SECTION C \-- [DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT]{.underline}

Title: ALogistical and Content Support for The Head Start National
Reporting System@

C.1 [Background]{.underline}

> The Head Start program was established in 1965 and the Early Head
> Start program was added in 1994. Together they form a comprehensive
> child development program serving eligible children from birth to five
> and their families. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
> awards grants for Head Start and Early Head Start to local public and
> private agencies. There are over 2,000 grantee and delegate agencies
> located. They are located in every state, Puerto Rico, the Virgin
> Islands, Outer Pacific, as well as for American Indian and Alaska
> Native, and Migrant populations. More than 905,000 children and their
> families are currently enrolled.

Head Start has the overall goal of increasing the social competence of
young children in low-income families. \"Social competence@ means the
child=s everyday effectiveness in dealing with both his or her present
environment and later responsibilities in school and in life. Social
competence takes into account the inter-relatedness of social,
emotional, cognitive, and physical development. To support the overall
goal of improving social competence, Head Start embraces a core set of
values including commitments to establishing a supportive learning
environment in which the children, parents and staff are involved in the
processes of enhancing awareness, skills, and understanding.

> Head Start has a long tradition of delivering comprehensive, high
> quality services to young children of low-income families. Head Start
> grantee and delegate agencies provide a range of individualized
> services in the areas of education and early childhood development;
> medical, dental, mental health and nutrition; social services and
> parent involvement. In addition, the entire range of Head Start
> services are responsive and appropriate to each child and family=s
> ethnic, cultural, and linguistic heritage and experiences.
>
> **Program History -**
>
> In recent years, the Head Start Bureau has undertaken a series of
> carefully crafted and interrelated actions to strengthen the
> infrastructure of the Head Start program as part of an overall
> strategy to support optimal child development and educational outcomes
> for children. Among a long list of major program improvements are the
> following:
>
> \* Updating the 1973 Head Start Program Performance Standards and
> adding requirements to provide services for pregnant women, infants,
> toddlers and their families;
>
> \* Increasing teacher qualifications to two and four year degrees in
> child development and early childhood education of children ages birth
> to five;
>
> \* Changing the Training and Technical Assistance System to support
> quality programming for children birth to five;
>
> \* Restructuring onsite Federal Program Monitoring to focus on
> comprehensive management systems;
>
> \* Defunding over 150 deficient grantees; and
>
> \* Establishing Head Start Collaboration Offices attached to the
> Governor\'s office in each State, the District of Columbia, and Puerto
> Rico.
>
> \* Developing regulations for the construction, renovation, or
> purchase of facilities
>
> \* Developing regulations for child transportation.
>
> **Education and Early Childhood Development Services -**
>
> *The Head Start Program Performance Standards* (revised 1996)
> establish the requirements for comprehensive child development
> services to be provided to all Head Start children. From the program=s
> inception in 1965, Head Start has worked with parents to increase the
> social competence, including school readiness and later school
> success, of children from low-income families. The *Program
> Performance Standards* require that the curriculum address children=s
> cognitive development, including language development and literacy.
>
> In addition to the requirements within \"Education and Early Childhood
> Development\", there are sections that focus on the involvement of
> parents and the community as well as required systems to support the
> delivery of services to children, including language and literacy
> development.
>
> In the 1998 reauthorization of the Head Start program, Congress
> mandated additional, specific learning outcomes for children leaving
> Head Start to enter kindergarten. In support of these requirements,
> the Head Start Bureau has implemented several strategies to achieve
> these goals that build on a history of related work. A major effort
> was the development of *The Head Start Child Outcomes Framework*.
>
> *The Head Start Child Outcomes Framework* is based on a number of
> sources. These include the *Head Start Program Performance Standards*,
> the Head Start Program Performance Measures, provisions of the Head
> Start Act as amended in 1998, advice of the Head Start Bureau
> Technical Work Group on Child Outcomes, and a review of documents on
> assessment of young children and early childhood program
> accountability from a variety of state agencies and professional
> organizations.
>
> *The Head Start Child Outcomes Framework* together with the *Head
> Start Program Performance Standards* help define the learning goals
> and content for Head Start children. For example, in the Framework,
> the domain of language development is comprised of the skills of
> listening and understanding as well as speaking and communicating.
> There are also indicators, some are suggested and five are mandated,
> that represent specific goals for children to achieve by the time they
> leave Head Start to enter school. The domain of literacy includes
> phonological awareness, book knowledge and appreciation, print
> awareness and concepts, early writing and alphabet knowledge. This
> domain includes some sample indicators of child performance as well as
> four mandated by the Congress. The additional domains of approaches to
> learning and social and emotional development support children=s
> growth in language and literacy.
>
> In total, the *Head Start Child Outcomes Framework* is composed of 8
> Domains, 27 Domain Elements, and 100 examples of more specific
> Indicators of children=s skills, abilities, knowledge, and behaviors.

To ensure that programs provide quality services in all areas, including
language and literacy development, all Head Start grantees are monitored
on-site. After the first full year of operation, grantees are federally
monitored for compliance every three years by a team led by Federal
staff with other experts using the *Program Review Instrument for
Systems Monitoring (PRISM)*. This instrument includes observations of
the learning environment and teacher instruction as well as other
information collection strategies, including staff and parents
interviews and a review of records pertinent to teacher planning,
curriculum, staff training, child progress, and parent involvement.

> **Head Start Bureau Professional Development Events**
>
> The Head Start Bureau has supported a number of major professional
> development events to ensure that program staff understand the
> learning experiences necessary for children=s development and
> outcomes, including those in the areas of language and literacy
> development. This also includes the development and dissemination of
> research-based materials distributed to program staff and to
> institutions of higher learning which enroll Head Start staff as
> students. Some examples are -
>
> **July 1998, The First National Institute for Head Start Education
> Coordinators, \"Taking the Lead, Ensuring Quality.\"** Some 1,400
> Education Coordinators participated in this week long training event,
> for which they received college credit. The event centered on *A Guide
> for Head Start Education Coordinators* with accompanying resource
> papers and videotapes. The Institute was a tremendous success and
> launched the Head Start Bureau\'s \"continuous quality improvement\"
> initiative of the 1990s.
>
> The Head Start Bureau went on to convene National Institutes in each
> of the other major Head Start service areas: Social Services, Child
> Health, Management, and Parent Involvement. In addition, an Institute
> for Home-Based Supervisors was held to support and promote quality
> programming in working with parents and children in their own homes.
>
> December 2000, **The National Head Start Child Development Institute,
> \"Ensuring Quality and Accountability Through Leadership\"** was
> convened as a week-long learning experience for 3,200 Early Head Start
> and Head Start managers with oversight responsibilities for child
> development, education, and disabilities services through
> center-based, home-based, and family child care program options.
> Participants also included Federal staff from the National and
> Regional Offices, members of the Head Start and Early Head Start
> Training and Technical Assistance Network, the Head Start State
> Collaboration Offices, and the National Head Start Fellows.
>
> The goal of the Institute was to increase the knowledge and leadership
> skills of local program managers in:
>
> \* Supporting child development and learning in the domains of
> language development, literacy, mathematics, science, creative arts,
> social and emotional development, approaches to learning and physical
> health and development.
>
> \* Supporting school readiness and positive child outcomes in Early
> Head Start and Head Start through comprehensive child development
> services, age-appropriate, meaningful curriculum; child observation
> and assessment; and family involvement and partnerships; and
>
> \* Enhancing the quality, intentionality, and effectiveness of staff
> interactions with children and families.
>
> Institute participants received advance reading materials and
> assignments, including a guided review of their local program\'s
> services and quality in the five priority themes of the Institute.
> Western Kentucky University awarded three units of graduate or
> undergraduate credit for work successfully completed.
>
> **January 2002, The National Head Start and Early Head Start New
> Directors and New Education Managers Conference** was convened with
> the active participation of nearly 900 leaders. It was an intensive
> professional development experience for new directors and education
> managers in their positions for less than two years for which college
> credit was awarded. This marked the first time in the Head Start
> program\'s history that national training was provided for new
> education managers. This event was a resounding success.
>
> **STEP - Summer Teacher Education Program -**
>
> **Summer 2002, Phase I of Project STEP** is another illustration of
> nationwide training supported by the Head Start Bureau. This special
> effort provided 2,700 Head Start education managers and 100 State
> Child Care staff with 32 hours of training-of-trainers research-based
> strategies to support children\'s emerging literacy. These 2,700
> Literacy Specialists were charged with returning to their programs and
> provide similar training to their classroom colleagues.
>
> **Fall 2002,** **Phase II of Project STEP**, 2,500 teams comprised of
> one education manager and one mentor teacher will participate in a
> total of 4 days of training on evidence-based strategies to support
> young children\'s social and emotional development, managing
> challenging behaviors and improving child outcomes. Additionally,
> 50,000 teacher resource kits on classroom management and positive
> behavior support will be distributed to local programs.
>
> **Phase II of Project STEP will also include** training for Early
> Literacy Coaches and Mentors. This cadre of skilled role models and
> guides will provide ongoing in-classroom coaching on a regular and
> periodic basis. The anticipated outcome is that teachers will
> considerably increase both their understanding and skills regarding
> ways in which to support children\'s language development and
> literacy, including involving the child\'s family in this important
> process.
>
> Although a great deal has been done by the national office regarding
> the professional development of managers and coordinators, little has
> been done for teachers in this same way. It is important to
> acknowledge, however, that teachers are greatly benefitting from the
> Congressional mandate that by September 30, 2003, at least 50 percent
> of all Head Start teachers nationally in center-based programs have an
> associate, baccalaureate or advanced degree in early childhood
> education, or a degree in a related field with preschool teaching
> experience.
>
> Not since the program\'s inception in the summer of 1965, has the Head
> Start Bureau provided leadership for the professional development of
> teachers nationwide based on a single set of goals and focused on
> specific core knowledge and skills. In 1965, prior to \"Summer Head
> Start\", over 30,000 teachers went to various locations around the
> country to participate in pre service training based on the \"Head
> Start Rainbow Series\".
>
> **NSR National Reporting System**
>
> In keeping with the President=s charge to the Head Start Bureau in the
> Good Start, Grow Start initiative and the bipartisan Congressional
> mandates in the 1998 reauthorization of the Head Start Act, the Bureau
> commissioned an analysis of the technical quality of existing
> assessment tools in the mandated areas of early literacy, language
> development and numeracy. This review included tools currently in use
> in major studies of Head Start children and programs (i.e., the Family
> and Child Experiences Survey (FACES), the Head Start Impact Study, and
> the Head Start Quality Research Center Consortium). In its review of
> assessment materials, the Bureau also considered input from the
> various consultation sessions and from the Technical Work Group.
>
> This process resulted in an initial set of measures to use in the NRS
> field test, including measures of the following five learning
> indicators as mandated by Congress in the Head Start Act in 1998:
>
> \* Understanding and using language to communicate for various
> purposes
>
> \* Using increasingly complex and varied vocabulary
>
> \* In the case of children whose native language is other than
> English, progressing toward acquisition of the English language
>
> \* Identifying at least 10 letters of the alphabet
>
> \* Numeracy awareness
>
> **During April and May 2003, Phase III of STEP**, a sample NRS was
> implemented in a diverse group of 36 local Head Start programs,
> including two Migrant and two Indian Head Start agencies. This effort
> is expected to provide valuable information on how the NRS design,
> materials, and reporting system work in the programs. Representatives
> from each program participated in a training-of-trainers session on
> the child assessment and reporting system procedures. These
> participants, in turn, trained teachers and or local staff to
> administer the child assessment and to record and enter the assessment
> information in the field test.
>
> Head Start=s concern with the whole child, includes social competence
> as part of school readiness. Head Start grantees and delegate agencies
> gather information to document their process for assuring positive
> child outcomes. This information address all aspects of development
> and learning, including physical, emotional social, cognitive, and
> language, in order to provide an overall picture of the child from
> program entry to the culmination of the child=s Head Start experience.
>
> This information gathered from observations and ongoing assessment
> also helps grantees respond to the need to address child outcomes: How
> has the child benefitted from time in Head Start? In addition, child
> outcomes information for groups of children becomes part of the data
> considered by grantees and delegate agencies as they engage in
> self-assessment to determine how the program is doing in meeting its
> goals and objectives, and in implementing the Head Start Program
> Performance Standards and other regulations. The results of the
> self-assessment contribute to continuous program planning and program
> improvement.
>
> The Head Start National Reporting System (NRS) adds one more component
> to local child assessment and program self-assessment. Starting in
> Fall 2003, Head Start programs will implement a brief procedure at the
> beginning and enc of the program year to assess all 4 and 5 year old
> children on a limited set of language, literacy, and numeracy outcomes
> that have been legislatively mandated. The NRS will provide comparable
> date about the progress that children are making in Head Start
> programs across the country. This information about groups of
> children, not individuals, will be reported back to programs to
> supplement their local assessments and used by the Federal and
> Regional Offices to guide training and technical assistance.

C.2 [Statement of Work]{.underline}

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  1.0 Produce and broadcast via satellite a training regarding the data
  management aspects (CBRS) of the National Recording System.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 1.1 Confer with HSB and appropriate contractors/vendors to determine  |
| and effectively communicate the content of CBRS to broadcast viewers  |
|                                                                       |
| 1.2 Secure studio space for recording and production of video         |
| conference                                                            |
|                                                                       |
| 1.3 Secure production services for video conference B including       |
| producers and camera crew                                             |
|                                                                       |
| 1.4 Acquire satellite space and time on a national satellite          |
| broadcasting system1.5 Implement registration process for downlink    |
| sites to track and report participant numbers                         |
|                                                                       |
| 1.6 Perform prompter test two weeks prior to satellite broadcast      |
|                                                                       |
| 1.7 Perform satellite downlink reception test one week prior to       |
| broadcast                                                             |
|                                                                       |
| 1.8 Prepare recording studio and lighting for testing, rehearsal, and |
| full broadcast                                                        |
|                                                                       |
| 1.9 Coordinate media (i.e. video, PowerPoint presentations, and       |
| segment visuals) to be used during broadcast                          |
|                                                                       |
| 1.10 Provide music for pre-show, open, and close of broadcast         |
|                                                                       |
| 1.11 Record broadcast on videotape stock master and provide           |
| duplications of videotape for dissemination                           |
|                                                                       |
| 1.12 Provide technical support for testing, rehearsals and broadcast  |
| for both uplink and downlink sites                                    |
|                                                                       |
| 1.13 Provide phone system and staffing for Q&A call-in segments       |
| during broadcast                                                      |
|                                                                       |
| 1.14 Provide e-mail communication opportunities for downlink sites to |
| receive technical assistance and/or ask questions during broadcast    |
|                                                                       |
| 1.15 Provide summary report of participating downlink sites and       |
| technical assistance provided                                         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **TASK 2**                                                            |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2.0 Produce a national satellite broadcast / web cast that includes   |
| an update and status report regarding the 2003 summer launch of the   |
| NRS.                                                                  |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2.1 Confer with HSB and appropriate contractors/vendors to determine  |
| and effectively communicate all necessary information regarding the   |
| status of the 2003 summer launch of the NRS (training-of-trainers)    |
|                                                                       |
| 2.2 Secure studio space for recording and production of video         |
| conference                                                            |
|                                                                       |
| 2.3 Secure production services for video conference B including       |
| producers and camera crew                                             |
|                                                                       |
| 2.4 Acquire satellite space and time on a national satellite          |
| broadcasting system                                                   |
|                                                                       |
| 2.5 Secure online hosting and transmission of program web cast        |
|                                                                       |
| 2.6 Coordinate design of web cast Internet site, viewing window, and  |
| informational and support features                                    |
|                                                                       |
| 2.7 Implement registration process for downlink sites to track and    |
| report participant numbers                                            |
|                                                                       |
| 2.8 Perform satellite downlink reception test one week prior to       |
| broadcast                                                             |
|                                                                       |
| 2.9 Prepare recording studio and lighting for testing, rehearsal, and |
| full broadcast                                                        |
|                                                                       |
| 2.10 Coordinate media (i.e. video, PowerPoint presentations, and      |
| segment visuals) to be used during broadcast                          |
|                                                                       |
| 2.11 Provide music for pre-show, open, and close of broadcast         |
|                                                                       |
| 2.12 Record broadcast on videotape stock master and provide           |
| duplications of videotape for dissemination                           |
|                                                                       |
| 2.13 Provide technical support for testing, rehearsals and broadcast  |
| for both uplink and downlink sites                                    |
|                                                                       |
| 2.14 Provide e-mail communication and toll-free phone-in              |
| opportunities for downlink sites to receive technical assistance      |
|                                                                       |
| 2.15 Provide summary report of participating downlink sites and       |
| technical assistance provided                                         |
|                                                                       |
| 2.16 Maintain archive of program online via web cast                  |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **TASK 3:**                                                           |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **3.0 Produce and broadcast via satellite an informational Program    |
| regarding the Reauthorization of the Head Start Program (once adopted |
| by congress and signed by the president).**                           |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 3.1 Confer with HSB to effectively communicate information regarding  |
| the Reauthorization of the Head Start Program                         |
|                                                                       |
| 3.2 Secure studio space for recording and production of video         |
| conference                                                            |
|                                                                       |
| 3.3 Secure production management services for video conference B      |
| including producers and camera crew                                   |
|                                                                       |
| 3.4 Acquire satellite space and time on a national satellite          |
| broadcasting system                                                   |
|                                                                       |
| 3.5 Implement registration process for downlink sites to track and    |
| report participant numbers                                            |
|                                                                       |
| 3.6 Perform prompter test two weeks prior to satellite broadcast      |
|                                                                       |
| 3.7 Perform satellite downlink reception test one week prior to       |
| broadcast                                                             |
|                                                                       |
| 3.8 Prepare recording studio and lighting for testing, rehearsal, and |
| full broadcast                                                        |
|                                                                       |
| 3.9 Coordinate media (i.e. video, PowerPoint presentations, and       |
| segment visuals) to be used during broadcast                          |
|                                                                       |
| 3.10 Provide music for pre-show, open, and close of broadcast         |
|                                                                       |
| 3.11 Record broadcast on videotape stock master and provide           |
| duplications of videotape for dissemination                           |
|                                                                       |
| 3.12 Provide technical support for testing, rehearsals and broadcast  |
| for both uplink and downlink sites                                    |
|                                                                       |
| 3.13 Provide phone system and staffing for Q&A call-in segments       |
| during broadcast                                                      |
|                                                                       |
| 3.14 Provide e-mail communication opportunities for downlink sites to |
| receive technical assistance and/or ask questions during broadcast    |
|                                                                       |
| 3.15 Provide summary report of participating downlink sites and       |
| technical assistance provided                                         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **TASK 4:**                                                           |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **4.0 Plan, and implement an NRS regional training event in the       |
| spring of 2004 for Migrant and Seasonal program participants.**       |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4.1 Secure hotel space for regional training                          |
|                                                                       |
| 4.2 Notify training participants of meeting via save-the-date cards,  |
| mass email, etc.                                                      |
|                                                                       |
| 4.3 Provide technical coordination for vendor and hotel               |
|                                                                       |
| 4.4 Plan meeting space arrangements at hotel                          |
|                                                                       |
| 4.5 Plan daily food and beverage options for training                 |
|                                                                       |
| 4.6 Produce implement, and manage online registration                 |
|                                                                       |
| 4.7 Produce implement, and manage hardcopy registration process       |
|                                                                       |
| 4.8 Maintain participant database                                     |
|                                                                       |
| 4.9 Process registrations, send confirmations                         |
|                                                                       |
| 4.10 Confirm speakers and maintain database                           |
|                                                                       |
| 4.11 Arrange lodging and transportation for speakers                  |
|                                                                       |
| 4.12 Identify and arrange audiovisual and technical needs of speakers |
|                                                                       |
| 4.13 Produce participant name badges                                  |
|                                                                       |
| 4.14 Produce on-site informational and directional signage for        |
| training event                                                        |
|                                                                       |
| 4.15 Produce banners and stage signs                                  |
|                                                                       |
| 4.16 Provide on-site registration and information desk at the         |
| regional training                                                     |
|                                                                       |
| 4.17 Provide resource area for information sharing                    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **TASK 5:**                                                           |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 5.0 Produce a satellite broadcast / web cast regarding the spring     |
| 2004 assessment of children, and reporting of the data, for an        |
| audience of all grantees and delegate agencies.                       |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 5.1 Confer with HSB and appropriate contractors/vendors to determine  |
| and effectively communicate all necessary information regarding the   |
| Spring 2004 assessment of children and reporting of data to all       |
| grantees and delegate agencies                                        |
|                                                                       |
| 5.2 Secure studio space for recording and production of video         |
| conference                                                            |
|                                                                       |
| 5.3 Secure production management services for video conference B      |
| including producers and camera crew                                   |
|                                                                       |
| 5.4 Acquire satellite space and time on a national satellite          |
| broadcasting system                                                   |
|                                                                       |
| 5.5 Secure online hosting and transmission of program web cast        |
|                                                                       |
| 5.6 Coordinate design of web cast Internet site, viewing window, and  |
| informational and support features                                    |
|                                                                       |
| 5.7 Implement registration process for downlink sites to track and    |
| report participant numbers                                            |
|                                                                       |
| 5.8 Perform prompter test two weeks prior to satellite broadcast      |
|                                                                       |
| 5.9 Perform satellite downlink reception test one week prior to       |
| broadcast                                                             |
|                                                                       |
| 5.10 Prepare recording studio and lighting for testing, rehearsal,    |
| and full broadcast5.11 Coordinate media (i.e. video, PowerPoint       |
| presentations, and segment visuals) to be used during broadcast       |
|                                                                       |
| 5.12 Provide music for pre-show, open, and close of broadcast         |
|                                                                       |
| 5.13 Record broadcast on videotape stock master and provide           |
| duplications of videotape for dissemination                           |
|                                                                       |
| 5.14 Provide technical support for testing, rehearsals and broadcast  |
| for both uplink and downlink sites                                    |
|                                                                       |
| 5.15 Provide e-mail communication and toll-free phone-in              |
| opportunities for downlink sites to receive technical assistance      |
|                                                                       |
| 5.16 Provide summary report of participating downlink sites and       |
| technical assistance provided                                         |
|                                                                       |
| 5.17 Maintain archive of program online via web cast                  |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **TASK 6:**                                                           |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **6.0 Produce a satellite broadcast to introduce programs to changes  |
| in the FY 04 assessment and data collection to be aired during the    |
| summer of 2004.**                                                     |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 6.1 Confer with HSB and appropriate contractors/vendors to determine  |
| and effectively communicate changes in the FY 04 assessment and data  |
| collection                                                            |
|                                                                       |
| 6.2 Secure studio space for recording and production of video         |
| conference                                                            |
|                                                                       |
| 6.3 Secure production management services for video conference B      |
| including producers and camera crew                                   |
|                                                                       |
| 6.4 Acquire satellite space and time on a national satellite          |
| broadcasting system                                                   |
|                                                                       |
| 6.5 Implement registration process for downlink sites to track and    |
| report participant numbers                                            |
|                                                                       |
| 6.6 Perform prompter test two weeks prior to satellite broadcast      |
|                                                                       |
| 6.7 Perform satellite downlink reception test one week prior to       |
| broadcast                                                             |
|                                                                       |
| 6.8 Prepare recording studio and lighting for testing, rehearsal, and |
| full broadcast                                                        |
|                                                                       |
| 6.9 Coordinate media (i.e. video, PowerPoint presentations, and       |
| segment visuals) to be used during broadcast                          |
|                                                                       |
| 6.10 Provide music for pre-show, open, and close of broadcast         |
|                                                                       |
| 6.11 Record broadcast on videotape stock master and provide           |
| duplications of videotape for dissemination                           |
|                                                                       |
| 6.12 Provide technical support for testing, rehearsals and broadcast  |
| for both uplink and downlink sites                                    |
|                                                                       |
| 6.13 Provide phone system and staffing for Q&A call-in segments       |
| during broadcast                                                      |
|                                                                       |
| 6.14 Provide e-mail communication opportunities for downlink sites to |
| receive technical assistance and/or ask questions during broadcast    |
|                                                                       |
| 6.15 Provide summary report of participating downlink sites and       |
| technical assistance provided                                         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

SECTION F C [DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE]{.underline}

F.1 Period of Performance

> The period of performance under this Task Order shall be for September
> 1, 2004 through August 31, 2005, plus three (3) twelve month option
> years.

F.2 [Schedule of Deliverables]{.underline}

> The items specified below are subject to the review and approval of
> the Task Order Officer before final acceptance.
>
> **DESCRIPTION QUANTITY DATE**
>
> Meet with project officer \-\-- 1 Week after effective date of task
> order
>
> Submit revised work plan 2\* 2 weeks after comments are received
>
> Progress reports 2\* Bi-Weekly
>
> Meeting Logistics C\-- Dates of Meeting
>
> Meeting Support C\-- Dates of Meeting

-   **One copy shall be delivered to the Contracting Officer, Room
    5-101, Parklawn Building, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857 or
    to <pscacquisitions@psc.gov>.**

**[Rationale Statement for the Selection of Educational Services, Inc.
(ESI)]{.underline}**

**In accordance with FAR 16.505(b)(4), following exception applies:**

Only one Contractor is capable of providing the supplies or services at
the level of quality required, because the supplies or services ordered
are unique or highly specialized.

This request for the services of Educational Services, Inc. (ESI) is a
follow-up to the Task Order 2 , Contract 233-02-0018 which ESI performed
for the Head Start Bureau. Task Order 2 was completed and this work is
directly related to Task Order 2.

The Bureau has worked with ESI before and finds this contractor to be
highly competent, totally reliable, and adept at completing all required
work in a timely manner. These contractor characteristics are essential
in assisting the Head Start Bureau to plan and carry out the important
work of maintaining the high momentum generated at the Institute.

Educational Services, Inc. has an in-depth knowledge of Head Start and
extensive experience working with the Head Start Bureau. Their previous
work experience with Head Start includes conducting research, developing
print and multimedia materials, logistical support, and providing
training and technical assistance to Head Start audiences.

Recently, ESI completed work as the **Program Content Contractor for the
National Head Start Child Development Institute**. Their obligations
under this contract were varied and complex. This required coordinating
with both the Institute Logistical Contractor and the National Head
Start Publications Center Contractor. ESI also was responsible for
convening and staffing an Institute Design Team, designing the Institute
*Implementation Planner,* and completing the multi-media training
package, based on the Institutes videotapes of presenters and related
printed materials. This training package was a major piece of the Head
Start Bureau=s follow-up strategy to the Institute.

Additionally, ESI arranged undergraduate and graduate credit for
Institute participants through Western Kentucky University; coordinated
satellite broadcasting of plenary sessions to the Federal Regional
Offices and to a network of Asuper grantees@ B each serving over 15,000
children; oriented and trained 175 Institute Facilitators; convened the
Institute Faculty prior to the Institute to collaborate on speaking
points; and met with speakers each afternoon prior to their next day
appearances to walk them through their roles for the next day.

ESI was also responsible for videotaping interviews with the keynote
presenters; facilitating Dialogues with Experts; developing a format and
process for Leadership Team Planning work sessions; and developing and
arranging the myriad of details related to an interactive afternoon of
Showcasing Practices in Head Start and Early Head Start, Poster
Sessions, Resource Displays, Children=s Art Gallery, Video Theatres, and
a Performing Arts Stage.

Under a previous contract, Educational Services, Inc. (ESI) was
responsible for the design and development of a set of award winning
multimedia-training materials for the implementation of the revised Head
Start Program Performance Standards B ***Nurturing the Promise.*** ESI
designed, organized and facilitated two workgroup meetings. The
workgroup meetings brought together individuals from throughout the Head
Start program, staff from local Head Start programs, and nationally
known experts to provide their input on the development of the
materials. Additionally, ESI consulted with eight other groups
throughout the development of the training materials. These groups
included members of the Head Start Training and Technical Assistance
Network, American Indian Programs, Migrant Head Start programs, current
and former Head Start parents, staff of the National Head Start
Association, and directors, services managers and others from grantee
and delegate agencies nationwide. As we were completing the final
training materials, ESI staff conducted a user=s group meeting to review
each element of the training materials for comments and revisions before
completing the master copy of the training materials. Additionally, ESI
produced these materials in a Spanish version. Educational Services Inc.
also assisted in a Arolling-out@ campaign in 1997, which introduced and
facilitated the implementation of the revised Program Performance
Standards. The campaign included development, production and
dissemination of a resource package, which consisted of a brochure, wall
chart, 10-minute video, and 37 color transparencies for use in training,
and a user=s guide.

Other materials developed by ESI for Head Start Bureau include the
***Linking Our Voices*** video-based training package. This training
program was developed in response to the need to train parents to
participate effectively as Policy Council members in making informed
decisions about Head Start program issues. The package consists of a
video, a facilitator=s manual, and participant materials. It is designed
to motivate existing and potential council members about Policy Council
roles and responsibilities and to provide information about shared
decision-making and the benefits of being a member of a Head Start
Policy Council. Through the development of this video-based training
program, ESI worked with all parts of the Head Start communityCfrom the
national office and the training and technical assistance system to
local Head Start parentsCconducting interviews, consultations, telephone
conference calls, focus groups, and design teams. Through a second
delivery order, ESI translated all *Linking Our Voices* materials into
Spanish, conducted a video teleconference with Head Start regional
offices, and provided training to Head Start audiences nationwide.

Additionally, ESI has developed a resource package for parents and early
childhood educators to support child development through the use of
visual arts, movement, drama, and music B ***For A Child: Life Is A
Creative Adventure.*** This consists of a 44-page guide, 13-minute
videotape, and an accompanying poster. Head Start teachers, staff,
parents, family child care providers, volunteers and others use the
training materials to infuse the arts into early childhood education.
The materials are for use in all early childhood programs (within and
outside Head Start) throughout the United States. Staff=s knowledge and
experience with the Head Start Bureau enabled ESI to gather information
and to provide recommendations to the FPO in the development of this
initiative. Through a series of workgroup and user=s group meetings,
planned, organized and facilitated by Education Services Inc. staff, the
content of the training guide was identified and developed. Reports from
each of the group sessions and meetings were developed, presented to the
FPO for review and revisions, and disseminated to all the group
participants throughout the development phases of the project. ESI has
also developed these materials in a Spanish version.

ESI has also just completed for the Head Start Bureau an excellent
***videotape and resource guide on implementing Head Start health
policy.*** The Head Start Program Performance Standards require that
each grantee have a community-based Health Advisory Committee. The
videotape with an accompanying guide will serve as a training tool to
promote greater understanding of the role and function of the health
advisory committee.