91990022R0067 FormSF1449.pdf

RFQ IFB RFP

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE OF

2. CONTRACT NO. 3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE

DATE

4. ORDER NUMBER 5. SOLICITATION NUMBER 6. SOLICITATION ISSUE

DATE

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

a. NAME b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (No collect calls)

8. OFFER DUE DATE/

LOCAL TIME

9. ISSUED BY

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

CODE

15. DELIVER TO 16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODEFACILITY

CODE

CODE

TELEPHONE NO.

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN

OFFER

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK

BELOW IS CHECKED

SEE ADDENDUM

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA 26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY

ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF.

DATED . YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION

(BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE

SET FORTH HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print) 30c. DATE SIGNED

31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print) 31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND

OFFER

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

17a CONTRACTOR/

OFFEROR.

CODE

8 (A)

SIZE STANDARD:

NAICS:

% FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED OR

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SMALL BUSINESS

10. THIS ACQUISITION IS

EDWOSB

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

91990022R0067

Katie Opper Katie.Opper@ed.gov 202-987-0207

3:00 PM ET

CAMPCP

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

541720

See Schedule see continuation page for line item details.

See Schedule

OCT 07, 2022

Please

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012) BACK

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED:

41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT

32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE

41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER 41c. DATE

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42c. DATE REC'D (YY/MM/DD) 42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS

40. PAID BY

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE 32f. TELPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

33. SHIP NUMBER 34. VOUCHER NUMBER 35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

PARTIAL FINAL

37. CHECK NUMBER

38. S/R ACCOUNT NO. 39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER

36. PAYMENT

COMPLETE PARTIAL FINAL

91990022R0067

SCHEDULE Continued

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

PEER REVIEW FOR REGIONAL EDUCATIONAL

LABORATORIES

0001 Base Year Cost Reimbursement

FOB : Destination Period of Performance: 01/11/2023 to 01/12/2025

1.00 SE

0002 Base Year Fixed Fee

FOB : Destination Period of Performance: 01/11/2023 to 01/12/2025

1.00 SE

OPT

0003 Optional Period Cost Reimbursement

Period of Performance: 01/11/2025 to 01/12/2026

1.00 SE

0004 Optional Period Fixed Fee

Period of Performance: 01/11/2025 to 01/12/2026

1.00 SE

0005 Optional Period Cost Reimbursement

Period of Performance: 01/11/2026 to 01/12/2027

1.00 SE

0006 Optional Period Fixed Fee

Period of Performance: 01/11/2026 to 01/12/2027

1.00 SE

0007 Optional Period Cost Reimbursement

Period of Performance: 01/11/2027 to 01/12/2028

1.00 SE

0008 Optional Period Fixed Fee

Period of Performance: 01/11/2027 to 01/12/2028

1.00 SE

PAGE 3 OF 112 91990022R0067

Table of Contents

SECTION C DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT

C.1 PWS

SECTION E INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 52.246-5 INSPECTION OF SERVICES--COST-REIMBURSEMENT (APR 1984)

SECTION F DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 52.242-15 I STOP-WORK ORDER (AUG 1989)--ALTERNATE I (APR 1984)

SECTION G CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1 3452.201-70 CONTRACTING OFFICER`s REPRESENTATIVE (COR) (MAY 2011)

G.2 306-1cINVOICE AND CONTRACT FINANCING REQUESTS SUBMISSION - IPP (MAY 2018)

SECTION H SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1 3452.208-71 PRINTING (MAY 2011)

H.2 3452.208-72 PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT (MAY 2011)

H.3 3452.209-71 CONFLICT OF INTEREST (MAY 2011)

H.4 3452.215-70 RELEASE OF RESTRICTED DATA (MAY 2011)

H.5 3452.224-70 RELEASE OF INFORMATION UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (MAY 2011)

H.6 3452.224-71 NOTICE ABOUT RESEARCH ACTIVITIES INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS (MAY 2011)

H.7 3452.227-71 ADVERTISING OF AWARDS (MAY 2011)

H.8 3452.227-72 USE AND NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT (MAY 2011)

H.9 3452.227-73 LIMITATIONS ON THE USE OR DISCLOSURE OF GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED INFORMATION MARKED WITH

RESTRICTIVE LEGENDS (MAY 2011)

H.10 3452.228-70 REQUIRED INSURANCE (MAY 2011)

H.11 3452.237-70 SERVICES OF CONSULTANTS (MAY 2011)

H.12 3452.237-71 OBSERVANCE OF ADMINISTRATIVE CLOSURES (MAY 2011)

H.13 3452.242-71 NOTICE TO THE GOVERNMENT OF DELAYS (MAY 2011)

H.14 3452.242-73 ACCESSIBILITY OF MEETINGS, CONFERENCES, AND SEMINARS TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

(MAY 2011)

H.15 3452.247-70 FOREIGN TRAVEL (MAY 2011)

H.16 31.205.70FOOD COSTS

H.17 31.205.71TRAVEL COSTS

H.18 3452.202-1 DEFINITIONS--DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (MAY 2011)

H.19 3452.227-70 PUBLICATION AND PUBLICITY (MAY 2011)

H.20 3452.239-72 DEPARTMENT SECURITY REQUIREMENTS (MAY 2011)

H.21 3452.243-70 KEY PERSONNEL (MAY 2011)

H.22

SECTION I CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.1 52.202-1DEFINITIONS (JUN 2020)

I.2 52.203-3 GRATUITIES (APR 1984)

I.3 52.203-5 COVENANT AGAINST CONTINGENT FEES (MAY 2014)

I.4 52.203-6RESTRICTIONS ON SUBCONTRACTOR SALES TO THE GOVERNMENT (JUN 2020)

I.5 52.203-7ANTI-KICKBACK PROCEDURES (JUN 2020)

I.6 52.203-8 CANCELLATION, RESCISSION, AND RECOVERY OF FUNDS FOR ILLEGAL OR IMPROPER ACTIVITY (MAY

2014)

I.7 52.203-10 PRICE OR FEE ADJUSTMENT FOR ILLEGAL OR IMPROPER ACTIVITY (MAY 2014)

I.8 52.203-12LIMITATION ON PAYMENTS TO INFLUENCE CERTAIN FEDERAL TRANSACTIONS (JUN 2020)

I.9 52.203-13CONTRACTOR CODE OF BUSINESS ETHICS AND CONDUCT (NOV 2021)

PAGE 4 OF 112 91990022R0067

I.10 52.203-19 PROHIBITION ON REQUIRING CERTAIN INTERNAL CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTS OR STATEMENTS

(JAN 2017)

I.11 52.204-4 PRINTED OR COPIED DOUBLE-SIDED ON POSTCONSUMER FIBER CONTENT PAPER (MAY 2011)

I.12 52.204-9 PERSONAL IDENTITY VERIFICATION OF CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL (JAN 2011)

I.13 52.204-10REPORTING EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND FIRST-TIER SUBCONTRACT AWARDS (JUN 2020)

I.14 52.204-13SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT MAINTENANCE (OCT 2018)

I.15 52.204-14 SERVICE CONTRACT REPORTING REQUIREMENTS (OCT 2016)

I.16 52.209-6PROTECTING THE GOVERNMENT`S INTEREST WHEN SUBCONTRACTING WITH CONTRACTORS DEBARRED, SUSPENDED, OR PROPOSED FOR DEBARMENT (NOV 2021)

I.17 52.209-9 UPDATES OF PUBLICLY AVAILABLE INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2018) 34

I.18 52.209-10 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH INVERTED DOMESTIC CORPORATIONS (NOV 2015)

I.19 52.210-1MARKET RESEARCH (NOV 2021)

I.20 52.212-4CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS--COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2021) 35

I.21 52.215-2AUDIT AND RECORDS--NEGOTIATION (JUN 2020)

I.22 52.215-8 ORDER OF PRECEDENCE--UNIFORM CONTRACT FORMAT (OCT 1997)

I.23 52.215-10 PRICE REDUCTION FOR DEFECTIVE CERTIFIED COST OR PRICING DATA (AUG 2011)

I.24 52.215-11PRICE REDUCTION FOR DEFECTIVE CERTIFIED COST OR PRICING DATA--MODIFICATIONS (JUN

2020)

I.25 52.215-13SUBCONTRACTOR CERTIFIED COST OR PRICING DATA--MODIFICATIONS (JUN 2020)

I.26 52.215-23LIMITATIONS ON PASS-THROUGH CHARGES (JUN 2020)

I.27 52.216-7 ALLOWABLE COST AND PAYMENT (AUG 2018)

I.28 52.216-8 FIXED FEE (JUN 2011)

I.29 52.219-4NOTICE OF PRICE EVALUATION PREFERENCE FOR HUBZONE SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS (SEP 2021). 35

I.30 52.219-8 UTILIZATION OF SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS (OCT 2018)

I.31 52.219-9 IISMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTING PLAN (NOV 2021)--ALTERNATE II (JUN 2020)

I.32 52.219-16LIQUIDATED DAMAGES--SUBCONTRACTING PLAN (SEP 2021)

I.33 52.219-28POST-AWARD SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM REREPRESENTATION (SEP 2021)

I.34 52.222-2 PAYMENT FOR OVERTIME PREMIUMS (JUL 1990)

I.35 52.222-3 CONVICT LABOR (JUN 2003)

I.36 52.222-4 CONTRACT WORK HOURS AND SAFETY STANDARDS --OVERTIME COMPENSATION (MAY 2018)

I.37 52.222-17{52.222-17} [Reserved]

I.38 52.222-21 PROHIBITION OF SEGREGATED FACILITIES (APR 2015)

I.39 52.222-26 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY (SEPT 2016)

I.40 52.222-35EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR VETERANS. (JUN 2020)

I.41 52.222-36EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES (JUN 2020)

I.42 52.222-37EMPLOYMENT REPORTS ON VETERANS (JUN 2020)

I.43 52.222-40 NOTIFICATION OF EMPLOYEE RIGHTS UNDER THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS ACT (DEC 2010). 36

I.44 52.222-50COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS (NOV 2021)

I.45 52.222-54EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION (MAY 2022)

I.46 52.223-6 DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE (MAY 2001)

I.47 52.223-18ENCOURAGING CONTRACTOR POLICIES TO BAN TEXT MESSAGING WHILE DRIVING (JUN 2020)

I.48 52.224-1 PRIVACY ACT NOTIFICATION (APR 1984)

I.49 52.224-2 PRIVACY ACT (APR 1984)

I.50 52.224-3 PRIVACY TRAINING (JAN 2017)

I.51 52.225-13RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN FOREIGN PURCHASES (NOV 2021)

I.52 52.227-14 RIGHTS IN DATA--GENERAL (MAY 2014)

I.53 52.227-17 RIGHTS IN DATA--SPECIAL WORKS (DEC 2007)

I.54 52.228-7 INSURANCE--LIABILITY TO THIRD PERSONS (MAR 1996)

I.55 52.230-2COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS (JUN 2020)

I.56 52.230-3DISCLOSURE AND CONSISTENCY OF COST ACCOUNTING PRACTICES (JUN 2020)

I.57 52.230-6 ADMINISTRATION OF COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS (JUN 2010)

PAGE 5 OF 112 91990022R0067

I.58 52.232-1 PAYMENTS (APR 1984)

I.59 52.232-9 LIMITATION ON WITHHOLDING OF PAYMENTS (APR 1984)

I.60 52.232-11 EXTRAS (APR 1984)

I.61 52.232-17 INTEREST (MAY 2014)

I.62 52.232-18 AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS (APR 1984)

I.63 52.232-20 LIMITATION OF COST (APR 1984)

I.64 52.232-22 LIMITATION OF FUNDS (APR 1984)

I.65 52.232-23 ASSIGNMENT OF CLAIMS (MAY 2014)

I.66 52.232-25 PROMPT PAYMENT (JAN 2017)

I.67 52.232-33 PAYMENT BY ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER--SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (OCT 2018)

I.68 52.232-39 UNENFORCEABILITY OF UNAUTHORIZED OBLIGATIONS (JUNE 2013)

I.69 52.232-40PROVIDING ACCELERATED PAYMENTS TO SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTORS (NOV 2021)

I.70 52.233-1 I DISPUTES (MAY 2014)--ALTERNATE I (DEC 1991)

I.71 52.233-3 I PROTEST AFTER AWARD (AUG 1996)--ALTERNATE I (JUN 1985)

I.72 52.233-4 APPLICABLE LAW FOR BREACH OF CONTRACT CLAIM (OCT 2004)

I.73 52.239-1 PRIVACY OR SECURITY SAFEGUARDS (AUG 1996)

I.74 52.242-1 NOTICE OF INTENT TO DISALLOW COSTS (APR 1984)

I.75 52.242-3PENALTIES FOR UNALLOWABLE COSTS (SEP 2021)

I.76 52.242-4 CERTIFICATION OF FINAL INDIRECT COSTS (JAN 1997)

I.77 52.242-5 PAYMENTS TO SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTORS (JAN 2017)

I.78 52.242-13 BANKRUPTCY (JUL 1995)

I.79 52.244-2 ISUBCONTRACTS (JUN 2020)--ALTERNATE I (JUN 2020)

I.80 52.244-5 COMPETITION IN SUBCONTRACTING (DEC 1996)

I.81 52.244-6SUBCONTRACTS FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (JAN 2022)

I.82 52.246-25 LIMITATION OF LIABILITY--SERVICES (FEB 1997)

I.83 52.249-6 TERMINATION (COST-REIMBURSEMENT) (MAY 2004)

I.84 52.249-14 EXCUSABLE DELAYS (APR 1984)

I.85 52.253-1 COMPUTER GENERATED FORMS (JAN 1991)

I.86 3452.202-1 DEFINITIONS--DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (MAY 2011)

I.87 3452.208-71 PRINTING (MAY 2011)

I.88 3452.208-72 PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT (MAY 2011)

I.89 3452.209-71 CONFLICT OF INTEREST (MAY 2011)

I.90 3452.224-70 RELEASE OF INFORMATION UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (MAY 2011)

I.91 3452.224-72 RESEARCH ACTIVITIES INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS (MAY 2011)

I.92 3452.227-71 ADVERTISING OF AWARDS (MAY 2011)

I.93 3452.227-72 USE AND NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT (MAY 2011)

I.94 3452.227-73 LIMITATIONS ON THE USE OR DISCLOSURE OF GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED INFORMATION MARKED WITH

RESTRICTIVE LEGENDS (MAY 2011)

I.95 3452.232-70 LIMITATION OF COST OR FUNDS (MAY 2011)

I.96 3452.237-71 OBSERVANCE OF ADMINISTRATIVE CLOSURES (MAY 2011)

I.97 3452.239-70 INTERNET PROTOCOL VERSION 6 (MAY 2011)

I.98 3452.242-70 LITIGATION AND CLAIMS (MAY 2011)

I.99 3452.242-71 NOTICE TO THE GOVERNMENT OF DELAYS (MAY 2011)

I.100 3452.242-73 ACCESSIBILITY OF MEETINGS, CONFERENCES, AND SEMINARS TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

(MAY 2011)

I.101 52.203-17CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEE WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS AND REQUIREMENT TO INFORM EMPLOYEES OF

WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS (JUN 2020)

I.102 52.204-7 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (OCT 2018)

I.103 52.204-21BASIC SAFEGUARDING OF COVERED CONTRACTOR INFORMATION SYSTEMS (NOV 2021)

I.104 52.204-23PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING FOR HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, AND SERVICES DEVELOPED OR PROVIDED

BY KASPERSKY LAB AND OTHER COVERED ENTITIES (NOV 2021)

PAGE 6 OF 112 91990022R0067

I.105 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2018)

I.106 52.212-3OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS--COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

(MAY 2022)

I.107 52.212-5CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS--

COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (MAY 2022)

I.108 52.215-12SUBCONTRACTOR CERTIFIED COST OR PRICING DATA (JUN 2020)

I.109 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

I.110 52.217-5 EVALUATION OF OPTIONS (JUL 1990)

I.111 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

I.112 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000)

I.113 52.227-1AUTHORIZATION AND CONSENT (JUN 2020)

I.114 52.227-2NOTICE AND ASSISTANCE REGARDING PATENT AND COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT (JUN 2020)

I.115 52.227-11 PATENT RIGHTS--OWNERSHIP BY THE CONTRACTOR (MAY 2014)

I.116 52.243-2 I CHANGES--COST-REIMBURSEMENT (AUG 1987)--ALTERNATE I (APR 1984)

I.117 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

I.118 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

I.119 52.252-6AUTHORIZED DEVIATIONS IN CLAUSES (NOV 2020)

I.120 3452.209-70 CONFLICT OF INTEREST CERTIFICATION (MAY 2011)

I.121 3452.239-72 DEPARTMENT SECURITY REQUIREMENTS (MAY 2011)

I.122 3452.239-73 FEDERAL DESKTOP CORE CONFIGURATION (FDCC) COMPATIBILITY (MAY 2011)

I.123 3452.243-70 KEY PERSONNEL (MAY 2011)

I.124 52.239-70ACCESS TO CONTRACTOR AND SUBCONTRACTOR INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND RELATED

I.125 306-1cINVOICE AND CONTRACT FINANCING REQUESTS SUBMISSION - IPP (MAY 2018)

I.126 306-8CONTRACT ADMINISTRATOR (FEB 1985)

I.127 3452.204-71 DEVIATION (JUN 2021)Notice to Offerors of Department Contractor Security Vetting

Requirements (DEVIATION) (JUN 2021)

I.128 3452.239-71 DEVIATION (JUN 2021)Notice to Offerors of Department Security and Privacy

Requirements for Information Technology Procurements (DEVIATION) (JUN 2021)

SECTION J LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

J.1 309-1aLIST OF ATTACHMENTS

SECTION K REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

K.1 52.203-11 CERTIFICATION AND DISCLOSURE REGARDING PAYMENTS TO INFLUENCE CERTAIN FEDERAL

TRANSACTIONS (SEP 2007)

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

K.5 52.209-2 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH INVERTED DOMESTIC CORPORATIONS-REPRESENTATION (NOV

2015)

K.6 52.222-38 COMPLIANCE WITH VETERANS` EMPLOYMENT REPORTING REQUIREMENTS (FEB 2016)

K.7 52.225-25PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH ENTITIES ENGAGING IN CERTAIN ACTIVITIES OR TRANSACTIONS

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

K.8 52.204-5 WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS (OTHER THAN SMALL BUSINESS) (OCT 2014)

K.9 52.204-8ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (MAY 2022)

K.10 52.209-5CERTIFICATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (AUG 2020)

K.11 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2018)

K.12 52.225-20 PROHIBITION ON CONDUCTING RESTRICTED BUSINESS OPERATIONS IN SUDAN--CERTIFICATION (AUG

2009)

K.13 52.230-1COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOTICES AND CERTIFICATION (JUN 2020)

K.14 52.230-7 PROPOSAL DISCLOSURE -- COST ACCOUNTING PRACTICE CHANGES (APR 2005)

PAGE 7 OF 112 91990022R0067

K.15 52.252-6AUTHORIZED DEVIATIONS IN CLAUSES (NOV 2020)

K.16 3452.209-70 CONFLICT OF INTEREST CERTIFICATION (MAY 2011)

SECTION L INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

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

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

L.3 52.204-18COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE MAINTENANCE (AUG 2020)

L.4 52.212-1INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS--COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2021)

L.5 52.215-1 IINSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS--COMPETITIVE ACQUISITION (NOV 2021)--ALTERNATE I (OCT 1997) 79

L.6 52.215-20REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFIED COST OR PRICING DATA AND DATA OTHER THAN CERTIFIED COST

OR PRICING DATA (NOV 2021)

L.7 52.215-22 LIMITATIONS ON PASS-THROUGH CHARGES -- IDENTIFICATION OF SUBCONTRACT EFFORT (OCT

2009)

L.8 52.222-46 EVALUATION OF COMPENSATION FOR PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES (FEB 1993)

L.9 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

L.10 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

L.11 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

L.12 3452.239-71 NOTICE TO OFFERORS OF DEPARTMENT SECURITY REQUIREMENTS (MAY 2011)

L.13 Instructions to Offerors

SECTION M EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

M.1 52.212-2EVALUATION--COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2021)

M.2 Evaluation Criteria

PAGE 8 OF 112 91990022R0067

SECTION C

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT

C.1 PWS

PAGE 9 OF 112 91990022R0067

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

PEER REVIEW FOR REGIONAL EDUCATIONAL LABORATORIES

2.I. Introdu c t i o n

The National Cente r for Educa tion Evaluation and Regional Assistance (NCEE) is required to provide a system for technical and peer review of applied resea rch activities, resea rch- based repor t s, and produc ts produced by the ten Regional Educat ional Laborato r ies (RELs). This contrac t will include the refineme n t of existing review criteria , thoroug h review of REL applied resea r ch and developm en t proposals and product s , and editing and production of REL product s .

2.II. Back gr o u n d

The REL Program is adminis t e r e d by NCEE at the Institut e of Educa tion Sciences (IES) in the US Depar tm e n t of Educa tion. The purpose of each of the ten REL contrac t s is to assist practi t ioner s and policymake rs in their work to improve outcomes for learner s in its region by suppor t ing stakeholde r s in the gener a t ion and use of resea rch , evidence, and evidence- based practices . To achieve that purpose, RELs: (1) conduct applied resea rch and developme nt ; (2) design and implemen t training, coaching, and technical suppor t activities that emphasize building capaci ty to use data and informat ion to drive change; and (3) dissemina te scientifically valid resea r ch , evidence- based practices , and suppor ting mate rials that allow stakeholde r s to apply this knowledge to their own practice.

All REL applied resea rch and developmen t produc ts are required to undergo rigorous extern al peer review. Peer review is a critical componen t of the quali ty assuranc e process at IES. This ensure s that all applied resea r ch and developme nt produc ts meet the IES standa r d s for scientifically valid resea r ch before being published . In this way, policymake r s and practi t ioner s , the primary users of REL applied resea r ch and developme nt product s , can be assured that these produc ts have met high standa r ds for scientific quality and that the informat ion is valid, reliable, and can be trus ted . The REL Peer review process involves review by conten t and methodology exper t s who have no conflicts of interes t related to the produc t being reviewed. The peer review focuses on relevance and significance of the product , the data and analysis methods used, and the presen ta t ion of the goals, data and methods, and findings and implications.

This cont rac t will suppor t the REL program in achieving its goals by providing independ e n t peer review of REL resea rch proposals and produc ts .

2.III. Legis la t iv e Authori ty

The curren t authoriza t ion for the Regional Educa tional Labora to ries progr am is under the Educa tion Sciences Reform Act (ESRA) of 2002, Part D, Section 174, (20 U.S.C. 9564) (see https://www.cong r e s s .gov/107/plaws/publ279/PLAW- 107publ279.pdf ), adminis te r ed by the Institu te of Education Sciences’ (IES) National Cente r for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance (NCEE). Under Section 174(5) Standa r ds , the legisla tion authorizes the establishm en t of a process for technical quality and peer review for NCEE products and those produced by the RELs:

The Evaluation and Regional Assistance Commissione r shall establish a system for technical and peer review to ensure that applied resea rch activities, resea rch- based repor t s , and products of the regional educa tional labora to ries are consisten t with the resea rch standa r d s described in section 134 and the evaluation standa r d s adher ed to pursuan t to Section 173(a)(2) (A)(B).

PAGE 10 OF 112 91990022R0067

2.IV. Contrac t Type

The contrac t type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF).

2.V. Period of Perfor m a n c e

The period of performa nc e for this contrac t is 60 months and consist s of a Base Period and three Option Years whose dura tions are as follows:

Base Period: 24 months Option Year 1: 12 months Option Year 2: 12 months Option Year 3: 12 months

2.VI. Scop e of Work

The purpose of this contrac t is to review REL resea rch proposals and products to assur e alignmen t with NCEE standa r d s and goals. The specific objectives are as follows:

Refine and improve the review criter ia and procedur e s as needed.

Review proposals and product s for REL resea rch projects , tools, toolkits, and new REL- developed interven t ions.

Provide as- needed guidance for the improveme n t of REL product s .

Update the REL Writers and Style Guide and REL repor t templa t es as needed.

Provide editing and production of REL produc ts .

Presen t webinar s for REL staff as needed.

Conduc t as- needed analytic and methods oriented project s (optional task)

Additional informat ion on REL applied resea r ch and developm en t proposals and product s that will go through the peer review and produc tion process includes:

REL resea rch repor t s are typically published as a repor t of up to 15 pages, a separ a t e appendix file, and either a one- page or a four- page summary. RELs may also propose an altern a t ive product format, such as a PowerPoin t slide deck or infograp hic; alterna tive produc ts such as these will be peer reviewed but will not require editing or produc tion by the contrac to r .

RELs may develop analytic tools intended to suppor t stakeholde r s’ capaci ties to engage in the resea rch process , diagnos t ic tools, or professional developmen t tools that help educa to r s implemen t resea rch- based practices . RELs may also design new interven t ions (program s or practices) in areas where there are few or no effective existing intervent ions available; these interven tions should be informed by extant evidence and applicable theory.

Each REL contrac to r is required to develop a toolkit based on a What Works Clearinghous e practice guide to help educa to r s use evidence- based practices in classrooms. Each toolkit will include: (1) Initial Diagnos tic and On- going

PAGE 11 OF 112 91990022R0067

Monitoring Instru m e n t s (to assess both teache rs’ practice of and school- /district- /institu tion- level implemen ta t ion of the practice guide’s recomm e n d a t ions) , (2) Professional Developmen t Resource s that help an educa to r or a community of educa to r s acquire the knowledge and skills associa ted with the recomm e n d a t ions and how to implemen t them, and (3) Steps for Insti tu tionalizing Suppor t s for Evidence- Based Practice . RELs must also evaluat e the efficacy and implemen t a t ion of the finished toolkits to examine changes in teache r practice and learne r outcomes. The practice guides that the toolkits will be based on are:

REL Appalachia Teaching Math to Young Children:

https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/Pr ac ticeGuide/18

REL Central Teaching Stra t egi es for Improving Algebra Knowledge in Middle and High School Studen t s :

https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/Pr ac ticeGuide/20

REL Mid- Atlantic

Teaching Elemen ta ry School Studen t s to Be Effective Writers:

https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/Pr ac ticeGuide/17

REL Midwest Developing Effective Fractions Instruc tion for Kinderga r t e n through 8th Grade:

https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/Pr ac ticeGuide/15

REL Northea s t & Islands

Assisting Studen t s Struggling with Mathem a tics:

Interven t ion in the Elemen ta ry Grades:

https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/Pr ac ticeGuide/26

REL Northwes t Using Technology to Suppor t Postsecon d a ry Studen t Learning:

https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/Pr ac ticeGuide/25

REL Pacific Teaching Seconda ry Studen t s to Write Effectively :

https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/Pr ac ticeGuide/22

REL Southea s t Assisting Studen t s Struggling with Reading: Response to Interven t ion (RtI) and Multi- Tier Interven t ion in the Primary Grades:

https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/Pr ac ticeGuide/3

REL Southw es t Providing Reading Interven t ions for Studen t s in Grades 4– 9:

https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/Pr ac ticeGuide/29

REL West Improving Reading Compreh e n s ion in Kinderga r t e n Through 3rd Grade:

https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/Pr ac ticeGuide/14

The REL Progra m uses a SharePoin t site to facilitate the review process . Relevant contrac to r staff will be given access to the site so that they can receive email notifications when a product is ready for review or editing, submit review teams for NCEE approval, download documen t s for review or editing, and submit completed reviews, edited produc ts , and final product s .

PAGE 12 OF 112 91990022R0067

2.VII. Task Require m e n t s

This section specifies the tasks and subtasks that the contrac to r shall perform.

Task 1: Com m u n i c a t i o n with IES

1.1 Securi ty Cleara n c e s

All positions will be designa te d as either no risk, low risk, or moder a t e risk level.

Within the first week of the contrac t star t date the contrac to r shall appoint a securi ty liaison who shall submit a list of all staff on the contrac t with the appropr ia t e position risk level designa tion. The securi ty liaison shall submit the required document a t ion for all staff assigned a low or moder a t e risk to the IES securi ty team within two weeks of cont rac t star t date, and as needed for staff added over the life of the contrac t . The security liaison shall be responsible for submit t ing the requi red documen t a t ion for staff from the prime cont rac to r and any subcont r ac to r s . Additionally, staff shall complet e periodic cybersecu r i ty and records manage m e n t training provided by IES.

1.2 Kick- off Meet i n g

Within 1 week of award, the Contrac to r shall part icipa te in an opening kick- off meeting with the COR, cont rac t specialist (CS), and NCEE staff to discuss plans for the activities to be perform ed soon after the award date. Within 1 week of this meeting, the contrac to r shall prepa r e a short (3-5 page) summary memo on the key issues addres se d and any follow- up recomm en d a t ions or planned actions.

1.3 Com m u n i c a t i o n with IES

The contrac to r shall participat e in regula r telephon e calls with the COR to discuss issues related to the review contract , including any anticipat ed problems before they occur and proposed solutions to those problems. These calls shall occur every 2 weeks. The contrac to r shall send an agenda for the call at least two working days before each call. Within five working days following each meeting, the contrac to r shall prepa r e a memo summa rizing the key issues and concerns raised at the meeting and how each will be addres se d .

The Director or Deputy Director shall communica t e with the COR on a regula r basis, such as by phone or email, to discuss urgen t points and follow- up as needed.

The Director and Deputy Director shall meet with the COR quar te r ly to discuss feedback on the quali ty of completed work and plans for future work.

1.4 Mont hly Progre s s Report s

PAGE 13 OF 112 91990022R0067

The contrac to r shall submit monthly repor t s containing the following: 1) information on the progres s on each task and activity, including accomplishm en t s and problems that have been resolved or are in need of resolution; 2) informa tion concerning expendi tu r e s and other relevant budge t related details; and 3) anticipa ted activities and deliverables for the upcoming month. These repor t s shall be submit ted by the 10 th business day of each month.

In the first monthly repor t s submit ted after the end of each contrac t year (corresponding to months 13, 25, 37, 49, and 60), the repor t s should also quantify the work accomplished over the previous year, including: the number of document s reviewed by produc t type; average number of times each documen t was reviewed by product type; average number of days to complete reviews;

number of as- needed guidance calls that were conduc ted with RELs; number of repor t s that completed editing and the average number of days to complete editing; number of repor t s that completed product ion and the average number of days to complete production.

Task 2: Refin e and Imple m e n t Review Criteria and Proce s s e s for REL Work

2.1 Refine the Exist in g Criteria for Review

The contrac to r shall refine the existing review criteria and procedu r e s for each type of REL produc t as needed based on NCEE’s needs, the RELs’ needs, and to keep up with new methods and practices in the field. Review criter ia shall be writ ten in a fashion that will make them user- friendly for REL staff and shall addres s relevance, technical quality, readabili ty, and utility (see below for more information on these review categories). The review criter ia shall take into accoun t all existing IES and NCEE standa r d s . Revisions may be reques t ed by NCEE, and the contrac to r shall also propose revisions when needs or potential improvem en t s are identified.

Some revisions to the review procedu r e s may require changes to the SharePoin t system used to facilitate the review process . IES will work with the REL Website Manage m e n t contrac to r who administe r s the SharePoin t site if changes to the site workflows or other featur es are necessa ry.

2.2 Review Resear c h Propo s a l s and Produ c t s

The contrac to r will review project proposals for resea rch project s (to include descrip tive and correla tional data analyses, causal impact studies, efficacy studies , and system a tic litera tu r e reviews and meta- analyses) as well as tools, toolkits, and new REL- developed interven tions. The contrac to r shall also review the product s that result from these proposals. Over the five- year period of this contrac t , NCEE anticipa te s up to 200 REL resea r ch proposals , plus up to 200 REL repor t s/p rodu c t s that result from those proposals, will requi re peer review. The number of proposals and product s that will begin review each year of the contrac t will vary

PAGE 14 OF 112 91990022R0067

over time. NCEE estimates that the volume of proposals and product s submit ted for review will vary by contrac t year by approximate ly the percen ta g e s presen ted below. As the REL contract s began in 2022, there may be 30- 40 proposals that star t ed the review process in 2022 before the REL Peer Review contrac t star t s in 2023.

Contrac t Year

Proposals Beginning

Review

Product s Beginning

Review 1 30% 7%

2 30% 25%

3 10% 40%

4 10% 20%

5 20% 7%

For each REL resea rch proposal and produc t submit t ed for peer review, the contrac to r shall identify a team of senior- level policymake r s , practi tione rs , and resea r ch e r s who can evaluat e its relevance, technical quality, readability, and usability. This will include adhere nc e to all IES standa r d s . The categories for review are described below. Review teams must have exper tise in three areas relevan t to the REL product being reviewed: methodology, conten t , and practice.

The name and qualifications (in the form of a short biograp hical summary) of each reviewer for any given produc t must be presen t ed to the COR within two business days of receiving the proposal or produc t to be assessed . Should new reviewers be reques t ed by COR, a revised set of reviewers must be provided by the contrac to r within three business days.

The contrac to r shall submit to COR writ ten review comment s for each proposal or produc t within two weeks of receip t of the proposal or produc t . In most cases, the contrac to r will be asked to review proposals or product s two to three times as they are revised and improved by REL staff. The cont rac to r must have a system for tracking the issues from previous reviews that were successfully addres s ed and those that require additional atten tion. The review shall addres s the criteria described below. Comment s related to a proposal or product shall be presen te d to COR through careful use of comment s in Microsoft Word, as well a detailed memo providing overall comment s related to broade r issues of streng ths or weaknesse s in a document . All commen t s and memos shall be writ ten const ruc t ively with the aim of helping authors correc t or addres s any deficiencies in the REL product while also helping to build the knowledge and capaci ty of the author to prevent similar errors in the future. Review memos shall include recomm e n d a t ions about whethe r or not a proposal or produc t should move forward to implemen ta t ion or publica tion.

Review Criteria

Relev a n c e

PAGE 15 OF 112 91990022R0067

The contrac to r shall provide writ ten reviews on the relevance of project proposals and products . For project proposals , the review memo shall assess the extent to which the proposed end produc t has the potential to provide actionable informat ion to a par ticula r audience , the extent to which similar informat ion is or is not already accessible, and the degree to which any potential findings will be worth the data gather ing burde n imposed on any public entities. The review memo shall also consider the extent to which a rationale has been presen ted for the work including through the provision of evidence from a needs assess m en t or input from the partne r s hips of which the REL is a par t.

For repor t s or produc ts , the section of the review memo dealing with relevance shall assess the extent to which the evidence provided is actionable, the degree to which the presen t a t ion of resea rch findings is appropria t e for a practi tione r /policymake r audience , and whethe r time consumed reading the resea rch product is balanced by potential benefit or learning.

Individuals charged with reviewing the relevance of REL proposals and products must be individuals who would be likely to use REL produc ts ; such individuals can include curren t and former school distric t leaders , policymake r s and program director s from the state and distric t levels, classroom teache r s with more than ten years of experience , leaders in the educa t ion indus t ry, and leaders of not- for- profit organizat ions focused on education advocacy, progra m provision, and suppor t .

Tech n i c a l Quali t y The contrac to r shall provide writ ten reviews on the technical quality of resea rch proposals and products . The writ ten reviews shall provide feedback on the extent to which REL proposals and produc ts meet the standa r ds and expecta t ions of IES and NCEE related to resea rch design, data collection, data analysis, and repor ting of findings. For project proposals, the review memo shall assess the streng t hs and weakness e s of the proposal and the feasibility of completing the proposed work in the timeline proposed. This will include review of the technical approach used to meet NCEE standa r d s , sampling and statis tical inference methods, data sources or outcome measur e s to be used, and analysis plans.

Depending on the scope and content of the resea rch proposal, review will also include assessm e n t of the proposed methodology, recrui tm en t of study subjects , issues related to sample size and minimum detect able effects, instrum e n t s to be used, and stra tegies for dealing with attri tion and missing data. The review will also provide recom me n d a t ions for streng th e ning any of these aspects related to the design or analysis proposed in project proposals .

Individuals charged with reviewing the technical quality of REL proposals and product s must be senior level resea rch e r s or analysts who have demonst r a t e d the ability to design, manage , and lead high quality descrip tive and evalua tive studies in the field of educa t ion. Individuals who will be reviewing evalua tion studies or methods papers must have extensive familiari ty with evaluation methods and IES standa r d s for scientifically valid resea rch and evaluation. This shall include familiari ty with the evidence and repor ting requirem e n t s of the What Works

PAGE 16 OF 112 91990022R0067

Clearinghous e . In addition, reviews of technical quality may require psychome t r ic exper tise in some cases.

Read a b i l i t y / W r i t i n g Quali t y and Styl e The contrac to r shall provide writ ten reviews of the readabili ty and writing quality for all REL produc ts and repor t s . (Reviews of readabili ty are not reques t e d for proposals .) The reviews shall provide feedback on the extent to which REL product s are writ ten in a clear and engaging fashion. Reviewers shall commen t on the writing style of all produc ts and the extent to which they can be unders tood by a practi tioner or policymake r . (See the Federa l Plain Languag e Guidelines .)

Review comment s focused on readabili ty shall help the authors to elimina te redund an cie s; perfec t word and syntax choices; struc tu r e parag r ap h s and repor t s in a logical manne r ; and creat e products that are easily consum ed by their intended audiences .

Individuals charged with reviewing the readability of REL products must have demons t r a t e d exper t ise in the clear and careful writ ten presen t a t ion of resea r ch findings for diverse audiences. In some cases, reviews related to readabili ty may be conduc ted by the same individuals reviewing product s for relevance or technical quality while in other cases , reviewer s for readabili ty may be other individuals who are exper t in issues of writing and presen t a t ion.

Util i t y The contrac to r shall provide writ ten reviews on the utility of tools, toolkits, interven t ions, or other produc ts intended for use by resea rch e r s , policymake r s , or practi tione rs . The writ ten reviews shall provide feedback on the extent to which REL produc ts are able to be used by their intended audiences. Reviews of utility shall be conduc ted on proposals and produc ts . For proposals , reviews related to utility will provide writ ten comment s on the extent to which any tools, toolkits, interven t ions, or other produc ts are likely to be in a form, and inclusive of conten t , that could be easily used by the intended audience . Reviews for the utility of product s shall include an assessm e n t of the likelihood that the intended audience will benefit from and be able to use the product as designed .

Individuals charged with reviewing the usability of REL product s must represe n t experience s similar to those of the intended audience for a REL produc t. For example , produc ts that are targe t ed toward distric t adminis t ra to r s shall be reviewed for usability by individuals who have experience working in school dist rict central offices. Product s that are targe t e d at resea r ch e r s shall be reviewed by resea r ch e r s with experience in a similar field. The range of experience s that will be needed for usability reviews will include school and dist rict leadersh ip, state educa t ion agency leadership, and resea r ch e r s with significant quanti ta t ive and qualita tive resea r ch experience .

2.3 As- Need e d Guidanc e for Improve m e n t of REL Produ c t s

During the peer review process , NCEE and REL staff will occasionally require additional guidance and consul ta tion about how to improve par ticula r proposals

PAGE 17 OF 112 91990022R0067

and produc ts . The needed guidance can be related to any of the four review criter ia described above (i.e., relevance , technical quality, readabili ty, and utility) and shall be provided in telephon e/vir tual conversa t ions between the contrac to r’s reviewers and REL and NCEE staff member s . The guidance will most often focus on methodological issues (technical quality) related to resea rch repor t s . Less frequen t ly, guidance may be needed about other issues related to REL product s .

Telephone calls/virtual conversa t ions for as- needed guidance will take place approximat ely 5-10 times per year and will each last approximat e ly one hour. The contrac to r will provide a call- in number for par ticipan t s to use and will be responsible for scheduling the call at a time that is acceptable to all participan t s (REL staff, NCEE staff, and reviewers) . Within a week of the call, the cont rac to r will provide a writ ten memo summa rizing the conten t of the call, the guidance provided, and recomm e n d e d next steps for the REL authors to take in order to revise the proposal or product .

Task 3: Editin g and Produc t i o n of Report s

3.1 Updat e the “REL Writer s and Style Guide” and Report Templat e s

The contrac to r shall, as needed, update the “REL Writers and Style Guide” which provides guidance to the REL authors about how to prepar e a repor t that will meet IES and NCEE requirem e n t s for repor t structu r e and writing quality. The guide also provides style guidelines for references, heade rs , footnotes , table formats , etc.

As reques t e d by NCEE, the contrac to r shall also update or develop new REL repor t templat es that are designed to be used for various REL repor t types. The templa t es shall adhere to IES style guidelines and demonst r a t e appropri a t e use of the REL Writers and Style Guide guidance.

3.2 Report Editing and Produc t i o n

IES requires a way to ensure repor t quality and consistency across the 10 RELs.

REL produc ts must follow the same organizational struc tu r e , and have consis tency in layout, handling of footnotes , references , tables, statis tical nomencla tu r e , and other style guidelines .

Over the five- year period of this contrac t , NCEE anticipat es up 150 REL repor t s /p rod uc t s will require editing and production. This is fewer than the number of products that will be peer reviewed because RELs have the option to release some resea rch products in alterna t e , non- repor t format s (such as PowerPoin t presen t a t ions) , which will not need editing or produc tion. The number of produc ts that will begin editing each year of the contrac t will vary over time.

NCEE estimates that the volume of products submit ted for editing and produc tion will vary by contrac t year by approximat ely the percen t ag e s presen te d below.

Contrac t Product s Beginning

PAGE 18 OF 112 91990022R0067

Year Editing

1 0%

2 20%

3 40%

4 35%

5 5%

The contrac to r will be provided with a Word file for each repor t or tool, in the standa r d REL repor t templat e , as well as keywords, alterna t ive text describing figures and equations, underlying data for figures , vector- editable files for maps, an image for the cover photo, and text for an IES Newsflash announce m e n t that will be released when the produc t is published .

The contrac to r shall conduc t a technical edit assuring that all gramm a r and other conventions for writ ten resea rch are met, as well as revising the product as needed in order to adhere to the Writers and Style Guide requirem e n t s . The contrac to r shall have two weeks to fully edit the Word documen t . The edited document , showing the tracked changes and including any questions from the editors, will be sent to the REL for review. The Newsflash shall also be edited and sent to the REL. Once the REL’s feedback has been incorpora t ed , the cont rac to r will submit a clean version of the product for final review by NCEE. NCEE will review the edited documen t and provide feedback if needed.

The contrac to r shall then prepa r e the produc t files in a design templa t e. RELs typically submit one combined Word file for review and editing that contains the main repor t file, the appendices , and one or more summary document s . The contrac to r will be responsible for separ a t ing these files and format ting them into a repor t file, an appendix file, and one or more summ ary files. Note that REL tools and toolkits (as opposed to resea rch repor t s) vary widely in conten t and structu r e , and may require the produc tion of just one file or many files. The REL and NCEE will then each review the draft PDF files. The contrac to r shall then make any necessa ry modifications and deliver the final PDF files, which must comply with Section 508 of the Rehabilita t ion Act (click this link for furthe r informat ion).

As part of the editorial review, the contrac to r shall:

Ensure tone is appropria t e for the targe t audience;

Ensure a logical presen t a t ion of report findings, or of tool instruc t ions and componen t s ;

Ensure the proper use and placeme n t of tables, char t s , graphics , header s , bullets, “call outs,” etc., Be responsible for overall copyedi ting and proofreading to ensure there are no errors and that a style consisten t with NCEE guidelines is used for citations, tables, footnotes , references , and title and verso pages.

As part of the product ion process , the contrac to r shall:

PAGE 19 OF 112 91990022R0067

Format all produc t files from Word to the design templat es ;

Ensure design and layout meet 508 standa r d s ;

Provide final PDF files.

Task 4: Webinars for REL Staff

On rare occasions when needed, the cont rac to r will host and presen t webinars for REL staff to announce and explain any major changes to the review criteria , the Writers and Style Guide, and/or the review or production processe s . One or more webinars will also be presen ted in early 2027, once the 2027 cohor t of REL contrac t s begin, to introduce and/or re- familiarize the new REL contrac to r s with the review criteria , review process , the Writer s and Style Guide, and the repor t produc tion process . Webinars will each last approximat e ly one hour and may include up to 100 participan t s . The contrac to r shall provide and facilitate the webinar platform and record each presen t a t ion.

Task 5: As- Need e d Analyti c and Meth o d s Orient e d Project s (Optio n a l Task)

As needs arise, NCEE may require the contrac to r to design, conduct , and repor t the findings of resea r ch or evaluation activities designed to serve as exempla r s for the REL progra m. These activities are distinct from the guidance described above in that they produce a “worked example” of how a REL might address a particular analytic challenge .

Examples of projects could include:

Contras ting differing approach es to addres sing missing data and creating a “primer” on those that prove most promising;

Identifying oppor tuni t ies in planned studies conducted by the RELs or by other NCEE contrac to r s to test innovative methodological approach es ; and Conducting replica tion studies that compa r e the results of non- experimen t a l methods with experimen t a l methods .

5.1 Analyti c and Meth o d s Orient e d Projec t s

Once NCEE initiates a new project , the contrac to r shall produce a project workplan that details the main goals of the project , the questions that will be answer e d , and the expected benefit of the project to the REL progr am, educa tion resea r ch e r s at large, and NCEE.

After NCEE has approved the workplan, the contrac to r shall car ry out the work.

The contrac to r will be responsible for any OMB clearance that may be required related to the approved project . Interim updates shall be shared with the COR in monthly progres s update memos througho u t the project life cycle.

The resulting produc ts shall compor t with prevailing IES technical and stylistic guidance and shall be appropr ia t e for the intended audiences . All produc ts will be initially reviewed by the COR and NCEE leaders hip.

PAGE 20 OF 112 91990022R0067

Any field- facing product must also be reviewed by a panel of relevant exper t s and stakeholde rs via a Technical Working Group (see Task 5.2). After incorpora t ing revisions in response to the recom me n d a t ions made by the panelis t , the contrac to r shall submit a revised version of the produc t to their

COR.

Once a field- facing product has received final approval by the COR, it will be submit t ed for peer review to IES’s Standa r d s and Review Office (SRO). Review by SRO can take up to four to six months. The cont rac to r shall submit revised drafts to SRO within 4 weeks of receip t of SRO comment s . The contrac to r should expect at least 2 rounds of SRO review. Once the repor t is approved by SRO, the contrac to r will format and submit the final repor t for release .

5.2 Techni c a l Workin g Group Meet in g s

The contrac to r shall organize and convene a meeting of exper t s to review produc ts developed under Task 5.1 before final submission to NCEE.

The contrac to r shall work closely with the COR to identify and propose a suitable list of between 4 and 6 exper t s to par ticipa t e in the meeting.