USAID Awards $16.2M for Early Grade Reading Assessment and Quality Instruction

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,018,520 ($24.0M)

Contractor: World Education, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2012-07-02

End Date: 2023-09-22

Contract Duration: 4,099 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: COMPETITIVE CONTRACT FOR $16,200,000 FOR EARLY GRADE READING ASSESSMENT AND QUALITY INSTRUCTION AND MANAGEMENT (EGRA+QIM). THE PROJECT WILL SUPPORT TEACHER AND SCHOOL DIRECTOR TRAINING AND SUPPORT, PRODUCTION OF TEACHING, AND LEARNING MATERIALS, AND CAPACITY BUILDING FOR LOCAL EDUCATION PERSONNEL.

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $24.0 million to WORLD EDUCATION, INC. for work described as: COMPETITIVE CONTRACT FOR $16,200,000 FOR EARLY GRADE READING ASSESSMENT AND QUALITY INSTRUCTION AND MANAGEMENT (EGRA+QIM). THE PROJECT WILL SUPPORT TEACHER AND SCHOOL DIRECTOR TRAINING AND SUPPORT, PRODUCTION OF TEACHING, AND LEARNING MATERIALS, AND CAPACITY BUILDING FOR LOCAL ED… Key points: 1. Contract focuses on teacher training, materials, and local capacity building for early grade reading. 2. World Education, Inc. is the contractor for this $16.2 million award. 3. The contract was awarded under full and open competition. 4. This award falls under 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' NAICS code 541990.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $16.2 million appears reasonable for a multi-year, comprehensive education support program. Benchmarking against similar international education development contracts would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method generally leads to more competitive pricing as multiple vendors can bid.

Taxpayer Impact: The investment aims to improve educational outcomes, which has long-term societal benefits, though direct taxpayer savings are not immediately quantifiable.

Public Impact

Enhances educational quality in early grades, potentially improving literacy rates. Supports local education personnel, fostering sustainable capacity within communities. Invests in the development and production of essential teaching and learning materials. Addresses critical needs in teacher and school director training programs.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Contract duration is exceptionally long (over 11 years).
Contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) can incentivize cost overruns.
No indication of small business participation.

Positive Signals

Awarded via full and open competition.
Focuses on a critical development area: early grade reading.
Includes capacity building for local personnel.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on education development. Spending in this area often supports international aid and capacity-building initiatives.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not awarded to a small business (ss: false). There is no specific information provided regarding efforts to subcontract with small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The long duration and cost-plus contract type warrant close oversight to ensure funds are used efficiently and effectively towards program goals. Regular performance reviews and audits would be crucial.

Related Government Programs

All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Agency for International Development Contracting
Agency for International Development Programs

Risk Flags

Extended contract duration (over 11 years).
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
No small business participation noted.
Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data.
Potential for cost overruns due to contract type and duration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $24.0 million to WORLD EDUCATION, INC.. COMPETITIVE CONTRACT FOR $16,200,000 FOR EARLY GRADE READING ASSESSMENT AND QUALITY INSTRUCTION AND MANAGEMENT (EGRA+QIM). THE PROJECT WILL SUPPORT TEACHER AND SCHOOL DIRECTOR TRAINING AND SUPPORT, PRODUCTION OF TEACHING, AND LEARNING MATERIALS, AND CAPACITY BUILDING FOR LOCAL EDUCATION PERSONNEL.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WORLD EDUCATION, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Agency for International Development (Agency for International Development).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $24.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-07-02. End: 2023-09-22.

What is the expected impact of this program on literacy rates in the target regions?

The program aims to improve early grade reading through teacher training, better materials, and capacity building. While specific impact metrics are not detailed here, successful implementation is expected to lead to measurable improvements in literacy skills among young students, contributing to better overall educational attainment and long-term development outcomes.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for this type of project?

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts carry the risk of cost overruns if the contractor's actual costs exceed initial estimates, as the fixed fee remains constant. For this project, risks include potential inefficiencies in resource utilization and challenges in accurately forecasting all project expenses over its extended duration, requiring robust monitoring by the agency.

How does this contract ensure long-term sustainability of educational improvements beyond the contract period?

The contract emphasizes capacity building for local education personnel and the development of sustainable local systems. By training teachers, school directors, and local administrators, the program aims to embed improved practices and knowledge within the education system, fostering self-sufficiency and ensuring that the benefits of the intervention continue after the contract concludes.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 44 FARNSWORTH ST, FL7, BOSTON, MA, 02210

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: $24,359,438

Exercised Options: $24,359,438

Current Obligation: $24,018,520

Actual Outlays: $-21,986

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline