Department of Education awards $39.1M contract for regional educational research, with UNC Greensboro as prime

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $39,135,156 ($39.1M)

Contractor: University of North Carolina AT Greensboro

Awarding Agency: Department of Education

Start Date: 2006-02-24

End Date: 2011-12-31

Contract Duration: 2,136 days

Daily Burn Rate: $18.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: REGIONAL EDUCATONAL LABORATORY PROGRAM - SOUTHEASTERN REGION

Place of Performance

Location: GREENSBORO, GUILFORD County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27412

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Education obligated $39.1 million to UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT GREENSBORO for work described as: REGIONAL EDUCATONAL LABORATORY PROGRAM - SOUTHEASTERN REGION Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process. 2. The contract type (Cost Plus Award Fee) allows for performance-based incentives. 3. A duration of over 7 years indicates a long-term commitment to the research program. 4. The awardee, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, has a significant role in educational research. 5. The contract falls under R&D in Social Sciences and Humanities, a critical area for policy development. 6. The value of the contract is substantial, reflecting the scope of regional educational needs addressed.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $39.1 million over approximately 7 years suggests a significant investment in regional educational research. Benchmarking this against similar large-scale, multi-year research grants from the Department of Education would provide a clearer picture of value for money. The Cost Plus Award Fee structure implies that the final cost could vary based on performance, making direct price comparisons challenging without knowing the award fees earned. However, the initial award amount appears reasonable for a program of this duration and scope.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded through a full and open competition, indicating that multiple potential bidders were allowed to submit proposals. The presence of 3 bids suggests a healthy level of interest and competition for this significant research program. A competitive bidding process generally leads to better price discovery and encourages offerors to provide their best value propositions.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the most effective and cost-efficient research services. Full and open competition helps ensure that public funds are used wisely by driving down costs and improving the quality of services received.

Public Impact

Educational institutions and researchers across the Southeastern region will benefit from the insights and data generated. The contract supports research and development in social sciences and humanities, directly impacting educational policy and practice. Geographic impact is focused on the Southeastern region of the United States. The contract likely involves a workforce of researchers, analysts, and support staff, contributing to employment in the education sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if award fees are consistently maximized without corresponding exceptional performance.
Long contract duration could lead to inertia or a need for significant scope adjustments if educational needs evolve rapidly.

Positive Signals

Cost Plus Award Fee structure incentivizes high performance and achievement of program goals.
Award to a university suggests a focus on academic rigor and evidence-based research.
Full and open competition indicates a thorough vetting process and potential for strong value.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls under the Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities (NAICS 541720) sector. This sector is crucial for understanding societal trends, informing policy, and driving innovation in fields like education. The Department of Education's spending in this area supports evidence-based practices and program evaluation. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other large federal grants for educational research and development programs across various agencies.

Small Business Impact

The contract does not appear to have specific small business set-aside provisions mentioned. However, as a large research and development contract awarded to a university, there may be opportunities for subcontracting to smaller research firms or specialized service providers. The extent of small business participation would depend on the prime contractor's subcontracting plan and the specific needs of the research projects undertaken.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of Education's program officers and contracting officials. The Cost Plus Award Fee structure necessitates careful monitoring of performance metrics to determine earned award fees. Transparency is generally maintained through reporting requirements mandated by the contract. While no specific Inspector General jurisdiction is mentioned, the Department of Education's Office of Inspector General would have oversight authority for potential fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Regional Educational Laboratories Program
Education Research and Development Centers Program
Institute of Education Sciences (IES) Grants

Risk Flags

Contract duration exceeds 5 years.
Cost-reimbursement contract type.
Award fee component requires careful performance monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Education awarded $39.1 million to UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT GREENSBORO. REGIONAL EDUCATONAL LABORATORY PROGRAM - SOUTHEASTERN REGION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT GREENSBORO.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Education (Department of Education).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $39.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2006-02-24. End: 2011-12-31.

What is the historical spending pattern for the Regional Educational Laboratory Program, and how does this contract compare?

The Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Program is a long-standing initiative by the Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences (IES) to support educators in using data and research to improve student outcomes. Historically, the program has been structured around regional consortia, often led by universities or research organizations, to provide research-based services tailored to the needs of specific geographic areas. Spending on individual REL contracts can vary significantly based on the scope, duration, and number of regions covered. This $39.1 million contract for the Southeastern region, spanning over 7 years, represents a substantial but not unprecedented investment. For context, IES typically awards multiple REL contracts simultaneously, with individual contract values often in the tens of millions of dollars over their lifespan. Analyzing past IES solicitations and awards for RELs would reveal a pattern of competitive bidding for multi-year, high-value research services, with this contract aligning with that established model.

How does the Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contract structure typically impact contractor performance and cost control compared to other contract types?

The Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contract structure is designed to incentivize contractor performance by linking a portion of the total contract value to the achievement of specific, often subjective, performance objectives. The contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs incurred, plus a base fee (which can be a small percentage of estimated costs) and an award fee. The award fee is determined by the government based on a subjective evaluation of the contractor's performance against pre-defined criteria. This structure aims to encourage contractors to go above and beyond minimum requirements to earn higher fees. From a cost control perspective, CPAF can be more complex than fixed-price contracts, as the final cost is not predetermined. However, it offers greater flexibility than cost-reimbursement contracts without award fees, as the government can withhold award fees for subpar performance. For taxpayers, CPAF offers the potential for better value if the award fees effectively drive superior outcomes, but it also carries the risk of higher costs if performance evaluations are not rigorous or if the award criteria are not well-defined.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) likely used to evaluate the University of North Carolina at Greensboro under this CPAF contract?

Under a Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contract for a Regional Educational Laboratory Program, the key performance indicators (KPIs) would likely focus on the quality, relevance, and impact of the research and technical assistance provided. These could include: 1. **Research Quality and Rigor:** Adherence to scientific standards, methodological soundness of studies, and the validity of findings. 2. **Relevance and Responsiveness:** The extent to which the research and support directly address the identified needs of educators and policymakers in the Southeastern region. 3. **Dissemination and Engagement:** Effectiveness in sharing research findings through publications, presentations, workshops, and direct technical assistance to stakeholders. 4. **Partnership Development:** Success in building and maintaining collaborative relationships with state education agencies, school districts, and other regional partners. 5. **Timeliness and Efficiency:** Meeting project deadlines and managing resources effectively. The specific KPIs would be detailed in the contract's award fee plan, outlining how performance in each area contributes to the potential award fee.

What is the typical track record of universities like UNC Greensboro in managing large federal research grants, particularly from the Department of Education?

Universities, including institutions like the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG), generally have a strong track record in managing large federal research grants. They possess established research infrastructure, experienced principal investigators, and dedicated research administration offices designed to handle the complexities of federal funding. The Department of Education, through its Institute of Education Sciences (IES) and other programs, frequently awards significant grants to universities for educational research, policy analysis, and program development. UNCG, as a major research university, has likely managed numerous federal grants throughout its history. While specific performance on every grant varies, universities are typically adept at meeting reporting requirements, adhering to compliance regulations, and conducting high-quality research. Their primary mission often aligns with the goals of federal research funding, fostering a natural synergy. Challenges can arise, such as ensuring timely completion of deliverables or managing indirect costs, but overall, universities are considered reliable stewards of federal research funds.

How does the geographic focus on the Southeastern region potentially influence the research priorities and outcomes of this contract?

The specific geographic focus on the Southeastern region is a critical element that shapes the research priorities and potential outcomes of this contract. Educational challenges and needs can vary significantly by region due to differences in demographics, socioeconomic factors, state policies, and local contexts. By concentrating efforts on the Southeast, the Regional Educational Laboratory Program can tailor its research agenda to address issues particularly prevalent in this area, such as disparities in student achievement, specific workforce development needs, or challenges related to rural education. This regional focus allows for deeper engagement with state education agencies, school districts, and community stakeholders within the Southeast, fostering a better understanding of their unique contexts. Consequently, the research findings and technical assistance provided are more likely to be relevant, actionable, and impactful for the educators and students in that specific part of the country, potentially leading to more effective interventions and policy recommendations tailored to the region's circumstances.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities

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: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: THE University of North Carolina

Address: 207 FOUST BUILDING, 1000 SPRING GAR, GREENSBORO, NC, 27402

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $39,135,156

Exercised Options: $39,135,156

Current Obligation: $39,135,156

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline