SF30-91990020R0039 - Amendment.pdf

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing items 8 and 15, and returning or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not is required to sign this document and return copies to the issuing office.

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT 1. CONTRACT ID CODE

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER 3. EFFECTIVE DATE 4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUISITION NUMBER 5. PROJECT NUMBER (If applicable)

7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6) CODE

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 11/2016)

Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

FACILITY CODE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers is extended. is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS. IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

CHECK ONE A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NUMBER

IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation data, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15C. DATE SIGNED

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

16C. DATE SIGNED

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

PAGE OF PAGES

6. ISSUED BY CODE

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code) (X)

CODE

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

(Signature of person authorized to sign)

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

Previous edition unusable

The purpose of this amendment is to update the PWS with OCIO Technical Requirements.

1 52

91990020R00390001 SEP 14, 2020

CAMPCP

US Dept of ED-550 12th Street SW - Room 7169 Washington DC 20065

91990020R0039

SEP 01, 2020

See Schedule

X

SCHEDULE Continued

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

Advancing the Future of Education Research and Statistics at the Institute of Education Sciences

0001 Base Period

Period of Performance: 11/01/2020 to 05/01/2022

0.00 SE

Advancing the Future of Education Research and Statistics at the Institute of Education Sciences

0002 Optional Task 1

Period of Performance: 11/01/2020 to 05/01/2022

0.00 SE

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Table of Contents

SECTION C DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT

C.1 Performance Work Statement

SECTION I CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.1 52.202-1DEFINITIONS (JUN 2020)

I.2 52.203-3 GRATUITIES (APR 1984)

I.3 52.203-6 IRESTRICTIONS ON SUBCONTRACTOR SALES TO THE GOVERNMENT (JUN 2020)-- ALTERNATE I (OCT

1995)

I.4 52.203-12LIMITATION ON PAYMENTS TO INFLUENCE CERTAIN FEDERAL TRANSACTIONS (JUN 2020)

I.5 52.203-17CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEE WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS AND REQUIREMENT TO INFORM EMPLOYEES OF

WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS (JUN 2020)

I.6 52.204-23 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING FOR HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, AND SERVICES DEVELOPED OR PROVIDED

BY KASPERSKY LAB AND OTHER COVERED ENTITIES (JUL 2018)

I.7 52.204-24REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR

EQUIPMENT (AUG 2020)

I.8 52.204-25PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING FOR CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE

SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (AUG 2020)

I.9 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS--COMMERCIAL ITEMS (OCT 2018)

I.10 52.225-25PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH ENTITIES ENGAGING IN CERTAIN ACTIVITIES OR TRANSACTIONS

RELATING TO IRAN--REPRESENTATION AND CERTIFICATIONS (JUN 2020)

I.11 52.227-14 RIGHTS IN DATA--GENERAL (MAY 2014)

I.12 52.232-18 AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS (APR 1984)

I.13 52.232-39 UNENFORCEABILITY OF UNAUTHORIZED OBLIGATIONS (JUNE 2013)

I.14 52.233-4 APPLICABLE LAW FOR BREACH OF CONTRACT CLAIM (OCT 2004)

I.15 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

I.16 3452.201-70 CONTRACTING OFFICER`s REPRESENTATIVE (COR) (MAY 2011)

I.17 3452.202-1 DEFINITIONS--DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (MAY 2011)

I.18 3452.208-71 PRINTING (MAY 2011)

I.19 3452.224-70 RELEASE OF INFORMATION UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (MAY 2011)

I.20 3452.227-70 PUBLICATION AND PUBLICITY (MAY 2011)

I.21 3452.227-72 USE AND NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT (MAY 2011)

I.22 3452.242-71 NOTICE TO THE GOVERNMENT OF DELAYS (MAY 2011)

I.23 3452.242-73 ACCESSIBILITY OF MEETINGS, CONFERENCES, AND SEMINARS TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

(MAY 2011)

I.24 52.212-5CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS--

COMMERCIAL ITEMS (AUG 2020)

I.25 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

I.26 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000)

I.27 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

I.28 306-1cINVOICE AND CONTRACT FINANCING REQUESTS SUBMISSION - IPP (MAY 2018)

I.29 306-8CONTRACT ADMINISTRATOR (FEB 1985)

I.30 307-19aREDACTED PROPOSALS (APRIL 2004)

I.31 313.237-72CLEARANCE OF CONFERENCES/MEETINGS (FEBRUARY 2015):

I.32

SECTION K REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

K.1 52.204-7 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (OCT 2018)

K.2 52.204-16COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE REPORTING (AUG 2020)

K.3 52.204-17OWNERSHIP OR CONTROL OF OFFEROR (AUG 2020)

K.4 52.204-18COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE MAINTENANCE (AUG 2020)

K.5 52.204-19 INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (DEC 2014)

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Table of Contents

K.6 52.209-2 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH INVERTED DOMESTIC CORPORATIONS-REPRESENTATION (NOV

2015)

K.7 52.209-5 CERTIFICATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2015)

K.8 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2018)

K.9 52.212-3OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS--COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JUN 2020)

K.10 3452.209-70 CONFLICT OF INTEREST CERTIFICATION (MAY 2011)

SECTION L INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

L.1 52.212-1INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS--COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JUN 2020)

L.2

SECTION M EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

M.1 52.217-5 EVALUATION OF OPTIONS (JUL 1990)

M.2

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SECTION C

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT

C.1 Performance Work Statement

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Performance Work Statement

ADVANCING THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION RESEARCH AND STATISTICS AT

THE INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SCIENCES

Institute of Education Sciences U.S. Department of Education

I. Purpose

The Department of Education intends to award a contract to convene two expert committees to help the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), and specifically the National Center for Education Research (NCER), the National Center for Special Education Research (NCSER), and the Nation Center for Education Statistics (NCES), identify the ways in which they can best advance education research and statistics to improve learner outcomes across the lifespan over the next ten years and beyond. An optional in-scope task is anticipated for a third committee, to help identify strategies to achieve cost efficiencies the development and administration of IES-sponsored assessments, focusing on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), and including international assessments such as the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS).

A. Background

IES is the research arm of the Department of Education (ED). Established by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA, PL 107-279), IES’s mission is “to provide national leadership in expanding fundamental knowledge and understanding of education from early childhood through postsecondary study.” IES provides educators, administrators, researchers, policymakers, parents, students, and the general public reliable information about educational practices that support learning and improve academic achievement and access to educational opportunities for all students; the condition and progress of education in the United States; and the effectiveness of federal and other education programs. IES’s activities are accomplished through four research centers: the National Center for Education Research (NCER), the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance (NCEE), and the National Center for Special Education Research (NCSER).

NCER and NCSER support research activities to improve the quality of education. These research activities span from infancy through adulthood and across multiple education settings, depending on the Center. NCER and NCSER also support the development of the next generation of education researchers through various training programs

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including, but not limited to, predoctoral, postdoctoral, early career, and established-researcher training programs. The Centers fund these activities through a competitive-grant process, and the funding to support research programs is dependent on annual funding approved by Congress. The Centers also support dissemination activities, both through their grant programs and through IES outlets (website, blog, etc.). For more information about NCER activities, please refer to the NCER website at http://ies.ed.gov/ncer/.

NCES has an extensive survey program, including longitudinal surveys that follow the educational experience of cohorts of the U.S. population from early childhood through adulthood, periodic surveys of adult literacy, and international studies of educational achievement. It also collects the “Common Core of Data” from administrative records of state and local K–12 educational agencies, and it collects data for the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. It regularly assesses the educational knowledge and achievement of primary and secondary school students in the National Assessment of Educational Progress. It also administers the Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems program, which provides grants to the states to develop longitudinal databases of student records for analyzing student performance and for identifying methods to improve achievement. NCES data are widely used by students and parents, policymakers, educational leaders at all levels, businesses, and researchers.

B. Key Research Tasks

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) shall form two expert committees to conduct the study, with staff support. The committee will consider the policy and practice needs of education research and statistics use to improve learner outcomes across the lifespan over the next ten years and beyond.

The committees will make recommendations to enhance IES work that reflect the mission and vision of IES, the changing education landscape, and recent advances in methods and statistics as used in research and statistics. An optional in-scope task is anticipated for a third committee, to help the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).

Specifically, NASEM’s Committee on National Statistics (CNSTAT) will convene an expert committee on NCES to:

• Consider trends and developments in the use of survey data, administrative data, as well as other potential data sources;

• Consider current and future priorities, operations, and staffing, including how contractors are used; and

• Based on those developments, suggest any desirable changes in the NCES statistical program areas, data collections, data governance, and products.

In addition, NASEM’s Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education (DBASSE) will convene an expert committee to inform NCER/NCSER on:

Critical problems or issues on which new research is needed;

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How best to organize the request for applications issued by the research centers to reflect those problems/issues;

New methods or approaches for conducting research that should be encouraged and why; and New and different types of research training investments that are needed.

This committee will consider the policy and practice needs for education and special education research, as well as the balance across basic and applied research. The committee’s work will be informed by documents that encompass the mission and vision of IES, including the Education Sciences Reform Act (ESRA), Standards for Excellence in Education Research (SEER) principles, and detailed descriptions of the IES research and research training programs, as well input from IES staff, IES-funded researchers, and education leaders and practitioners.

The study committee and staff shall convene experts and scholars widely accepted in the scholarly and policy communities with expertise in the fields of education and special education research. The committee and staff may commission the preparation of papers and collection of new data and conduct appropriate, rigorous analyses of such data. To the extent possible, the contractor shall rely on existing sources of data.

II. Scope of Work

This section specifies the tasks the contractor shall perform.

A. Task 1 – Management

Sub-task 1.1: Kick-off Meeting for NCER/ NCSER. Within two (2) weeks of contract award, the contractor shall set up a project kick-off meeting with Government officials designated by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) at a government supplied facility. At the kick-off meeting the contractor shall come prepared to identify any areas of concern and to suggest ways of responding to these concerns.

The contractor shall also establish a process for obtaining any information needed from the Department of Education (the Department) for the study. The contractor shall provide a written report of the topics discussed and decisions reached during the post-award meeting.

Sub-task 1.2: Kick-off Meeting for NCES. Within two (2) weeks of contract award, the contractor shall set up a project kick-off meeting with Government officials designated by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) at a government supplied facility. At the kick-off meeting the contractor shall come prepared to identify any areas of concern and to suggest ways of responding to these concerns. The contractor shall also establish a process for obtaining any information needed from the Department of Education (the Department) for the study. The contractor shall provide a written report of the topics discussed and decisions reached during the post-award meeting.

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Optional Sub-task 1.3: Kick-off Meeting for NAEP Assessments. Within two (2) weeks of contract award, the contractor shall set up a project kick-off meeting with Government officials designated by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) at a government supplied facility. At the kick-off meeting the contractor shall come prepared to identify any areas of concern and to suggest ways of responding to these concerns. The contractor shall also establish a process for obtaining any information needed from the Department of Education (the Department) for the study. The contractor shall provide a written report of the topics discussed and decisions reached during the post-award meeting.

Sub-task 1.4: Prepare Monthly Progress Reports for NCER/ NCSER. The Monthly Progress Report shall summarize the major activities and accomplishments during the reporting period, including submission of any deliverables. In addition, the contractor shall provide status information on each current task with respect to findings, activities, and problems encountered. The report shall also indicate whether the project is on time and the extent of any deviations from the schedule. The report shall indicate any decisions that are needed from the Department. The Monthly Report shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer (CO), with a copy delivered to the COR, by the 10th of each month.

Sub-task 1.5: Prepare Monthly Progress Reports for NCES. The Monthly Progress Report shall summarize the major activities and accomplishments during the reporting period, including submission of any deliverables. In addition, the contractor shall provide status information on each current task with respect to findings, activities, and problems encountered. The report shall also indicate whether the project is on time and the extent of any deviations from the schedule. The report shall indicate any decisions that are needed from the Department. The Monthly Report shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer (CO), with a copy delivered to the COR, by the 10th of each month.

Optional Sub-task 1.6: Prepare Monthly Progress Reports for NAEP Assessments.

The Monthly Progress Report shall summarize the major activities and accomplishments during the reporting period, including submission of any deliverables. In addition, the contractor shall provide status information on each current task with respect to findings, activities, and problems encountered. The report shall also indicate whether the project is on time and the extent of any deviations from the schedule. The report shall indicate any decisions that are needed from the Department. The Monthly Report shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer (CO), with a copy delivered to the COR, by the 10th of each month.

Deliverable: Report on kick-off meeting, monthly progress reports

B. Task 2 – Select and Convene Expert Panel

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Sub-task 2.1: Establish Expert Panel for NCER/ NCSER. The contractor shall establish the Expert Panel. The role of the panel shall be to advise the contractor on the conduct of the study; to participate in deliberations; to participate in reviewing analyses, drafting report language, and reviewing both interim and final report drafts. The panel shall be composed of 8-10 members and should include experts in and related matters.

The Department may offer suggestions for the panel (including curriculum vitae) within one (1) month of the contract award.

Sub-task 2.2: Establish Expert Panel for NCES. The contractor shall establish the Expert Panel. The role of the panel shall be to advise the contractor on the conduct of the study; to participate in deliberations; to participate in reviewing analyses, drafting report language, and reviewing both interim and final report drafts. The panel shall be composed of 8-10 members and should include experts in and related matters. The Department may offer suggestions for the panel (including curriculum vitae) within one

(1) month of the contract award.

Optional Sub-task 2.3: Establish Expert Panel for NAEP Assessments. The contractor shall establish the Expert Panel. The role of the panel shall be to advise the contractor on the conduct of the study; to participate in deliberations; to participate in reviewing analyses, drafting report language, and reviewing both interim and final report drafts.

The panel shall be composed of 8-10 members and should include experts in and related matters. The Department may offer suggestions for the panel (including curriculum vitae) within one (1) month of the contract award.

Sub-task 2.4: Convene Expert Panel for NCER/NCSER. The contractor shall convene up to five (5) 1-2 day meetings of the expert panel over the period of the contract. The first meeting shall be held within four (4) months of the award of the contract and shall include a focus on the overall design of the study. The contractor shall decide upon the timing, scope and location of subsequent meetings and shall notify the Department as soon as dates and locations are known. Meeting sites shall be arranged, insofar as possible, to minimize participant travel. The contractor shall cover travel and per diem expenses of advisory panel members. The contractor shall use the panel members to review study products and report drafts, as appropriate, when group meetings are not required. Taking into consideration the on-going challenges associated with in-person meetings during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, the contractor shall also plan for flexible, virtual meetings options that would enable the tasks to proceed on schedule without the need for in-person meeting sessions.

Sub-task 2.5: Convene Expert Panel for NCES. The contractor shall convene up to five

(5) 1-2 day meetings of the expert panel over the period of the contract. The first meeting shall be held within four (4) months of the award of the contract and shall include a focus on the overall design of the study. The contractor shall decide upon the timing, scope and location of subsequent meetings and shall notify the Department as soon as dates and locations are known. Meeting sites shall be arranged, insofar as

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possible, to minimize participant travel. The contractor shall cover travel and per diem expenses of advisory panel members. The contractor shall use the panel members to review study products and report drafts, as appropriate, when group meetings are not required. Taking into consideration the on-going challenges associated with in-person meetings during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, the contractor shall also plan for flexible, virtual meetings options that would enable the tasks to proceed on schedule without the need for in-person meeting sessions.

Optional Sub-task 2.6: Convene Expert Panel for NAEP Assessments. The contractor shall convene up to five (5) 1-2 day meetings of the expert panel over the period of the contract. The first meeting shall be held within four (4) months of the award of the contract and shall include a focus on the overall design of the study. The contractor shall decide upon the timing, scope and location of subsequent meetings and shall notify the Department as soon as dates and locations are known. Meeting sites shall be arranged, insofar as possible, to minimize participant travel. The contractor shall cover travel and per diem expenses of advisory panel members. The contractor shall use the panel members to review study products and report drafts, as appropriate, when group meetings are not required. Taking into consideration the on-going challenges associated with in-person meetings during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, the contractor shall also plan for flexible, virtual meetings options that would enable the tasks to proceed on schedule without the need for in-person meeting sessions.

Deliverable: Schedule of expert panel meetings; brief summaries of meetings, including names of expert panel and consultant members attending.

C. Task 3 – Information Gathering and Research

Sub-task 3.1. Develop Research Plan for NCER/NCSER. Within two (2) months of contract award, the contractor shall prepare a plan for information gathering and research activities. At a minimum, the analysis research plan shall include the following:

Proposed review of documents related to mission and vision of IES, including but not limited to the Education Sciences Reform Act (ESRA) and Standards for Excellence in Education Research (SEER) principles.

Proposed methods for reviewing the IES research and research training programs, including but not limited to descriptions of current IES programs, requests for funding, and similar documents from other research entities.

Plan to collect input from IES, particularly in NCER and NCSER.

Lists of IES-funded researchers, as well as education leaders and practitioners, to be consulted.

List of other potential scholars and experts to be consulted, with a description of their qualifications and availability.

Proposed methods and schedules for obtaining expert advice.

If any new data are required to inform aspects of the work included within the

Research Plan, the contractor shall include steps that are needed to meet all data

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requirements and clearances under the Paperwork Reduction Act.

Sub-task 3.2. Develop Research Plan for NCES. Within two (2) months of contract award, the contractor shall prepare a plan for information gathering and research activities. At a minimum, the analysis research plan shall include the following:

Proposed review of documents related to mission and vision of NCES within IES, including but not limited to the Education Sciences Reform Act, Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act, and Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act

Proposed methods for reviewing NCES surveys and other statistical activities.

Plan to collect input from IES, particularly in NCES.

List of other potential scholars and experts to be consulted, with a description of their qualifications and availability.

Proposed methods and schedules for obtaining expert advice.

If any new data are required to inform aspects of the work included within the

Optional Sub-task 3.3. Develop Research Plan for NAEP Assessments. Within two (2) months of contract award, the contractor shall prepare a plan for information gathering and research activities. At a minimum, the analysis research plan shall include the following:

Research into modern methods of assessment broadly (methods for example that involve novel uses of IT as a way to develop and validate assessment items and achieve cost efficiencies in the administration of assessments to students) including NAEP, PIAAC, TIMSS, and PIRLs.

Research into strategies to reduce the ever-expanding costs of developing, validating, and administering assessments.

Research focused on identifying practical, feasible methods to integrate cost-savings strategies and tools into assessment design and development, validation, and administration for NAEP, PIAAC, TIMSS, and PIRLS.

Plan to collect input from IES, particularly in NCES’ Assessment Division.

List of other potential scholars and experts to be consulted, with a description of their qualifications and availability.

Proposed methods and schedules for obtaining expert advice.

If any new data are required to inform aspects of the work included within the

Sub-task 3.4. Implement the Research Plan for NCER/NCSER. The contractor shall conduct information gathering and research as described in the final research plan. The contractor shall immediately alert the CO and COR to any problems that might potentially affect successful completion of the research plan and shall provide alternatives and recommendations for correcting the problems.

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Sub-task 3.5. Implement the Research Plan for NCES. The contractor shall conduct information gathering and research as described in the final research plan. The contractor shall immediately alert the CO and COR to any problems that might potentially affect successful completion of the research plan and shall provide alternatives and recommendations for correcting the problems.

Optional Sub-task 3.6. Implement the Research Plan for NAEP Assessments. The contractor shall conduct information gathering and research as described in the final research plan. The contractor shall immediately alert the CO and COR to any problems that might potentially affect successful completion of the research plan and shall provide alternatives and recommendations for correcting the problems.

Deliverable: Research Plan status in monthly progress reports. Reports shall identify any problems encountered that could lengthen the project and describe steps the contractor shall take to get and keep the study on the established timeline.

D. Task 4 – Develop recommendations to guide IES research

Sub-task 4.1: Draft framework for NCER/NCSER. Contractor shall organize supporting framework principles and prepare a first draft of recommendations to guide IES research for the next 10 years. The framework and recommendations shall reflect the mission and vision of IES, the changing education landscape, and recent advances in methods and statistics as used in research. Specifically, the recommendations will identify ways in which IES’ research competitions might be restructured to meet these needs and identify:

The critical problems or issues on which new research is needed.

New methods or approaches for conducting research that should be encouraged and why.

New and different types of research training investments that are needed.

The draft recommendations shall be reviewed by the Expert Panel, and after consideration and revision, the contractor shall prepare a report with the steps needed to implement the recommendations.

Sub-task 4.2: Draft framework for NCES. Contractor shall organize supporting framework principles and prepare a first draft of recommendations to guide NCES priorities and activities for the next 10 years. The framework and recommendations shall reflect the mission and vision of NCES and IES:

Consider trends and developments in the use of survey data, administrative data, as well as other potential data sources;

Consider current and future priorities, operations, and staffing, including how contractors are used; and

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Based on those developments, suggest any desirable changes in the NCES statistical program areas, data collections, data governance, and products.

to implement the recommendations.

Optional Sub-task 4.3: Draft framework for NAEP Assessments. Contractor shall organize supporting framework principles and prepare a first draft of recommendations to guide NAEP Assessments priorities and activities for the next 10 years. The framework and recommendations shall reflect the mission and vision of NCES and IES:

Consider trends and developments in modern methods of assessment broadly

(methods for example that involve novel uses of IT as a way to develop and validate assessment items and achieve cost efficiencies in the administration of assessments to students) including NAEP, PIAAC, TIMSS, and PIRLs.

Consider current and future priorities, operations, and staffing, including how contractors are used; and

Based on those developments, suggest any desirable changes in the NCES administered assessment areas (focusing on NAEP, and including PIAAC, TIMSS, and PIRLS) assessments, instruments, and products.

to implement the recommendations.

Deliverable: Framework status in monthly progress reports. Reports shall identify any problems encountered that could lengthen the project and describe steps the contractor shall take to get and keep the study on the established timeline.

E. Task 5 – Draft and Review Pre-Publication Report

Sub-task 5.1: Prepare report for NCER/NCSER. Within ten (10) months of contract award, the contractor shall prepare a draft report summarizing the results from Task 3

– Information Gathering and Research, and Task 4 – Develop Recommendations for IES Research, covering the Key Research Tasks. The draft report shall also include a status summary on incomplete tasks remaining. The draft report shall be reviewed by the Expert Panel and revised as needed.

Sub-task 5.2: Prepare report for NCES. Within ten (10) months of contract award, the contractor shall prepare a draft report summarizing the results from Task 3 – Information Gathering and Research, and Task 4 – Develop Recommendations for IES

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Research, covering the Key Research Tasks. The draft report shall also include a status summary on incomplete tasks remaining. The draft report shall be reviewed by the Expert Panel and revised as needed.

Optional Sub-task 5.3: Prepare report for NAEP Assessments. Within ten (10) months of contract award, the contractor shall prepare a draft report summarizing the results from Task 3 – Information Gathering and Research, and Task 4 – Develop Recommendations for IES Research, covering the Key Research Tasks. The draft report shall also include a status summary on incomplete tasks remaining. The draft report shall be reviewed by the Expert Panel and revised as needed.

Sub-task 5.4: Independent review of the report for NCER/NCSER. The contractor shall recruit independent experts with a range of views and perspectives to review and comment on the study’s draft report. The review shall be structured to ensure the report 1) addresses its approved study charge and does not go beyond it; 2) findings and recommendations are supported by evidence; and 3) the report is impartial and objective. The results of the independent review shall be provided to the Expert Panel for revision of the draft report, as necessary. The contractor shall provide a summary of the peer reviewers’ comments and assessment of the draft report’s quality. The contractor shall ensure that the Committee responds to reviewer comments and that all report review criteria are met.

Sub-task 5.5: Independent review of the report for NCES. The contractor shall recruit independent experts with a range of views and perspectives to review and comment on the study’s draft report. The review shall be structured to ensure the report 1) addresses its approved study charge and does not go beyond it; 2) findings and recommendations are supported by evidence; and 3) the report is impartial and objective. The results of the independent review shall be provided to the Expert Panel for revision of the draft report, as necessary. The contractor shall provide a summary of the peer reviewers’ comments and assessment of the draft report’s quality. The contractor shall ensure that the Committee responds to reviewer comments and that all report review criteria are met.

Sub-task 5.6: Independent review of the report for NAEP Assessments. The contractor shall recruit independent experts with a range of views and perspectives to review and comment on the study’s draft report. The review shall be structured to ensure the report 1) addresses its approved study charge and does not go beyond it;

2) findings and recommendations are supported by evidence; and 3) the report is impartial and objective. The results of the independent review shall be provided to the Expert Panel for revision of the draft report, as necessary. The contractor shall provide a summary of the peer reviewers’ comments and assessment of the draft report’s quality. The contractor shall ensure that the Committee responds to reviewer comments and that all report review criteria are met.

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Deliverable: Draft report preparation status in monthly progress reports. Reports shall identify any problems encountered that could lengthen the project and describe steps the contractor shall take to get and keep the study on the established timeline.

F. Task 6 – Prepare Final Report

Sub-task 6.1: Prepare final report for NCER/NCSER. Within twelve (12) months of contract award, the contractor shall deliver a draft final report summarizing the results of the study. The draft report shall be reviewed by the Expert Panel and, after revision as appropriate, shall be submitted to the Department in pre-publication form. The Department shall have the opportunity to provide comments on the pre-publication version of the final report for four (4) weeks. Upon submission of the final report, the contractor shall submit the requisite number of copies specified in the Schedule of Deliverables.

Sub-task 6.2: Prepare final report for NCES. Within twelve (12) months of contract award, the contractor shall deliver a draft final report summarizing the results of the study. The draft report shall be reviewed by the Expert Panel and, after revision as appropriate, shall be submitted to the Department in pre-publication form. The Department shall have the opportunity to provide comments on the pre-publication version of the final report for four (4) weeks. Upon submission of the final report, the contractor shall submit the requisite number of copies specified in the Schedule of Deliverables.

Optional Sub-task 6.3: Prepare final report for NAEP Assessments. Within twelve (12) months of contract award, the contractor shall deliver a draft final report summarizing the results of the study. The draft report shall be reviewed by the Expert Panel and, after revision as appropriate, shall be submitted to the Department in pre-publication form. The Department shall have the opportunity to provide comments on the pre-publication version of the final report for four (4) weeks. Upon submission of the final report, the contractor shall submit the requisite number of copies specified in the Schedule of Deliverables.

G. Task 7 – Conduct Dissemination Events

Sub-task 7.1: Plan Dissemination Activities for NCER/NCSER. Within fourteen (14) months of contract award, the contractor shall prepare a dissemination plan, to conduct one (1) meeting with stakeholder groups, including representatives from research institutions and research associations, federal Executive and Legislative offices, state higher education agencies, and public interest groups. The dissemination plan shall be reviewed by the Expert Panel and revised as needed.

Sub-task 7.2: Plan Dissemination Activities for NCES. Within fourteen (14) months of contract award, the contractor shall prepare a dissemination plan, to conduct one (1)

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meeting with stakeholder groups, including representatives from research institutions and research associations, federal Executive and Legislative offices, state higher education agencies, and public interest groups. The dissemination plan shall be reviewed by the Expert Panel and revised as needed.

Optional Sub-task 7.3: Plan Dissemination Activities for NAEP Assessments. Within fourteen (14) months of contract award, the contractor shall prepare a dissemination plan, to conduct one (1) meeting with stakeholder groups, including representatives from research institutions and research associations, federal Executive and Legislative offices, state higher education agencies, and public interest groups. The dissemination plan shall be reviewed by the Expert Panel and revised as needed.

Sub-task 7.4: Conduct dissemination events for NCER/NCSER. Within eighteen (18) months of contract award, the contractor shall carry out the dissemination plan. The contractor shall convene and invite representatives of stakeholder groups to attend dissemination workshop events, at which the contractor shall provide copies of the Final Report and brief summaries and shall provide panel discussions of study findings.

A summary of discussions at each of the meetings will be prepared.

Sub-task 7.5: Conduct dissemination events for NCES. Within eighteen (18) months of contract award, the contractor shall carry out the dissemination plan. The contractor shall convene and invite representatives of stakeholder groups to attend dissemination workshop events, at which the contractor shall provide copies of the Final Report and brief summaries and shall provide panel discussions of study findings. A summary of discussions at each of the meetings will be prepared.

Optional Sub-task 7.6: Conduct dissemination events for NAEP Assessments. Within eighteen (18) months of contract award, the contractor shall carry out the dissemination plan. The contractor shall convene and invite representatives of stakeholder groups to attend dissemination workshop events, at which the contractor shall provide copies of the Final Report and brief summaries and shall provide panel discussions of study findings. A summary of discussions at each of the meetings will be prepared.

Deliverable: Dissemination plan preparation status in monthly progress reports.

Reports shall identify any problems encountered that could lengthen the project and describe steps the contractor shall take to get and keep the study on the established timeline.

III. OCIO Technical Requirements

IT Accessibility Requirements

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (P.L. 105-220) requires that when Federal agencies develop, procure, maintain, or

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use information and communication technology (ICT), it shall be accessible to people with disabilities. Federal employees and members of the public who have disabilities must have access to, and use of, information and data that is comparable to people without disabilities. Products, platforms and services delivered as part of this work statement that are ICT, or contain ICT, must conform to the Revised 508 Standards, which are located at 36 C.F.R. § 1194.1 & Apps. A, C & D, and available at https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-ict-refresh/final-rule/text-of-the-standards-and-guidelines.

Applicable Functional Performance Criteria: All functional performance criteria apply when using an alternative design or technology that achieves substantially equivalent or greater accessibility and usability by individuals with disabilities, than would be provided by conformance to one or more of the requirements in Chapters 4-6 of the Revised 508 Standards, or when Chapters 4-6 do not address one or more functions of ICT.

Applicable requirements for software features and components: All WCAG Level AA Success Criteria, 502 Interoperability with Assistive Technology, 503 Application Applicable requirements for hardware features and components: All requirements apply Applicable support services and documentation: All requirements apply.

Instructions: 1. Provide an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) for each commercially available Information and Communication Technology (ICT) item offered through this contract. Create the ACR using the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template Version 2.1 or later, located at https://www.itic.org/policy/accessibility/vpat. Complete each ACR in accordance with the instructions provided in the VPAT template. Each ACR must address the applicable Section 508 requirements referenced in the Work Statement. Each ACR shall state exactly how the ICT meets the applicable standards in the remarks/explanations column, or through additional narrative. All "Not Applicable" (N/A) responses must be explained in the remarks/explanations column or through additional narrative. Address each standard individually and with specificity and clarify whether conformance is achieved throughout the entire ICT Item (for example - user functionality, administrator functionality, and reporting), or only in limited areas of the ICT Item.

Provide a description of the evaluation methods used to support Section 508 conformance claims. The agency reserves the right, prior to making an award decision, to perform testing on some or all of the Offeror’s proposed ICT items to validate Section 508 conformance claims made in the ACR. 2. Describe your approach to incorporating universal design principles to ensure ICT products or services are designed to support disabled users. 3. Describe plans for features that do not fully conform to the Section 508 Standards. 4. Describe "typical" user scenarios and tasks, including individuals with disabilities, to ensure fair and accurate accessibility testing of the ICT product or service being offered. Instructions: Insert the following language into the Acceptance Criteria section of the solicitation.

