How much does an impact evaluation typically cost?

Costs vary significantly based on scope and methodology.

How long does an RCT take?

Typical Timeline: 12-36 months

• • Design & Planning: 2-3 months
• • Baseline Data: 1-3 months
• • Intervention: 6-24 months
• • Endline & Analysis: 3-5 months

Can you work with our existing M&E team?

Absolutely! We specialize in collaborative partnerships. We can provide
technical advisory, co-implementation support, or quality assurance while your team leads
execution. Our goal is to build your internal capacity.

Do we need IRB approval?

Usually, yes. If you are collecting data from people, ethical review is
standard. We can help you determine requirements, prepare protocols, and navigate
multi-country IRB processes.

What if we already started our program?

Not a problem! We can use Quasi-Experimental Designs (RDD, DID, PSM) that
don’t require prospective randomization, or look at phased rollout options for expansion
areas.

How many observations do we need?

It depends on the Minimum Detectable Effect (MDE) and cluster design. Typically:

• • Individual RCT: 500-5,000+ participants
• • Cluster RCT: 50-200+ clusters

Impact Evaluation vs. M&E?

M&E tracks what happened (outputs/outcomes). Impact
Evaluation answers causality: did the program cause the change? It
requires a rigorous counterfactual.

What if we can’t afford a full RCT?

We offer alternatives like Scaled RCTs (smaller sample), Quasi-Experimental Designs (often
cheaper), or starting with just the Evaluation Design phase.

What info do you need for a quote?

Program description, evaluation questions, timeline, sample size estimates, geography, and
budget range.

Do you work internationally?

Yes! We have experience across Asia and Africa (Philippines, Malawi).

What software do you use?

Stata (data management and analysis), Python (ML/automation), and SurveyCTO (data collection).