JEFO - IPEDS Modification FINAL_Redacted.pdf

This document is a Justification for an Exception to Fair Opportunity from the United States Department of Education for a modification to a task order (GS00Q14OADU217/9199022F0021) with Research Triangle Institute (RTI). The Department seeks to modify the existing Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) task order to implement new survey components addressing the Presidential Memorandum requirements for transparency in higher education admissions.

The modification will require RTI to develop an Office of Management and Budget (OMB) information collection request, create online survey tools, collect data from higher education institutions, conduct data quality analyses, and compile collected data files. The task is time-sensitive, with a 120-day timeline to develop and implement expanded data collection on graduation rates, financial aid, and other institutional metrics. RTI is uniquely positioned to perform this work as the current IPEDS data collection implementer, which will help avoid duplicative platforms and leverage existing communication channels and data collection processes.