Department of Education Awards $20M for Northwest REL Program (2022-2027)
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $19,964,644 ($20.0M)
Contractor: Wested
Awarding Agency: Department of Education
Start Date: 2022-01-02
End Date: 2027-01-02
Contract Duration: 1,826 days
Daily Burn Rate: $10.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS ACTION IS TO AWARD THE REGIONAL EDUCATIONAL LABORATORY PROGRAM 2022-2027 CYCLE FOR THE NORTHWEST REL
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20002
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Education obligated $20.0 million to WESTED for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS ACTION IS TO AWARD THE REGIONAL EDUCATIONAL LABORATORY PROGRAM 2022-2027 CYCLE FOR THE NORTHWEST REL Key points: 1. The contract supports research and development in social sciences and humanities. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns. 4. The awardee is WESTED, a single entity for the Northwest region.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $19.96M over 5 years averages $3.99M annually. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts in social sciences is difficult without more specific data, but the annual value appears moderate.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely considered. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to support educational research and development, aiming for improved educational outcomes.
Public Impact
Supports research to improve educational practices and outcomes in the Northwest region. Funding is allocated for a five-year period, ensuring sustained research efforts. The program aims to provide evidence-based solutions for educational challenges.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher costs.
- Limited information on specific performance metrics and success indicators.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition suggests a fair process.
- Long-term funding commitment allows for comprehensive research.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities (NAICS 541720). Spending in this sector can vary widely based on research scope and duration. The $20M award over five years is a significant investment in regional educational research.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small businesses were not a primary focus for this specific award, as the contract was awarded to WESTED. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Education is responsible for overseeing this contract. Accountability will depend on the established performance metrics and reporting requirements within the contract.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities
- Department of Education Contracting
- Department of Education Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Potential for cost overruns.
- Limited visibility into specific performance metrics.
- Reliance on a single awardee for the entire region.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-social-s, department-of-education, dc, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Education awarded $20.0 million to WESTED. THE PURPOSE OF THIS ACTION IS TO AWARD THE REGIONAL EDUCATIONAL LABORATORY PROGRAM 2022-2027 CYCLE FOR THE NORTHWEST REL
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is WESTED.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Education (Department of Education).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $20.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-01-02. End: 2027-01-02.
What specific research questions will the Regional Educational Laboratory Program address, and how will their findings be disseminated to educators and policymakers?
The Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) program aims to address critical education challenges through rigorous research and development. Specific research questions are typically identified in collaboration with regional stakeholders, focusing on areas like early childhood education, K-12 achievement, and post-secondary success. Findings are disseminated through various channels, including research reports, practice guides, webinars, and direct technical assistance to educators and policymakers in the designated region.
What are the potential risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract structure in this context, and how are they mitigated?
A Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract structure carries the risk that the contractor may not be sufficiently incentivized to control costs, as the government pays actual costs plus a fixed fee. Mitigation strategies include robust government oversight, detailed cost monitoring, clear performance standards, and negotiation of a reasonable fixed fee that reflects the contractor's risk and effort. The government must ensure the contractor's proposed costs are realistic and necessary for contract performance.
How will the effectiveness of the research funded by this contract be measured, and what impact is it expected to have on educational practices in the Northwest?
The effectiveness of the research will be measured through predefined performance metrics outlined in the contract, which may include the quality and rigor of research conducted, the relevance of findings to stakeholder needs, and the successful dissemination of results. The expected impact is to provide evidence-based strategies and resources that improve teaching, learning, and educational leadership within the Northwest region, ultimately leading to better student outcomes.
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: 91990022R0032
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 730 HARRISON ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA, 94107
Business Categories: Category Business, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $23,365,935
Exercised Options: $23,365,935
Current Obligation: $19,964,644
Actual Outlays: $15,710,725
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 6
Total Subaward Amount: $4,716,185
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-01-02
Current End Date: 2027-01-02
Potential End Date: 2027-01-03 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-14
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