COUNCIL OF CHIEF STATE SCHOOL OFFICERS TASK FORCE for the National Assessment Governing Board

The Governing Board intends to award a sole source contract to the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations Part 15, Negotiated Contracts. This solicitation will be awarded in accordance with the authority of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) 6.302-1(a)(2) as only one responsible source can provide the required services.

The National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB) has important congressional mandates to set policy for the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and to take appropriate actions that improve the form, content, use, and reporting of assessment results. The Governing Board also has responsibility to plan and execute the initial public release of NAEP reports. One key component for informing the Governing Board's work is through expanded outreach activities involving targeted audiences across the nation. As increased attention is drawn to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, it is important to expand involvement of state policymakers in providing information and input to the Governing Board on various policy initiatives.

NAGB requires the Council of Chief State School Officers Task Force for the National Assessment Governing Board to be convened for three in-person meetings next year and six meetings via webinar. Topics to be discussed by the Task Force include planning for 2010 NAEP reports, releasing reports from the 12th grade NAEP state-level pilot for 2009, 12th grade preparedness issues, achievement level setting, testing students with disabilities and English language learners, use and misuse of NAEP results, and other topics.

In addition, one Task Force member shall attend each of the Governing Board's quarterly meetings as an observer to promote communication between the Board and the Task Force, for a total of six meetings.

In accordance with FAR Subpart 6.3-Other Than Full and Open Competition, and under the provisions of FAR 6.302-1, only one responsible source - the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) - can provide the required information and outreach services representing all 50 states and territories within the timelines required for reporting NAEP achievement results. This coordination among all 50 states and the federal government is necessary for NAEP to be successful.

Organizations and persons may identify their interest in and capability to respond to the requirement. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals; NAGB will not issue a solicitation. However, all capability statements received by March 19, 2010 will be considered by the Governing Board. Attached is a draft statement of work. A cost reimbursement type contract is planned. Any questions or suggestions received before March 17, 2010 will be answered via www.fedbizopps.gov. Please submit written questions or comments to Moira.Baran@ed.gov. The period of performance is from the date of contract award, anticipated to be approximately from September 20, 2010 to March 19, 2012 (eighteen months).

The Governing Board intends to award a sole source contract to the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations Part 13, Simplified Acquisitions. This solicitation will be awarded in accordance with the authority of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) 6.302-1(a)(2) as only one responsible source can provide the required services.

The National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB) has important congressional mandates to set policy for the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and to take appropriate actions that improve the form, content, use, and reporting of assessment results. The Governing Board also has responsibility to plan and execute the initial public release of NAEP reports. One key component for informing the Governing Board's work is through expanded outreach activities involving targeted audiences across the nation. As increased attention is drawn to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, it is important to expand involvement of state policymakers in providing information and input to the Governing Board on various policy initiatives.

NAGB requires the Council of Chief State School Officers Task Force for the National Assessment Governing Board to be convened for two in-person meetings next year and four meetings via webinar. Topics to be discussed by the Task Force include planning for 2010 NAEP reports, releasing reports from the 12th grade NAEP state-level pilot for 2009, 12th grade preparedness issues, achievement level setting, testing students with disabilities and English language learners, use and misuse of NAEP results, and other topics.

In addition, one Task Force member shall attend each of the Governing Board's quarterly meetings as an observer to promote communication between the Board and the Task Force.

In accordance with FAR Subpart 6.3-Other Than Full and Open Competition, and under the provisions of FAR 6.302-1, only one responsible source - the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) - can provide the required information and outreach services representing all 50 states and territories within the timelines required for reporting NAEP achievement results. This coordination among all 50 states and the federal government is necessary for NAEP to be successful.

Organizations and persons may identify their interest in and capability to respond to the requirement. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals; NAGB will not issue a solicitation. However, all capability statements received by March 19, 2010 will be considered by the Governing Board. Attached is a draft statement of work. A cost reimbursement type contract is planned. Any questions or suggestions received before March 17, 2010 will be answered via www.fedbizopps.gov. Please submit written questions or comments to Moira.Baran@ed.gov. The period of performance is from the date of contract award, anticipated to be approximately from September 20, 2010 to September 19, 2011.