The US Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution, 110 South Church Avenue, Suite 3350, Tucson, Arizona 85701

R -- PROGRAM EVALUATION: 1) THE OPERATION OF USIECR IN PROVIDING SERVICES; 2) THE USE OF ADR COMPARED TO MORE TRADITIONAL METHODS OF RESOLVING ENVIRONMENTAL CONFLICTS SOL 001-ECR-00 DUE 041000 POC Dale Keyes -- email: keyes@ecr.gov tel: 520-670-5299 WEB: click here for more information, www.ecr.gov. E-MAIL: email the above for more information, keyes@ecr.gov. A system to evaluate the performance of the USIECR program has not yet been designed. Such a system will provide for the collection of data in reference to a mission statement and program objectives. Once implemented, the system will be used by USIECR staff for self evaluation. By featuring routine collection of essential information using the USIECR Project Management Database together with specially designed data collection instruments, the system will be highly cost-effective. Two aspects of the evaluation system are envisioned: (1) the operation of the USIECR in providing its services, and (2) the use of ADR compared to more traditional methods of resolving environmental conflicts for those cases in which the USIECR becomes involved. The focus of the present work will be primarily on the first how well services are being provided. However, data needs for evaluating the longer term performance of the program in terms of case disposition must also be addressed. Both the process and outcome aspects of case disposition are to be considered. The USIECR is currently engaged in a collaborative process with other ADR programs and third parties to assess current ideas on ADR program evaluation. This effort has produced a collection of useful questions and suggested starting points, and will be a point of reference for the design of an evaluation system for the USIECR program. By working with the other ADR programs in the process of designing evaluation systems, commonalities among the systems will emerge. Moreover, it is expected that the USIECR evaluation system will become a model for ADR program evaluation in the public sector. Scope of Work 1. Reconnaissance. The Consultant will meet with USIECR staff to learn about the mission statement and program objectives, what and how services are provided, and management systems under design or in operation. This initial step will also focus on who needs the evaluation results and for what purpose. 2. System Design. The design will identify specific measures of program performance and what data need to be collected for each measure. Where appropriate, data collection instruments will be developed and tested. The service provision and case disposition aspects of program evaluation will be described separately. The intent is to design a streamlined and cost-effective evaluation system that will be operational in the near future for: (1) periodic evaluation of service provision (covering the spectrum of USIECR services from training to referrals of practitioners), and (2) initial data collection on cases for longer term evaluation of case disposition. Interaction with USIECR management staff throughout the design process is crucial. 3. Collaboration. Periodic meetings will be held with managers of the two cooperating ADR programs, their consultants and third parties. Although a single evaluation system for all three programs is not the goal, sharing ideas will likely lead to a more robust system for the USIECR. 4. Products. Bi-monthly progress reports will be submitted to the USIECR project manager. Two reports on system design will be required. The first will specify the system for evaluating the USIECR's provision of services, and will be due 6 months after the project start date. The second report will describe how case disposition should be evaluated and what data need to be routinely collected on each case in order to make the evaluation system operational. The second report will be due no more than 12 months after the project start date. Any survey instruments designed to be part of the evaluation system will be included in the reports. Timeframe Project duration will be 12 months. The successful candidate must be available for meeting with USIECR staff the last week in April, and for a joint workshop with the other ADR programs on May 1 and 2, 2000. Project Cost Payment will be on a time and materials basis. The USIECR estimates that the total cost will not exceed $ 25,000. Desired Qualifications The successful candidate will have training (a Ph.D. in program evaluation or a related field is preferred) and substantial experience in program evaluation, particularly in evaluating public agencies. In addition, experience in evaluating judicial, administrative, and/or ADR programs is highly desired. Familiarity with environmental issues is a plus. Submission of Information Interested candidates should submit: A statement of qualifications A list of past projects with contacts (addresses and phone numbers) Hourly rates Three references showing their affiliation, address, phone number and relationship to the candidate An example of at least one program evaluation system design Posted 03/28/00 (W-SN438894). (0088)

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