Statement of Work 

       Postsecondary Education Descriptive Analysis Reports

I.   INTRODUCTION 

I.A. Purpose of Project

     The United States Department of Education has a requirement to provide a series of descriptive reports and
data tables on postsecondary education topics.  These reports and tabular analyses will draw on several large and
complex data collections: national longitudinal surveys; linked cross-sectional surveys; census data; and
administrative record surveys.  In addition, the Department of Education has a requirement to provide a data library
and a data analysis system that will encourage further analyses and facilitate access to the reports and tables.

     The contractor shall conduct data analyses, produce reports, prepare graphic materials, create and maintain
a data library, and convene meetings and panels of experts.  This statement of work contemplates ten analytic reports
in each year, depending on the availability of funds.  It is anticipated that the analysis and reporting activities shall be
an incrementally funded, 5-year contract.

     The work will be monitored by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) within the U.S.
Department of Education (ED).  The activity will be referred to hereafter as the Postsecondary Education Descriptive
Analysis Reports (PEDAR).

I.B. Current Status

     NCES currently produces descriptive analysis reports, data libraries, and data analysis systems as an
integral part of each postsecondary longitudinal data collection.  The data libraries and data analysis systems that are
produced with each of the surveys are very similar to the requirement specified herein for PEDAR.  Current versions
of data libraries and data analysis systems may be retrieved from the NCES home page (www.ed.gov/NCES).

     The descriptive analysis reports that are initially produced for each of the surveys differ, however, from the
requirement for PEDAR.  Analysis reports for data collections focus on the specific details for that survey and do not
attempt the integration across different surveys and survey waves that is required by PEDAR.  Nor do the analysis
reports typically include a multivariate section to provide statistical controls for background differences and multiple
subgroups.  Most importantly, the analysis reports are not designed to focus on policy issues and discuss them using
a variety of statistics and multiple sources of data.

I.C. Program Overview

     The Postsecondary Longitudinal Studies program at NCES consists of two major data collections: high
school cohort studies and postsecondary cohort studies.  The former include:

     The National Longitudinal Study of the High School Class of 1972 (NLS:72) - followed through 1986;

     High School and Beyond, 1980 (HS&B) - followed through 1986 (senior cohort) and 1992 (sophomore
     cohort); and

     National Education Longitudinal Study, 1988 (NELS:88) - starting with the third follow-up in 1994.

     The high school cohort studies provide information about access and entry into postsecondary education
(PSE).  These surveys study single-grade cohorts as they complete high school and enter PSE or the workforce. 
Students are periodically surveyed thereafter as they complete their education and pursue their occupations.

     The high school cohort surveys are particularly well suited to study the traditional student who enters PSE
soon after leaving high school.  Because of attrition (not entering PSE, stopping to work, or leaving school), these
surveys cannot provide detailed information about PSE experiences at all levels and in all types of institutions.

     In particular, the high school cohort surveys provide valuable comparative data for those students who
never enrolled in postsecondary education.  Important comparisons include labor force participation data as well as
information about family formation.

     To complement the high school cohort surveys, and compensate for attrition, NCES provides postsecondary
cohort surveys:

     National Postsecondary Student Aid Studies (NPSAS:87,90,93,96) cross-sectional surveys;

     Beginning Postsecondary Students (BPS:90/92/94 and BPS:96/98); and

     Baccalaureate and Beyond (B&B:93/94/97).

     These surveys are based on PSE populations, so they represent multiple age cohorts, non-traditional
students, as well as many types of postsecondary institutions (public, private not-for-profit, private for-profit, less
than 2-year, 2-year and 4-year).  They complement the high school cohort surveys by providing adequate sample
sizes to follow students from their PSE institutions into the workforce or graduate education.

     The National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS--1987, 1990, 1993, 1996) is a cross-sectional
national survey of postsecondary students that provides baseline data as well as continuing information about
program participation and finance.  NCES also gathers administrative records from postsecondary institutions every
year in the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) collection that provides background and
contextual information.

     Both the BPS and B&B surveys are drawn from postsecondary cohort populations sampled in the National
Postsecondary Student Aid Studies (NPSAS). BPS collects first-time, beginning student data from the 1990 and
1996 base years of NPSAS to study patterns of postsecondary enrollment, persistence in school, progress and
changes in curriculum, and award of degree or certificate.  In addition, BPS provides information about workforce
participation, family formation, graduate school enrollment, costs of attendance, and financial assistance
(scholarships, grants, loans, and other forms of support).

     B&B began with the 1993 NPSAS sample of PSE students.  The timing allowed NPSAS students who just
completed their bachelors degree to be sampled prior to leaving school.  B&B provides information about transitions
at the end of PSE and supplements and replaces the NCES survey of Recent College Graduates.

     In addition to these NCES national surveys, there are other data sources that may provide information for
PEDAR.  Data from the Bureau of the Census 1990 decennial census and Current Population Surveys may be useful
to provide a context for analyses.

     The major policy topics covered by the NCES data, include but are not limited to the following:

     Access and choice in undergraduate PSE
     Persistence
     Progress
     Degree attainment
     Access and choice in graduate/first-professional PSE
     Rates of return for PSE investments
     Student financial aid effects
     Teacher training and careers.

II.  SCOPE OF WORK

     Independently and not as an agent of the United States Government, the contractor shall provide all
personnel, materials, services, and facilities necessary for the project and perform the tasks as described below.

     With the exception of an on-going management task and the on-going task of servicing the data library, the
work required under this contract will consist of producing a series of descriptive reports.  Although each report will
address different topics and may use varying data sets, each will involve comparable steps and procedures and will
result in 50- to 75-page documents that are similar in scope and complexity.

     The topics for each of these reports shall be drawn from a menu and prioritized by a panel comprised of
experts and others familiar with policy issues in postsecondary education.  Annually, the contractor shall ask the
panel to evaluate and establish priorities for the proposed topics.  As topics are selected and while the reports are
being prepared, some of the panelists shall continue to serve as reviewers.

