USAID Spends $19.7M on Reading Project with American Institutes for Research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $19,706,125 ($19.7M)
Contractor: American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences
Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development
Start Date: 2013-06-28
End Date: 2024-06-07
Contract Duration: 3,997 days
Daily Burn Rate: $4.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: USAID QUALITY READING PROJECT IGF::OT::IGF
Plain-Language Summary
Agency for International Development obligated $19.7 million to AMERICAN INSTITUTES FOR RESEARCH IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES for work described as: USAID QUALITY READING PROJECT IGF::OT::IGF Key points: 1. Contract awarded for 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services'. 2. Significant duration of 3997 days suggests a long-term project. 3. No small business participation noted. 4. Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires careful monitoring.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates close oversight to ensure costs remain reasonable and aligned with project goals. Benchmarking against similar long-term technical services contracts is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.
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. However, the long duration and specific nature of the services may have limited the number of responsive bids.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for a project aimed at improving reading quality, with the value of $19.7 million reflecting the scale of the initiative.
Public Impact
Educational impact: The project aims to improve reading quality, potentially benefiting students and educational systems in recipient countries. Long-term commitment: The extended contract duration indicates a sustained investment in the project's objectives. Contractor performance: The success of the project hinges on the effective execution by American Institutes for Research.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Lack of small business participation
- Long contract duration
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition awarded
- Clear project objective (reading quality)
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under professional, scientific, and technical services, a broad category. USAID's spending in this area often supports development goals, including education and capacity building, with typical contract values varying widely based on project scope.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not awarded to small businesses, indicating a lack of specific provisions or opportunities for small business participation in this particular procurement.
Oversight & Accountability
The long duration and Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure of this contract warrant robust oversight to ensure efficient use of funds and achievement of project milestones. Regular performance reviews and cost audits are crucial.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Agency for International Development Contracting
- Agency for International Development Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract risk
- Long contract duration may lead to scope creep or inefficiency
- Lack of small business participation
- Broad service category lacks specificity
Tags
all-other-professional-scientific-and-te, agency-for-international-development, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Agency for International Development awarded $19.7 million to AMERICAN INSTITUTES FOR RESEARCH IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES. USAID QUALITY READING PROJECT IGF::OT::IGF
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: Agency for International Development (Agency for International Development).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $19.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2013-06-28. End: 2024-06-07.
What specific metrics are used to measure the 'quality reading' improvements, and how is the fixed fee tied to achieving these outcomes?
The effectiveness of the $19.7 million investment hinges on clearly defined and measurable outcomes related to reading quality improvements. The fixed fee should ideally be structured with performance incentives or milestones that directly correlate with achieving these specific educational objectives, ensuring accountability for results beyond just service delivery.
Given the 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' category, what are the key deliverables and how do they align with USAID's development goals?
The broad service category suggests a wide range of potential deliverables, from research and analysis to program implementation and training. Alignment with USAID's goals requires specific project documentation detailing how these services contribute to educational development, capacity building, or other strategic objectives in the target regions.
What was the rationale for awarding a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for nearly 4000 days, and what controls are in place to manage potential cost overruns?
A Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for such a long duration suggests a complex, evolving project where precise cost estimation is challenging. Robust oversight mechanisms, including detailed cost reporting, regular audits, and strict change order management, are essential to mitigate the inherent risk of cost overruns and ensure the fixed fee remains appropriate.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1000 THOMAS JEFFERSON ST N W, WASHINGTON, DC, 20007
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: $19,706,184
Exercised Options: $19,706,184
Current Obligation: $19,706,125
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 3
Total Subaward Amount: $7,252,371
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2013-06-28
Current End Date: 2024-06-07
Potential End Date: 2024-06-07 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-08-09
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