Description
The Department of Education intends to make a sole source award to the National Research Center of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), located in Washington, DC, for a study of teacher preparation programs. The purpose of the study is to synthesize data and research on: 1) the academic preparation and educational characteristics of candidates in pre-service, graduate, and alternative certification programs; 2) the specific content and experiences that are provided to candidates for degrees and alternative certification in education; 3) the consistency of the required course work and experiences in reading and mathematics across teacher preparation programs; and 4) the degree to which the content and experiences are based on converging scientific evidence. In addition, the contractor shall develop a model for collecting information on the content knowledge, pedagogical competence and effectiveness of graduate from teacher education programs and teachers trained in alternative certification programs, and review the needs of schools for high quality teachers, as called for in the No Child Left Behind Act. The NRC will be tasked with designing and carrying out the activities associated with the study. As part of these activities, the NRC is required to: form and convene an expert panel to advise the NRC on the design and conduct of the study; to synthesize existing data and research on teacher preparation programs and recommend whether new data collection and new analyses are needed; and, develop the study design, evaluation methodology, data collection and data analysis procedures to successfully carry out the study. In addition, the NRC will be required to develop a model for collecting information on the content knowledge, pedagogical competence and effectiveness of graduate from teacher education programs and teachers trained in alternative certification programs, and review the needs of schools for high quality teachers, as called for in the No Child Left Behind Act. produce several products after the main data collection, including a report on the findings of the study and a data file with documentation. It is imperative that the contractor has the following competencies, experiences, and skills: * Familiarity and extensive experience with designing and conducting studies of teacher preparation programs; * Experience and skill in synthesizing rigorous research literature; * Training and experience in educational research or other fields related to this study; * Knowledge of teacher preparation programs and issues; * Proven record in conducting similar studies in a timely manner, and within budget; * Adequacy of time commitment; * Ability to gather experts from numerous disciplines to aid in the design and oversight of the study; * Ability to assist IES in making the results of the study relevant to teachers, teacher educators, and policy makers. The NRC is uniquely qualified to address each of the above stated needs for the study. Having directed the study, Improving Teacher Preparation and Credentialing Consistent with the National Science Education Standards: Report of a Symposium (1997), the NRC has the knowledge and experience in designing and carrying out a study of teacher preparation programs. The Conference Report (House Report 108-401) to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2004, specifically identifies the National Research Council to conduct the study. In sum, the expertise and experience of the staff of the NRC make them uniquely qualified to synthesize data and research for this study as well as develop of model for collecting information on teacher preparation program graduates. All interested parties should submit a letter of interest to the contact person by the closing date in this notice. The Department will afford qualified interested parties an opportunity to submit capability statements outlining experience directly relevant to this requirement. If any other capable, responsible sources are found, this procurement will be opened for full and open competition. The proposed contract action is for supplies or services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302. Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit proposals. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. However, all proposals received within forty-five days (thirty days if award is issued under an existing basic ordering agreement) after date of publication of this synopsis will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete with this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.