U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, Administrative and Financial Management, Procurement and Property Branch, 14th & Independence Avenue, S.W., Room 1310 South Building, Washington, D.C. 20250

B -- STUDY ON STATE USE OF FUNDS TO INCREASE WORK SLOTS FOR FOOD STAMP RECIPIENTS SOL 17-3K06-98 POC Linda M. Fischer, Contract Specialist (202) 720-7684 The Economic Research Service (ERS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) seeks a qualified contractor to provide an assessment of changes in the E&T Program due to the revisions of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. This contract primarily entails establishing a baseline count, by State, of the number of people in different types of E&T Programs and compiling detailed information about the characteristics of E&T Programs at the State, and possibly local, level. From this acquisition of information the Contractor shall then prepare a report that addresses the legislatively mandated request from Congress. The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 increased the size of the Food Stamp Employment and Training (E&T) Program, enhanced its emphasis on assistance to unemployed able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) and changed how States are authorized to use E&T funds. The study is estimated to take approximately eighteen (18) months. The anticipated solicitation release date is May 19,1998. Interested parties shall submit a written request, (telephonic requests will NOT be honored) with four self-addressed mailing labels, to the point of contact identified in this notice. (0107)

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