Department of Education awards $8.67M contract for research on educational and employment outcomes of youth with disabilities

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $8,673,814 ($8.7M)

Contractor: Research Triangle Institute

Awarding Agency: Department of Education

Start Date: 2015-09-25

End Date: 2026-09-23

Contract Duration: 4,016 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF "OTHER FUNCTION" THIS IS A NEW AWARD TO COLLECT ADMINISTRATIVE RECORDS AND DESCRIBE THE SECONDARY SCHOOL, POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION, AND EMPLOYMENT AND EARNING OUTCOMES OF A SAMPLE OF HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES.

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20002

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Education obligated $8.7 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF "OTHER FUNCTION" THIS IS A NEW AWARD TO COLLECT ADMINISTRATIVE RECORDS AND DESCRIBE THE SECONDARY SCHOOL, POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION, AND EMPLOYMENT AND EARNING OUTCOMES OF A SAMPLE OF HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on collecting administrative records to understand outcomes for youth with disabilities. 2. Research aims to inform policies and programs supporting secondary school, postsecondary education, and employment. 3. The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, indicating potential for cost overruns. 4. Awarded to Research Triangle Institute, a known research organization. 5. The contract duration is over 10 years, suggesting a long-term research commitment. 6. Geographic scope is limited to the District of Columbia. 7. No small business set-aside was applied to this contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $8.67 million over approximately 10 years represents a significant investment in understanding the outcomes of youth with disabilities. Benchmarking this value is challenging without specific comparable studies. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type suggests that the government pays the contractor's allowable costs plus a fixed fee, which can sometimes lead to higher overall costs if not managed carefully. However, for research and development, this structure can allow for flexibility in addressing unforeseen challenges.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple offerors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of 3 bidders suggests a reasonable level of competition for this specialized research. This competitive process should theoretically lead to a fair price discovery, although the CPFF structure introduces variables beyond a fixed price.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by encouraging a wider pool of potential contractors, which can drive down costs and improve the quality of services offered.

Public Impact

Beneficiaries include policymakers, educators, researchers, and advocacy groups focused on improving outcomes for youth with disabilities. Services delivered include data collection, analysis, and reporting on educational and employment trajectories. Geographic impact is primarily focused on the District of Columbia, serving as a potential model for other regions. Workforce implications may include employment for researchers, data analysts, and administrative staff involved in the project.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure may lead to higher costs if not closely monitored.
Long contract duration (over 10 years) requires sustained oversight to ensure continued relevance and effectiveness.
Limited geographic scope (District of Columbia) may restrict the generalizability of findings without further research.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
Research Triangle Institute has a track record in research and development, potentially ensuring quality outcomes.
Focus on a critical area of need for youth with disabilities.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on social sciences and humanities. The NAICS code 541720 (Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities) indicates a market for specialized research services. Government spending in this area often supports policy development and program evaluation, aiming to improve societal outcomes. Comparable spending benchmarks would require analysis of other federal contracts for similar research on educational and disability outcomes.

Small Business Impact

This contract did not include a small business set-aside. Given the specialized nature of the research, it is possible that larger, established research institutions were deemed best suited to fulfill the requirements. There is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting plans or their impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program officials within the Department of Education. Accountability measures are inherent in the CPFF structure, requiring detailed reporting of costs and progress. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases and potentially through public dissemination of research findings. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Department of Education research grants
Federal programs for individuals with disabilities
Educational outcome studies
Employment support services research

Risk Flags

Cost Overrun Risk (CPFF)
Long-term Project Management
Data Privacy and Security
Generalizability of Findings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Education awarded $8.7 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE. IGF::OT::IGF "OTHER FUNCTION" THIS IS A NEW AWARD TO COLLECT ADMINISTRATIVE RECORDS AND DESCRIBE THE SECONDARY SCHOOL, POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION, AND EMPLOYMENT AND EARNING OUTCOMES OF A SAMPLE OF HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES.

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 $8.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2015-09-25. End: 2026-09-23.

What is the track record of Research Triangle Institute in similar federal research contracts?

Research Triangle Institute (RTI) is a well-established non-profit research organization with extensive experience in conducting federally funded research across various domains, including education, health, and social sciences. RTI has a history of managing large-scale data collection and analysis projects for government agencies. While specific details on past contracts related to youth with disabilities' outcomes are not provided here, RTI's general profile suggests a capacity to handle complex research endeavors. Their past performance on similar contracts would be a key factor in the Department of Education's evaluation during the procurement process, influencing the assessment of their ability to successfully execute this award.

How does the $8.67 million cost compare to similar research initiatives?

Benchmarking the $8.67 million cost for this specific research contract is challenging without direct comparisons to identical studies. The contract's scope, duration (over 10 years), and the specific population (youth with disabilities) are key factors influencing its cost. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure also means the final expenditure could vary. To assess value for money, one would need to compare it against other federal or large-scale private sector research projects focused on educational and employment outcomes for similar demographic groups, considering differences in methodology, data sources, and expected deliverables. The Department of Education's procurement process would have involved internal cost estimations and evaluation of the proposed budget against market rates for research services.

What are the primary risks associated with this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract?

The primary risk associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract is the potential for cost overruns. In a CPFF arrangement, the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee. If the contractor's costs exceed initial estimates, the government bears the burden of these increased expenses, although the fee remains fixed. This structure can incentivize contractors to incur costs without as much pressure to control them as in a fixed-price contract. Effective risk mitigation requires robust government oversight, clear definition of allowable costs, and regular performance reviews to ensure the contractor is operating efficiently and within the spirit of the agreement.

How will the effectiveness of this research program be measured?

The effectiveness of this research program will likely be measured through several mechanisms. Firstly, the quality and completeness of the data collected and the rigor of the analysis performed will be critical. The contract likely includes specific deliverables, such as interim and final reports, which will be reviewed by the Department of Education. Secondly, the utility and impact of the research findings will be assessed based on how well they inform policy decisions, program development, and interventions aimed at improving outcomes for youth with disabilities. The long-term success could also be gauged by the extent to which the research leads to demonstrable improvements in educational attainment and employment rates for the target population.

What are the historical spending patterns for research on youth with disabilities by the Department of Education?

Historical spending patterns for research on youth with disabilities by the Department of Education are likely varied, reflecting shifting priorities and research methodologies over time. The Department has consistently invested in research aimed at improving educational services and outcomes for students with disabilities through various offices, such as the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). Funding levels can fluctuate based on congressional appropriations and specific program initiatives. Analyzing past budgets and contract awards would reveal trends in the types of research funded (e.g., intervention studies, policy analysis, data collection) and the average award sizes for similar projects. This specific $8.67 million award appears to be a significant, long-term investment in a comprehensive data collection and analysis effort.

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: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Education, Training, Employment, and Social Services R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: ED-IES-15-R-0027

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3040 CORNWALLIS RD, RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, 27709

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $8,673,814

Exercised Options: $8,673,814

Current Obligation: $8,673,814

Actual Outlays: $5,848,958

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 10

Total Subaward Amount: $2,152,104

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline