RFP -- 97-007

                          Scope of Work
                                 
              Center to Link Local School Districts 
                  with Information and Support
  On the Use of Technology, Educational Media, and Materials 

                 Division of Research To Practice
               Office of Special Education Programs


I.   INTRODUCTION

     Purpose of Procurement

     The U. S. Department of Education (ED), Office of Special Education Programs
(OSEP) requires a contractor for thirty-six months with two twelve-month option periods to
operate a center which shall serve as a broker to provide information and support to local
school districts on the use of technology, educational media, and materials (TMM) to improve
educational outcomes for children and youth with disabilities.  The center shall: (1) select
school districts to receive information and support on TMM; (2) develop a resource bank of
experts to provide: consulting services; training and followup; demonstration of technology,
and ongoing information to two urban school districts;  (3) work with the school districts to
form a community collaborative comprised of local, state, and/ or regional representatives to
support the information and support activities provided to the school districts; (4) work with
consultants and community collaboratives as necessary to develop and produce products to
enhance the support services; (5) evaluate the information and support activities and (6)
develop and implement a blueprint to export elements of the support activities to additional
local school districts.  

     Background 

     The Technology, Education Media and Materials for Individuals with Disabilities
program supports projects and centers for advancing the availability, quality, use, and
effectiveness of technology, educational media, and materials in the education of children and
youth with disabilities and the provision of early intervention services to infants and toddlers
with disabilities. 

     The phrase "technology, educational media, and materials" encompasses a broad range
of products and system that store, convey, and/or process information, including books and
other textual materials, audiotapes, videotapes, computer hardware and software, multimedia,
television and radio, telecommunications, and "assistive technology devices" as defined in
Section 602 (a) (25) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

     The implementation of educational technology varies widely across local school
districts.  Because there is no universal system of technology information and support for local
users, many districts have difficulty gaining access to appropriate information, training, and
support.  

     Even when potential sources of information and support exist within a local community
they may not be used efficiently.  Districts may not be aware of the organizations providing
such services and the service providers in the same community may not collaborate or
coordinate services.  Potential community resources a school district might draw on for
support could be representatives from the State Department of Education or a Regional
Resource Center, the teachers' union, a community business or private foundation, parent
organizations, or a university. 
 
     Districts also vary in their own organizational structures and in their sophistication
about the use of TMM.  A local district with little expertise in using TMM may have difficulty
in identifying specific needs that could lead to optimum use of TMM.  Even in many school
districts which have implemented technology in classroom instruction, there is a lack of
education and training at the pre-service and in-service level.  The infusion of technology into
instructional practices requires systematic, sustained training and classroom support. 
Accordingly, the kind of information and support provided to a school district could range
from a one-time demonstration of the use of multimedia technology in the classroom to a more
comprehensive planning effort to help a district examine its needs and make informed decisions
about acquiring and using technology.   A longer term kind of assistance could be the
implementation of a systematic, sustained training program to ensure that technology is infused
into instructional practices. 
     
     And finally, financial constraints make it difficult even for large districts to support the
purchase, maintenance, and implementation of technology.  In this instance "support" might
mean financial support, donations of equipment from a foundation, or the "contribution" of the
time of a technology expert from the business community.

     A targeted information and support effort has the potential to act as a broker between a
school district and the individuals or entities capable of providing information and support. 
Such an effort can help a school district: (a) identify its needs; (b) gain access to appropriate
experts, resources, and training; (c) identify community resources, and (d) monitor and
evaluate the outcomes of the assistance.






     Authorization


     The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, as amended, Part G, Section 661 (20
U.S.C. 1461) contains the authorization for this procurement.  The Division of Research to
Practice (RTP), OSEP, is responsible for   administration and leadership for the Technology,
Educational Media, and Materials program.

II.  SCOPE OF WORK

                            BASE YEAR

     Tasks to be Accomplished

     
     Task 1:   Initial Meeting with ED

       The Contractor shall meet in Washington, D. C. or through a teleconference, with the
ED Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR) and the Contracting Officer (CO)
two weeks after the effective date of the contract.  The purpose of the meeting is not to change
or expand on the scope of work, but to review the agreed-upon objectives of the contract and
to clarify any concerns related to the scope of work.  The Contractor shall plan on two days,
including travel time.

     At this meeting, the Contractor shall submit the draft description of and rationale for
selecting school districts (Task 3) and the draft needs assessment (Task 5).

Deliverables:  Description of and Rationale for Selecting School Districts (End of Week 2);
Draft Needs Assessment (End of Week 2)

     Task 2:   Technology Cross-Project Meeting

     The Contractor also shall attend, each year of the contract, the annual Technology
Cross-Project meeting in Washington, D. C.  The Contractor shall plan on three days
including travel time.


     Task 3:  Identify and Describe Urban School Districts

     The Contractor shall submit a description of two urban school districts to receive
information and support on the use of technology, educational media, and materials two weeks
after the effective date of the contract.

     This description shall include but not be limited to: (1) a rationale for selecting the
school districts; (2) a description of the districts' demographic characteristics; (3) a description
of the districts' use of technology; and (4) a general description of the needs of the district for
information and support related to TMM for children and youth with disabilities.     

