Department of Education awards $19.7M contract to SRI International for Regional Educational Laboratory Program

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,755,736 ($19.8M)

Contractor: SRI International

Awarding Agency: Department of Education

Start Date: 2022-01-03

End Date: 2027-01-02

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS ACTION IS TO AWARD THE REGIONAL EDUCATIONAL LABORATORY PROGRAM REL, 2022-2027 CYCLE FOR THE APPALACHIA REL

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 $19.8 million to SRI INTERNATIONAL for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS ACTION IS TO AWARD THE REGIONAL EDUCATIONAL LABORATORY PROGRAM REL, 2022-2027 CYCLE FOR THE APPALACHIA REL Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust market for educational research services. 2. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which allows for flexibility but requires careful monitoring of costs. 3. The duration of 1825 days (5 years) indicates a long-term commitment to the program's objectives. 4. SRI International, the awardee, has a track record in research and development, suggesting capability for this program. 5. The contract is not set aside for small businesses, implying larger firms were expected to compete. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541720 points to a focus on R&D in social sciences and humanities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $19.7 million over five years averages approximately $3.94 million per year. Benchmarking this against similar large-scale educational research and technical assistance contracts is challenging without more specific service details. However, the fixed fee component within the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure provides some cost control. The value appears reasonable for a multi-year, comprehensive regional laboratory program, assuming the scope of work is met effectively.

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. The data shows 3 bids were received. This level of competition is generally positive for price discovery and ensures the government can select from a range of qualified contractors, potentially leading to better value.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives down costs and encourages innovation.

Public Impact

The Appalachia Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) program aims to provide research and technical assistance to educators and policymakers in the Appalachia region. Benefits include improved educational practices, evidence-based decision-making, and enhanced student outcomes. The geographic impact is focused on the states within the Appalachia region, serving a significant population of students and educators. The program supports the education workforce by providing resources and professional development opportunities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can incentivize contractors to incur costs to increase their fixed fee if not properly managed.
The broad scope of 'Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities' may lead to scope creep if not clearly defined and monitored.
Reliance on a single awardee for a 5-year program requires robust performance monitoring to ensure continued quality and responsiveness.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive process that should yield good value.
The long-term nature of the contract allows for sustained focus and impact on educational challenges in the region.
SRI International's established presence in R&D suggests a capable and experienced contractor for this complex program.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on social sciences and humanities applied to education. The market for educational research and technical assistance is substantial, with government agencies and foundations frequently funding such initiatives. Comparable spending benchmarks would depend on the specific services rendered, but large-scale, multi-year contracts for regional educational laboratories represent significant investments in improving educational systems.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the data indicates no small business participation (sb: false). This suggests that the scope and scale of the work were likely better suited for larger, established research institutions. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses within the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be managed by the Department of Education's program officials responsible for the Regional Educational Laboratory program. Accountability measures would be tied to performance metrics outlined in the contract, including deliverables, research quality, and technical assistance impact. Transparency is generally maintained through public reporting of research findings and program activities, though specific oversight mechanisms for this contract are not detailed.

Related Government Programs

Regional Educational Laboratories Program
Education Research Grants
Federal Education Policy Support
Social Science Research Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns inherent in Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts.
Risk of scope creep in broad R&D projects.
Need for robust performance monitoring over a long contract duration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Education awarded $19.8 million to SRI INTERNATIONAL. THE PURPOSE OF THIS ACTION IS TO AWARD THE REGIONAL EDUCATIONAL LABORATORY PROGRAM REL, 2022-2027 CYCLE FOR THE APPALACHIA REL

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SRI INTERNATIONAL.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $19.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-01-03. End: 2027-01-02.

What is SRI International's track record with similar federal contracts, particularly in educational research?

SRI International has a significant history of performing research and development for various federal agencies, including the Department of Education. They have been involved in numerous educational research projects, program evaluations, and technical assistance initiatives. Their experience often spans areas like curriculum development, teacher professional development, educational technology, and policy analysis. While specific contract details and performance ratings are not provided here, their consistent engagement in the federal R&D space, particularly within education, suggests a substantial capacity and familiarity with government contracting requirements and research methodologies.

How does the $19.7 million contract value compare to previous Regional Educational Laboratory cycles?

To accurately compare the $19.7 million value to previous Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) cycles, historical funding data for the REL program would be needed. Federal funding levels can fluctuate year over year due to budget appropriations and program priorities. Assuming this contract represents a full cycle award, it is essential to examine if the scope of services has remained consistent. If the scope has expanded or contracted, a direct dollar-value comparison might be misleading. However, a preliminary assessment suggests this is a substantial investment, indicative of the program's importance.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for educational R&D?

The primary risk with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract is the potential for cost overruns. While the fixed fee provides the contractor with a defined profit margin, the 'cost plus' portion means the government reimburses the contractor's allowable costs. If costs escalate beyond initial estimates due to unforeseen challenges, scope creep, or inefficient management, the total contract value can increase significantly. For educational R&D, risks include the inherent uncertainty in research outcomes, the difficulty in precisely estimating the effort required for complex studies, and the need for flexibility to adapt research methodologies. Effective government oversight is crucial to manage these risks by scrutinizing costs and ensuring adherence to the SOW.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) likely used to measure the success of this REL contract?

Key performance indicators (KPIs) for this Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) contract would likely focus on the quality, relevance, and impact of the research and technical assistance provided. This could include metrics such as the number and quality of research reports published, the number of educators and policymakers reached through technical assistance sessions, the adoption rate of evidence-based practices by schools or districts, and stakeholder satisfaction surveys. Timeliness of deliverables, adherence to research integrity standards, and the extent to which the REL's work informs policy and practice in the Appalachia region would also be critical measures of success.

How has federal spending on educational research and development evolved over the past decade?

Federal spending on educational research and development (R&D) has seen fluctuations over the past decade, influenced by administration priorities, congressional appropriations, and national educational goals. Agencies like the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) within the Department of Education are primary drivers of this spending, funding a wide array of research from early childhood to postsecondary education. While specific figures vary annually, there has been a sustained emphasis on evidence-based practices and rigorous research methodologies. Funding levels can be impacted by broader economic conditions and policy shifts, but the commitment to improving educational outcomes through research generally remains a federal priority, albeit with varying levels of investment.

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: 91990020C008

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 333 RAVENSWOOD AVE, MENLO PARK, CA, 94025

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: $22,904,561

Exercised Options: $22,904,561

Current Obligation: $19,755,736

Actual Outlays: $15,392,971

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 2

Total Subaward Amount: $1,401,894

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline