact
Benefits federal and state education agencies by providing data-driven insights for policy and program development. Services delivered include technical support for internal and external analyses and reports. Geographic impact is national, covering PK-12, postsecondary, and adult/career technical education. Workforce implications include support for education researchers, analysts, and policymakers.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep if analytical needs expand beyond initial parameters.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical data analysis could pose a risk if performance falters.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust selection process.
- Contractor has a strong background in behavioral sciences, relevant to educational analysis.
- Clear definition of services for PK-12, postsecondary, and career technical education.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically management consulting. The market for educational research and technical support is substantial, with numerous firms specializing in data analysis, program evaluation, and policy research for government and non-profit clients. The Department of Education frequently procures services in this area to inform its strategic initiatives and legislative reporting.
Small Business Impact
The contract data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside requirement for this BPA Call, as the 'sb' field is false. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting goals for small businesses within the provided data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses for specialized support.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically reside with the contracting officer and program managers within the Department of Education. Accountability measures are embedded in the contract terms, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting, though specific analytical methodologies and findings may be proprietary.
Related Government Programs
- Department of Education Research and Development Programs
- National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Support
- Education Statistics Services Institute (ESSI)
- Federal Student Aid (FSA) Data Analysis
Risk Flags
- Potential for performance issues impacting critical analysis and reporting.
- Risk of scope creep leading to budget overruns.
- Over-reliance on a single contractor for specialized expertise.
Tags
education, department-of-education, technical-support, consulting-services, administrative-management, pk-12, postsecondary-education, career-technical-education, full-and-open-competition, blanket-purchase-agreement, virginia, american-institutes-for-research
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Education awarded $3.3 million to AMERICAN INSTITUTES FOR RESEARCH IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES. THE PURPOSE OF THIS CALL ORDER IS TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL ANALYSES AND REPORTS PERTAINING TO PK-12 (PRESCHOOL THROUGH GRADE 12), POSTSECONDARY, AND ADULT AND CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION.
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 $3.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-09-24. End: 2023-09-23.
What is the track record of American Institutes for Research (AIR) in supporting federal education initiatives?
American Institutes for Research (AIR) has a long-standing and extensive track record of supporting federal education initiatives. They are a prominent research organization known for their work in education policy, program evaluation, and data analysis across all levels of education, from early childhood to postsecondary and workforce development. AIR has been involved in numerous large-scale federal contracts, including those with the Department of Education, the National Science Foundation, and other agencies. Their expertise often includes developing and implementing assessment tools, conducting rigorous research studies, and providing technical assistance to educators and policymakers. Their significant experience suggests a high likelihood of successful performance on this contract, given their established capabilities and familiarity with federal reporting and analytical requirements.
How does the $3.32 million contract value compare to similar technical support contracts for educational analysis?
The $3.32 million contract value for approximately two years of technical support for educational analysis appears to be within a reasonable range when compared to similar federal contracts. Contracts of this nature, which involve specialized expertise in data analysis, research design, and reporting for complex educational domains (PK-12, postsecondary, career technical), often range from several hundred thousand to several million dollars annually, depending on the scope and duration. For instance, contracts supporting national education surveys, large-scale program evaluations, or the development of educational data systems can easily exceed this amount. Given that this award is for a BPA Call, it suggests a pre-negotiated rate structure, which can be more cost-effective than a standalone competitive procurement for similar services. The number of bidders (6) also indicates a competitive market for these services.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract for the Department of Education?
The primary risks associated with this contract for the Department of Education include potential performance issues, scope creep, and over-reliance on a single contractor. If American Institutes for Research (AIR) fails to deliver high-quality analyses or meet reporting deadlines, it could impact the Department's ability to make informed policy decisions or fulfill its reporting obligations. Scope creep is a risk if the analytical needs evolve significantly beyond the initial statement of work, potentially leading to cost overruns or delays if not managed effectively through contract modifications. Furthermore, relying heavily on one contractor for critical analytical support could create a vulnerability if the contractor's capacity is unexpectedly reduced or if their performance deteriorates. Mitigating these risks would involve robust contract management, clear performance metrics, and regular communication between the Department and AIR.
How effective is the Department of Education in leveraging technical support for its analytical and reporting needs?
The Department of Education has historically been effective in leveraging technical support for its analytical and reporting needs, as evidenced by its consistent procurement of such services. The award of this contract, under full and open competition, demonstrates a commitment to obtaining specialized expertise to enhance its understanding of educational outcomes and program effectiveness. The Department utilizes these services to inform policy development, evaluate federal education programs, and disseminate crucial data to stakeholders. The engagement of experienced contractors like AIR suggests a strategic approach to augmenting internal capabilities. The effectiveness is measured by the quality and utility of the analyses and reports produced, which ultimately support the Department's mission to promote educational excellence and ensure equal access to educational opportunities.
What are the historical spending patterns of the Department of Education on administrative management and general management consulting services?
The Department of Education's historical spending on Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services (NAICS code 541611) has been substantial and consistent over the years. This category encompasses a wide range of support services, including strategic planning, organizational analysis, program management, and technical assistance, all crucial for the effective operation of a large federal agency. Annual spending in this category often runs into tens or hundreds of millions of dollars, reflecting the complexity of managing federal education programs and initiatives. The Department frequently utilizes competitive procurements, including Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts and Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs), to secure these services efficiently. Spending patterns are influenced by legislative priorities, budget allocations, and the need for specialized expertise to address emerging educational challenges.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting 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
Solicitation ID: 91990021Q0025
Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1400 CRYSTAL DR FL 10, ARLINGTON, VA, 22202
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: $3,322,104
Exercised Options: $3,322,104
Current Obligation: $3,322,104
Actual Outlays: $3,076,428
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 3
Total Subaward Amount: $437,173
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 91990021A0009
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-09-24
Current End Date: 2023-09-23
Potential End Date: 2023-09-23 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-23
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