     The COTR will review the draft rationale and description and provide oral feedback to
the Contractor within 15 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If the COTR determines
that substantive changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written feedback. 
     
     The Contractor shall submit a final rationale and description of the two urban school
district six weeks after the effective date of the contract.   The COTR will review the final
rationale and description and provide oral feedback to the Contractor within 10 work days after
receipt of the deliverable.  If the COTR determines that substantive changes are necessary, the
COTR will provide written feedback. 


Deliverables: Description of and Rationale for Selecting Districts (End of Week 2); Final
Description and Rationale (End of Week 6).

     Task 4:  Establish a Core Consulting Group

     The Contractor shall submit the names of a three-member core consulting group as well
as three alternative names one month after the effective date of the contract.  The core
consulting group shall serve in an advisory capacity to the contractor and to the school
districts. 

     The COTR will review the make up of the core consulting group provide oral feedback
to the Contractor within 10 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If the COTR determines
that substantive changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written feedback. 

     The Contractor shall submit the final core consulting group 2 months after the effective
date of the contract.  The COTR will review the final core consulting group provide oral
feedback to the Contractor within 10 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If the COTR
determines that substantive changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written feedback. 

Deliverables:  Description of Core Consulting Group (End of Month 1; Final Core Consulting
Group (End of Month 2).

     Task 5:  Conduct Needs Assessment
     
     The Contractor shall conduct a needs assessment of the school districts to:  (1) identify
the technology "readiness level" and both short- and long-term implementation needs of
individual schools within a district or an intermediate educational unit; (2) analyze existing
programs to determine the extent to which they can be adapted to meet the identified needs; (3)
identify existing organizations, activities, or materials which might meet those needs; (4)
identify needs that shall be met by the community-based resource group or by the national
resource bank.  
     
     The Contractor shall submit a plan for conducting the needs assessment, including plans
for a pilot test of data collection instruments and procedures 2 weeks after the effective date of
the contract.  The Contractor shall identify persons in the school districts and appropriate
members of the Core Consulting group participating in the needs assessment.  

     The COTR will review the needs assessment plan and provide oral feedback to the
Contractor within 15 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If the COTR determines that
substantive changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written feedback. 

      The Contractor shall submit the results of the pilot test, modifications to the needs
assessment based on the pilot test, data collection and analysis activities completed and
planned, and any preliminary findings 2 months after the effective date of the contract.  The
COTR will review the needs assessment plan and provide oral feedback to the Contractor
within 15 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If the COTR determines that substantive
changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written feedback. 

      The Contractor shall submit a revised needs assessment instrument including a
description of data collection and analysis and findings 5 months after the effective date of the
contract. Findings shall include but not be limited to: (1) the technology "readiness level" and
both short- and long-term implementation needs of individual schools within a district or an
intermediate educational unit; (2) the extent to which existing programs can be adapted to meet
the identified needs; (3) existing organizations, activities, or materials which might meet those
needs; (4) needs that shall be met by the Contractor serving as a broker between the school
districts and the necessary information and support providers. 

     The COTR will review the revised needs assessment plan and provide oral feedback to
the Contractor within 15 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If the COTR determines
that substantive changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written feedback. 

     The contractor shall conduct the needs assessment within the school districts
immediately upon COTR feedback on the revised needs assessment plan.  
     
     The Contractor shall submit a report of the results of the needs assessment 9 months
after the effective date of the contract.

Deliverables:  Draft Needs Assessment (End of Week 2); Results of Pilot Needs Assessment
(End of Month 2); Revised Needs Assessment (End of Month 5); Results of Needs Assessment
(End of Month 9). 


     Task 6:   Set up a Community-Based Resource Group

     The Contractor shall provide a description of each district's community-based resource
group and the rationale for selecting its members (5-10 persons).  The Contractor also shall
submit the names of three alternative members 8 months after the effective date of the contract. 
This group shall be comprised of individuals and entities at the local, state, and/or regional
level which have the capacity to support and enhance the information and support activities by
working directly with the school districts.  The community-based resource group shall also
include but not be limited to the superintendent of schools or designated representative, a
member of the school board, a teachers' representative, and a member of the business
community.

     The COTR will review the community based resource group and provide oral feedback
to the Contractor within 10 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If the COTR determines
that substantive changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written feedback. 

     The Contractor shall provide a final description of the community-based resource group
9 months after the effective date of the contract.  The COTR will review the final makeup of
the community based resource group and provide oral feedback to the Contractor within 10
work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If the COTR determines that substantive changes
are necessary, the COTR will provide written feedback. 

Deliverables: Description of the Community-Based Resource Group and Rationale for
Selecting Members (End of Month 8); Final Description of Community-based resource group
(End of Month 9).   

     Task 7:   Set up a National Resource Bank

     Based on the results of the needs assessment (Task 5), the Contractor shall establish a
national resource bank of individuals, organizations or institutions, technology, and
information products 8 months after the effective date of the contract.  The number of persons
in this bank shall vary depending on the needs of the school district but shall include the three
members of the Core Consulting Group and shall not exceed 12 entities per district at any
time.   The Contractor shall also provide three alternate names.  The resource bank shall have
the capability to provide the necessary resources for such activities identified by the needs
assessment as:  planning for implementation of technology; training in the use of technology in
instruction and curriculum planning; or providing information products or services.  The
length and intensity of the information and support provided will vary by setting depending on
the level of use of technology, the readiness to make change, and the level of knowledge and
skills present in any given school within the district.  

     The COTR will review the draft national resource bank and rationale for its makeup
and provide oral feedback to the Contractor within 10 work days after receipt of the
deliverable after receipt of the deliverable.  If the COTR determines that substantive changes
are necessary, the COTR will provide written feedback. 
     
     The Contractor shall provide a final description of the Resource Bank and rationale for
its makeup 9 months after the effective date of the contract.  The COTR will review the final
national resource bank and provide oral feedback to the Contractor within 10 work days after
receipt of the deliverable.  If the COTR determines that substantive changes are necessary, the
COTR will provide written feedback. 
      
Deliverables:  Description of National Resource Bank and Rationale for Selecting Members
(End of Month 8); Final Resource Bank (End of Month 9).
     
     Task 8:  Coordinate Information and  Support Efforts among the School Districts, the
Community-based Collaborative, the National Resource Bank, and Existing OSEP-supported
Information and Support Projects. 
 
     The Center shall establish a mechanism to coordinate information and support efforts
among the school districts, the community-based resource group, and the national resource
bank 10 months after the effective date of the contract. The Contractor also shall coordinate its
information and support efforts with other ED-supported information, support, and technical
assistance efforts, clearinghouses, and information providers.   Such a mechanism, coupled
with the national resource bank (Task 7) will enhance the capacity of the Contractor to respond
to general inquiries.

     The coordination mechanism shall include a description of the entities, their
involvement and responsibilities, and procedures for maintaining active collaboration during
the duration of the contract period.  The Contractor shall develop products as required by the
school districts and the community-based resource group.
     
     The COTR will review the draft coordination mechanism and provide oral feedback to
the Contractor within 10 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If the COTR determines
that substantive changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written feedback. 

     The Contractor shall submit a final coordination mechanism 11 months after the
effective date of the contract.  The COTR will review the final coordination mechanism and
provide oral feedback to the Contractor within 10 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If
the COTR determines that substantive changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written
feedback. 
   
Deliverables:  Draft Coordination Mechanism (End of Month 10); Final Coordination
Mechanism (End of Month 11).


     Task 9:  Prepare a Comprehensive Plan to Provide Information and Support to the
School Districts

     The Contractor shall submit a draft of a comprehensive plan to provide information and
support to the two urban school districts 11 months after the effective date of the contract.  The
plan shall include but not be limited to: (1) how information and support will be provided to
address both short- and long-term implementation needs of the school districts; (2) how
existing programs shall be adapted to meet those needs; (3) how existing organizations,
activities, or materials shall be drawn upon to meet the needs; and (4) how needs shall be met
by the community-based resource group and by the national resource bank. 

     The COTR will review the draft plan and provide oral feedback to the Contractor
within 15 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If the COTR determines that substantive
changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written feedback. 

     The Contractor shall submit a final plan to provide information and support 12 months
after the effective date of the contract.  The COTR will review the final plan and provide oral
feedback to the Contractor within 10 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If the COTR
determines that substantive changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written feedback. 

Deliverables:   Draft Information and Support Plan (End of Month 11); Final Information and
Support Plan (End of Month 12).
     

     Task 10:  Prepare an Annual "Blueprint" of Project Activities    

     The Contractor shall submit a draft blueprint of the year's activities 11 months after the
effective date of the contract.  The activities shall be documented in a manner that will serve as
a historic record and as the basis for a final blueprint to be used in expanding the information
and support activities into additional school districts. 

     The COTR will review the draft blueprint and provide oral feedback to the Contractor
within 10 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If the COTR determines that substantive
changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written feedback. 

     The Contractor shall submit a final blueprint to provide information and support 12
months after the effective date of the contract.  The COTR will review the final plan and
provide oral feedback to the Contractor within 10 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If
the COTR determines that substantive changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written
feedback. 

Deliverables: Draft Annual Blueprint (End of Month 11); Final Annual Blueprint (End of
Month 12).

     Task 11:  Performance Measurement System

     The Contractor shall establish and use throughout the contract period including option
years, a Performance Measurement System that will support the project management functions
through a series of interrelated activities that include:
     a.   development and use of work-breakdown structures that define and organize the
          work;
     b.   Use of a contractor management control system that facilitates performance
          measurement within the work breakdown structure; and 
     c.   Use of a reporting system to report contract status.

     A description of this reporting system as designed for this procurement can be found in
the Instructions to Offerors section of the RFP.                             YEAR TWO

     Tasks to be Accomplished

     Task 12:  Annual Meeting with ED

     The contractor shall meet in Washington, D. C., or through a teleconference, with the
ED Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR) and the Contracting Officer (CO)
13 months after the effective date of the contract.  The purpose of the meeting is to review the
progress of the previous year and to discuss the objectives of the coming year.  The annual
"blueprint" of activities shall serve as the basis for the discussion.  The Contractor shall plan
on two days, including travel time.

     Task 13:  Annual Technology Cross-Project Meeting

     The Contractor and one staff person also shall attend, each year of the contract, the
annual Technology Cross-Project meeting in Washington, D. C.  The Contractor shall plan on
three days including travel time.
     
     Task 14:  Prepare an Evaluation Plan

     The Contractor shall submit a plan to evaluate annually beginning in Year Two the
activities of the project 14 months after the effective date of the contract.  The plan shall use a
set of milestones which contain indicators of success to gauge the effectiveness of the
information and support activities.  The evaluation also shall measure any problems
encountered and describe the adjustments to be made to solve these problems.  The Contractor
shall measure such elements as, but not limited to the following:    (1) the alignment of the
project goals and activities with the needs of the school district; (2) changes or modification of
school-based practices as a result of the information and support activities; and, (3) the kind of
continued information and support activities necessary to enhance the schools capacity to
improve instructional outcomes.

     The COTR will review the draft evaluation plan and provide oral feedback to the
Contractor within 15 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If the COTR determines that
substantive changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written feedback. 

     The Contractor shall submit a final evaluation plan 15 months after the effective date of
the contract.  The COTR will review the final evaluation plan and provide oral feedback to the
Contractor within 10 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If the COTR determines that
substantive changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written feedback. 

Deliverables:  Draft Evaluation Plan (End of Month 14);  Final Evaluation Plan (End of Month
15)

     Task 15:  Conduct Information and Support Activities

     The Contractor shall begin to provide information and support to the school districts 14
months after the effective date of the contract.  The information and support shall be provided
through such vehicles as on-site visits, regional or national meetings, electronic mail,
telephone and conference calls, and mailing of printed information to the school districts.   

     Task 16:  Conduct Needs Assessment
     
     The Contractor shall submit a draft plan for updating the needs assessment 14 months
after the effective date of the contract.  The update shall include but not be limited to indicators
which have the capability to: (1) identify any changes in the technology "readiness level" and
both short- and long-term implementation needs of individual schools within a district or an
intermediate educational unit; (2) identify any new programs to determine the extent to which
they can be adapted to meet the identified needs; (3) identify any new organizations, activities,
or materials which might meet those needs; and, (4) identify needs that shall be met by the
community collaborative group or the national resource bank. 

     The COTR will review the update to the needs assessment plan and provide oral
feedback to the Contractor within 15 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If the COTR
determines that substantive changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written feedback. 

     The Contractor shall submit a revised needs assessment update 15 months after the
effective date of the contract.  The COTR will review the revised needs assessment update and
provide oral feedback to the Contractor within 10 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If
the COTR determines that substantive changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written
feedback. 

     The Contractor shall conduct the needs assessment in the school district immediately
after receiving COTR feedback on the revised needs assessment update.  The Contractor shall
submit the results of the needs assessment 19 months after the effective date of the contract.

Draft of Needs Assessment Update (End of Month 14); Revised Needs Assessment Update
(End of Month 15); Results of Needs Assessment (End of Month 19).

     Task 17:  Conduct Annual Evaluation and Make Adjustments

     The contractor shall evaluate annually the activities of the project using a set of
milestones which contain indicators of success to gauge the effectiveness of its information and
support activities.  The evaluation also shall measure any problems encountered and describe
the adjustments to be made to solve these problems.  The Contractor shall measure such
elements as, but not limited to, the following:  (1) the alignment of the project goals and
activities with the needs of the school district; (2) changes or modification of school-based
practices as a result of the information and support activities; and, (3) the kind of continued
information and support activities necessary.  

     The Contractor shall submit a draft evaluation report including a description of
adjustments to be made to information and support activities 22 months after the effective date
of the contract.  The report shall contain but not be limited to data collection and analysis
procedures, findings, and recommended adjustments to the center's activities.  
 
     The COTR will review the draft report and provide oral feedback to the Contractor
within 15 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If the COTR determines that substantive
changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written feedback. 

     The Contractor shall submit the final evaluation and adjustment report 23 months after
the effective date of the contract.  The COTR will review the final plan and provide oral
feedback to the Contractor within 10 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If the COTR
determines that substantive changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written feedback. 

Deliverables:  Draft Evaluation Report and Adjustments (End of Month 22); Final Evaluation
Report and Adjustments (End of month 23). 

     Task 18:  Prepare an Annual "Blueprint" of Project Activities    

     The Contractor shall submit a draft blueprint of the years's activities 23 months after
the effective date of the contract.  This will be as a record of project activities and as the basis
for a final blueprint to be used in expanding the information and support activities into
additional school districts. 

     The COTR will review the draft blueprint and provide oral feedback to the Contractor
within 10 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If the COTR determines that substantive
changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written feedback. 

     The Contractor shall submit a final blueprint to provide information and support 24
months after the effective date of the contract.  The COTR will review the final plan and
provide oral feedback to the Contractor within 10 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If
the COTR determines that substantive changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written
feedback. 

Deliverables:  Draft Annual Blueprint (End of Month 23); Final Annual Blueprint (End of
Month 24).                            YEAR THREE

     Tasks to be Accomplished

     Task 19:  Annual Meeting with ED

     The contractor shall meet in Washington, D. C., or by teleconference with the ED
Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR) and the Contracting Officer (CO) in
25 months after the effective date of the contract.  The purpose of the meeting is to review the
progress of the previous year and to discuss the objectives of the coming year.  The annual
evaluation and the "blueprint" of activities shall serve as the basis for the discussion.  The
Contractor shall plan on two days, including travel time.

     Task 20:  Technology Cross-Project Meeting

     The Contractor and one staff person also shall attend, each year of the contract, the
annual Technology Cross-Project meeting in Washington, D. C.  The Contractor shall plan on
three days including travel time.

     Task 21:  Conduct Information and Support Activities

     The Contractor shall begin to provide information and support to the school districts 26
months after the effective date of the contract.  The information and support shall be provided
through such vehicles as on-site visits, regional or national meetings, electronic mail,
telephone and conference calls, and mailing of printed information to the school districts.   

     Task 22:  Update Needs Assessment

     The Contractor shall submit a plan for updating the needs assessment 26 months after
the effective date of the contract.  The update shall include but not be limited indicators which
have the capability to: (1) identify any changes in the technology "readiness level" and both
short- and long-term implementation needs of individual schools within a district or an
intermediate educational unit; (2) identify any new programs to determine the extent to which
they can be adapted to meet the identified needs; (3) identify any new organizations, activities,
or materials which might meet those needs; and, (4) identify needs that shall be met by the
community collaborative group or the national resource bank. 

     The COTR will review the update to the needs assessment plan and provide oral
feedback to the Contractor within 15 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If the COTR
determines that substantive changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written feedback. 

     The Contractor shall submit a revised needs assessment update 27 months after the
effective date of the contract.  The COTR will review the update to the needs assessment plan
and provide oral feedback to the Contractor within 10 work days after receipt of the
deliverable.  If the COTR determines that substantive changes are necessary, the COTR will
provide written feedback. 

     The contractor shall conduct the needs assessment within the school districts and shall
submit a report of the results of the needs assessment 31 months after the effective date of the
contract.

Draft of Needs Assessment Update (End of Month 26); Revised Needs Assessment Update
(End of Month 27); Results of Needs Assessment (End of Month 31).


     Task 23:  Conduct Annual Evaluation and Make Adjustments

     The Contractor shall evaluate annually the activities of the project using a set of
milestones which contain indicators of success to gauge the effectiveness of its information and
support activities.  The evaluation also shall measure any problems encountered and describe
the adjustments to be made to solve these problems.  The Contractor shall measure such
elements as, but not limited to, the following:  (1) the alignment of the project goals and
activities with the needs of the school district; (2) changes or modification of school-based
practices as a result of the information and support activities; and, (3) the kind of continued
information and support activities necessary.  

     The Contractor shall submit a draft evaluation report of the two urban school districts
and a description of adjustments to be made to information and support activities 34 months
after the effective date of the contract.  The report shall contain but not be limited to data
collection and analysis procedures, findings, and recommended adjustments to the center's
activities.  
 
     The COTR will review the draft report and provide oral feedback to the Contractor
within 15 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If the COTR determines that substantive
changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written feedback. 

     The Contractor shall submit the final evaluation and adjustment report 36 months after
the effective date of the contract.  The COTR will review the final plan and provide oral
feedback to the Contractor within 10 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If the COTR
determines that substantive changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written feedback. 

Deliverables:  Draft Evaluation Report (End of Month 34); Final Evaluation Report (End of
month 36). 

     Task 24:  Prepare an Annual "Blueprint" of Project Activities    

     The Contractor shall submit a draft blueprint of the year's activities 35 months after the
effective date of the contract.  This will be a historic record of project activities and as the
basis for a final blueprint to be used in expanding the information and support activities into
additional school districts. 

     The COTR will review the draft blueprint and provide oral feedback to the Contractor
within 10 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If the COTR determines that substantive
changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written feedback. 

     The Contractor shall submit a final blueprint to provide information and support 36
months after the effective date of the contract.  The COTR will review the final plan and
provide oral feedback to the Contractor within 10 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If
the COTR determines that substantive changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written
feedback. 

Deliverables:  Draft Annual Blueprint (End of Month 35); Final Annual Blueprint (End of
Month 36).
     
                         OPTION YEAR ONE


     Tasks to be Accomplished

     Task 25:  Annual Meeting with ED

     The contractor shall meet in Washington, D. C., with the ED Contracting Officer's
Technical Representative (COTR) and the Contracting Officer (CO) 37 months after the
effective date of the contract.  The purpose of the meeting is to review the progress of the
previous year and to discuss the objectives of the coming year.  The annual evaluation and the
"blueprint" of activities shall serve as the basis for the discussion.  The Contractor shall plan
on two days, including travel time.


     Task 26:  Annual Technology Cross-Project Meeting

     The Contractor and one staff person also shall attend, each year of the contract, the
annual Technology Cross-Project meeting in Washington, D. C.  The Contractor shall plan on
three days including travel time.

     Task 27:  Conduct Information and Support Activities

     The Contractor shall provide information and support to the urban school districts 37
months after the effective date of the contract.  The information and support shall be provided
through such vehicles as on-site visits, regional or national meetings, electronic mail,
telephone and conference calls, and mailing of printed information to the school districts.   
     

     Task 28: Update Needs Assessment

     The Contractor shall submit a plan for updating the needs assessment 38 months after
the effective date of the contract.  The update shall include but not be limited indicators which
have the capability to: (1) identify any changes in the technology "readiness level" and both
short- and long-term implementation needs of individual schools within a district or an
intermediate educational unit; (2) identify any new programs to determine the extent to which
they can be adapted to meet the identified needs; (3) identify any new organizations, activities,
or materials which might meet those needs; (4) identify needs that shall be met by the
community collaborative group or the national resource bank. 
     The COTR will review the update to the needs assessment plan and provide oral
feedback to the Contractor within 15 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If the COTR
determines that substantive changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written feedback. 

     The Contractor shall submit a revised needs assessment update 39 months after the
effective date of the contract.  The COTR will review the update to the needs assessment plan
and provide oral feedback to the Contractor within 10 work days after receipt of the
deliverable.  If the COTR determines that substantive changes are necessary, the COTR will
provide written feedback. 

     The contractor shall conduct the needs assessment within the school districts and shall
submit a report of the results of the needs assessment 43 months after the effective date of the
contract.

Draft of Needs Assessment Update (End of Month 38); Revised Needs Assessment Update
(End of Month 39); Results of Needs Assessment (End of Month 43).


     Task 29:  Conduct Annual Evaluation and Make Adjustments

     The Contractor shall evaluate annually the activities of the project using a set of
milestones which contain indicators of success to gauge the effectiveness of its information and
support activities.  The evaluation also shall measure any problems encountered and describe
the adjustments to be made to solve these problems.  The Contractor shall measure such
elements as, but not limited to, the following:  (1) the alignment of the project goals and
activities with the needs of the school district; (2) changes or modification of school-based
practices as a result of the information and support activities; and, (3) the kind of continued
information and support activities necessary.  

     The Contractor shall submit a draft evaluation report of the two urban school districts
and a description of adjustments to be made to information and support activities 34 months
after the effective date of the contract.  The report shall contain but not be limited to data
collection and analysis procedures, findings, and recommended adjustments to the center's
activities.  
 
     The COTR will review the draft report and provide oral feedback to the Contractor
within 15 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If the COTR determines that substantive
changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written feedback. 

     The Contractor shall submit the final evaluation and adjustment report 36 months after
the effective date of the contract.  The COTR will review the final plan and provide oral
feedback to the Contractor within 10 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If the COTR
determines that substantive changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written feedback. 

Deliverables:  Draft Evaluation Report (End of Month 34); Final Evaluation Report (End of
month 36). 


     Task 30:  Identify and Describe Additional School Districts

     The Contractor shall submit a description of additional school districts (2-5) to receive
information and support on the use of technology, educational media, and materials 44 months
after the effective date of the contract.

     This description shall include but not be limited to: (1) a rationale for selecting the
school districts; (2) a description of the districts' demographic characteristics; (3) a description
of the districts' use of technology; and (4) a general description of the needs of the district for
information and support related to TMM for children and youth with disabilities.     

     The COTR will review the draft rationale and description and provide oral feedback to
the Contractor within 15 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If the COTR determines
that substantive changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written feedback. 
     
     The Contractor shall submit a final rationale and description of the school district 45
months after the effective date of the contract.   The COTR will review the final rationale and
description and provide oral feedback to the Contractor within 10 work days after receipt of
the deliverable.  If the COTR determines that substantive changes are necessary, the COTR
will provide written feedback. 

Deliverables: Description of and Rationale for Selecting Districts (End of Month 44); Final
Description and Rationale (End of Month 45).

     Task 31:  Prepare an Annual "Blueprint" of Project Activities    

     The Contractor shall submit a draft blueprint of the year's activities 47 months after the
effective date of the contract.  This will be a historic record of project activities and as the
basis for a final blueprint to be used in expanding the information and support activities into
additional school districts. 

     The COTR will review the draft blueprint and provide oral feedback to the Contractor
within 10 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If the COTR determines that substantive
changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written feedback. 

     The Contractor shall submit a final blueprint to provide information and support 48
months after the effective date of the contract.  The COTR will review the final plan and
provide oral feedback to the Contractor within 10 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If
the COTR determines that substantive changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written
feedback. 

Deliverables:  Draft Annual Blueprint (End of Month 47); Final Annual Blueprint (End of
Month 48).
                         OPTION YEAR TWO

     Tasks to be Accomplished

     Task 32:  Annual Meeting with ED

     The contractor shall meet in Washington, D. C., or through a teleconference, with the
ED Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR) and the Contracting Officer (CO)
49 months after the effective date of the contract.  The purpose of the meeting is to review the
progress of the previous year and to discuss the objectives of the coming year.  The annual
"blueprint" of activities shall serve as the basis for the discussion.  The Contractor shall plan
on two days, including travel time.

     At this meeting, the Contractor shall submit the draft description of the core consulting
group (Task 4).

Deliverable:  Draft Description of Core Consulting Group (End of Month 49).

     Task 33:  Annual Technology Cross-Project Meeting

     The Contractor and one staff person also shall attend, each year of the contract, the
annual Technology Cross-Project meeting in Washington, D. C.  The Contractor shall plan on
three days including travel time.


     Task 34:  Conduct Information and Support Activities

     The Contractor shall provide information and support to the urban districts 49 months
after the effective date of the contract and to the additional school districts (Task 30) 50 months
after the effective date of the contract.  The information and support shall be provided through
such vehicles as on-site visits, regional or national meetings, electronic mail, telephone and
conference calls, and mailing of printed information to the school districts.   

     Task 35:  Establish a Core Consulting Group

     The Contractor shall submit the names of the three-member Core Consulting Group to
serve the additional school districts (Task 30) and three alternative names 49 months after the
effective date of the contract.  The Core Consulting Group shall serve in an advisory capacity
to the contractor and to the additional school districts. 

     The COTR will review the make up of the Core Consulting Group and provide oral
feedback to the Contractor within 10 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If the COTR
determines that substantive changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written feedback. 

     The Contractor shall submit the Final Core Consulting Group 50 months after the
effective date of the contract.  The COTR will review the final core consulting group provide
oral feedback to the Contractor within 10 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If the
COTR determines that substantive changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written
feedback. 

Deliverables:  Description of Core Consulting Group (End of Month 49); Final Core
Consulting Group (End of Month 50).
 

Task 36:  Conduct Initial Needs Assessment in Additional Districts
     
     The Contractor shall conduct a needs assessment of the urban districts (Task 3) and the
additional school districts (Task 30) to:  (1) identify the technology "readiness level" and both
short- and long-term implementation needs of individual schools within a district or an
intermediate educational unit; (2) analyze existing programs to determine the extent to which
they can be adapted to meet the identified needs; (3) identify existing organizations, activities,
or materials which might meet those needs; and,  (4) identify needs that shall be met by the
community-based resource group or by the national resource bank.  The Contractor shall
identify persons in the school districts and appropriate members of the Core Consulting group
participating in the needs assessment.  

     The COTR will review the needs assessment plan and provide oral feedback to the
Contractor within 15 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If the COTR determines that
substantive changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written feedback. 

      The Contractor shall submit a revised needs assessment instrument including a
description of data collection and analysis 51 months after the effective date of the contract.
Findings shall include but not be limited to: (a) the technology "readiness level" and both
short- and long-term implementation needs of individual schools within a district or an
intermediate educational unit; (2) the extent to which existing programs can be adapted to meet
the identified needs; (3) existing organizations, activities, or materials which might meet those
needs; and, (4) needs that shall be met by the Contractor serving as a broker between the
school districts and the necessary information and support providers. 

     The contractor shall conduct the needs assessment within the school districts and shall
submit a report of the results of the needs assessment 55 months after the effective date of the
contract.

Deliverables:  Draft Needs Assessment (End of Month 50); Revised Needs Assessment (End of
Month 51); Results of Needs Assessment (End of Month 55). 

     Task 37:  Set up a Community-Based Resource Group

     The Contractor shall provide a description of each additional district's community-based resource group and the rationale for selecting its members (5-10) with the names of three
alternate members 56 months after the effective date of the contract.  This group shall be
comprised of individuals and entities at the local, state, and/or regional level which have the
capacity to support and enhance the information and support activities by working directly with
the school districts.  The community-based resource group shall also include but not be limited
to the superintendent of schools or designated representative, a member of the school board, a
teachers' representative, and a member of the business community.

     The COTR will review the community based resource group and provide oral feedback
to the Contractor within 10 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If the COTR determines
that substantive changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written feedback. 

     The Contractor shall provide a final description of the community-based resource group
57 months after the effective date of the contract.  The COTR will review the final makeup of
the community based resource group and provide oral feedback to the Contractor within 10
work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If the COTR determines that substantive changes
are necessary, the COTR will provide written feedback. 


Deliverables: Description of the Community-based resource group and Rationale for Selecting
Members (End of Month 56); Final Description of Community-based resource group (End of
Month 57).     

     Task 38:  Update the National Resource Bank

     The Contractor shall adjust the makeup of the national resource bank of individuals,
organizations or institutions, technology, and information products 56 months after the
effective date of the contract.  The number of persons in this bank shall vary depending on the
needs of the school district but shall include the three members of the Core Consulting Group
and shall not exceed 12 entities per district at any time.   The Contractor shall also provide
three alternate names.  The resource bank shall have the capability to provide the necessary
resources for such activities identified by the needs assessment as: planning for implementation
of technology; training in the use of technology in instruction and curriculum planning; or
providing information products or services.  The length and intensity of the information and
support provided will vary by setting depending on the level of use of technology, the
readiness to make change, and the level of knowledge and skills present in any given school
within the district.  

     The COTR will review the draft national resource bank and provide oral feedback to
the Contractor within 10 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If the COTR determines
that substantive changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written feedback. 
     
     The Contractor shall provide a final description of the resource bank 57 months after
the effective date of the contract.  The COTR will review the final national resource bank and
provide oral feedback to the Contractor within 10 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If
the COTR determines that substantive changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written
feedback. 

      
Deliverables:  Description of National Resource Bank and Rationale for Updates (End of
Month 56); Revised Resource Bank (End of Month 57).
     
     Task 39:  Coordinate Information and  Support Efforts among the School Districts, the
Community-based Collaborative, the National Resource Bank, and Existing OSEP-supported
Information and Support Projects. 
 
     The Center shall establish a mechanism to coordinate information and support efforts
among the school districts, the community-based resource group, and the national resource
bank 59 months after the effective date of the contract. The Contractor also shall coordinate its
information and support efforts with other ED-supported information, support, and technical
assistance efforts, clearinghouses, and information providers.   Such a mechanism, coupled
with the national resource bank (Task 7) will enhance the capacity of the Contractor to respond
to general inquiries.
     
     The coordination mechanism shall include a description of the entities, their
involvement and responsibilities, and procedures for maintaining active collaboration during
the duration of the contract period.  The Contractor shall develop products as required by the
school districts and the community-based resource group.
     
     The COTR will review the draft coordination mechanism and provide oral feedback to
the Contractor within 10 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If the COTR determines
that substantive changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written feedback. 

     The Contractor shall submit a final coordination mechanism 60 months after the
effective date of the contract.  The COTR will review the final coordination mechanism and
provide oral feedback to the Contractor within 10 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If
the COTR determines that substantive changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written
feedback. 
   
Deliverables:  Draft Coordination Mechanism (End of Month 59); Final Coordination
Mechanism (End of Month 60).

     Task 40:  Conduct Annual Evaluation and Make Adjustments

     The Contractor shall evaluate annually the activities of the project using a set of
milestones which contain indicators of success to gauge the effectiveness of its information and
support activities.  The evaluation also shall measure any problems encountered and describe
the adjustments to be made to solve these problems.  The Contractor shall measure such
elements as, but not limited to, the following:  (1) the alignment of the project goals and
activities with the needs of the school district; (2) changes or modification of school-based
practices as a result of the information and support activities; and, (3) the kind of continued
information and support activities necessary.  

     The Contractor shall submit a draft evaluation report of the school districts and a
description of potential adjustments to be made to information and support activities 58 months
after the effective date of the contract.  The report shall contain but not be limited to data
collection and analysis procedures, findings, and recommended adjustments to the center's
activities.  
 
     The COTR will review the draft report and provide oral feedback to the Contractor
within 15 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If the COTR determines that substantive
changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written feedback. 

     The Contractor shall submit the final evaluation and adjustment report 60 months after
the effective date of the contract.  The COTR will review the final plan and provide oral
feedback to the Contractor within 10 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If the COTR
determines that substantive changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written feedback. 

Deliverables:  Draft Evaluation Report (End of Month 58); Final Evaluation Report (End of
month 60). 

     Task 41: Prepare Final Blueprint

     The Contractor shall submit a draft of the final blueprint 57 months after the effective
date of the contract.  The blueprint shall document the five-year project activities in a manner
which outlines the basic needs of school districts related to technology, the kind of information
and support needed to meet those needs, the kind of coordination or collaboration that makes
best use of existing resources, how community resources can be used to support the school
districts, and how to evaluate the effect of the information and support on meeting the school
districts needs.  The blueprint shall outline potential scenarios for expanding the information
and support activities so they are more national in scope.

     The COTR will review the draft blueprint and provide oral feedback to the Contractor
within 15 work days after receipt of the deliverable.  If the COTR determines that substantive
changes are necessary, the COTR will provide written feedback. 

     The Contractor shall submit the final blueprint 60 months after the effective date of the
contract.   
eliverables:  Draft Final Blueprint (End of Month 57); Final Blueprint (End of Month 60).
Reporting Requirements

     A.   The contractor shall submit a monthly administrative report which contains the
following:

     1.   A description of the progress attained, problems that have been resolved or are
          in need of resolution, and a discussion of the work to be performed during the
          next monthly reporting period;
     2.   A manpower report prepared and signed by the Project Director, summarizing
          actual personnel assignments for the month just completed, showing for each
          named individual the hours charged by task, and projecting for the following
          month, similar assignment information;
     3.   An exhibit of expenditures segregating project costs by individuals and task.

     B.   The Contractor shall submit semi-annually and at the end of the contract period
the SF-294, Subcontracting Reports for Individuals Contracts.  This report, however, is not
required of small businesses.
     C.   The Contractor also shall follow the reporting requirements through Option
Year One and Option Year Two if these options are exercised.