NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA Headquarters Acquisition Branch, Code 210.H, Greenbelt, MD 20771

R -- STUDY TOOLS TO BE USED IN SUPPORT OF NASA'S CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS PROJECT SOL 10-03445-tak DUE 040300 POC Theresa A Keane, Contracting Officer, Phone (301) 286-3294, Fax (301) 286-0356, Email Theresa.A.Keane.1@gsfc.nasa.gov -- Lourdes F. Carson, Contracting Officer, Phone (301) 286-4309, Fax (301) 286-0357, Email Lourdes.F.Carson.1@gsfc.nasa.gov WEB: Click here for the latest information about this notice, http://nais.msfc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/EPS/bizops.cgi?gr=D&pin=04#10-03445- tak. E-MAIL: Theresa A Keane, Theresa.A.Keane.1@gsfc.nasa.gov. NASA/HQ plans to issue a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for the development of 8 sets of study tools to test the development of critical thinking skills in high functioning adults, and an original copy of the Markus Reasoning Instrument (MRI). This procurement is being conducted under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). NASA/HQ intends to purchase the items on a sole source basis from Donalee Markus PhD and Associates. Background Over the past ten years NASA's strategic direction has changed. These changes have brought about a new focus on what NASA does and the way in which work is accomplished. In order for NASA missions to be successful, programs and projects need breakthrough technology and quantum improvements in productivity. In a recent survey NASA managers and executives identified the need for agency employees to possess better critical thinking or problem solving skills to develop the needed creative, breakthrough results. Critical thinking skills are essential to all NASA programs but are particularly important to program and project multi-disciplinary teams working in geographically dispersed environments. The Intelligent Synthesis Environment (ISE) Program is developing the technology needed to enable scientists, engineers and technologists to function in a coherent team in the conceptualization, design, development and execution of missions. The Revolutionize Culture Change, Training and Education Element's purpose in ISE is to foster a culture change in the way product and mission development is performed. This element recognizes that collaborative environments will play a major role in demonstrating, educating and training participants to operate in a new design and mission synthesis culture. The use of advanced critical thinking and problem solving skills is essential in enabling individuals to effectively communicate and utilize the tools of ISE. In response to this need NASA created a Critical Thinking Skills Project to study the effectiveness of critical thinking skills tools to enhance mission performance. This team identified only one instrument Design for Strong Minds (DSM) as a tool that could address this need. NASA chose DSM because it is the only critical thinking tool specifically designed on brain function for high-functioning adults. It is also the only graphically based problem-solving tool that uses context-free, game-like exercises that create the disposition for critical thinking and creativity. DSM is also the only tool available that uses a hierarchical based rehearsal methodology that focuses on the development of the neuromuscular system in high functioning adults. DSM utilizes an algorithm to produce content-free tools that address the four types of formal logic. Using this algorithm DSM tools can be designed to address all levels of problem solving and all types of cognitive gaps. Finally, DSM is the only critical thinking problem to address unstructured problem solving. Other tools cover only structured and semi-structured problems. The evaluation of unstructured problems provides for effective analysis and definition of problems and issues versus just solving defined problems. DSM is a proprietary product of Donalee Markus PhD and Associates and is not available from any other source. The Government intends to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 4:30 p.m. local time on April 3, 2000. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed effort on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. All responsible sources may submit an offer which shall be considered by the agency. An Ombudsman has been appointed. See Internet Note "B". Any referenced notes can be viewed at the following URL: http://genesis.gsfc.nasa.gov/nasanote.html The Representations and Certifications required by FAR 52.212-3 may be obtained via the internet at URL: http//ec.msfc.nasa.gov/msfc/pub/reps_certs/sats/ Posted 03/13/00 (D-SN433857). (0073)

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