USAID's $19.6M Contract for Education Reform Support Awarded to Creative Associates International

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,581,818 ($19.6M)

Contractor: Creative Associates International, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2010-02-03

End Date: 2013-06-30

Contract Duration: 1,243 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SUPPORT THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN IMPLEMENTING TEACHER EDUCATION SUPPORT AND SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT FOLLOWING THE INTRODUCTION OF THE PRIMARY CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT REFORM (PCAR). SUPPORT THE MANAGEMENT, FOR COMPLETING AND REINFORCING ITS INTRODUCTION OF THE PRIMARY CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT REFORM. TAS::72 1021::TAS

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $19.6 million to CREATIVE ASSOCIATES INTERNATIONAL, INC. for work described as: SUPPORT THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN IMPLEMENTING TEACHER EDUCATION SUPPORT AND SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT FOLLOWING THE INTRODUCTION OF THE PRIMARY CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT REFORM (PCAR). SUPPORT THE MANAGEMENT, FOR COMPLETING AND REINFORCING ITS INTRODUCTION OF… Key points: 1. Contract supports the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in implementing teacher education and systems management for curriculum reform. 2. Creative Associates International, Inc. is the sole awardee for this delivery order. 3. The contract value is $19,581,817.93 over a period of 1243 days. 4. The sector is professional, scientific, and technical services, specifically 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services'.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, which can lead to higher costs if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar education reform support contracts is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.

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. However, this is a delivery order, so the initial competition for the larger contract is key.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to support educational reforms in another country, aiming for long-term development benefits.

Public Impact

Enhances primary curriculum and assessment reform implementation. Supports teacher education and systems management. Aims to improve educational outcomes through structured reform. International development assistance focused on education.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type may not be the most cost-effective.
Lack of detailed cost breakdown for per-unit analysis.
Small business participation is not indicated.

Positive Signals

Supports a critical area of national development (education).
Awarded under full and open competition.
Clear objective for curriculum and assessment reform.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on educational consulting and support. Spending in this area often supports international development goals and capacity building.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not awarded to a small business (ss: false, sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business subcontracting opportunities were pursued or mandated.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is provided by the Agency for International Development (USAID). The contract type and duration suggest ongoing monitoring is required to ensure effective implementation and financial accountability.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns in Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts.
Lack of transparency in detailed cost breakdowns.
No clear indication of small business participation.
Effectiveness dependent on local government buy-in and capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $19.6 million to CREATIVE ASSOCIATES INTERNATIONAL, INC.. SUPPORT THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN IMPLEMENTING TEACHER EDUCATION SUPPORT AND SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT FOLLOWING THE INTRODUCTION OF THE PRIMARY CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT REFORM (PCAR). SUPPORT THE MANAGEMENT, FOR COMPLETING AND REINFORCING ITS INTRODUCTION OF THE PRIMARY CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT REFORM. TAS::72 1021::TAS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CREATIVE ASSOCIATES INTERNATIONAL, 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 $19.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-02-03. End: 2013-06-30.

What specific metrics are used to measure the success of the teacher education support and systems management implementation?

Success metrics would likely focus on teacher training completion rates, improved teaching methodologies observed in classrooms, student assessment score improvements, and the successful integration of the new curriculum into the education system. The agency's reporting requirements would detail these KPIs.

How does the fixed fee component of the contract ensure cost efficiency for the taxpayer?

The fixed fee is negotiated upfront and represents the contractor's profit. While it provides a defined profit margin, cost efficiency relies heavily on the agency's ability to monitor the 'cost' portion of the contract. Robust oversight is crucial to prevent cost overruns that are not justified by the fixed fee.

What is the long-term sustainability plan for the implemented reforms after the contract ends?

Sustainability typically involves building local capacity within the Ministry of Education and teacher training institutions to manage and continue the reforms independently. This includes developing internal training programs, establishing robust management systems, and ensuring adequate government funding allocation post-contract.

Industry Classification

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

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5301 WISCONSIN AVE NW STE 700, WASHINGTON, DC, 20015

Business Categories: Category Business, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $19,624,847

Exercised Options: $19,624,847

Current Obligation: $19,581,818

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: AIDEDHI000500026

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline