Department of Education awards $26M for Regional Educational Laboratory Northeast & Islands, serving education research and capacity building

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $25,995,242 ($26.0M)

Contractor: Education Development Center, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Education

Start Date: 2017-01-03

End Date: 2022-01-02

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 22

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: "OTHER FUNCTION" IGF::OT::IGF THE EDUCATION SCIENCES REFORM ACT (ESRA) MANDATES THAT THE DEPARTMENT AWARD AND ADMINISTER TEN REGIONAL EDUCATIONAL LABORATORIES (RELS). ESRA DEFINES THE TERM OF EACH REL, FIVE YEARS, AND THE CURRENT COHORT OF REL CONTRACTS EXPIRES JANUARY 2, 2017. THIS CONTRACT IS FOR REL NORTHEAST&ISLANDS. EACH REL IS CHARGED WITH PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING THREE PRIMARY TASKS APPLIED RESEARCH WHERE EACH REL WILL ADDRESSES COMPLEX QUESTIONS ABOUT TEACHING, LEARNING, ORGANIZATION OF SCHOOLS AND SYSTEMS, EDUCATION ACCESS, AND EDUCATION ATTAINMENT. TRAINING, COACHING, AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WHERE EACH REL WILL DESIGN THESE SERVICES TO INCREASE THE CAPACITY OF INDIVIDUALS AND/OR ORGANIZATIONS, AND, WHEN APPROPRIATE, THE EDUCATION RESEARCH SECTOR. THE CONTENT OF ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED WITHIN THIS AREA OF WORK MUST BE CAREFULLY ASSESSED AGAINST THE RESEARCH BASE. DISSEMINATION WHERE REL DISSEMINATION FACILITATES THE WIDE SHARING OF RESEARCH EVIDENCE AND RESEARCH-RELATED INFORMATION TO SPARK NEW IDEAS, INTRODUCE INDIVIDUALS TO OTHERS WORKING ON SIMILAR ISSUES, AND REDUCE UNNECESSARY DUPLICATION. EACH TASK BUILDS ON THE OTHER, AND EACH INDIVIDUAL REL CONTRIBUTES TO AN OVERALL INCREASE IN EDUCATIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND ACHIEVEMENT ACROSS ALL STATES AND TERRITORIES.

Place of Performance

Location: WALTHAM, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02453

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Education obligated $26.0 million to EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER, INC. for work described as: "OTHER FUNCTION" IGF::OT::IGF THE EDUCATION SCIENCES REFORM ACT (ESRA) MANDATES THAT THE DEPARTMENT AWARD AND ADMINISTER TEN REGIONAL EDUCATIONAL LABORATORIES (RELS). ESRA DEFINES THE TERM OF EACH REL, FIVE YEARS, AND THE CURRENT COHORT OF REL CONTRACTS EXPIRES JANUARY 2, 2017. … Key points: 1. Contract focuses on applied research and technical assistance to improve teaching, learning, and school systems. 2. Aims to build capacity for individuals, organizations, and the broader education research sector. 3. The five-year term aligns with the mandated duration for Regional Educational Laboratories. 4. Firm Fixed Price contract type suggests predictable costs for the government. 5. This award is part of a larger initiative to establish ten Regional Educational Laboratories nationwide. 6. The contract supports the Education Sciences Reform Act (ESRA) by funding critical research infrastructure.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $26 million over five years for a Regional Educational Laboratory appears reasonable given the scope of applied research, training, and technical assistance required. Benchmarking against other REL contracts would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment, but the funding level is consistent with the program's objectives. The firm fixed-price structure helps manage cost certainty for the Department of Education.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This competitive process is expected to yield a fair price and high-quality services. The number of bidders (22) suggests a robust interest in this area of educational research and support.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that drives down costs and encourages innovation, leading to better value for public funds.

Public Impact

Educators, researchers, and policymakers in the Northeast and Islands region will benefit from enhanced research findings and technical support. Services delivered include applied research on complex educational issues and capacity-building initiatives. Geographic impact is focused on the Northeast and Islands region, encompassing states and territories served by REL Northeast & Islands. Workforce implications include support for researchers, trainers, and technical assistance providers within the education sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if research or technical assistance demands exceed initial projections.
Ensuring equitable distribution of services across diverse educational settings within the large region.
Measuring the long-term impact and effectiveness of applied research and capacity-building efforts.

Positive Signals

Clear alignment with statutory mandates (ESRA) provides a strong foundation for program success.
The five-year contract term allows for sustained effort and measurable progress.
Firm fixed-price contract type offers cost predictability.
Full and open competition suggests a strong pool of qualified bidders.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the 'Educational Support Services' sector, specifically focusing on applied research and technical assistance for education. The market for educational research and development services is driven by government funding and institutional needs. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve other large-scale federal grants or contracts aimed at improving educational outcomes and research capacity, such as those awarded by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) or other federal agencies supporting education.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside or subcontracting requirements for this contract. As a large, comprehensive research and technical assistance program, it is likely that the prime contractor will engage various subcontractors, potentially including small businesses, to fulfill specialized needs. Further analysis would be required to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is likely managed by the Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences (IES), which oversees the REL program. Accountability measures would include performance reporting, adherence to research protocols, and delivery of technical assistance as outlined in the contract. Transparency is generally maintained through public reporting of research findings and program activities.

Related Government Programs

Regional Educational Laboratories (RELs)
Institute of Education Sciences (IES) Grants
Education Research and Development Programs
Federal Education Funding Initiatives

Risk Flags

Potential for research findings to lack practical applicability.
Challenges in disseminating research and technical assistance effectively across diverse regions.
Measuring the long-term impact and return on investment of educational research initiatives.
Ensuring equitable access to services for all educational stakeholders within the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Education awarded $26.0 million to EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER, INC.. "OTHER FUNCTION" IGF::OT::IGF THE EDUCATION SCIENCES REFORM ACT (ESRA) MANDATES THAT THE DEPARTMENT AWARD AND ADMINISTER TEN REGIONAL EDUCATIONAL LABORATORIES (RELS). ESRA DEFINES THE TERM OF EACH REL, FIVE YEARS, AND THE CURRENT COHORT OF REL CONTRACTS EXPIRES JANUARY 2, 2017. THIS CONTRACT IS FOR REL NORTHEAST&ISLANDS. EACH REL IS CHARGED WITH PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING THREE PRIMARY TASKS APPLIED RESEARCH WHERE EACH REL WILL ADDRESSES COMPLEX QUESTIONS ABOUT TEACHING, LEARNING, ORGANIZATION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $26.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-01-03. End: 2022-01-02.

What is the track record of Education Development Center, Inc. in managing large federal research grants?

Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC) has a long history of managing complex federal grants and contracts, particularly in education and international development. They have been a consistent recipient of funding from agencies like the Department of Education, USAID, and NIH. Their experience typically includes conducting large-scale research, developing educational materials, providing technical assistance, and managing multi-year projects with significant budgets. While specific performance metrics for this particular contract are not detailed here, EDC's general track record suggests they possess the organizational capacity and expertise to handle the requirements of the Regional Educational Laboratory program. A deeper dive into their past performance reports and any associated findings from Inspectors General would provide a more granular assessment.

How does the $26 million award compare to previous funding for REL Northeast & Islands?

The $26 million award over five years for REL Northeast & Islands represents an average annual funding of approximately $5.2 million. To compare this to previous funding, one would need to examine the award amounts for the preceding contract period for REL Northeast & Islands or other RELs. Federal funding for such large-scale research and technical assistance programs can fluctuate based on appropriations, program priorities, and the number of laboratories funded. Without historical data on the specific predecessor contract for REL Northeast & Islands, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the $5.2 million annual average is generally in line with the scale of funding typically allocated to each of the ten Regional Educational Laboratories, which are designed to be substantial, long-term research hubs.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

Primary risks for this contract include the potential for research findings to be slow to emerge or not directly applicable to practitioner needs, challenges in effectively disseminating research and providing technical assistance across a diverse region, and the possibility of cost overruns if project scope expands unexpectedly. Mitigation strategies likely involve rigorous project management by EDC, clear performance metrics and reporting requirements from the Department of Education, and a focus on stakeholder engagement to ensure relevance. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract incentivizes EDC to manage costs effectively. Furthermore, the five-year duration allows for iterative adjustments and learning throughout the contract period, helping to address emerging challenges.

How effective is the Regional Educational Laboratory program in achieving its stated goals?

The effectiveness of the Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) program is generally assessed through its outputs (research publications, training sessions, technical assistance provided) and its intended outcomes (improved educational practices, increased capacity of educators and researchers). The program aims to bridge the gap between research and practice by making rigorous research accessible and actionable for educators. Success is often measured by the uptake of research findings, the perceived usefulness of technical assistance, and ultimately, improvements in educational quality and equity in the regions served. While specific impact studies on the REL program as a whole can be complex to conduct, the continued funding and the program's longevity suggest a perceived value by the Department of Education and stakeholders. User satisfaction surveys and case studies of implemented practices are common methods for evaluating effectiveness.

What is the historical spending trend for the Regional Educational Laboratory program?

Historical spending for the Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) program has been relatively consistent, reflecting the program's mandate under the Education Sciences Reform Act (ESRA). The program typically funds ten laboratories, each with a five-year contract term. Annual spending per laboratory generally falls in the range of $4-6 million, leading to a total program cost in the tens of millions of dollars annually. While specific year-over-year fluctuations can occur due to contract cycles, re-competitions, and appropriations, the overall commitment to funding these regional hubs for research and technical assistance has remained a stable feature of the Department of Education's budget for educational research infrastructure.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational Services › Educational Support Services › Educational Support Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: ED-IES-15-R-0016

Offers Received: 22

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 43 FOUNDRY AVENUE, WALTHAM, MA, 02453

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: $25,995,242

Exercised Options: $25,995,242

Current Obligation: $25,995,242

Actual Outlays: $12,963,613

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 37

Total Subaward Amount: $3,400,600

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline