U.S. Department of Labor, Procurement Services Center, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-5416, Washington, DC 20210

B -- DEVELOPMENT OF COST OF LIVING INDEXES SOL RFP L/A 98-33 POC Julie Lawrence, Contract Negotiator, (202) 219-6445, Phyllis R. McMeekin, Contracting Officer The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) requires a panel of experts to investigate conceptual, measurement, and other statistical issues in the development of cost-of-living indexes. Concerns about the adequacy of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) as a cost of living index have increased with concern about the effect of the index on the Federal budget. Because of the budgetary implications of the CPI, the Senate Finance Committee appointed an advisory committee to study the index, and the advisory commission recommended that BLS establish a cost-of-living index as its objective in measuring consumer prices and the BLS agrees in principle. At the end of the study, the panel will issue a final report of its findings, conclusions and recommendations. These services will be provided by the National Academy of Sciences, National Research Council, Committee on National Statistics, on a non-competitive basis. This is in accordance with Executive Order 12832, amending Executive Order 2859, and as approved by the Department's Procurement Review Board. It was determined that the Academy, because of its unique qualifications, is the only source that can provide the measure of expertise, independence, objectivity, and audience acceptance necessary to meet the BLS's needs for this cost-of-living study. The estimated cost for the proposed study is $600,000 for a thirty month period of performance. THIS NOTICE IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. NO SOLICITATION DOCUMENT IS AVAILABLE. Posted 08/20/98 (I-SN239901). (0232)

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