Department of Education Spends $211M on Math Curricula via Mathematica Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $21,142,019 ($21.1M)
Contractor: Mathematica Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Education
Start Date: 2005-09-30
End Date: 2013-09-30
Contract Duration: 2,922 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.2K/day
Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: EVALUATION OF MATH CURRICULA
Place of Performance
Location: PRINCETON, MERCER County, NEW JERSEY, 08540
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Education obligated $21.1 million to MATHEMATICA INC. for work described as: EVALUATION OF MATH CURRICULA Key points: 1. The contract awarded to Mathematica Inc. for math curricula development represents a significant investment in educational resources. 2. Competition details are limited, but the contract type suggests a focus on performance and cost-effectiveness. 3. Potential risks include the long duration and the cost-plus award fee structure, which may incentivize spending. 4. The sector is Educational Support Services, a critical area for government investment in human capital development.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) structure can lead to higher costs if not managed tightly. Benchmarking against similar educational development contracts is difficult without more granular cost data.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: unknown
The contract was awarded as a competitive delivery order. However, the specific competition method and the number of bidders are not detailed, impacting the assessment of price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for educational development. The effectiveness and efficiency of this spending will determine the ultimate value for taxpayers.
Public Impact
Impacts students and educators through the development of new math curricula. Potential for improved educational outcomes and standardized learning experiences. Long-term investment in the nation's educational infrastructure.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 70 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration (2922 days) increases risk of cost overruns and scope creep.
- Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) structure may not provide sufficient cost control.
- Lack of detailed competition information hinders assessment of value for money.
Positive Signals
- Focus on educational development addresses a key government priority.
- Awarded to a single vendor, potentially allowing for specialized expertise.
- Long duration may indicate a complex, multi-phase project requiring sustained effort.
Sector Analysis
Educational Support Services (NAICS 611710) involve providing support for education, such as curriculum development and educational testing. Spending in this sector is crucial for improving educational quality and outcomes.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, small businesses likely had limited direct participation in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Education is responsible for overseeing this contract. Accountability would involve monitoring project milestones, deliverables, and expenditures to ensure alignment with educational goals and budget constraints.
Related Government Programs
- Educational Support Services
- Department of Education Contracting
- Department of Education Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Overruns
- Scope Creep
- Lack of Measurable Outcomes
- Ineffective Curriculum
Tags
educational-support-services, department-of-education, nj, do, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Education awarded $21.1 million to MATHEMATICA INC.. EVALUATION OF MATH CURRICULA
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MATHEMATICA INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Education (Department of Education).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $21.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2005-09-30. End: 2013-09-30.
What specific metrics were used to evaluate the success of the math curricula developed under this contract?
The provided data does not specify the success metrics for the math curricula. Further investigation into contract performance reports and final deliverables would be necessary to determine if the curricula met their intended educational objectives and achieved desired learning outcomes.
How did the competitive delivery order process ensure the best possible price for the government?
While a competitive delivery order implies multiple vendors were considered, the lack of detail on the bidding process and evaluation criteria makes it difficult to assess price discovery. The Cost Plus Award Fee structure also complicates direct price comparisons, as profit is tied to performance.
What is the long-term impact of this $211 million investment on educational standards and student achievement?
The long-term impact is contingent on the quality and adoption of the developed curricula. If effective, it could lead to improved student understanding of mathematics and better standardized test scores. However, without post-implementation studies, the actual impact remains uncertain.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Educational Services › Educational Support Services › Educational Support Services
Product/Service Code: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Mathematica Inc (UEI: 154125140)
Address: 600 ALEXANDER PARK, PRINCETON, NJ, 12
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $21,142,019
Exercised Options: $21,142,019
Current Obligation: $21,142,019
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: EDED04CO0112
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2005-09-30
Current End Date: 2013-09-30
Potential End Date: 2013-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2013-12-20
More Contracts from Mathematica Inc.
- Learning Collaboratives to Support the Development of High Performing State Health Coverage Programs — $105.6M (Department of Health and Human Services)
- / Comprehensive Primary Care Plus (CPC+) Evaluation Contract — $98.9M (Department of Health and Human Services)
- Macbis Data Analytics — $76.4M (Department of Health and Human Services)
- Macbis — $76.3M (Department of Health and Human Services)
- Technical Assistance and Analytic Support for the Medicaid and Chip Quality Measurement and Improvement Program — $64.6M (Department of Health and Human Services)
Other Department of Education Contracts
- Administrative Action — $2.2B (Conduent Education Solutions, LLC)
- - Tivod Supports the Origination, Disbursement, and Reporting of Title IV Federal Student AID Programs, Including - BUT NOT Limited to - Direct Loans, Pell Grants, and the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grants. the Title IV Solution Shall Also Provide Ongoing Support for the Discontinued Title IV Federal Student AID Programs, Including - BUT NOT Limited to - Academic Competitiveness Grants and National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grants — $1.5B (Accenture Federal Services LLC)
- Federal Student AID Common Origination and Disbursement Services — $1.1B (Accenture LLP)
- Provide Direct Loan Services Such AS Call Center and Financial Reporting - Nelnet From 12/15/2019 Through 12/14/2020 — $983.7M (Nelnet Servicing LLC)
- Debt Management and Collections System (dmcs) Igf::ct::igf — $906.9M (Maximus Federal Services, Inc.)