U. S. Department of Education, Grants and Contracts Service, 7th and D Streets, S.W., GSA-NCR Building, Room 3616, Washington, DC 20202-4447

B -- PRIORITIES PANELS TO ASSIST THE NATIONAL EDUCATION RESEARCH POLICY AND PRIORITIES BOARD IN REFINING THE EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH AGENDA DUE 121097 POC Contact Contract Specialist Candace Bertotti, 202 708-9741 Sources Sought -The U.S. Department of Education anticipates that one sole source contract will be awarded to the National Academy of Education (NAE) to identify and convene a group of experts from its membership who are familiar with education research in order to produce a set of recommendations for the National Educational Research Policy and Priorities Board (NERPPB) regarding the education research agenda. NAE, through its panels, will make recommendations for refining the research goal adopted at the September 26, 1997 meeting of the NERPPB into a narrowed and focused set of priorities and research questions. Convening the Priorities Panel includes 1) Meet with OERI/Board Steering Committee 2) Form Priorities Panels 3) Convene and Facilitate Priorities Panel Meetings 4) Commission Papers 5) Individual Consultations 6) Prepare Report of Recommendations on Education Research Agenda. The Department has identified a clear need for an education organiza- tion with direct access to experts in a wide range of education-related disciplines, with the experience of convening groups of such individuals in expert panels, and with the proven ability to produce meaningful and respected recommendations on the issues at hand to convene panels of experts to assist the Board in refining its research agenda. NAE is widely recognized nationally and internationally. Its organizational structure and diverse membership include not only education researchers, assessment experts, and statisticians but also psychologists, anthropologists, historians, economists, and others representing the social sciences. Its colloquies and fora are inherently interdisciplinary, involve scholars and practitioners; and have a catalytic effect upon future research. In addition, the NAE has convened numerous panels of experts to study the National Assessment of Educational Progress State Assessments and standards-based reform. The research plan which the Board develops needs the expertise of the NAE to ensure its impact and influence on education research, its acceptance by policymakers and practitioners, and its credibility before Congress. The Department believes that the National Academy of Education (NAE) is uniquely qualified and the only organization able to perform this work. However, any business or firm that feels they are qualified and able to perform this procurement should submit a written capability statement by COB December 10, 1997 outlining their qualifications. Notices should be sent to the above address, Attn: Candace Bertotti, Contract Specialist. Note: Any award depends on the availability of funds. All dates listed herein are subject to change. (0321)

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