Department of Education awards $44.6M for National Assessment of Educational Progress platform development
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $44,569,036 ($44.6M)
Contractor: Educational Testing Service
Awarding Agency: Department of Education
Start Date: 2024-12-20
End Date: 2026-12-19
Contract Duration: 729 days
Daily Burn Rate: $61.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THIS AWARD IS FOR THE NATIONAL ASSESSMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS PLATFORM DEVELOPMENT.
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20202
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Education obligated $44.6 million to EDUCATIONAL TESTING SERVICE for work described as: THIS AWARD IS FOR THE NATIONAL ASSESSMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS PLATFORM DEVELOPMENT. Key points: 1. The award focuses on R&D in social sciences and humanities. 2. Educational Testing Service is the sole contractor. 3. The contract is a firm-fixed-price definitive contract. 4. The contract duration is 729 days.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $44.6M for platform development over two years appears reasonable given the scope of the National Assessment of Educational Progress. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts for large-scale educational platforms is necessary for a definitive assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method is generally expected to yield fair pricing, though specific bid details are not provided.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for a critical national educational assessment platform, aiming for improved data collection and analysis.
Public Impact
Impacts national educational standards and student assessment. Supports data-driven policy decisions in education. Ensures the continued relevance and accuracy of educational metrics.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
- Potential for scope creep in platform development.
- Reliance on a single contractor for a critical system.
Positive Signals
- Firm-fixed-price contract helps control costs.
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Clear objective for platform development.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities. Spending in this sector can vary widely, but large-scale educational technology development requires significant investment for robust and scalable platforms.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small businesses were not directly involved in this specific award, as the contract was awarded to a large, established entity. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are subcontracting.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Education is responsible for oversight. The firm-fixed-price contract structure provides some cost control, but ongoing monitoring of performance and deliverables is crucial for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities
- Department of Education Contracting
- Department of Education Programs
Risk Flags
- Contract duration is lengthy (729 days).
- No specific mention of small business participation.
- Potential for vendor lock-in with a single developer.
- Reliance on a single entity for a critical national system.
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 $44.6 million to EDUCATIONAL TESTING SERVICE. THIS AWARD IS FOR THE NATIONAL ASSESSMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS PLATFORM DEVELOPMENT.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is EDUCATIONAL TESTING SERVICE.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Education (Department of Education).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $44.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-12-20. End: 2026-12-19.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for the platform development, and how will they be measured to ensure value for money?
Key performance indicators should focus on platform functionality, user adoption rates, data accuracy, system uptime, and security compliance. Measuring these against pre-defined targets will ensure the development meets its objectives and provides value. Regular progress reviews and independent testing are essential for effective oversight and accountability.
What are the potential risks associated with relying on a single contractor for the development of such a critical national assessment platform?
Risks include vendor lock-in, potential for reduced innovation over time, and vulnerability if the contractor faces financial or operational difficulties. Mitigating these requires strong contract management, clear exit strategies, and potentially fostering a competitive environment for future enhancements or maintenance.
How will the new platform enhance the accuracy and efficiency of the National Assessment of Educational Progress compared to previous systems?
The platform is expected to leverage modern technologies for improved data collection, analysis, and reporting, leading to more timely and accurate insights into student performance. Enhanced features may include adaptive testing capabilities, better data visualization tools, and more robust security protocols, ultimately improving the overall effectiveness of the assessment.
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: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: 91990024R0008
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 660 ROSEDALE RD, PRINCETON, NJ, 08540
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: $99,897,036
Exercised Options: $44,569,036
Current Obligation: $44,569,036
Actual Outlays: $24,936,863
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-12-20
Current End Date: 2026-12-19
Potential End Date: 2029-12-19 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-19
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