National Institute of Standards and Technology, Bldg. 301, Rm. C121, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-0001

A -- TRAINING SOL Q- DUE 050696 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: The NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program is soliciting proposals for Training and Tools Projects. An estimated $3.3 million in MEP funding is available in this competition. The MEP reserves the right to utilize more or less funding than the amount stated above, depending on the quality of the proposals received. The actual number of proposals funded will depend on the quality of the proposals received and the amount of funding requested for the highest ranked proposals. Funding may be requested for up to two years. This solicitation addresses training and tools to be developed for use by the staffs at the nationwide network of MEP centers, primarily by field agents. (Note that ''field agent'' is a generic term meant to include all MEP personnel who have direct contact with clients, regardless of job title.) Tools are the standardized techniques and methodologies which are used by center personnel as they work with client firms or manage center activities. This solicitation does not address training or tools to be used directly by client firms. While proposals are sought in the specific project areas described, proposals for other training or tools projects will be accepted. Such a proposal should clearly demonstrate that it meets an important need of MEP centers. Training courses should be cost effective for centers (including travel costs and time away from the job), easy to use, and readily available when training is required. Course delivery may be via a traditional classroom or other techniques such as distance learning. Particularly useful would be projects which offer a combination of different delivery mechanisms, maximizing training accessibility. All training program development should be done according to generally accepted instructional design methodology. All training and tools should be well integrated with existing MEP center capabilities and objectives. Training proposals are solicited in: sales skills for field agents; client relationship management; enhanced assessment skills for field agents; project management for field agents; and field agent assistance to firms in solving business problems. Proposals to develop tools for use by field agents are solicited in: market developmet for firms; plant layout and manufacturing cells; and business systems for manufacturing control and accounting. Proposals to develop tools for use by center management are solicited in identifying and using outside consultants and resources; a methodology for center managers to assess the training needs of center personnel; and a methodology for determining the effectiveness of tools used by extension agents. Proposals are solicited also for an evaluation tool project to: 1) develop and routinely track a set of performance metrics with which to gauge the efficiency and effectiveness of management and service delivery activity, and 2) develop a methodology for regularly comparing the values of these metrics across participating centers. Proposals are solicited for customer satisfaction tools and techniques projects to assist MEP centers in collecting and analyzing customer satisfaction data, generating insights based on findings, and incorporating these insights into program activities. Matching funds are not required for any of the projects in this solicitation. However, availability of matching funds will be considered in the Financial Plan factor of the evaluation. Training, tools, and customer satisfaction projects are open to proposals from any for-profit or not-for-profit organization. The evaluation tool project is open only for proposals from MEP-affiliated centers. The selection criteria to be used for training proposals are: demonstration of meeting needs (20%), development/deployment methodology and use of appropriate technology/information sources (20%), delivery and implementation (20%), coordination with other organizations (10%), program evaluation (10%), management experience and plans (10%), and financial plan (10%). The selection criteria to be used for tools proposals (including the evaluation tool and the customer satisfaction tool) are: demonstration of meeting needs (15%), development methodology and use of appropriate technology/information sources (25%), degree of integration (20%), coordination with other organizations (10%), program evaluation (10%), management experience and plans (10%), and financial plan (10%). This solicitation is conducted under the procedures of Part 292, Title 15, of the Code of Federal Regulations published in the August 29,1995 Federal Register. The MEP Training and Tools Projects Application Package (containing required forms background maerial, and instructions for submission of proposals) may be obtained by phone (301-975-4348), FAX (301-926-3787), e-mail (alexande@micf.nist.gov) or by written request at the address below. Proposals are limited to 20 pages in length, including a one-page executive summary. Proposals are due by 5:00 p.m. eastern time on January 5, 1996. Proposals submitted by facsimile or electronic mail will not be accepted. Proposals received after the deadline will not be considered. Send proposals to: Manufacturing Extension Partnership, National Institute for Standards and Technology, Bldg. 301, Room C121, I-270 at Quince Orchard Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-0001. Mark envelope ''Training and Tools Projects.'' (0303)

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