Department of Education awards $20M contract for Mid-Atlantic Regional Educational Laboratory Program to Mathematica Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $20,066,513 ($20.1M)

Contractor: Mathematica Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Education

Start Date: 2022-01-02

End Date: 2027-01-02

Contract Duration: 1,826 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS ACTIONS IS TO AWARD THE REGIONAL EDUCATIONAL LABORATORY PROGRAM REL, 2022-2027 CYCLE FOR THE MID-ATLANTIC REGION.

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20202

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Education obligated $20.1 million to MATHEMATICA INC. for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS ACTIONS IS TO AWARD THE REGIONAL EDUCATIONAL LABORATORY PROGRAM REL, 2022-2027 CYCLE FOR THE MID-ATLANTIC REGION. Key points: 1. Contract aims to enhance educational research and support services across the Mid-Atlantic region. 2. Mathematica Inc. selected through full and open competition, indicating a robust bidding process. 3. The contract duration of five years suggests a long-term commitment to regional educational development. 4. Focus on educational support services aligns with the agency's mission to improve educational outcomes. 5. The award value of approximately $20 million over five years requires careful performance monitoring. 6. Geographic focus on the Mid-Atlantic region highlights targeted investment in specific educational needs.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $20,066,513.39 over five years averages to approximately $4 million annually. Benchmarking this against similar regional educational laboratory contracts is challenging without more specific service details. However, the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure allows for flexibility while maintaining cost control, provided that Mathematica Inc. manages direct costs effectively. The fixed fee component provides a clear incentive for efficient performance.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this procurement method generally fosters competitive pricing and encourages a wider range of innovative solutions. The agency's decision to use full and open competition indicates a desire to secure the best value through a broad market search.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it typically leads to more competitive pricing and a greater likelihood of selecting the most cost-effective and capable provider, maximizing the return on investment for public funds.

Public Impact

Educational institutions, researchers, and policymakers in the Mid-Atlantic region (District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia) will benefit from enhanced research and technical assistance. The contract will deliver services related to educational research, development, dissemination, and technical assistance to improve educational practice and outcomes. Geographic impact is concentrated within the Mid-Atlantic states and the District of Columbia. Workforce implications may include employment opportunities for researchers, analysts, and support staff within Mathematica Inc. and potentially within partner organizations in the region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if project objectives are not clearly defined and managed.
Ensuring equitable distribution of services and benefits across diverse educational settings within the region.
Measuring the tangible impact and effectiveness of research findings on educational practices.

Positive Signals

Selection through full and open competition suggests a strong proposal from Mathematica Inc.
The five-year duration allows for sustained impact and long-term relationship building.
Focus on a specific region allows for tailored support to address unique educational challenges.

Sector Analysis

The Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) program, funded by the Department of Education, supports a network of 10 laboratories across the United States. These laboratories conduct research and provide technical assistance to improve education. The contract for the Mid-Atlantic region falls within the broader 'Educational Support Services' sector (NAICS code 611710), which includes establishments primarily engaged in providing educational support activities. This sector is characterized by a mix of government-funded research, private consulting, and non-profit organizations.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation (sb) is marked as false, and there is no explicit mention of small business set-asides (ss) for this contract. This suggests that the primary award was not specifically targeted towards small businesses. However, it is possible that Mathematica Inc. may engage small businesses as subcontractors to fulfill certain aspects of the contract, contributing to the broader small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of Education's relevant program office, potentially with support from an Inspector General's office for audits and investigations. Accountability measures would be embedded in the contract's performance work statement, requiring regular reporting and adherence to milestones. Transparency is facilitated through the federal contract award process, though detailed programmatic reporting may be internal.

Related Government Programs

Regional Educational Laboratory Program
Educational Research and Development Centers
Institute of Education Sciences Programs
Federal Education Grants and Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for research findings to become outdated over the five-year contract period.
Ensuring equitable access to services across diverse educational settings within the Mid-Atlantic region.
Measuring the long-term impact and adoption of evidence-based practices resulting from the contract.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Education awarded $20.1 million to MATHEMATICA INC.. THE PURPOSE OF THIS ACTIONS IS TO AWARD THE REGIONAL EDUCATIONAL LABORATORY PROGRAM REL, 2022-2027 CYCLE FOR THE MID-ATLANTIC REGION.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MATHEMATICA INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $20.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is Mathematica Inc.'s track record with federal educational research contracts?

Mathematica Inc. has a significant track record in conducting research and evaluation for federal agencies, including the Department of Education, Department of Health and Human Services, and others. They have been involved in numerous large-scale studies, program evaluations, and data analysis projects. Their experience often spans areas such as education policy, workforce development, and social services. This extensive background suggests they possess the necessary expertise and infrastructure to manage complex federal contracts like the Regional Educational Laboratory Program. Their history of delivering research findings and technical assistance to government clients positions them as a capable contractor for this role.

How does the annual value of this contract compare to other Regional Educational Laboratory contracts?

The annual value of this contract, approximately $4 million ($20,066,513.39 / 5 years), is generally in line with other Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) contracts. The REL program is structured to fund 10 laboratories across the country, each serving a specific region. While exact annual funding can fluctuate based on congressional appropriations and specific program priorities, the average annual award for RELs typically falls within the range of $3 million to $5 million. This contract's value suggests it is a standard-sized award for the REL program, reflecting the scope of services required for a large geographic region like the Mid-Atlantic.

What are the primary risks associated with a five-year contract for educational research and support?

Primary risks for a five-year educational research and support contract include the potential for evolving educational needs and priorities over the contract period, which may not be fully anticipated at the outset. There's also a risk of contractor performance degradation or a lack of sustained innovation if not actively managed. Ensuring the relevance and impact of research findings in a dynamic educational landscape is crucial. Furthermore, maintaining strong communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders across the Mid-Atlantic region presents an ongoing challenge. Finally, budget uncertainties at the federal level could pose a risk to the full duration and scope of the program.

How will the effectiveness of the services delivered under this contract be measured?

The effectiveness of services delivered under this contract will likely be measured through a combination of performance metrics outlined in the contract's Performance Work Statement (PWS). These metrics typically include the quality and timeliness of research reports, the reach and impact of technical assistance provided to educators and policymakers, and the successful dissemination of findings. The Department of Education will monitor progress through regular reporting requirements, site visits, and potentially independent evaluations. Key performance indicators (KPIs) might focus on the number of educators reached, the adoption of evidence-based practices influenced by REL work, and the perceived utility of the research by stakeholders.

What is the historical spending trend for the Regional Educational Laboratory Program?

Historical spending for the Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Program has been relatively consistent, reflecting its status as a core initiative of the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) within the Department of Education. Annual appropriations for the REL program typically hover in the range of $40 million to $50 million, supporting the network of 10 laboratories. While there can be year-to-year fluctuations due to budget cycles and specific congressional priorities, the program has maintained a stable funding base, indicating a sustained commitment to its mission of providing evidence-based resources to improve education across the nation.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational Services › Educational Support Services › Educational Support Services

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: 91990020R0032

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 600 ALEXANDER PARK, PRINCETON, NJ, 08540

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $24,048,754

Exercised Options: $23,529,422

Current Obligation: $20,066,513

Actual Outlays: $16,464,552

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 5

Total Subaward Amount: $1,066,614

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline