Department of Education awards $15.6M IDIQ task order for management consulting services to Research Triangle Institute
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $15,575,156 ($15.6M)
Contractor: Research Triangle Institute
Awarding Agency: Department of Education
Start Date: 2006-09-30
End Date: 2012-06-29
Contract Duration: 2,099 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.4K/day
Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: IDIQ TASK ORDER WITH AN INITIAL 6 TASK ORDERS TO PROVIDE ANALYTIC, EVALUATION, AND POLICY SUPPORT.
Place of Performance
Location: DURHAM, DURHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27709, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Education obligated $15.6 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE for work described as: IDIQ TASK ORDER WITH AN INITIAL 6 TASK ORDERS TO PROVIDE ANALYTIC, EVALUATION, AND POLICY SUPPORT. Key points: 1. The contract, valued at $15.6 million, was awarded competitively. 2. It covers analytic, evaluation, and policy support services. 3. The contract duration is substantial, spanning over 2000 days. 4. Research Triangle Institute is the sole awardee for this task order. 5. The contract type is Cost Plus Award Fee, indicating performance-based incentives.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The Cost Plus Award Fee structure suggests a focus on performance and value. Benchmarking against similar management consulting contracts is difficult without more granular cost data, but the initial award amount appears reasonable for the scope of services.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: unknown
This was awarded as a competitive delivery order under an IDIQ, suggesting multiple vendors were considered. The competitive nature likely contributed to price discovery and a reasonable award amount for the services required.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential policy and evaluation support, which can lead to improved program effectiveness and efficiency if managed well.
Public Impact
Supports critical evaluation and policy development within the Department of Education. Ensures data-driven decision-making for educational programs. Provides expertise in analytic and policy support, enhancing program outcomes. The long duration suggests ongoing, critical support needs.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 74 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration could lead to cost overruns if not managed effectively.
- Cost Plus Award Fee can sometimes incentivize higher spending if award criteria are not tightly defined.
Positive Signals
- Awarded competitively, suggesting fair market value.
- Focus on analytic, evaluation, and policy support is crucial for agency effectiveness.
- Research Triangle Institute is a reputable research organization.
Sector Analysis
Management consulting services are essential for government agencies to analyze programs, develop policies, and evaluate effectiveness. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on agency needs and project scope. This contract falls within the 'Other Management Consulting Services' NAICS code.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses (sb: false). There is no specific set-aside for small businesses mentioned, suggesting larger firms were likely the primary focus for this requirement.
Oversight & Accountability
The competitive nature of the award and the Cost Plus Award Fee structure imply some level of oversight to ensure performance and value. However, the long duration necessitates continuous monitoring to ensure objectives are met efficiently.
Related Government Programs
- Other Management Consulting Services
- Department of Education Contracting
- Department of Education Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration
- Cost Plus Award Fee structure
- No small business participation noted
- Potential for scope creep over extended period
Tags
other-management-consulting-services, department-of-education, nc, do, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Education awarded $15.6 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE. IDIQ TASK ORDER WITH AN INITIAL 6 TASK ORDERS TO PROVIDE ANALYTIC, EVALUATION, AND POLICY SUPPORT.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Education (Department of Education).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $15.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2006-09-30. End: 2012-06-29.
What specific metrics are used to determine the 'award fee' in this Cost Plus Award Fee contract, and how do they align with the Department of Education's strategic goals?
The specific metrics for the award fee are not detailed in the provided data. Typically, in a Cost Plus Award Fee contract, these metrics would be outlined in the contract's performance work statement and would relate to achieving specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives. For the Department of Education, these could include timely delivery of high-quality reports, successful completion of program evaluations, or the development of impactful policy recommendations that align with the agency's mission to promote educational excellence and ensure equal access.
Given the 2099-day duration, what mechanisms are in place to ensure the analytic, evaluation, and policy support remain relevant and adapt to evolving educational landscapes and policy priorities?
The long duration necessitates built-in flexibility and regular review cycles. Mechanisms likely include contract modifications for scope adjustments, periodic performance reviews where objectives and deliverables are reassessed, and potentially incorporating clauses that allow for adaptation to new legislative mandates or emerging educational trends. The agency's program managers would be responsible for ensuring the contractor's work remains aligned with current priorities through ongoing communication and performance management.
How does the competitive award process for this IDIQ task order ensure that the selected vendor, Research Triangle Institute, provides the most cost-effective solutions compared to potential alternati
The competitive award process, even for a task order under an IDIQ, involves soliciting proposals from qualified vendors and evaluating them based on defined criteria, which typically include technical approach, past performance, and price. By competing the task order, the Department of Education can compare offers and select the one that represents the best value. The Cost Plus Award Fee structure further incentivizes the contractor to perform efficiently and effectively to earn the award fee, contributing to cost-effectiveness.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Management Consulting Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 3040 CORNWALLIS ROAD, RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, 27709
Business Categories: Category Business, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $15,575,157
Exercised Options: $15,575,157
Current Obligation: $15,575,156
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: EDED04CO0036
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2006-09-30
Current End Date: 2012-06-29
Potential End Date: 2012-06-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2015-09-30
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