Acceptance Criteria: Prior to acceptance, the government reserves the right to perform testing on required ICT items to validate the offeror’s Section 508 conformance claims. If the government determines that Section 508 conformance claims provided by the offeror

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represent a higher level of conformance than what is actually provided to the agency, the government shall, at its option, require the offeror to remediate the item to align with the offeror’s original Section 508 conformance claims prior to acceptance.

ICT Accessibility Requirements Statement per the Revised Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act Data Services or Information Retrieval Systems Electronic Content

Technical Criteria: E205.1 General -

Electronic content shall comply with E205.

E205.2 Public Facing - Electronic content that is public facing shall conform to the accessibility requirements specified in E205.4.

602 Support Documentation - 603 Support Services - 302 Functional Performance Criteria - Software

Technical Criteria: E207.1 General -

Where components of ICT are software and transmit information or have a user interface, such components shall conform to E207 and the requirements in Chapter 5

E207.2 WCAG Conformance - User interface components, as well as the content of platforms and applications, shall conform to Level A and Level AA Success Criteria and Conformance Requirements in WCAG 2.0 (incorporated by reference, see 702.10.1).

E207.2.1 Word Substitution -

When Applying WCAG to Non-Web Software For non-Web software, wherever the term “Web page” or “page” appears in WCAG 2.0 Level A and AA Success Criteria and Conformance Requirements, the term “software” shall be substituted for the terms “Web page” and “page”. In addition, in Success Criterion in 1.4.2, the phrase “in software” shall be substituted for the phrase “on a Web page.”

E207.3 Complete Process for Non-Web Software: Where non-Web software requires multiple steps to accomplish an activity, all software related to the activity to be accomplished shall conform to WCAG 2.0 as specified in E207.2.

Exceptions: E501.1 Scope: Where Web applications do not have access to platform accessibility services and do not include components that have access to platform accessibility services, they shall not be required to conform to 502 or 503 provided that they conform to Level A and Level AA Success Criteria and Conformance Requirements in WCAG 2.0 (incorporated by reference, see 702.10.1).

Functional Performance Criteria:

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301.1 Scope - The requirements of Chapter 3 shall apply to ICT where required by

508 Chapter 2 (Scoping Requirements), 255 Chapter 2 (Scoping Requirements), and where otherwise referenced in any other chapter of the Revised 508 Standards or Revised 255 Guidelines.

302.1 Without Vision - Where a visual mode of operation is provided, ICT shall provide at least one mode of operation that does not require user vision.

302.2 With Limited Vision - Where a visual mode of operation is provided, ICT shall provide at least one mode of operation that enables users to make use of limited vision.

302.3 Without Perception of Color - Where a visual mode of operation is provided, ICT shall provide at least one visual mode of operation that does not require user perception of color.

302.4 Without Hearing - Where an audible mode of operation is provided, ICT shall provide at least one mode of operation that does not require user hearing.

302.5 With Limited Hearing - Where an audible mode of operation is provided, ICT shall provide at least one mode of operation that enables users to make use of limited hearing.

302.6 Without Speech - Where speech is used for input, control, or operation, ICT shall provide at least one mode of operation that does not require user speech.

302.7 With Limited Manipulation - Where a manual mode of operation is provided, ICT shall provide at least one mode of operation that does not require fine motor control or simultaneous manual operations.

302.8 With Limited Reach and Strength - Where a manual mode of operation is provided, ICT shall provide at least one mode of operation that is operable with limited reach and limited strength.

302.9 With Limited Language, Cognitive, and Learning Abilities - ICT shall provide features making its use by individuals with limited cognitive, language, and learning abilities simpler and easier.

Managing Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Requirements

Applicability

The contractor shall be responsible for handling sensitive and/or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) that is collected, stored, transmitted, or destroyed for the purposes of this contract in accordance with any applicable laws, regulations and government wide

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Policies (LRGWP) to include EO 13556, 32 CFR 2002 Part 2, The Department of Education Directive and NIST-800-171B when approved. These requirements apply to the Contractor, its subcontractors and teaming partners, and employees (hereafter referred to collectively as “Contractor”). These requirements are applicable to all Department information and data, regardless of medium, maintained by the Contractor for the performance of this contract.

Authorization to Handle CUI

No person may have access to CUI unless that person has a valid need for such access in connection with the accomplishment of a lawful and authorized US Government mission.

The Authorized holder is an individual, agency, organization, or group of users that is permitted to designate or handle CUI, in accordance with 32 CFR Part 2002. The authorized holder who designates the CUI must make recipients aware of the information’s CUI status in accordance with 32 CFR Part 2002.

Safeguarding

The contractor shall be responsible for safeguarding any CUI that is collected for the purposes of this contract.