     Each descriptive analysis report shall begin with a brief survey of the current literature to ensure adequate
coverage of issues and avoid duplication of efforts.  Once data analysis begins, the relevant data sets will be
obtained. The contractor shall then merge these data files and select variables as necessary to extract working data
sets.  The contractor shall create composite or derived variables and construct data analysis system input files. 
NCES will create the data analysis system using the input files.

     Tables and figures produced using the data analysis system will constitute the main body of each descriptive
report, along with discussion of the findings and their pertinence to the selected topic.  Examples of descriptive
reports can be found on the NCES home page (www.ed.gov/NCES/).

     Some NCES descriptive reports have not attempted to provide control for confounding variables
(covariates).  Cross-tabulations have provided limited statistical control, but some survey samples have not been
sufficiently large to use multi-way cross-tabulations and maintain sufficiently large cell sizes for analysis.  The
reports required under PEDAR will provide statistical control for confounding variables.  The reports shall include a
section using multivariate methods to control for differences between multiple subgroups and between multiple
background characteristics.  In general, it appears that linear regression models provide adequate statistical control,
but the contractor is encouraged to use any approach that will achieve the objective of clear and understandable
descriptive analysis.

     All reports shall contain technical appendices that describe new variables and composites created for tables
and figures in the report and describe design effects for all variables and standard errors for all table cells.  All
reports shall include an abstract of no more than two pages.

     As reports are developed, all variables, composites, and tables used in the report shall be accumulated in a
data library.  This library shall allow access to machine-readable tables for data users.  In addition, it shall contain
documentation for all constructed variables.  The data analysis system shall be part of the data library and shall
enable users to reproduce tables used in the report, modify variables or apply filters to construct tables that were not
in the report, and access variables and composites developed during the course of preparing the report.

     Overall, PEDAR shall have three major components.  The first encompasses all management tasks,
including overall project quality control and development of the annual analysis plan (Task 1). The second
encompasses all library tasks, including development and maintenance  (Task 2).  The third component is to develop
a plan for a particular analysis topic and an outline for a report, develop a data analysis system to produce descriptive
tables on the topic, and produce a descriptive analysis report on the assigned topic, complete with tables, figures, and
appendices as appropriate (Task 3).

III.  OBJECTIVE

     The data collected from ED postsecondary education surveys shall be analyzed and ED's topics addressed. 
A report shall be written on each topic that summarizes the results of the data analysis.  The data analysis system
used in each analysis and the report shall be accumulated in a data library.  This project will aid ED in describing the
meaning and significance of statistical data and in disseminating this information.

IV.  DESCRIPTION OF TASKS

     The following tasks describe the work required to adequately meet the objectives of the PEDAR project. 
These descriptions shall be read in conjunction with the detailed specifications for the deliverables (see section on
Deliverable Specifications) to indicate the complexity of the overall project and provide guidance in its conduct.

Task 1.   Management

     The contractor shall manage the analysis and reporting of data in a manner that establishes quality control at
all levels and fosters communications between the contractor's staff, the Contracting Officer's Technical
Representative (COTR), and potential users of the data.  This task continues for the entire contract period. Task 1
includes the following requirements:

Subtask 1.1    Post-Award Conference

     Within the first week after contract award, the contractor's project director and other key project staff shall
hold a meeting at NCES with the COTR and other appropriate NCES staff to review the overall contract tasks, to
identify potential problems and possible solutions, and to discuss areas of concern related to the proposed project
staffing plan and other management requirements.  The primary purpose of this meeting is to refine the management,
staffing, and scheduling plans.  These refinements are not to modify or alter the specifications of the contract, but to
provide management information for use by both the contractor and the Government in monitoring the work to be
performed.  This conference is also to help the contractor to make use of the experience and materials that NCES
staff have gained over the years.

Subtask 1.2    Monthly Progress Reports

     The contractor shall report monthly on the progress made in accomplishing the project tasks, problems
encountered, and plans for the next month.  The contractor shall attach an updated schedule, a financial statement
showing consumption of funds, and a staffing plan showing labor usage to each monthly report.

Deliverables:  Monthly progress reports

     Subtask 1.2.1  Schedules

     Due to the complexities of large data analysis projects, the contractor shall develop and maintain a detailed
schedule for all activities of the project.  The schedule shall be updated monthly and attached to the monthly
progress report (subtask 1.2

     Subtask 1.2.2  Financial Statements

     Due to the complexities of large data analysis projects, the contractor shall develop and maintain a detailed
financial statement for all activities of the project, including budgeted and actual costs for each month and
cumulatively.  The financial statement shall be updated monthly and attached to the monthly progress report (subtask
1.2).

     Subtask 1.2.3  Staffing Plan

     Due to the complexities of large data analysis projects, the contractor shall develop and maintain a detailed
staffing plan for all activities of the project.  The staffing plan shall be updated monthly and attached to the monthly
progress report (subtask 1.2).

Subtask 1.3    Confidentiality Reports

     The contractor shall file reports as needed with the NCES COTR that identify staff with access to restricted
data.

Deliverables:  Confidentiality documents

Subtask 1.4    Technical Review Panel

     To obtain peer review of proposed topics, and to foster communications with potential users of the data, the
contractor shall establish a Technical Review Panel (TRP) of experts in the field of postsecondary education.  The
PEDAR TRP shall consist of all TRP members for NPSAS, BPS, B&B, NELS and any other NCES studies that
produce data used by PEDAR.  The contractor shall work with the TRP to study feasibility and importance of
proposed topics and to improve plans and analysis products; however, the TRP does not report to or advise NCES.

     The contractor shall also attend TRP meetings for other NCES data collections to ensure coordination
between data development and analysis projects.
Subtask 1.5.   Annual Analysis Menu

     The contractor shall prepare annually a prioritized set of 15 or more topics for descriptive analysis reports.

Deliverable:   Annual analysis menu

     Subtask 1.5.1  Annual Draft Analysis Menu

     Each year, the contractor shall develop and distribute to TRP members information about proposed topics
for analysis reports. The contractor shall also inform the TRP of related information, such as: the availability of
related data sets; on-going analyses or related studies; and influential events, such as pending legislation related to
the topic.

     Subtask 1.5.2  TRP Review of the Draft Analysis Menu

     The contractor shall have the draft analysis menu reviewed by the TRP.  The reviews shall include
discussions to identify problems, suggest solutions, highlight important factors to be considered, and raise relevant
issues that shall be reflected in the annual analysis plan.  The TRP may suggest additions or deletions to the analysis
menu.

     After consultations with the COTR, the contractor shall develop a revised analysis menu.

     Subtask 1.5.3  TRP Prioritization of the Revised Analysis Menu

     The contractor shall submit the revised analysis menu to all members of the TRP.  Each TRP member shall
be instructed to select the five best topics. The contractor shall analyze TRP selections and develop the prioritized
annual analysis menu.

Task 2    Data Library

     The contractor shall develop and manage a linked set of files into a data library.  Linkages to PEDAR files
shall be established with a home page on the World Wide Web.  In addition to welcoming descriptions of PEDAR
and topics (completed and in progress), linkages shall be established to data analysis systems, computation
platforms, completed reports (as word processor documents and in html or similar format), and staff (including TRP
members) directories.

     The contractor shall have the accumulated files of the data library pressed onto a compact disk.

Deliverable:  Data library

Task 3    Topic Analysis and Reporting

     For each topic selected from the annual analysis menu, the contractor shall prepare an analysis plan, data
analysis system input files, and the associated descriptive analysis report.

     Subtask 3.1    Review Literature 

     The contractor shall review the topic in the current literature to ensure completeness, avoid duplication,
address TRP concerns, and suggest additional factors, variables, and background contexts that must be taken into
account in preparing an analysis report on the topic.  
     Subtask 3.2    Prepare Draft Analysis Plan 

     The contractor shall identify data elements for the analyses.  The plan shall include specifications for all
variables and composite variables to be constructed and all tables to be generated.  The purpose of this draft is to
ensure that proposed table shells address the topic in the most complete and compelling way possible.

     Subtask 3.3    TRP Review of on the Analysis Plan

     The contractor shall share the draft analysis plan and literature review with the TRP by e-mail.  Based on
TRP comments, the contractor shall revise the analysis plan.

     Subtask 3.4    Construct Input Files for Data Analysis System

     The contractor shall extract data files, define data elements, and construct composite variables as needed
based on the analysis plan.  The contractor shall add the constructed variables to the existing data analysis system's
set of variables and prepare input files for the construction of a new data analysis system by NCES.

Deliverable:   DAS input files

     Subtask 3.5    Development of Tables and Bullets

     Using the data analysis system, the contractor shall prepare tables of estimates according to the analysis
plan.  The contractor shall develop bullets describing significant findings.

     Subtask 3.6    TRP Review of the Tables and Bullets

     At a meeting in Washington, DC, or by e-mail the contractor shall obtain the comments of interested TRP
members concerning the quality of the tables and bullets.

     Subtask 3.7    Develop Multivariate Model

     The contractor shall develop a multivariate model to provide statistical control for varying background
characteristics, multiple subgroups, and other factors that affect relationships in the data that cannot be adequately
reflected in cross-tabulations or paired comparisons.  All variables specified in multivariate models shall be included
within the variable sets of the associated data analysis systems.

     It is not the purpose of this subtask to advance methodological state-of-the-art.  However, advances that
enhance understanding of the data are within the scope of this task.

     Subtask 3.8    Develop Technical Appendices

     The contractor shall append all technical material that is required for a full and unambiguous understanding
of the report's conclusions in technical appendices.  These appendices shall include, at a minimum: bibliography for
cited works; a glossary listing all variables used in the report; specifications for the multivariate model; illustrative
standard errors for all parameters and comparisons that are cited in the text; and design effects for variables that are
likely to be useful to readers.

     Subtask 3.9    Descriptive Analysis Report

     The contractor shall prepare an analysis report in accordance with the analysis plan, as amended by the
TRP.  The format and contents of this report are subject to publications standards and to a formal review procedure
at NCES. The report shall comply with these standards and the consensus of the reviewers.

Deliverable(s):     Descriptive Analysis Report

          Subtask 3.9.1  COTR Review

     The contractor shall revise the report based on a review by the COTR.

          Subtask 3.9.2  Program Director Review

     The contractor shall revise the report based on a review by the NCES Program Director.

          Subtask 3.9.3  Senior Statistician Review

     The contractor shall revise the report based on reviews by the NCES Senior Statistician.

          Subtask 3.9.4  Adjudication Panel Review

     The contractor shall revise the report based on a review by the NCES adjudication panel.

V.   DELIVERABLE SPECIFICATIONS

     The specifications for all deliverables to be generated by the tasks described in the Description of Tasks
section are presented below.  

     Unless otherwise specified, deliverables shall not be physically delivered to the NCES COTR.  Instead, the
NCES COTR and CO shall be notified of the deliverable's placement within the data library for retrieval.

V.A. Monthly Progress Reports                       (Subtask 1.2)

     The monthly progress report shall detail the progress made in accomplishing the project tasks, problems
encountered, and plans for the next month.  A financial statement showing consumption of funds, a staffing plan
showing labor usage, and an updated schedule shall be attached to each monthly report.

     Delivery specifications:
          Monthly (on or before the 5th day) progress reports including attachements shall be delivered as
          Word files.  Monthly reports and attachments shall be placed in the data library.

V.B. Confidentiality Documents                      (Subtask 1.3)

     Confidentiality reports shall be in two (2) parts.  Part 1 shall be a list of all project staff with access to
restricted NCES data.  Part 2 shall be a completed (signed and notarized) set of NCES Affidavits of Nondisclosure
for all project staff who are listed in part 1.

     Delivery specifications:
          Within one (1) week of contract award, Part 1 shall be included within the data library as a Word
          file.  Each NCES Affidavit of Nondisclosure shall be completed prior to access to restricted NCES
          data.  The original NCES Affidavits of Nondisclosure shall be mailed to the NCES COTR in
          monthly batches attached to the monthly report.  Part 1 shall be updated on a flow basis.

V.C. Annual Analysis Menu                           (Subtask 1.5)

     The contractor shall schedule a series of analysis reports to be completed within fixed time periods for each
annual cycle of the contract.  There will be ten (10) reports in each year.  The annual analysis menu shall describe the
topics and issues to be addressed by 15 or more proposed reports. In addition, the menu shall briefly discuss the data
sets proposed for use and outline general specifications for variables and describe limitations (such as sample size).

     Delivery specifications:  
          The annual analysis menu for the first year of the contract shall be due within six (6) weeks of the
          contract award.  All subsequent annual analysis menus shall be due in October (of 1998 through
          2002).  Menus shall be delivered as Word files.

V.D. Data Library                                        (Task 2)

     All data file extracts drawn from NCES or Census or other data collections shall be stored and documented. 
The extract files shall be in a form compatible with other NCES data libraries.  All data analysis systems shall be
stored and documented.  All analysis menus and completed reports shall be stored and documented.

     Delivery specifications:
          Within six (6) weeks of contract award, the files and data library structure shall be available.  Two
          weeks prior to the end of the contract, the contractor shall press all data library files onto a CD-rom for delivery to NCES.

          NCES will provide existing DAS input files within four weeks of contract award.  NCES will
          construct new DAS system files within two weeks of receipt of contractor prepared input files.

V.E. Data Analysis System Input Files               (Subtask 3.4)

     Based on the approximately 50 derived variables, and up to 200 other extract file variables, a data analysis
system shall be developed for the estimation of table values for each report.  The contractor shall construct the five
data analysis system input files as needed.

     Delivery specification:
          As needed for each analysis report, the five (5) ASCII input files for the data analysis system shall
          be delivered.  The specifications for each of the files is listed in the attachement.

V.F. Descriptive Analysis Reports                   (Subtask 3.9)

     As specified in the accepted topic analysis menu and using the accepted data analysis system to produce
tables specified in the accepted analysis plan, the descriptive analysis report shall be developed.  In addition to text
describing group differences, each report shall include approximately 15 graphs and/or charts for the most interesting
findings and a 2-page executive summary.

     The final draft version of each analysis report shall follow the overall format as specified in the OERI
format standards (see Mandatory Contract Requirements section).  

     Front cover to contain:  the report number and date; title and period covered; contract number; contractor's
name and address; and contact within NCES and address.

     Abstract to contain:  the object of the report and a summary of findings.  The abstract shall be in format
suitable for use as a statistics in brief.

     Introduction to contain: an overview of current literature that identifies issues, sources of data, and relevant
findings to date.

     Main body to contain: general descriptive findings bearing on the topic of the report using the items and
constructed variables from the analysis plan.  Additionally, the main body shall contain three or four chapters that
treat the overall topic in functional subsets.  Each chapter shall have tables and figures along with a discussion of
findings that highlights trends and patterns in the data.  These chapters shall include a detailed narrative or analysis
of the work performed and phases of study.  Any innovations and general advances of special interest shall be
identified.

     The draft final report shall be delivered to the NCES COTR for the publication adjudication process
meeting(s). The purpose of the adjudication meeting is to set final editing and technical specifications for the
analysis report and to provide a final review for the document.

     Delivery specification:
          Twelve (12) weeks prior to the date for delivery of the analysis report to the OC, the report shall
          be delivered as a Word file.  During the 12 week period, the report shall be revised to reflect the
          concerns of the COTR, the concerns of the program director, and the concerns of the senior
          statistician and Associate Commissioner (NCES).  The report shall then be delivered for review by
          the Adjudication panel and the chief statistician.  Finally, the report shall be delivered to
          Information Services.

VI.  INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE PROCEDURES

     The contractor shall consult with the NCES COTR before making any major decisions or developing the
required deliverables.  The contractor shall make frequent phone calls and visits to NCES to discuss potential project
problems and progress.  The contractor shall set up an electronic system for transferring information via electronic
mail and microcomputers.  In addition, the contractor shall provide access to files and systems within the data library
and remote access for monitoring operations.

     The contractor shall prepare all reports following the guidelines as specified in NCES's standards (see
Mandatory Contract Requirements section).  The NCES review process may take 2-6 months, depending on the type
of report. It is of paramount importance that schedules for publication releases shall be kept and that NCES standards
for all phases of report production shall be followed.  All materials must be approved by NCES before release.  The
contractor shall not release any data in raw or derived form to anyone without NCES's review and approval.

     Acceptance of deliverables is the responsibility of the Contracting Officer.  The NCES COTR will prepare
a memorandum to the Contracting Officer concerning the technical aspects of each deliverable and provide a copy of
this memorandum to the contractor.  The NCES COTR will review each deliverable within two (2) weeks of
contractor delivery or notify both the contractor and the Contracting Officer of the expected date of review
completion.
VII.  MANDATORY CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

VII.A     Quality Control

     NCES is firmly committed to determining how well each project meets the project goals, the quality of data
reported, and implications for future projects.  The contractor shall integrate quality control into every phase of the
project.  

VII.A.1.  NCES Standards for Data Analysis

     All work conducted under this contract for NCES shall at a minimum meet the standards and guidelines set
forth in the publication Standards and Policies, NCES Standard 87-01-02, March 16, 1987, as amended by standards
implemented since that time.  This publication is available on request from Dr. Susan Ahmed at 202/219-1781, or by
mail:  National Center for Education Statistics, 555 New Jersey Ave., NW, Washington DC 20208-5654.

VII.A.2.  NCES Standards for Publications

     All final reports for major products shall at a minimum meet the standards and guidelines set forth in the
OERI Publication Guide.  This publication is available on request from Dr. Susan Ahmed at 202/219-1781, or by
mail:  National Center for Education Statistics, 555 New Jersey Ave., NW, Washington DC 20208-5654.

VII.A.3.  Exemplary Publications

     Existing analysis reports illustrate the general format and use of standards as well as indicate the general
level of complexity and depth of coverage.  Recent reports that addresses postsecondary issues are available on
NCES' home page (www.ed.gov/NCES/).

                            Attachment
                      PEDAR Statment of Work

     Technical Review Panelists

     The members of the Technical Review Panels that review NCES's longitudinal data collections are
thoroughly familiar with the data sets that will be of primary use in this project.  Moreover, they are familiar with
many of the policy issues that will be the topics for the descriptive analysis reports. 

     The names and addresses of current TRP members are listed below.
Dr. Cliff Adelman
U.S. Department of Education
Office of Education Research (ORERI)
Room 611A
555 New Jersey Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20208-5578
202/219-2251
CADELMAN@INET.ED.GOV

Dr. Nabeel Alsalam
National Center for Education Statistics
Room 518, Capitol Place
555 New Jersey Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20208-5650
202/219-2252
NABEEL_ALSALAM@ED.GOV

Dr. Rick Apling
Congressional Research Service
CRS/EPW Library of Congress
Room LM 320
Washington, DC 20540-7440
202/707-5860
RAPLING@CRS.LOC.GOV

Mr. David Bergeron
U.S. Department of Education
Office of Postsecondary Education
Room 4060, ROB-3
7th & D Streets SW
Washington, DC 20202
202/708-9069
DAVID_BERGERON@ED.GOV

Ms. Sue Betka
U.S. Department of Education
Room 4251, FB-10B
600 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202
202/401-3939
SUE_BETKA@ED.GOV

Mr. Dan Chenok
Human Resources & Housing Branch
Office of Management and Budget
Room 310235, New Executive Office Bldg.
725 17th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20503
202/395-7316
DANIEL.J.CHENOK@EOP.SPRINT.COM

Mr. Bob Davidson
U.S. Department of Education
Room 4039, FB-10A
600 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202
202/401-0281

Dr. Daniel Davis
U.S. Department of Education
Room 4100, ROB-3
600 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202
202/708-7867

Mr. Dan Goldenberg
U.S. Department of Education
Room 416, FB-10B
600 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202
202/401-0182
DANIEL_GOLDENBERG@ED.GOV

Dr. Mary Golladay
National Science Foundation
Room 965, 4201 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22230703/306-1774
MGOLLADA@NSF.GOV

Ms. Aromie Noe 
Office of Management and Budget
Room 8236, NEOB
725 17th Street
Washington, DC 20503
202/395-7773
Noe_A@A1.EOP.GOV
Ms. Sharon Loper
U.S. Department of Education
Room 5624, ROB-3
7th and D Street, SW
Washington, DC 20202-4651
202/708-8962
SHARON_LOPER@ED.GOV

Mr. Dan Madzelan
U.S. Department of Education
Room 4060, ROB-3
7th & D Street, SW
Washington, DC 20202
202/708-9069
DAN_MADZELAN@ED.GOV

Dr. Jay Noell
Congressional Budget Office
Room 423 Ford
2nd & D Street, SW
Washington, DC 20515
202/226-2672
JAYN.HRCD@CBO.GOV

Ms. Constance Rhind
Congressional Budget Office
Room 423 Ford
2nd & D Street, SW
Washington, DC 20515
202/226-2672
CONNIER.HRCD@CBO.GOV

Ms. Blanca Rosa Rodriguez
U.S. Department of Education
Room 4004 EPML-21, ROB-3
7th & D Street, SW
Washington, DC 20202
202/708-8963

Dr. Mark Schwartz
U.S. Department of Education, 
Room 4325 FOB-10
600 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-7322
202/205-9422
MARK_SCHWARTZ@ED.GOV

Ms. Patricia Smith
Office of Management and Budget
Room 8236, New Executive Office Bldg.
725 17th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20503
202/395-5880
SMITH_P@A1.EOP.GOV

Dr. Duc-Le To
U.S. Department of Education
Room 615B
555 New Jersey Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20208
202/219-2248
Dr. May K.-C. Chen
Director of Research and Planning
Los Angeles Community College District
770 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90017
213/891-2052
CHENM@LACCD.CC.CA.US

Mr. Robert T. Collins
Director of Operations
Technical Trades Institute, Inc.
1955 North Union
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
719/632-8116
RCOLLINS@USA.NET

Mr. John K. Curtice
Director of Financial Aid Services
State University of New York
Central Administration, SUNY Plaza
Albany, NY 12246
518/443-5474

Ms. Betty L. Davis
CC of Allegheny County
1750 Clairton Blvd.
West Mifflin, PA 15122
412/469-6241
BDAVIS@CCAC.EDU

Dr. Thomas FlintVice President
Robert Morris College
180 North LaSalle Street
Chicago, IL 60601
312/836-4888

Dr. Elinor Miller Greenberg
EMG and Associates
6725 South Adams Way
Littleton, CO 80122
303/771-3560

Dr. Janet C. Hunter
Knox College
Box K-138
Galesburg, IL 61401
309/343-0112

Dr. Ellen Leininger
University of Missouri-Rolla
Rolla, MO 65401
314/341-4954
ELLENL@SHUTTLE.CC.UMR.EDUDr. Michael Nettles
University of Michigan
2018 SEB
610 East University Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1259
313/764-9499
MICHAEL.NETTLES@UM.CC.UMICH.EDU

Dr. Jim Palmer
Illinois State University
328 DeGarmo Hall
Normal, IL 61790-5900
309/438-2041
JCPALMER@R6000.CMP.ILSTU.EDU

Dr. Caroline Hodges Persell
New York University
Room 408
269 Mercer Street
New York, NY 10003
212/998-8350
PERSELL@ACFCLUSTER.NYU.EDU

Ms. Harriet L. Rojas
University of Idaho
Moscow, ID 83844-4291
208/885-6312
HROJAS@IDUI1.CSRV.UIDAHO.EDU

Dr. Karen Spahn
Arizona Board of Regents
2020 North Central Avenue, Suite 230
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602/229-2525
IADKKS@ASU.VM.INRE.ASU.EDU

Dr. Jacob Stampen
University of Wisconsin, Madison
1186A Educational Sciences Bldg.
1025 W Johnson Street
Madison, WI 53706-1796
608/263-4485
STAMPEN@MACCWISC.EDU

Dr. Dawn Geronimo Terkla
Tufts University
28 Sawyer Avenue
Medford, MA 02155
617/627-3274
DTERKLA@PEARL.TUFTS.EDU

Dr. Vincent Tinto
Syracuse University
259 Huntington Hall
Syracuse, NY 13244-2340
315/443-3343

Mr. Charles Treadwell
NY State Higher Ed Service Corp.
99 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12255
518/474-1549
Bitnet: RSH7200@NYSHESCV

Ms. Robin Etter Zuniga
WICHE
P.O.Drawer P
Boulder, CO 80301-9752
303/541-0224

Dr. Frank Balz
NIICU
1025 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
202/785-8866
FRANK@NAICU.EDU

Mr. Wayne Becraft
AACRAO
Suite 330
One Dupont Circle, NW
Washington, DC 20036-1171
202/293-9161
BECRAFT@AACRAO.NCHE.EDU

Ms. Deborah Carter
American Council on Education
One Dupont Circle
Washington, DC 20036
202/939-9395

Mr. Timothy Christensen
NASFAA
1920 L Street NW
Suite 200
Washington, DC 20036-5020202/785-0453
73033.502@COMPUSERVE.COM

Dr. Jerry Davis
Student Loan Marketing Association
1050 Thomas Jefferson Street, NW
Washington, DC 20007
202/298-3911

Dr. Edward Elmendorf
AAASCU
Suite 700
One Dupont Circle, NW
Washington, DC 20036-1192
202/857-1825
ELMENDORFE@AASCU.NCHE.EDUDr. Jackie King
American Council on Education
Room 832
One Dupont Circle, NW
Washington, DC 20036-1193
202/939-9354

Dr. Janet Hansen
National Academy of Sciences
HA-178, 2101 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20418
202/334-3026
JHANSEN@NAS.EDU

Ms. Kay King
APSIA
2400 N Street, NW
Washington, DC 20037
202/862-7989
APSIA@GWUVM.GWU.EDU

Vacancy
Research Associate
The College Board
Washington, DC 20003
202/332-7134

Mr. Jamie P. Merisotis
Inst for Higher Ed Policy
1930 18th Street, NW, Suite 24
Washington, DC 20009
202/588-8383
PP000149@INTERRAMP.COM

Mr. Kent Phillippe
AACC
One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 410
Washington, DC 20036
202/728-0200
KPHILLIPPE@AACC.NCHE.EDU

Mr. Peter Syverson
Council of Graduate Schools
Suite 430
One Dupont Circle, NW
Washington, DC 20036
202/223-3791
CGS@@VTVM1.CC.VT.EDU

Ms. Laura Greene Knapp
511 Carriage Lane
Cary, NC   27511
919/460-0489
                                                                 Data Analysis Input File Specifications

NCES will create DATA ANALYSIS SYSTEMS (DAS) for projects upon receipt of five (5) files with the following
specifications.  The DAS will create tables and correlation matrices with Taylor standard errors (or replicate standard
error approaches if necessary).  To prevent disclosure of individual data, the DAS will compress the data.  The DAS
incorporates a variety of  tamper-resistant, tamper-responding, and disclosure avoidance techniques to suppress
decompression and data identification.

The five files are:
     (1) DATA.POS   Input Data
     (2) FMT.PRN    Describes the format of data.pos
     (3) MASTER.TXT      Detailed information on the variables
     (4) INPUT.TXT  General system identification and inputs
     (5) README.TXT      Readme file for users

DAS systems always are designed for and operate in only one of  five possible modes of calculation, based entirely
on the value of CalcMode as given in the file INPUT.TXT.

DATA.POS

This is the data file.  The data file must contain integers greater than or equal to -1.  Absolutely no real values or
decimal points are allowed.  No values less than -1 are allowed.  It includes categorical (contiguous values 1,2,3,4,...,
and possibly zero) and continuous (zero and positive integer values) with uniform missing values of -1.  See
MASTER.TXT below for a description of when zeros are legitimate for categorical variables.  

For CalcMode=1 or 2, the variables needed for Taylor standard errors (primary sampling unit or PSU, Stratum, and
Weight -- also positive integers) must be included on this file and the file should be sorted by Stratum and PSU.  For
CalcMode=3,4, or 5, the variables for the replicate weights must be included on this file.

The maximum record length within DATA.POS is 255.  The only formats that are acceptable are F2.0, F4.0, F6.0,
and F8.0.  Formats should be selected with the smallest fieldwidth possible.  Examples of formats which are NOT
acceptable include F3.0, F10.0, F12.0, and F3.0. All records must be positional fixed format (see FMT.PRN below)
and of fixed length (max = 255).  Finally, a check-sum variable (whose definition depends on the CalcMode and is
explained under the discussion about INPUT.TXT below) must be included on this file.

     Weights should be rounded to integers.  Observations with zero weights should be excluded.  If the
rounding of weights causes too much imprecision, mulitply the weights by factors of 10, 100, ... and include the
factor under WtFactor in INPUT.TXT.  Using a weight factor other than 1.0 reduces the speed of the final table
generator and is severely discouraged.  Before using a weight factor other than 1.0 please discuss alternatives with
NCES.

FMT.PRN

This is a positional file that documents the format of DATA.POS.  In column form, the following information must
be included (one line for each variable in DATA.POS):

Name
Start
Width
 Description

varname
1
10
 Variable name

recnum
11
5
 Record number in file

startpos
16
5
 Starting position for

len
21
5
 Number of positions used

varlabel
26
70
 Variable label 

Variable names should be alphanumeric and begin with an alpha. (In particular this means that underscores should
NOT be used in variable names.)   Numerics (recnum,startpos,len) should be right-justified.  The character items
(varname,varlabel) should be left-justified.  The widths have been selected so that this file is easy to create using a
spreadsheet with the default column width of five.  However, a spreadsheet need not necessarily be used.

Variable labels should be a composite of SECTION: LABEL, where LABEL is the label suitable for tables and
SECTION: is a set of characters to group variables.  {ONLY ONE BLANK SHOULD FOLLOW THE COLON:}. 
LABELS should be ready for tabling--no abbreviations, capitalization for first letter of first word and proper nouns
ONLY, no single quotes or double quotes should appear, and all words must be spelled correctly!  Try to eliminate
NUMBER OF, AMOUNT OF, and RESPONDENT from all labels.

Record numbers (Recnum) must be in the range 1,2,3,...,99.  
The number of positions used (Len) must be even.  The only legitimate values for Len are 2, 4, 6, and 8.

Only the variables which are listed on FMT.PRN are included in the final DAS, whether or not additional variables
are included on the DATA.POS file. For QC, respondent tracking, or other purposes, other variables may be
included on DATA.POS as long as they are NOT on the FMT.PRN file.  For example, we strongly encourage that an
ID variable be included in the DATA.POS file at the beginning of each observation.  However, this ID variable
should never be included in FMT.PRN.

For CalcMode=2,3,4,5 WEIGHTS should have varlabels that begin with WEIGHT: .MASTER.TXT

This is a text file that documents the data in DATA.POS.  It is structured in 4 parts:

1.  Label line
Col   1   = \
Col  2-9  = VarName
Col 11-80 = VarLabel  (SECTION: Label)

2.  Percentages & code labels block
(Consists of an appropriate number of lines in the form:)
Col  1-3  = code value
Col  5-9  = weighted percentage
Col 11-49 = code label

Missing values (-1) are not labeled, but the -1 code and weighted percentage are included.  Continuous variables
have their code labels enclosed in {}.  {Zero} and {min-max,mean/std} are used for continuous variables.  If the first
code label in a percentage & code labels block is enclosed in {}, then the variable is marked as continuous,
otherwise the variable is assumed to be categorical.  

For categorical variables, second and later code labels may be enclosed in {}, in which case these code values are
ignored for R, C, and B tags.  In particular, zero is valid as a code value for categorical variables if and only if (1)
the associated code label is enclosed in {} so that the zero category is ignored for R, C, and B tags, and (2) it is not
the first code in the code label block.  

For categorical variables, code labels not enclosed within {} are assumed to be categories, and the code values must
be consecutive integers starting with one (ie. 1,2,3,4,5,...).  The lines with code labels enclosed within {} must all
appear after the lines without {}.  The lines without {} must be sorted ascending by the code values. 

Do NOT put PSU, STRATA, or CHECKDIGIT into MASTER.TXT.  Do NOT put WEIGHT in MASTER.TXT
when CalcMode=1.

Do NOT under any circumstances place the actual weighted frequency for a category with an unweighted frequency
of less than thirty (30) observations in MASTER.TXT.  Categories such as these may exist in the data file but their
frequencies must be set to zero in MASTER.TXT.  

3.  Divider line.  Contains a \ in column 1.

4.  Description block

Contains multiple lines that document item wording, recoding, imputation, source, and analytic cautions.  When
sources are used, they should begin on a separate line with the introductory word "Source: ", and should be placed
after any other text in the description block.  The description block may refer to VarNames within this DAS, but not
to electronic codebook or other system variables.  Maximum line length is 70.

INPUT.TXT

The input.txt file organizes the input for various miscellaneous
input items, such as the system title, names of directories, etc.
This file is formatted by lines--our program expects certain input items to be in certain line numbers.  The lines with
# as the first character are comments.  We usually just modify an existing copy, such as the one below which was
taken from NPSAS:90 Graduate/First Professionals.  Do NOT add additional comment lines or remove existing
ones, since then the items will be on the wrong line numbers.

<Next line is the first one in file input.txt>
# This is the main input file for setting up system
# System Name
NPSAS:90 Graduate/First Professionals
# FPrefix = the prefix for this system, exactly three chars
N0G
# Name of Master.txt file is
masterg.txt
# Name of the map file Fmt.prn is
n0gmap.prn
# Name of the raw data file is
n0gdata.raw
# The directory name on the CD is
n0g
# the system name is (used for many purposes)
n0g
# variable name for weight
pskeepwt
# variable name for strata
ofcon1
# variable name for PSU
psu
# variable name for check digit
chkdgt
# Number of cases on data file
52000
# password (used for developmental testing only)
npsas90g
# CalcMode for Calculation Mode (See Documentation)
1
# NumWts - Number of weights
1
# WtFactor (weights have been multiplied by this factor)
1.0
# WtList-If necessary, List of variable names for add'tl weights
<Above line is the last line in the file input.txt>

The most important feature of this file is CalcMode, which specifies what kind of system we are building.  The
interpretation of some of the other input values depends on the value for CalcMode.  The possible values for
CalcMode are:

1    One weight,  Taylor method

          Handles case where there is only one weight.  There are no additional weights
          listed under WtList, and the one weight is listed under "Variable name for
          weight". NumWts is ignored.  The check digit variable on DATA.POS must be
          the sum of Stratum, PSU, and weight.

2         Multiple weights, Taylor method

          Handles case where more than one weight may be used for estimation.  The user
          will be able to select one of several possible weights to be used for estimation. 
          NumWts is the number of available weights.   The variable names for the
          availabe weights must be listed one per line under WTList.  The line labelled
          "Variable Name for weight" in the input file is ignored.  However, for
          documentation purposes this weight should be included and should be the weight
          used for computation of  the frequencies in MASTER.TXT.  The weight which
          was used to compute the frequencies in the frequency windows should also be
          documented in the README.TXT file.  The check digit variable on DATA.POS
          must be the sum of Stratum and PSU only.

     For all the following replicate methods, the weight used to produce estimates is listed after the line
     "Variable Name for Weight", the number of replicates is listed in NumWts, and the variable names
     for the replicate weights are listed one line per weight under WtList.  The check digit variable on
     DATA.POS must be the sum of the replicate weights plus the estimate weight. The estimate weight
     used for the check digit variable is the same used to produce estimates, listed after the line
     "Variable Name for Weight".

3    BRR
4    Jacknife I
5    Jacknife II

The WtFactor is the factor that all the weights on DATA.POS have been mutliplied by.  In other words, estimates
using the weights on DATA.POS would need to be divided by WtFactor.  Before changing the WtFactor to
something other than 1.0, see the discussion about weights under DATA.POS above.

README.TXT

This file is copied unchanged to the final DAS system.  It is used to provide the user with general information,
warnings about tampering with the DAS system, etc.  The install program requires that it be available, and
automatically displays it on the screen during the install process.

The format of the file is ascii text, with lines of hyphens ("-")
indicating pagination.  The DAS install program uses the hyphens to determine when to pause, so lines of hyphens
must appear in the file at the end of each screen of information.  There is no software limit to the number of lines or
screens of information, however please remember that you force the users to read the entire file during the install
process (there is a timed pause for each screen of information).

An example, taken from NPSAS:90 Graduates, follows.  We usually edit this file to produce new readme.txt files.    

<next line is the first one in file readme.txt>
U.S. Department of Education
Office of Educational Research and Improvement
National Center for Education Statistics

WELCOME

You may install the Data Analysis System for the

NATIONAL POSTSECONDARY STUDENT AID STUDY OF 1989-90:
GRADUATE AND FIRST PROFESSIONAL STUDENTS

This system is protected by Federal Law.  Please carefully read
the information screens that follows.

The NPSAS:90 G1P Data Analysis System (DAS) will NOT display
individual records.  Tampering with the files in this system to
attempt access to individual records is a violation of Federal
Law and can result in a fine of $250,000 and imprisonment of up
to 5 years.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
By installing the NPSAS:90 G1P DAS you accept the legal
conditions of use and agree to protect the DAS from misuse by
others.  Do NOT tamper with any of the DAS files.  Do NOT share
the files with other users.

The Federal Law protecting the individual records embedded within
the DAS are as follows:

 The Privacy Act of 1974 (as amended) [5.U.S.C.552a]

 Augustus F. Hawkins - Robert T. Stafford Elementary and Secondary
 School Improvement Amendment of 1988, Public Law 100-297
 [20.U.S.C.1221e]

 General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) [Section 406d]

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

To obtain access to individual records, contact

DATA SECURITY OFFICER
STATISTICAL STANDARDS AND METHODOLOGY DIVISION
NCES/OERI - ROOM 408
US DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
555 NEW JERSEY AVENUE, NW
WASHINGTON  DC  20208-5654

(202) 219-1831

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

<above line is last one in file readme.txt>

VIII.     ADDITIONAL COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS (Section H)

VIII.A.   Legislation and Confidentiality of Data

     The Postsecondary Longitudinal Studies program (PLS) at NCES is authorized by law under the General
Education Provisions Act (GEPA) section 406(b), as amended (20 USC, 1221e-1):

     "The purpose of the Center shall be to collect, analyze, and disseminate statistics and other data
     related to education in the United States and in other nations.  The Center shall:  collect, collate,
     and from time to time report full and complete statistics on the condition of education in the United
     States; conduct and publish reports on specialized analyses of the meaning and significance of such
     statistics; ..."

     The Center assures participating individuals and institutions that any data collected shall be in conformity
with NCES's standards for protecting the privacy of individuals.  Paragraph (4)(A) of section 406(d) of the GEPA as
amended by Hawkins-Stafford states that:

     "The Center shall develop and enforce standards designed to protect the confidentiality of persons
     in the collection, reporting, and publication of data under this section ...  Except as provided in this
     section, no person may -- 
       (i)     use any individually identifiable information furnished under the provisions of this section for any
               purpose other than statistical purposes for which it is supplied;
       (ii)    make any publication whereby the data furnished by any particular person under this subsection
               can be identified; or
      (iii)    permit anyone other that the individuals authorized by the Commissioner to examine the individual
               reports."

     This paragraph further requires the Commissioner to limit such access to those who have sworn to observe
the limitations imposed by subparagraph (A) and makes them liable for fines and imprisonment for disclosure.  This
paragraph was further amended by Part E of the Excellence in Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education Act
of 1990 which excludes the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS) and all postsecondary longitudinal
surveys from paragraph (4), but further restricted use such that:

     "(ii)  Any person, except those sworn to observe the limitations of this subsection, who uses any
     data as described in clause (i) [NPSAS and postsecondary longitudinal studies] provided by the
     Center, in conjunction with any other information or technique (including de-encryption), to
     identify any individual student, teacher, administrator, or other person and who discloses,
     publishes, or uses for a purpose other than that for which it was collected, or who otherwise
     violates clause (i) or (ii) of subparagraph (A), shall be fined ...  or imprisoned ...  or both."

Thus, while restrictions on the distribution of individual data are eased somewhat for these studies, all users who
attempt to disclose are subject to penalty, especially those who have not so sworn but attempt to disclose.