DoD's $4.6M DANTES MTEP contract awarded to American Council on Education for military training evaluation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,612,449 ($4.6M)

Contractor: American Council on Education

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-06-01

End Date: 2026-03-31

Contract Duration: 303 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: DEFENSE ACTIVITY FOR NON-TRADITIONAL EDUCATION SUPPORT (DANTES) MILITARY TRAINING EVALUATION PROGRAM (MTEP)

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20036

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $4.6 million to AMERICAN COUNCIL ON EDUCATION for work described as: DEFENSE ACTIVITY FOR NON-TRADITIONAL EDUCATION SUPPORT (DANTES) MILITARY TRAINING EVALUATION PROGRAM (MTEP) Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the specialized nature of military training evaluation. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, suggesting a competitive bidding environment. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a firm fixed-price contract and a defined performance period. 4. Performance context involves evaluating military training programs to ensure effectiveness and relevance. 5. Sector positioning places this contract within the broader Defense Human Resources Activity's educational support services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $4.6 million for a 303-day period seems aligned with specialized educational support services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for military training evaluation is challenging due to the niche nature of the service. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which is generally favorable for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of 4 bidders suggests a healthy level of competition for this specialized service. This competitive environment is expected to drive more favorable pricing and service offerings for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering price discovery and encouraging contractors to offer their best value.

Public Impact

Benefits military personnel by ensuring the quality and relevance of their training programs. Delivers essential evaluation services for military training and education initiatives. Geographic impact is national, supporting Department of Defense-wide training standards. Workforce implications include supporting the personnel responsible for developing and delivering military education.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract type mitigates cost escalation risk.
Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process.
Defined period of performance (303 days) provides clear project scope.
Award to a known entity (American Council on Education) may indicate prior successful engagement.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the educational support services sector, specifically focusing on the evaluation of military training programs. The market for specialized defense education and evaluation services is often characterized by a limited number of highly qualified providers. The total contract value is modest within the broader context of defense spending, but critical for maintaining training standards.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. This suggests that the primary awardee is likely a larger organization, and the focus of this contract is not on direct small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is likely managed by the Defense Human Resources Activity, which awarded the contract. Accountability measures would be tied to the performance work statement and deliverables outlined in the definitive contract. Transparency is facilitated by the contract award notice, but further details on specific oversight mechanisms would require access to the contract itself.

Related Government Programs

DANTES Programs
Military Education and Training
Defense Human Resources Activity Initiatives
Educational Support Services

Risk Flags

Contract duration is relatively short (303 days), which may indicate a specific, time-bound project or a need for frequent re-competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $4.6 million to AMERICAN COUNCIL ON EDUCATION. DEFENSE ACTIVITY FOR NON-TRADITIONAL EDUCATION SUPPORT (DANTES) MILITARY TRAINING EVALUATION PROGRAM (MTEP)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AMERICAN COUNCIL ON EDUCATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Human Resources Activity).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-06-01. End: 2026-03-31.

What is the track record of the American Council on Education in supporting military training evaluation programs?

The American Council on Education (ACE) has a long-standing history of working with the Department of Defense and other federal agencies on educational initiatives, including the evaluation of military training and experience. ACE is known for its work in credit recommendations for military training and its role in assessing the equivalency of military education to civilian academic programs. While specific details on their past performance on the DANTES MTEP program are not provided here, ACE's general reputation and extensive experience in the defense education space suggest a capable contractor for this type of work. Their involvement often lends credibility and standardization to military educational assessments.

How does the $4.6 million contract value compare to similar military training evaluation contracts?

Directly comparing the $4.6 million value for this 303-day contract to 'similar' military training evaluation contracts is challenging due to the specialized and often unique nature of such services. Military training evaluation programs can vary significantly in scope, complexity, and duration. However, considering the firm fixed-price nature and the period of performance, the value appears to be within a reasonable range for a specialized federal service contract. Without access to a broader database of comparable contracts, a precise benchmark is difficult, but the award to a single entity for a defined period suggests a focused scope of work.

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

The primary risks associated with this contract are related to the contractor's ability to deliver high-quality evaluation services within the specified timeframe and budget, and the potential for scope creep. These risks are mitigated by several factors. Firstly, the contract is firm fixed-price, which places the financial risk on the contractor, incentivizing them to manage costs effectively. Secondly, the contract has a defined period of performance (303 days), which helps to limit the duration of the project and potential for extended cost overruns. Finally, the award was made under full and open competition with multiple bidders, suggesting that the selected contractor, the American Council on Education, was deemed capable and competitive.

How effective is the DANTES Military Training Evaluation Program (MTEP) in supporting military readiness and career development?

The DANTES Military Training Evaluation Program (MTEP) plays a crucial role in supporting military readiness and career development by ensuring that the training and education provided to service members are relevant, effective, and aligned with military occupational specialties and career progression goals. By evaluating these programs, MTEP helps to identify areas for improvement, validate learning outcomes, and ensure that service members acquire the necessary skills and knowledge. This, in turn, contributes to a more competent and adaptable military force. The program's effectiveness is indirectly supported by contracts like this one, which provide the necessary expertise for rigorous evaluation.

What are the historical spending patterns for military training evaluation services within the Department of Defense?

Historical spending patterns for military training evaluation services within the Department of Defense can fluctuate based on evolving military needs, technological advancements in training, and shifts in strategic priorities. While specific aggregate data for 'military training evaluation services' is not readily available in this context, it is understood that the DoD invests significantly in ensuring the quality and efficacy of its vast training infrastructure. This includes periodic evaluations, curriculum development reviews, and assessments of new training methodologies. Contracts for such services are typically awarded on a project-by-project basis or through longer-term support agreements, with funding allocated through various defense appropriations and specific program offices like DHRA.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: EDUCATION AND TRAINING › EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: H9821025RE002

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1 DUPONT CIR NW, WASHINGTON, DC, 20036

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: $25,967,349

Exercised Options: $4,612,449

Current Obligation: $4,612,449

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline