USAID awards $30.7M contract for 250,000 scholarships in Sub-Saharan Africa

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $30,730,221 ($30.7M)

Contractor: World Education, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2004-09-30

End Date: 2011-09-29

Contract Duration: 2,555 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE LEVEL OF EFFORT

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO PROVIDE 250,000 SCHOLARSHIPS (APPROXIMATELY 83,333 SCHOLARSHIPS PER REGION) TO GIRS IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA FOR THEIR EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT.

Place of Performance

Location: BOSTON, SUFFOLK County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02210

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $30.7 million to WORLD EDUCATION, INC. for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO PROVIDE 250,000 SCHOLARSHIPS (APPROXIMATELY 83,333 SCHOLARSHIPS PER REGION) TO GIRS IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA FOR THEIR EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT. Key points: 1. Contract aims to provide educational development through scholarships. 2. Significant investment in human capital for Sub-Saharan Africa. 3. Fixed Price Level of Effort contract type suggests clear deliverables. 4. Long duration of 7 years indicates a sustained program effort. 5. Focus on educational development aligns with international aid priorities. 6. Scholarship distribution across regions aims for broad impact.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award of $30.7 million for 250,000 scholarships averages to approximately $122.92 per scholarship. This per-scholarship cost appears low, potentially indicating a cost-effective approach to educational development. However, without detailed breakdowns of what the scholarship covers (tuition, books, living expenses, etc.) or comparisons to similar large-scale scholarship programs, a definitive value assessment is challenging. The fixed-price nature suggests the government is paying a set amount for a defined level of effort, which can provide cost certainty but may limit flexibility if program needs change.

Cost Per Unit: $122.92 per scholarship

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple interested parties had the opportunity to bid. This competitive process is generally expected to yield better pricing and innovative solutions for the government. The number of bidders is not specified, but the full and open nature implies a robust competition was sought.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is favorable for taxpayers as it promotes a competitive environment, driving down costs and increasing the likelihood of obtaining the best value for the government's investment.

Public Impact

Approximately 250,000 girls in Sub-Saharan Africa will benefit from educational opportunities. The program aims to foster educational development, potentially leading to improved life outcomes for recipients. Scholarships will be distributed across different regions within Sub-Saharan Africa, promoting equitable access. The initiative supports the workforce development pipeline by investing in future generations. This contract contributes to U.S. foreign policy objectives related to education and development in Africa.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for administrative overhead to consume a significant portion of the scholarship funds.
Ensuring equitable distribution and access to scholarships across diverse regions and communities.
Measuring the long-term educational and economic impact of the scholarships on recipients and their communities.
Geopolitical instability or logistical challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa could impact program delivery.
Dependency on a single contractor for such a large-scale program could pose a risk if performance falters.

Positive Signals

Significant investment in education for a large number of girls, addressing a critical development need.
Full and open competition suggests a potentially competitive pricing structure and broad market engagement.
Long contract duration allows for sustained program implementation and impact.
Clear contract type (Fixed Price Level of Effort) provides cost certainty for the government.
Focus on educational development aligns with established international aid goals and best practices.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Education and Social Services sector, specifically focusing on international development aid. The market for providing educational services and scholarships globally is substantial, with numerous non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and specialized development firms competing for government funding. USAID, as a major development agency, frequently awards contracts of this nature to support educational initiatives in developing countries. Benchmarking this specific contract's value is difficult without more granular data on scholarship inclusions, but the per-scholarship cost appears competitive for large-scale international education programs.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside requirement for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). While World Education, Inc. may engage small businesses as subcontractors, the primary award was not directed towards small businesses. This means the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this specific contract is likely limited unless subcontracting opportunities arise. Further analysis would be needed to determine if any small business subcontracting plans were mandated or voluntarily pursued by the prime contractor.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the purview of the Agency for International Development (USAID). As a definitive contract awarded through full and open competition, it is subject to standard federal acquisition regulations and oversight mechanisms. USAID's Office of Inspector General (OIG) would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract's performance and fund utilization. Transparency would be expected through regular reporting requirements from the contractor on scholarship distribution and program progress.

Related Government Programs

USAID Education Programs
Sub-Saharan Africa Development Initiatives
Global Scholarship Programs
International Development Assistance
Girls' Education Programs

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may increase exposure to changing geopolitical or economic conditions.
Potential for logistical challenges in delivering scholarships across diverse regions.
Measuring long-term impact requires robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
Reliance on a single prime contractor for a large-scale initiative.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $30.7 million to WORLD EDUCATION, INC.. THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO PROVIDE 250,000 SCHOLARSHIPS (APPROXIMATELY 83,333 SCHOLARSHIPS PER REGION) TO GIRS IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA FOR THEIR EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WORLD EDUCATION, 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 $30.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2004-09-30. End: 2011-09-29.

What specific educational services or resources are covered by the scholarship funds?

The provided data does not specify the exact educational services or resources covered by the scholarship funds. Typically, such scholarships might cover tuition fees, school supplies, uniforms, transportation, and potentially a stipend for living expenses. To fully assess the value and impact, a detailed breakdown of what the $122.92 per scholarship is intended to cover is crucial. Without this information, it's difficult to determine if the amount is sufficient for meaningful educational advancement or if it primarily covers basic enrollment costs. Further inquiry into the contract's statement of work or associated documentation would be necessary to clarify these details.

How does the per-scholarship cost compare to similar USAID or other federal agency programs?

The per-scholarship cost of approximately $122.92 appears relatively low when compared to some international scholarship programs, especially those that might include living stipends or cover higher education. However, direct comparisons are challenging without knowing the specific context, region, and level of education targeted by other programs. USAID often funds a range of educational initiatives, from basic literacy to vocational training and higher education. Programs focused on primary or secondary education in lower-cost-of-living regions might see similar or even lower per-student costs. To provide a robust benchmark, a comparative analysis of similar USAID-funded scholarship programs in Sub-Saharan Africa over the past decade, detailing inclusions and target demographics, would be required.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of this scholarship program?

The provided data does not explicitly list the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract. However, for a program focused on educational development, typical KPIs would likely include metrics such as enrollment rates, attendance rates, progression to the next grade level, completion rates, and potentially post-program outcomes like improved literacy, numeracy, or transition to further education or employment. USAID generally requires contractors to report on progress against defined objectives and performance metrics. A review of the contract's Performance Work Statement (PWS) or related documentation would be necessary to identify the specific KPIs established for this scholarship program and how performance is being monitored.

What is the track record of World Education, Inc. in managing large-scale international education contracts?

World Education, Inc. (WEI) is a non-profit organization with extensive experience in international education and development. They have a history of implementing programs funded by USAID and other major donors, focusing on areas such as basic education, adult literacy, girls' education, and workforce development. While the provided data doesn't detail WEI's specific performance on this particular contract (as it spans a long period), their organizational profile suggests they possess the capacity to manage large-scale projects. A deeper dive into WEI's past performance evaluations, project reports, and client feedback related to similar contracts would provide a more comprehensive assessment of their track record.

What is the historical spending trend for USAID's scholarship programs in Sub-Saharan Africa?

The provided data focuses on a single contract award and does not offer historical spending trends for USAID's scholarship programs in Sub-Saharan Africa. To analyze historical spending, one would need access to broader USAID budget data, contract databases (like FPDS or USASpending.gov), and program reports over multiple fiscal years. Such an analysis would reveal the overall investment in educational initiatives, the proportion allocated to scholarships versus other educational activities, and trends in funding levels for the region. This contract represents a significant single investment, but its place within the larger historical context of USAID's educational funding requires a more extensive data review.

Are there any specific risks associated with implementing educational programs in the targeted regions of Sub-Saharan Africa?

Yes, implementing educational programs in Sub-Saharan Africa can involve various risks. These can include political instability, conflict, inadequate infrastructure (schools, transportation, internet access), cultural barriers, health concerns (e.g., disease outbreaks), economic volatility affecting families' ability to support education, and logistical challenges in reaching remote populations. For girls' education specifically, social norms, early marriage, and safety concerns can pose additional hurdles. The success of this scholarship program would depend on the contractor's ability to effectively mitigate these context-specific risks through careful planning, community engagement, and adaptive management strategies.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational Services › Elementary and Secondary Schools › Elementary and Secondary Schools

Product/Service Code: EDUCATION AND TRAINING › EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE LEVEL OF EFFORT (B)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 44 FARNSWORTH ST, BOSTON, MA, 02210

Business Categories: Category Business, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $120,938,878

Exercised Options: $82,355,227

Current Obligation: $30,730,221

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline