USAID Haiti Basic Education Project awarded $27.9M to American Institutes for Research for technical assistance

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $27,926,793 ($27.9M)

Contractor: American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2008-05-05

End Date: 2011-12-30

Contract Duration: 1,334 days

Daily Burn Rate: $20.9K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE USAID/ HAITI'S OFFICE OF HEALTH AND EDUCATION (H&E) REQUIRES TEHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO IMPLEMENT THE HAITI BASIC EDUCATION (HBE) PROJECT, WHICH IS TO INCREASE ACCESSTO QUALITY BASIC EDUCATION BY IMPROVINGTHE GOVERNMENT OF HAITI'S OVERSIGHT CAPACITY FOR BASIC EDUCATION SERVICES TO PUBLIC AND NON-PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND OUT-OF-SCHOOL YOUTH THROUGHOUT HAITI.TAS::72 1037::TAS

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $27.9 million to AMERICAN INSTITUTES FOR RESEARCH IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES for work described as: THE USAID/ HAITI'S OFFICE OF HEALTH AND EDUCATION (H&E) REQUIRES TEHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO IMPLEMENT THE HAITI BASIC EDUCATION (HBE) PROJECT, WHICH IS TO INCREASE ACCESSTO QUALITY BASIC EDUCATION BY IMPROVINGTHE GOVERNMENT OF HAITI'S OVERSIGHT CAPACITY FOR BASIC EDUCATION SERVICES … Key points: 1. Contract focuses on improving Haiti's government oversight of basic education services. 2. Technical assistance aims to increase access to quality education for public and non-public schools. 3. Project targets public and non-public schools, as well as out-of-school youth. 4. The contract duration spans over three years, indicating a sustained effort. 5. This award represents a significant investment in Haiti's educational infrastructure and capacity building.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $27.9 million for a three-year technical assistance project in basic education appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar USAID-funded education initiatives in developing countries suggests that costs for technical expertise, program management, and local capacity building can range significantly. Without specific details on the deliverables and the number of personnel involved, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the focus on improving governmental oversight capacity is a critical component for long-term sustainability.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under SAP (System for Award Management), indicating a full and open competition process. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, a competed award suggests that multiple interested parties had the opportunity to submit proposals. This competitive environment is generally expected to drive better pricing and service quality as contractors vie for the award.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition is favorable for taxpayers as it promotes a more efficient use of funds by encouraging competitive pricing and a wider pool of potential service providers.

Public Impact

Beneficiaries include public and non-public schools across Haiti, aiming to improve the quality of education. Out-of-school youth are also targeted, potentially offering them pathways to educational engagement. The project's geographic impact is nationwide, covering all of Haiti. Workforce implications include the potential for local employment in project implementation and capacity building for Haitian education officials.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for dependency on external technical assistance without sufficient local capacity transfer.
Challenges in monitoring and evaluating educational outcomes in a complex environment.
Risk of political instability impacting project implementation and sustainability.

Positive Signals

Focus on strengthening government oversight capacity for long-term systemic improvement.
Direct investment in improving educational access and quality for a vulnerable population.
The project's nationwide scope aims for broad impact across Haiti.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector, specifically under the 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' NAICS code (541990). This sector is crucial for supporting government initiatives in areas like education, public administration, and development. Comparable spending in this area often involves consultancy, program management, and technical expertise for international development projects. USAID's overall spending in education and capacity building globally is substantial, with contracts like this forming a key part of their strategy.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans was not explicitly detailed in the provided data. As the contract was competed under SAP, it's possible that opportunities for small businesses to participate as prime contractors or subcontractors may have existed. Further investigation into the contract's specific terms and conditions would be needed to assess the direct impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under USAID's Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the relevant program offices within USAID/Haiti. Mechanisms likely include regular reporting requirements from the contractor, site visits, performance reviews, and audits. Transparency is typically managed through public contract databases and reporting on project outcomes, though specific details on public access to project progress reports are not provided.

Related Government Programs

USAID Haiti Basic Education Project
USAID Education Sector Programs
Technical Assistance Contracts
International Development Projects

Risk Flags

Potential for political instability impacting project continuity.
Challenges in monitoring and evaluating educational outcomes in a complex environment.
Risk of insufficient local capacity transfer for long-term sustainability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $27.9 million to AMERICAN INSTITUTES FOR RESEARCH IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES. THE USAID/ HAITI'S OFFICE OF HEALTH AND EDUCATION (H&E) REQUIRES TEHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO IMPLEMENT THE HAITI BASIC EDUCATION (HBE) PROJECT, WHICH IS TO INCREASE ACCESSTO QUALITY BASIC EDUCATION BY IMPROVINGTHE GOVERNMENT OF HAITI'S OVERSIGHT CAPACITY FOR BASIC EDUCATION SERVICES TO PUBLIC AND NON-PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND OUT-OF-SCHOOL YOUTH THROUGHOUT HAITI.TAS::72 1037::TAS

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 $27.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-05-05. End: 2011-12-30.

What is the track record of American Institutes for Research in delivering similar technical assistance projects for USAID or other international development agencies?

American Institutes for Research (AIR) has a long history of conducting research and providing technical assistance in education and international development. They have been involved in numerous USAID-funded projects globally, focusing on areas such as education system strengthening, teacher training, curriculum development, and policy reform. Their experience often includes working in challenging environments and with government counterparts to build local capacity. A review of their past performance on similar contracts would reveal their success in meeting objectives, managing budgets, and adapting to local contexts. Specific project evaluations and past performance reviews available through federal procurement databases would offer more detailed insights into their capabilities and reliability in delivering complex technical assistance.

How does the awarded amount of $27.9 million compare to the typical cost of similar technical assistance projects for basic education in developing countries?

The awarded amount of $27.9 million for a three-year technical assistance project in Haiti is within a reasonable range for large-scale international development initiatives. The cost of such projects can vary significantly based on the country's context, the complexity of the educational system, the specific objectives, and the duration. Factors influencing cost include the number of personnel deployed, their expertise levels, travel expenses, local operational costs, and the scope of capacity-building activities. Benchmarking against other USAID education projects in similar regions or with comparable goals would provide a more precise comparison. However, for a nationwide project aimed at systemic reform and government capacity building, this figure suggests a substantial and comprehensive effort.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of the Haiti Basic Education (HBE) Project, and how has AIR performed against these metrics?

The success of the Haiti Basic Education (HBE) Project is likely measured through a set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) focused on increasing access to quality basic education and improving the Government of Haiti's oversight capacity. These KPIs could include metrics such as increased enrollment rates, improved learning outcomes (e.g., literacy and numeracy scores), enhanced teacher qualifications, development and implementation of new educational policies, and strengthened capacity of Haitian education officials in areas like planning, budgeting, and monitoring. As the contract was awarded in 2008 and ended in 2011, performance data would be available in USAID's project completion reports and potentially in evaluations conducted by USAID or independent third parties. Assessing AIR's performance would involve reviewing their progress against these specific KPIs and any documented challenges or successes.

What is the historical spending pattern for USAID's technical assistance in Haiti's education sector, and how does this contract fit within that trend?

USAID has historically invested in Haiti's education sector, recognizing its critical role in the country's development and stability. Spending patterns often reflect a focus on improving access, quality, and governance within the education system. Technical assistance contracts, like the HBE Project, are a common mechanism for delivering this support, aiming to build local capacity and strengthen institutions. The $27.9 million awarded to AIR for the HBE Project represents a significant, but not necessarily anomalous, investment within the context of USAID's broader efforts in Haiti's education sector over the past two decades. Analyzing historical USAID spending data for Haiti's education sector would reveal the scale and focus of previous interventions and help contextualize the HBE Project's contribution and alignment with long-term development strategies.

What are the potential risks associated with implementing a large-scale education reform project in Haiti, and what mitigation strategies were likely employed?

Implementing a large-scale education reform project in Haiti presents several significant risks, including political instability, security concerns, natural disasters (earthquakes, hurricanes), corruption, limited infrastructure, and challenges in achieving sustainable local ownership. For the HBE Project, potential risks could involve difficulties in coordinating with government ministries, resistance to change from stakeholders, logistical hurdles in reaching remote areas, and ensuring the long-term impact beyond the project's lifespan. Mitigation strategies likely included close collaboration with Haitian government entities, robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks, adaptive management approaches to address unforeseen challenges, security protocols for personnel, and a strong emphasis on building local capacity to ensure sustainability. USAID's experience in Haiti would have informed the risk assessment and the development of these mitigation plans.

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: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 3

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, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $27,926,793

Exercised Options: $27,926,793

Current Obligation: $27,926,793

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: AIDEDHI000500025

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline