USAID's $29.2M HIV Prevention Education Contract with Education Development Center, Inc. aimed to reduce infections in South Africa

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $29,194,010 ($29.2M)

Contractor: Education Development Center, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2015-01-18

End Date: 2021-12-31

Contract Duration: 2,539 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF-THE PURPOSE OF THE SCHOOL-BASED SEXUALITY AND HIV PREVENTION EDUCATION ACTIVITY IS TO SUPPORT THE SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT'S DEPARTMENT OF BASIC EDUCATION (DBE) TO REDUCE NEW HIV INFECTIONS IN STUDENTS AND TEACHERS BY ASSISTING THE DBE TO IMPLEMENT HIGH QUALITY EVIDENCE APPROACH.

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $29.2 million to EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF-THE PURPOSE OF THE SCHOOL-BASED SEXUALITY AND HIV PREVENTION EDUCATION ACTIVITY IS TO SUPPORT THE SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT'S DEPARTMENT OF BASIC EDUCATION (DBE) TO REDUCE NEW HIV INFECTIONS IN STUDENTS AND TEACHERS BY ASSISTING THE DBE TO IMPLEMENT HIGH QUALITY EVIDE… Key points: 1. The contract focused on implementing evidence-based sexuality and HIV prevention education in South African schools. 2. It aimed to support the South African Department of Basic Education's efforts to lower new HIV infections. 3. The contract duration was approximately 7 years, indicating a long-term commitment to the program. 4. The chosen procurement method was 'Full and Open Competition', suggesting a broad search for qualified contractors. 5. The contract type was 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee', which allows for cost reimbursement plus a fixed fee for profit. 6. The primary service category was 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services'.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific performance metrics or comparable international education program costs. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure can sometimes lead to higher costs if not managed tightly, as the contractor is reimbursed for expenses. However, it also allows for flexibility in program execution. The fixed fee component provides some predictability for contractor profit.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition', indicating that multiple potential bidders were solicited and evaluated. The presence of 4 bids suggests a reasonable level of interest and competition for this type of public health and education service. This competitive process is intended to ensure fair pricing and selection of the most capable offeror.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process generally benefits taxpayers by driving down costs and ensuring that the government receives the best value for its investment through a rigorous evaluation of proposals.

Public Impact

Students and teachers in South Africa are the primary beneficiaries, receiving education aimed at reducing HIV transmission. The program directly supports the South African government's Department of Basic Education in its public health initiatives. The geographic impact is focused within South Africa, specifically within the school system. The contract has implications for the education and public health workforce in South Africa, potentially involving local trainers and educators.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns inherent in Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts if not rigorously monitored.
Effectiveness of educational interventions can be difficult to measure and sustain long-term.
Reliance on government infrastructure and cooperation in South Africa presents execution risks.

Positive Signals

Focus on evidence-based approaches suggests a commitment to proven methods for HIV prevention.
Long-term contract duration allows for sustained program implementation and impact.
Full and open competition increases the likelihood of selecting a highly qualified and experienced contractor.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on public health and education program implementation. The market for international development and public health interventions is significant, with various non-governmental organizations and specialized firms competing for such contracts. USAID's spending in this area supports global health initiatives and capacity building in partner countries.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication from the provided data that this contract involved small business set-asides or significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. The primary contractor, Education Development Center, Inc., is a large non-profit organization. Further analysis would be needed to determine if any subcontracting goals were established or met.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be provided by the Agency for International Development (USAID) through its contracting officers and program officials. The contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) necessitates close monitoring of expenditures and performance. Inspector General audits may also be conducted to ensure accountability and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.

Related Government Programs

Global Health Security Agenda
PEPFAR (President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief)
USAID Education Programs
International HIV/AIDS Prevention Initiatives

Risk Flags

Contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) requires diligent oversight to manage costs.
Measuring direct impact on HIV infection rates is inherently complex.
Potential for stakeholder resistance to sexuality education content.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $29.2 million to EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF-THE PURPOSE OF THE SCHOOL-BASED SEXUALITY AND HIV PREVENTION EDUCATION ACTIVITY IS TO SUPPORT THE SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT'S DEPARTMENT OF BASIC EDUCATION (DBE) TO REDUCE NEW HIV INFECTIONS IN STUDENTS AND TEACHERS BY ASSISTING THE DBE TO IMPLEMENT HIGH QUALITY EVIDENCE APPROACH.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER, INC..

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 $29.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2015-01-18. End: 2021-12-31.

What was the specific performance of Education Development Center, Inc. on this contract?

Detailed performance data for this specific contract is not publicly available in the provided snippet. However, the contract's objective was to support the South African Department of Basic Education in reducing new HIV infections through evidence-based education. Success would typically be measured by indicators related to increased knowledge, behavioral changes among students and teachers, and ultimately, a reduction in new HIV infections. The long duration (nearly 7 years) suggests a sustained effort, but without specific reports or evaluations, a definitive performance assessment cannot be made. USAID's internal evaluations and any Inspector General reports would hold this information.

How does the cost of this contract compare to similar international HIV prevention education programs?

Direct cost comparisons are difficult without access to detailed budgets and scope of work for similar programs. The total award of $29.2 million over approximately 2539 days (about 7 years) averages to roughly $11,500 per day or about $4 million per year. This figure needs to be contextualized by the scale of implementation (number of schools, students, teachers reached), the specific interventions used, and the operational costs in South Africa. Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can vary widely based on overhead and direct costs. Benchmarking would require analyzing the cost-effectiveness (e.g., cost per life year gained, cost per infection averted) against other established programs.

What are the primary risks associated with implementing HIV prevention education in a school setting?

Key risks include resistance from parents, community, or religious groups concerned about the content of sexuality education. There's also the risk of insufficient teacher training or buy-in, leading to ineffective delivery. Logistical challenges in reaching remote schools, ensuring consistent supply of educational materials, and monitoring program fidelity are significant. Furthermore, political instability or changes in government priorities in the host country can impact program sustainability. Finally, measuring the direct impact on HIV infection rates is complex due to numerous confounding factors and the long latency period of the disease.

What was the historical spending pattern for HIV prevention education by USAID?

USAID has been a major funder of HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs globally, particularly through PEPFAR. Historical spending patterns show a significant and sustained investment in combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic across numerous countries, including South Africa. While this specific contract represents a portion of that spending, USAID's overall budget allocation for HIV/AIDS has been substantial, often ranking among its largest program areas. Trends may show shifts from pure prevention to treatment and care, and increasing emphasis on country-led initiatives and sustainable health systems.

How effective are evidence-based approaches in school-based HIV prevention?

Evidence-based approaches in school-based HIV prevention have demonstrated significant effectiveness when implemented comprehensively and with fidelity. These programs often focus on increasing knowledge about HIV transmission, promoting safer sexual behaviors, and building skills for negotiation and condom use. Studies have shown that well-designed programs can lead to delayed sexual debut, reduced number of sexual partners, increased condom use, and ultimately, a reduction in new HIV infections among youth. The key is adherence to the evidence base, proper training of educators, and sustained support within the school environment.

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: 43 FOUNDRY AVENUE, WALTHAM, MA, 02453

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: $29,842,956

Exercised Options: $29,842,956

Current Obligation: $29,194,010

Actual Outlays: $13,087,867

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 15

Total Subaward Amount: $3,169,356

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline