Department of Education awards $23.4M contract for Regional Educational Laboratory Northwest, serving Oregon and surrounding states

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,400,000 ($23.4M)

Contractor: Education Northwest

Awarding Agency: Department of Education

Start Date: 2017-01-03

End Date: 2022-01-02

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.8K/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 NORTHWEST. 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: PORTLAND, MULTNOMAH County, OREGON, 97204

State: Oregon Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Education obligated $23.4 million to EDUCATION NORTHWEST 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 supports applied research, training, and technical assistance to improve education. 2. Focus on complex questions in teaching, learning, school organization, access, and attainment. 3. Aims to build capacity for individuals, organizations, and the education research sector. 4. Firm-fixed-price contract type suggests predictable costs for the government. 5. Contract duration of five years aligns with the mandated term for Regional Educational Laboratories. 6. Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a broad market solicitation.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $23.4 million over five years averages to approximately $4.68 million annually. This figure appears reasonable for a large-scale regional educational research and support initiative. Benchmarking against other Regional Educational Laboratory contracts, which typically range from $4 million to $6 million per year, suggests this award is within the expected financial parameters for such services. The firm-fixed-price structure also provides cost certainty.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The data indicates 22 proposals were received, suggesting a robust level of interest and a competitive bidding process. A higher number of bidders generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more innovative solutions for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The extensive competition for this contract is beneficial for taxpayers as it likely drove down prices and ensured the Department of Education received a strong value proposition for its investment in educational research and support.

Public Impact

Educators, students, and policymakers in the Northwest region will benefit from research-backed insights and capacity-building services. Services include applied research on critical education issues and tailored training and technical assistance. Geographic impact covers the region served by REL Northwest, including Oregon and surrounding states. Workforce implications include support for researchers, educators, and administrators through enhanced professional development and resources.

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 resources and benefits across diverse educational settings within the region.
Measuring the long-term impact and effectiveness of the applied research and technical assistance provided.

Positive Signals

Clear definition of three primary tasks (applied research, training, technical assistance) provides focus.
Five-year contract term allows for sustained effort and measurable progress.
Firm-fixed-price contract type offers budget predictability.
Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive market response.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader 'Educational Support Services' sector, specifically focusing on applied research and professional development for educational institutions. The market for educational research and technical assistance is characterized by a mix of non-profit organizations, universities, and specialized research firms. The $23.4 million award is substantial for a single regional entity, reflecting the significant investment in improving educational outcomes across a designated geographic area. Comparable spending benchmarks in this niche often involve multi-year grants and contracts aimed at disseminating best practices and fostering innovation in education.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions or subcontracting requirements for this contract. As it was awarded under full and open competition, opportunities for small businesses would likely arise through subcontracting by the prime awardee, Education Northwest. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is likely managed by the Department of Education's program officials responsible for the Regional Educational Laboratories. Accountability measures would be tied to the successful completion of the three primary tasks outlined in the contract: applied research, training, and technical assistance. Transparency is generally maintained through public reporting of research findings and program activities, though specific oversight mechanisms and Inspector General jurisdiction would require a deeper review of the contract details and departmental policies.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Contract performance risk
Stakeholder engagement risk
Research relevance risk
Budget management risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Education awarded $23.4 million to EDUCATION NORTHWEST. "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 NORTHWEST. 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 SCHO

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EDUCATION NORTHWEST.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $23.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the track record of Education Northwest in managing large federal research grants?

Education Northwest has a history of managing federal grants, particularly those related to education research and support. As the incumbent contractor for REL Northwest, their performance under the previous contract cycle would be a key indicator of their capabilities. A review of past performance evaluations, project deliverables, and any audit findings would provide a comprehensive understanding of their track record. Their continued selection for this significant award suggests a satisfactory or strong performance history in fulfilling the complex requirements of applied research, training, and technical assistance for the education sector.

How does the $23.4 million contract value compare to previous awards for REL Northwest?

The $23.4 million contract value over five years represents an average annual award of approximately $4.68 million. To assess comparability, one would need to examine the funding levels of previous REL Northwest contracts. Typically, the funding for Regional Educational Laboratories is relatively consistent year-over-year, adjusted for inflation and programmatic shifts. If previous contracts were in a similar range, this award aligns with historical spending. Significant deviations, either higher or lower, would warrant further investigation into the scope of work, market conditions, or changes in federal funding priorities for educational research.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract for the Department of Education?

Key risks for the Department of Education include the potential for underperformance by the contractor in delivering high-quality research and technical assistance, leading to suboptimal educational outcomes in the region. Another risk is the contractor's ability to effectively engage diverse stakeholders (educators, policymakers, researchers) across the Northwest. Furthermore, ensuring the research conducted is relevant, timely, and actionable poses a challenge. Finally, managing the budget effectively over the five-year term and adapting to evolving educational needs and priorities are ongoing risks that require diligent oversight.

How effective are the Regional Educational Laboratories in improving educational practices nationwide?

The effectiveness of the Regional Educational Laboratories (RELs) is evaluated based on their ability to produce rigorous research, disseminate findings widely, and provide relevant technical assistance that leads to improved educational practices and outcomes. While direct causal links can be complex to establish, numerous studies and program evaluations suggest that RELs contribute significantly to evidence-based decision-making in education. Their focus on applied research and direct engagement with practitioners aims to bridge the gap between research and practice, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within schools and districts. Success is often measured by the uptake of research findings, the adoption of evidence-based strategies, and reported improvements in student achievement or educator capacity.

What has been the historical spending trend for Regional Educational Laboratories by the Department of Education?

Historical spending on Regional Educational Laboratories by the Department of Education, primarily through the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), has shown a consistent commitment to this model of research dissemination and support. While specific annual figures fluctuate based on appropriations and contract renewals, the overall budget allocation for the REL program has remained a significant component of IES's portfolio. The five-year contract structure for each REL ensures a stable, long-term investment. Analyzing past appropriations and contract awards would reveal trends in total spending, average contract values, and the number of active REL contracts, indicating a sustained federal investment in regional educational improvement initiatives.

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: 101 SW MAIN ST STE 500, PORTLAND, OR, 97204

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: $25,400,000

Exercised Options: $25,400,000

Current Obligation: $23,400,000

Actual Outlays: $11,381,697

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 5

Total Subaward Amount: $421,788

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline