Department of Education awards $2.3M for PK-12 to adult education technical support
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,343,697 ($2.3M)
Contractor: Research Triangle Institute
Awarding Agency: Department of Education
Start Date: 2023-09-27
End Date: 2026-04-30
Contract Duration: 946 days
Daily Burn Rate: $2.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: Other
Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS ORDER IS TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL ANALYSES, REPORTS, AND DIGITAL PRODUCTS PERTAINING TO EDUCATION, INCLUDING PRESCHOOL THROUGH GRADE 12 (PK-12), POSTSECONDARY, AND ADULT AND CAREER EDUCATION.
Place of Performance
Location: DURHAM, DURHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27709
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Education obligated $2.3 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS ORDER IS TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL ANALYSES, REPORTS, AND DIGITAL PRODUCTS PERTAINING TO EDUCATION, INCLUDING PRESCHOOL THROUGH GRADE 12 (PK-12), POSTSECONDARY, AND ADULT AND CAREER EDUCATION. Key points: 1. Contract supports internal/external analyses and digital products for education. 2. Focus areas include PK-12, postsecondary, and adult/career education. 3. Research Triangle Institute is the awardee. 4. Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services are the primary NAICS code.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The award amount of $2.34M over approximately 2.6 years appears reasonable for specialized technical support in the education sector. Benchmarking against similar consulting contracts would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method is generally effective in achieving fair market prices.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for necessary educational support services.
Public Impact
Enhances data analysis and reporting capabilities for educational initiatives. Supports the development of digital tools for educational stakeholders. Aims to improve the quality and accessibility of educational services across various levels.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep in technical support services.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical analysis and digital products.
Positive Signals
- Clear purpose for technical support in education.
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Long-term engagement allows for sustained support.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the management consulting services sector, specifically supporting the education domain. Spending in this area often focuses on improving program effectiveness, data utilization, and technological integration within educational institutions.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and the awardee is not identified as a small business. Therefore, there is no direct small business participation evident in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Education's internal oversight will be crucial to ensure the technical support meets the stated objectives and delivers value. Regular performance reviews and milestone tracking are essential accountability mechanisms.
Related Government Programs
- Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
- Department of Education Contracting
- Department of Education Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in.
- Data security and privacy concerns.
- Ensuring alignment with evolving educational needs.
- Measuring tangible impact on educational outcomes.
Tags
administrative-management-and-general-ma, department-of-education, nc, bpa-call, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Education awarded $2.3 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE. THE PURPOSE OF THIS ORDER IS TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL ANALYSES, REPORTS, AND DIGITAL PRODUCTS PERTAINING TO EDUCATION, INCLUDING PRESCHOOL THROUGH GRADE 12 (PK-12), POSTSECONDARY, AND ADULT AND CAREER EDUCATION.
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 $2.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-09-27. End: 2026-04-30.
What specific metrics will be used to evaluate the success of the technical support in improving educational analyses and digital products?
Success will likely be measured by the quality and timeliness of analyses and reports produced, the usability and adoption of digital products, and feedback from internal and external stakeholders. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) may include report completion rates, user satisfaction scores for digital tools, and demonstrable improvements in data-driven decision-making within the education department.
What are the potential risks associated with relying on external technical support for critical educational data and digital product development?
Risks include data security breaches if sensitive educational information is mishandled, potential vendor lock-in limiting future flexibility, and a misalignment of vendor expertise with evolving educational needs. Ensuring robust data protection clauses, clear exit strategies, and continuous communication channels can mitigate these risks.
How will the effectiveness of this contract be measured in terms of its impact on educational outcomes or administrative efficiency?
Effectiveness will be gauged by the extent to which the provided technical support leads to more insightful educational analyses, the successful deployment of user-friendly digital products, and ultimately, improvements in administrative efficiency or educational program delivery. Tracking the utilization and impact of the support on departmental goals will be key.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
Product/Service Code: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: 311
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 3040 CORNWALLIS RD, DURHAM, 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: $2,343,697
Exercised Options: $2,343,697
Current Obligation: $2,343,697
Actual Outlays: $1,716,397
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 4
Total Subaward Amount: $338,525
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 91990021A0014
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-09-27
Current End Date: 2026-04-30
Potential End Date: 2026-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-29
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