U.S. Department of Education

          SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH PROGRAM
                              Phase I

               REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL -- Number:  98-025
                              FY 1998


ISSUE DATE:         February 2, 1998
CLOSING DATE:   April 10, 1998   (2:00 P.M. EDT)


     1.0  PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

1.1   Introduction

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) invites small business firms to submit research
proposals under this program solicitation entitled Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR). 
Firms with strong research capabilities in educational technology, science, or engineering in any
of the topic areas listed below are encouraged to participate.  Consultative or other arrangements
between such firms and universities or other non-profit organizations are permitted with the
small business serving as the prime contractor. (A note of caution that such arrangements may be
permitted as long as they do not affect the small business size, status or eligibility of the prime
contractor as provided for in section 2.2.)

Objectives of this solicitation include stimulating technological innovation in the private sector,
strengthening the role of small business in meeting Federal research and development (R&D)
needs, increasing the commercial application of ED-supported research results, and improving
the return on investment from Federally-funded research for economic and social benefits to the
Nation.

This solicitation is for Phase I proposals only.
Please note, the Department of Education has the sole discretion to select SBIR topics and
awardees, and to make several or no awards under a given topic.   Furthermore, ED is not
responsible for any monies expended by the offeror before the award of any funding agreement.

1.2  SBIR Program Description

15 U.S.C. 638, P.L. 102-564, the "Small Business Research and  Development Enhancement Act
of 1992" (the "Act") was enacted on October 28,1992.  The Act requires certain agencies,
including the Department of Education, to establish SBIR programs by  reserving a statutory
percentage of their extramural research and development budgets to be awarded to small business
concerns for research or R&D through a uniform, highly competitive three-phase process, as
described below.

     Phase I. -- Phase I is to determine, insofar as possible, the scientific or technical merit and
feasibility of ideas submitted under the SBIR program.  The proposal should concentrate on
research that will significantly contribute to proving the scientific or technical feasibility of the
approach or concept and that would be prerequisite to further ED support in Phase II.  Proposals
are evaluated based on criteria published in this solicitation (Section 4.3) by panels of expert
reviewers.  Awards are for periods up to six (6) months in amounts up to $50,000.  For FY 1998,
ED anticipates making approximately thirty-five (35) awards.

Since the ED award is limited to $50,000, the Department uses the Simplified Acquisition
Procedures to make these awards using purchase orders.  This method helps to expedite the
awards process.

     Phase II. -- Phase II is to expand on the results of and to further pursue the development
of Phase I.  Phase II is the principal research or R&D effort.  It requires a more comprehensive
proposal, outlining the effort in detail including the commercial potential.  Phase II applicants
must be Phase I awardees with approaches that appear sufficiently promising as a result of Phase
I.  Once again, proposals are evaluated based on published criteria by panels of experts.  The
Phase II funding vehicle is a contract.

Awards are for periods up to two (2) years in amounts up to $250,000.

     Phase III. -- It is intended that under Phase III non-Federal capital be used by the small
business to pursue commercial applications of the research or research and development.  Also,
under Phase II, Federal agencies may award non-SBIR follow-on funding for products or
processes that meet the needs of those agencies.

Both Phase I and Phase II awards may include a profit or fee.

1.3  Eligibility and Limitations

     Eligibility. -- Each organization submitting a proposal must qualify as a small business
for research purposes as defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA) at the time of the
award.  In addition, the primary employment of the principal investigator must be with the small
business firm at the time of award and during the conduct of the proposed research.  That is,
more than one-half of the principal investigator's working time must be spent with the small
business firm during the period of performance.  Also, for both Phase I and Phase II the research
or R&D work must be performed in the United States.  "United States" means the fifty (50)
states, the territories and possessions of the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, and
the District of Columbia.  A more comprehensive discussion is contained in section on
"Screening Criteria" (Section 4.2). 

Joint ventures are permitted, provided that the entity created qualifies as a small business in
accordance with the Small Business Act, 15 U.S.C. 631, and the definition for "small business
concern" is included in section 2.2.

     Limitations. -- A proposal must be limited to one topic listed in this program solicitation. 
When a proposal is relevant to more than one topic, the offeror must decide which topic is most
relevant and submit it under that topic only.  However, there is no limitation on the number of
different proposals that a small business may submit under this solicitation, even to the same
topic. A  firm may submit separate proposals on different topics, or different proposals on the
same topic, but each proposal must respond to exactly one topic.  Duplicate proposals will be
returned without review.

1.4  Agency Contacts

Questions about technical aspects of the ED SBIR program, but not pertaining to administrative
processing of solicitations, can be submitted to:

               Lee Eiden
               ED SBIR Program Coordinator
               US Department of Education
               Capitol Place - Room 508D
               555 New Jersey Avenue, N.W.
               Washington, D.C. 20208

               or by telephone at (202) 219-2004.

Questions pertaining to the administrative processing of the solicitation shall be directed to:

               Topics    1-11      Rebecca Ferguson
                                   Contracting Specialist
                                   (202) 708-7405

               Topics  12-17       Candace Bertotti
                                   Contracting Specialist
                                   (202) 708-9741.

Program Office contacts for each R&D topic are provided in Section 9.0.   


     2.0  DEFINITIONS


2.1  Research or Research and Development (R/R&D)

Any activity that is:
     1.   A systematic intensive study directed toward greater knowledge or understanding
of the subject studied.
     2.   A systematic study directed specifically toward applying new knowledge to meet
a recognized need.
     3.   A systematic application of knowledge toward the production of useful materials,
devices and systems or methods, including design, development, and improvement of prototypes
and new processes to meet specific requirements.

2.2  Small Business Concern 

A small business concern is one that, at the time of Phase I and Phase II funding agreements,
meets the following criteria:
     1.   Is independently owned and operated, is not dominant in the field of operation in
which it is proposing, and has its principal place of business located in the United States;
     2.   Is at least 51 percent owned, or in the case of a publicly-owned business, at least
51 percent of its voting stock is owned by United States citizens or lawfully admitted permanent
resident aliens;
     3.   Has, including its affiliates, a number of employees not exceeding 500, and meets
the other regulatory requirements found in 13 CFR part 121.  Business concerns, other than
investment companies licensed, or state development companies qualifying under the Small
Business Investment Act of 1958, 15 U.S.C. 661, et.seq., are affiliates of one another when either
directly or indirectly:
          (a)  one concern controls or has the power to control the other; or
          (b)  a third party or parties controls or has the power to control both.

Control can be exercised through common ownership, common management, and contractual
relationships.  The term "affiliates" is defined in greater detail in 13 CFR 121.3-2(a).  The term
"number of employees" is defined in 13 CFR 121.3-2(t).  Business concerns include, but are not
limited to, any individual, partnership, corporation, joint venture, association or cooperative.

2.3  Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Small Business Concern

A socially and economically disadvantaged small business concern is one:
     (a)  that is at least 51 percent owned by:
          (i) an Indian tribe or a native Hawaiian organization, or
          (ii) one or more socially and economically disadvantaged
               individuals; and;
     (b)  those management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more
socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.  A socially and economically
disadvantaged individual is defined as a member of any of the following groups:  Black
Americans; Hispanic Americans; Native Americans; Asian-Pacific Americans; Subcontinent
Asian Americans; other groups designated from time to time by the Small Business
Administration (SBA) to be socially disadvantaged; or any other individual found to be socially
and economically disadvantaged by SBA pursuant to section 8(a) of the Small Business Act, 15
U.S.C. 637(a).

2.4  Woman-Owned Small Business Concern

A small business that is at least 51 percent owned by a woman or women who also control and
operate it.  "Control" in this context means exercising the power to make policy decisions. 
"Operate" in this context means being actively involved in the day-to-day management.

2.5  Subcontract

Any agreement, other than one involving an employer-employee relationship, entered into by a
Federal Government funding agreement awardee calling for supplies or services required solely
for the performance of the original funding agreement.

2.6  Equivalent

Equal in value, force, measure, volume, power and effect or having equal or corresponding
impact, meaning or significance.

2.7  Essentially

The quality or qualities of a thing that give it its identity; the intrinsic or indispensable properties
or a thing.


3.0       PROPOSAL PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

3.1  Proposal Requirements

A proposal to ED under the SBIR program should represent a sound approach to the
investigation of an important education, technological, engineering or scientific question, and
that it is worthy of support under the stated criteria of this solicitation.

A proposal should be self-contained and written with the care and thoroughness accorded to
papers for publication.  The offeror should review the proposal carefully to ensure that
information and data essential for evaluation are included. The scientific and technical merit of
the proposed research is the primary concern for all research supported by ED.  [NOTE:  The
number of points weighted to this area are contained in the "Evaluation Criteria" - Section 4.3.]
     
The proposal's research or R&D must be responsive to the ED program objectives, but it can also
serve as the base for technological innovation, new commercial products, processes or services
that may benefit the public.  Proposals must be confined principally to advanced concepts in
educational technology, scientific or engineering research or research and development.  The
research may be carried out through construction and evaluation of a laboratory prototype, where
necessary.  

Proposals primarily for the development of proven concepts toward commercialization or for
market research should not be submitted because such efforts are considered the responsibility of
the private sector.  Commercialization is one objective of follow-on funding in Phase III.


3.2  Protection of Information in Proposals

It is ED policy to use information included in proposals for evaluation purposes only, and to
protect such information from unauthorized use or disclosure.  While this policy does not require
that the proposal bear a notice, protection can be assured only to the extent that the "Legend"
specified in section 5.12 is applied to those data that constitute trade secrets or to other
commercial or financial information that is confidential or privileged.  Other information may be
afforded protection to the extent permitted by law, but ED assumes no liability for use and
disclosure of information to which the "Legend" has not been appropriately applied.

3.3  Limitations on Length of Proposal

This solicitation is designed to reduce the investment of time and money to small firms in
preparing a formal proposal.  Those who wish to respond should submit a SBIR Phase I proposal
of no more than 25 pages, single or double spaced, including the cover page, biographical
information, budget information, and all enclosures or attachments. 

The page size should be the standard size (8 " x 11"; 21.6 cm x 27.9 cm) and should conform to
the standard formatting instructions; in particular, 2.5 cm margins and type no smaller than 10
point font size.  The type size restriction applies to figures and illustrations as well as to the text. 
Photo reduction of larger pages is not permitted.  Each page with any writing will be counted as a
page.  In particular, do not attach computer discs, even if the page limitation is not met.

In the interest of equity to all offerors, all information must be in the 25 pages; no additional
attachments of any kind will be allowed and use of more than one side of page is prohibited.

Proposals that contain more than 25 pages will be rejected without considerations.

The proposal should be direct, concise, and informative.  Promotional and other discussion not
related to the project is discouraged.  The proposal must be primarily directed at research or
R&D on the specific topic chosen.  It is not necessary to provide a lengthy description of the
commercial applications in the Phase I proposal except to mention them briefly under section
3.4.3 (a)(iii).

3.4  Phase I Proposal Format

1.   Proposal Cover Sheet.   Every proposal is required to have a cover sheet.  This page
should be numbered "1" at the center of the bottom of the page.  It should be the topmost page of
the proposal; that is, no additional cover page should be used.  The cover sheet must contain the
following information:

     (a)  The words "Department of Education" and the solicitation number from the cover
page of this solicitation. 

     (b)  The topic number and name of topic (e.g., Topic 2:  Development or Adaptation
of Devices, Mechanisms, or Techniques for Individuals with Hearing Disabilities). 

     (c)  A project title, which should briefly describe the particular project proposed. 
[NOTE:  Please limit the title to no more than 100 characters] 

     (d)  The name and complete address of the firm.

     (e)  A small business certification as follows: "The above concern certifies that it is a
small business firm and meets the definition as stated in the solicitation."

     (f)  A socially and economically disadvantaged small business certification as
follows: "The above concern certifies that it (_____ does) (_____ does not) qualify as a socially
and economically disadvantaged small business as defined in the Definitions section of the
program solicitation."
[NOTE:  This item is for statistical purposes only.]

     (g)  A woman-owned small business certification as follows:  "The above concern
certifies that it (_____ does) (_____ does not) qualify as a women-owned small business as
defined in the Definitions section of the program solicitation."  [NOTE:  This item is for
statistical purposes only.] 

     (h)  An information statement regarding duplicate research as follows:
"This firm and/or Principal Investigator (_____ has) (_____ has not) submitted proposals for
essentially equivalent work under other Federal program solicitations or (_____ has) (_____ has
not) received other Federal awards for essentially equivalent work."

     (i)  A disclosure permission statement as follows:  "Will you permit the Government
to disclose the title and technical abstract page of your proposed project, plus the name, address,
and telephone number of the corporate official of your firm, if your proposal does not result in an
award, to concerns that may be interested in contacting you for further information or possible
investment?
Yes _____  No _____."

     (j)  The signature of a company official of the proposing firm and that individual's
typed name, title, address, telephone number, and date of signature.

     (k)  The signature of the principal investigator within the proposing firm and that
individual's typed name, title, address, telephone number and date of signature.

     (l)  Legend for proprietary information as described in the "Considerations" section of
this program solicitation (Section 5.12), if  appropriate.

     (m)  The total amount of funds requested.  This figure should agree with the total line
of offeror's budget; the figure cannot exceed $50,000.

     (n)  The proposed Phase I duration (not to exceed six months).

2.   Abstract or Summary.  The second page of the proposal, numbered "2" at the center of
the bottom, should be a one-page summary of the proposed research or R&D that includes the
following information:

     (a)  The name and address of the firm.

     (b)  The name and title of the principal investigator.

     (c)  The same information as in Section 3.4, items 1(a), 1(b), and 1(c).

     (d)  A technical abstract of no more than 200 words.  [NOTE:  Please be clear and
concise.  If awarded, this information will be widely disseminated to communicate your activity.]

     (e)  A summary of the anticipated results and implications of the approach (for both
Phases I and II) and the potential commercial applications of the research.  Nothing in the
abstract should be proprietary or confidential.

3.   Technical Content.  Beginning on page 3 of the proposal, include the following:

     (a)  Importance:
          (i)  Identification and Significance of the Problem or Opportunity.  Make a
clear statement of the specific research problem or opportunity addressed and why it is
important.
          (ii) Related Research or R&D.  Describe significant research or R&D that is
directly related to the proposal, including any conducted by the principal investigator or by the
offeror's firm.  Describe how it relates to the proposed effort, and describe any planned
coordination with outside sources.  The purpose of this section is to persuade reviewers of the
offeror's awareness of key recent developments in the specific topic area.
          (iii)     Potential Commercial Applications.  Briefly describe whether and by what
means the proposed research also appears to have potential commercial application.  Also
describe briefly whether and by what means the proposed project appears to have potential use
by the Federal Government (if, in fact, it does).

     (b)  Feasibility:
          (I)  Phase I Technical Objectives.  State the specific objectives of the Phase I
research or R&D effort, including the technical questions it will try to answer to determine the
feasibility of the proposed approach.
          (ii) Relationship with Future R&D.  Discuss the significance of the Phase I
effort in providing a foundation for the Phase II R&D effort. Also state the anticipated results of
the proposed approach if Phases I and II of the project are successful.

     (c)  Scientific and Technical Quality:
Phase I Work Plan.  Include a detailed description of the Phase I R&D plan.  The plan should
indicate not only what will be done, but how the R&D will be carried out.  Phase I R&D should
address the objectives and the questions cited in 3 (b)(i) above.  The methods planned to achieve
each objective or task should be discussed in detail.    THIS SECTION SHOULD BE AT
LEAST ONE-THIRD OF THE PROPOSAL.

     (d)  Staff Qualifications:
          (i)  Key Personnel and Bibliography of Directly Related Work.  Identify key
personnel involved in Phase I, including their education and directly related experience, or
writings.  Where vitae are extensive, summaries that focus on the most relevant experience or
publications are desired.  Such summaries may be necessary to meet the proposal size limitation. 
Also list all other commitments that senior personnel have during the proposed period of
performance.
          (ii) Consultants.  Involvement of consultants in the planning and research
stages of the project is permitted.  If such involvement is intended, it should be described in
detail.  [NOTE:  See section 5.10 for limitations on subcontracting.]

     (e)  Facilities and Equipment:
Facilities.  The conduct of advanced research may require the use of sophisticated
instrumentation or computer facilities.  The offeror should provide a detailed description of the
availability and location of the facilities and equipment necessary to carry out Phase I.

     (f)   Budget:
Proposed Budget.  Prepare and submit a budget with the following categories, including a
line-item cost breakdown for each category:
               1.   Labor
               2.   Equipment
               3.   Other Expenses
               4.   Consultants
               5.   Subcontracts
               6.        Subtotal
               7.   Profit
               8.        Total 
   
Please note that the entire budget must be included in the 25 page limit.                 

4.   Related Proposal(s) or Award(s).   A firm may have received other SBIR awards or
elected to submit essentially equivalent proposal(s) under other SBIR program solicitations.  In
these cases, a statement must be included in this proposal indicating:

     (a)  The name and address of agencies to which proposal(s) was/were submitted or
from which SBIR award(s) was/were received.

     (b)  The date(s) of proposal submission and date(s) of award.

     (c)  The title, number and date of SBIR program solicitation under which proposal(s)
was/were submitted or award(s) received.

     (d)  The applicable research topic in the program solicitation for each SBIR proposal
submitted or award received.

     (e)  The titles of research projects.

     (f)  The name and title of the principal investigator for each proposal submitted or
award received.

                         WARNING
While it is permissible, with proposal notification, to submit identical or essentially equivalent
proposals for consideration under numerous Federal program solicitations, it is unlawful to enter
into funding agreements requiring essentially equivalent effort.  If there is any question
concerning this it must be disclosed to the soliciting agency or agencies before award. 

5.   Documentation of Multiple Phase II Awards.   A small  business concern that submits a
Phase I application and has received more than fifteen (15) Phase II SBIR awards, as totaled
from all Federal agencies with SBIR programs, during the preceding five (5) fiscal years, must
document the extent to which it was able to secure Phase III funding to develop concepts
resulting from previous Phase II awards.

Accordingly, such small business concerns shall submit, for each Phase II award, the name of the
awarding agency, the date of the award, the funding agreement number, the funding amount, the
topic or subtopic title, the amount of the follow-on funding commitment, the source and the date
of the commitment, and the current commercialization status. [NOTE:  This required information
will not be counted toward the application limitation of 25 pages.]
         

     4.0  METHOD OF SELECTION AND EVALUATION CRITERIA

4.1  Introduction

Phase I proposals will be judged on a competitive basis in a two-stage process.

1.   All proposals will be screened initially to ensure that they meet the stated proposal
requirements set forth in section 4.2 of this solicitation.
2.   Proposals meeting those requirements will then be evaluated by persons who are experts
in the topic areas using the criteria listed in section 4.3.  Reviewers will include people outside
the Federal Government.

Awards will be made by the Department of Education based upon these evaluation criteria and
the availability of funds.  In the evaluation and handling of proposals, every effort will be made
to protect the confidentiality of the proposal and any evaluations.
     
Phase II proposals will be subject to a technical review process that is similar to that of Phase I. 
Proposals will be judged against Phase II criteria on a competitive basis. ED will make the final
decisions based upon the scientific and technical evaluations and other factors, including the
commitment for follow-on funding, the possible duplication of other research, program balance,
and budget limitations.  After final award decisions are announced, the technical evaluation of
the offeror's proposal may be  provided, to the offeror only, upon written request.  The identity of
the reviewer(s) will not be disclosed.

4.2  Screening Criteria

To avoid any misunderstanding, offerors should be aware that proposals not satisfying all the
screening criteria will be returned to the proposing organization without review.  Those proposals
may not be resubmitted with or without revision under this solicitation.  All copies of the
proposals that were not used in the screening process will be returned with the letter of
notification.  The screening criteria are:

1.   The proposing firm must qualify and certify that it does qualify as a small business
concern for research or R&D purposes at the time of the award (Section 1.3 "Eligibility"; and
Section 2.2 "Small Business Concern").   It must be a for-profit institution and employ no more
than 500 employees.  If it is a subsidiary of another firm, this limit applies to the total number
employees, including all affiliates.

2.   The Phase I proposal may not exceed 25 pages including the cover sheet, abstract and
required budget.  Use only one side of page.  Each page with any writing will be counted as a
page.  No attachments of additional information are allowed in the interest of equitable treatment
for all offerors.  Supplementary materials, revisions, and substitutions will not be accepted after
the due date for proposals.  (Section 3.3)  

3.   The Phase I proposal must be limited to one topic; however, a firm may submit separate
proposals on different topics, or different proposals on the same topic, but each proposal must
respond to exactly one topic.  Duplicate proposals will be returned without review.  (Section 1.3
"Limitations")

4.   Phase I budgets must not exceed $50,000, including subcontracts, indirect costs, and fee,
but excluding any proposed cost-sharing.
(Section 3.4.1(m))

5.   The project duration of Phase I must not exceed six months.
(Section 3.4.1(n))

6.   The principal investigator's primary employment must be with the small business concern
at the time of award and during the period of the award.  That is, more than one-half of the
principal investigator's working time must be spent with the small business firm during the
period of performance.
(Section 1.3 "Eligibility")

7.   A minimum of two-thirds of expenditures under each SBIR Phase I project must be
carried out by the proposing firm, that is, exclusive of subcontract or consulting costs.  (Section
5.10)

8.   Phase I proposals must be for research or R&D activities only.  A firm must not propose
technical assistance, demonstration projects, market research, classified research, or patent
applications or litigation.  (Section 3.1)


4.3  Evaluation Criteria for Phase I

ED will select for award those proposals offering the best value to the Government according to
the criteria set forth below:
          
1.   The scientific and technical quality of the Phase I research proposal and its relevance to
the particular topic addressed, with special emphasis on innovation and originality.  The
adequacy of the work plan will be considered under this criteria.     (40 points) 

2.   Qualifications of the principal investigator, other senior or key personnel, and consultants
(if any). (20 points)

3.   Adequacy of the Phase I proposed effort to demonstrate whether or not the concept
proposed is feasible.    (15 points)

4.   Importance of the problem or opportunity and anticipated benefits of the proposed
research, if  successful.  Offeror's awareness of related R&D, and  the potential commercial
applications of the research will be considered under this criteria.  (15 points) 

5.   Adequacy of facilities and equipment to conduct the proposed research or R&D.   ( 5
points)

6.   Adequacy and appropriateness of the budget.  A narrative justification for the proposed
budget should be included in the proposal.   ( 5 points)
   
Technical reviewers will base their conclusions only on information contained in the proposal.  It
cannot be assumed that reviewers are acquainted with the firm or key individuals or any
experiments referred to, but not described, in professional journals. Relevant journal articles
should be identified in the proposal.

4.4  Evaluation Criteria for Phase II

A Phase II proposal can only be submitted to the Federal participating agency that awarded
Phase I.  ED will send detailed instructions regarding Phase II proposal submission to winners of
its Phase I awards.  Evaluation of proposals for Phase II will consider their technical and
scientific merit and feasibility; the results of Phase I work; the eventual benefit of the product,
process, or technology; the validity of the project plans for achieving stated goals; the
qualifications of the personnel; the availability of required equipment and facilities; and the
commercial potential of the proposal.  Phase II proposal evaluations may include on-site
evaluations of the Phase I effort.

The reasonableness of the proposed costs vis--vis the effort to be performed will be examined
to determine those proposals that offer the best value to the Government.  The commercial
potential of the proposal will be determined by one or more of the following:
     (a)  the small business concern's record of commercializing SBIR or other research;
     (b)  the existence of Phase II funding commitments from private sector or non-SBIR
Federal funding sources;
     (c)  the existence of Phase III follow-on funding commitments for the subject of the
research; and,
     (d)  the presence of other indicators of commercial potential of the idea.  

The follow-on funding commitment must provide that a specific amount of Phase III funds will
be made available to or by the small business.  The source of Phase III funds and the dates such
funds will be made available should be indicated.  Such funding commitment must also contain
specific technical objectives which, if achieved in Phase II, will make the commitment
exercisable by the small business.  The terms cannot be contingent upon the obtaining of a
patent, due to the length of time this process requires.  The commitment shall be submitted with
the Phase II proposal.

A Federal agency may enter a third phase agreement with a small business concern for additional
work to be performed during or after the second phase period.  Agencies which intend to pursue
research, research and development, or production development under the SBIR Program will
give special acquisition preference including sole source awards to the SBIR company which
developed the technology. In such cases the competition for Phase I and Phase II awards satisfies
any competition requirement of the Competition in Contracting Act.  The Phase III funding
agreement will be with non-SBIR funds.

     5.0  CONSIDERATIONS

5.1  Awards

The Department of Education is required under P.L. 102-564 to participate in the Small Business
Innovation Research program.  The Government's obligation under this award is contingent upon
the availability of appropriated funds from which payments are made.  No legal liability on the
part of the Government for any payment may arise until funds are made available to the
Contracting Officer for this award and until the Contractor receives notice of such availability, to
be confirmed in writing by the Contracting Officer.

There is no commitment by ED to make any awards on any topic, to make a specific number of
awards, or to be responsible for any monies expended by the offeror before an award.

The Department of Education expects to make approximately thirty-five (35) firm fixed-price
Phase I awards to small businesses ranging up to $50,000 in fiscal year 1998.  Awards are
expected to be made by the end of August, 1998.  ED will announce the names of those firms
receiving awards, and successful offerors will then normally have (6) six months after award to
carry out the proposed Phase I effort.

For planning purposes only, ED anticipates that approximately one-third of the Phase I awardees
will receive Phase II awards, depending on the results of the Phase I efforts and the availability
of funds.  Phase II is to further develop ideas explored during Phase I.  Specific instructions for
the preparation of Phase II proposals will be sent to qualifying Phase I awardees near the
completion of the Phase I work.

5.2  Reports

An interim progress report is required monthly.  One copy shall be submitted to the Contracting
Officer's Technical Representative (COTR).

Five (5) copies of a final report in the Phase I project must be submitted to ED's COTR upon
completion of the Phase I work.

The final report shall include a one-page project summary as the first page, using the format
specified in section 3.4.2 of this solicitation.  The summary should identify the purpose of the
research, and include a brief description of the research carried out, the research findings or
results, and the potential applications of the research.  This project summary is to be submitted
without restriction on publication and may be published by ED.

The balance of the report should indicate in detail the project objectives, work carried out, results
obtained, and estimates of technical feasibility.

All reports must carry an acknowledgment statement on the cover page such as:
"This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Education under
purchase order number _____________.  Any opinions, findings, conclusions or
recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily
reflect the views or policies of the Department of Education."

5.3  Payment Schedule

Payments will be made in accordance with the payment schedule negotiated and agreed to by the
Contracting Officer.  The offeror shall include his or her cash flow requirements as part of the
budget for Phase I.
     
Once invoices are received, the due date for paying invoice is the 30th day after the designated
billing office receives a proper invoice from the contractor (i.e., one that has been approved by
the COTR) or the 30th day after ED accepts goods or  supplies performed by the contractor,
whichever is later (FAR 52.232-25).
 
5.4  Rights in Technical Data

Rights in technical data, including software, developed under the terms of any funding agreement
resulting from proposals submitted in response to this solicitation shall remain with the
contractor, except that the Government shall have the limited right to use such proprietary data
for Government purposes and shall not release such data outside the Government without
permission of the contractor for a period of four (4) years from completion of the project from
which the data were generated.  However, effective at the conclusion of the four-year period, the
Government shall retain a royalty-free license for Government use of any technical data
delivered under an SBIR contract whether patented or not and shall be relieved of all disclosure
prohibitions.

5.5  Copyrights

With prior written permission of the Contracting Officer, the awardee normally may copyright
and publish material developed with ED support.  ED receives a royalty-free license for the
Federal Government and requires that each publication contain an appropriate acknowledgment
and disclaimer statement as in section 5.2 (above).

5.6  Patents

Small business firms normally may retain the principal world-wide patent rights to any invention
developed with Government support.  The Government receives a royalty-free license for Federal
Government use, reserves the right to require the patentholder to license others in certain
circumstances, and requires that anyone exclusively licensed to sell the invention in the United
States must normally manufacture it domestically.

To the extent authorized by 35 U.S.C. 205, the Government will not make public any
information disclosing a Government-supported invention for a four-year period to allow the
awardee a reasonable time to pursue a patent.

5.7  Cost-Sharing

Cost-sharing is permitted for proposals under this solicitation; however, cost-sharing is not
required, and it will not be an evaluation factor in considering any proposal.

5.8  Profit or Fee

Both Phase I and Phase II contracts may include a profit or fee.

5.9  Joint Ventures or Limited Partnerships

Joint ventures and limited partnerships are permitted provided that the entity created qualifies as
a small business in accordance with the Small Business Act, 15 U.S.C. 631, and with the
definition in section 2.2 of this solicitation.

5.10  Subcontracting Limits

For Phase I, at least two-thirds of the research and/or analytic effort must be performed by the
proposing firm.  That is, the total of all consultant fees, facility leases or usage fees, and other
subcontracts or purchase agreements may not exceed one-third of the total funding agreement
price.

For Phase II, at least one-half of the research and/or analytic effort must be performed by the
proposing firm, that is, the total of all consultant fees, facility leases, or usage fees, and other
subcontracts or purchase agreements may not exceed one-half of the total contract price.

5.11  Contractor Requirements

Upon award, the contractor will be required to make certain legal commitments through
acceptance of numerous provisions in the Phase I procurement.

The outline that follows is illustrative of the types of provisions that will be included in the
funding agreement.  This is not a complete list, nor does it contain the specific wording of these
clauses. ED will make Phase I awards as described in CFR Title 48-Federal Acquisition
Regulations. The resultant agreement will contain legally binding clauses. Copies of complete
general provisions will be made available prior to award.
     
 1.  Standards of Work.   Work performed under the funding agreement must conform to high
professional standards.

 2.  Inspection.   Work performed under the funding agreement is subject to Government
inspection and evaluation at all reasonable times.

 3.  Examination of Records.   The Comptroller General (or a duly authorized representative)
shall have the right to examine any directly pertinent records of the contractor involving
transactions related to this contract.

 4.  Default.  The Government may terminate the agreement if the contractor fails to perform
the work contracted.

 5.  Termination for Convenience.   The agreement may be terminated at any time by the
Government if it deems termination to be in its best interest, in which case the contractor will be
compensated for work performed and for reasonable termination costs.

 6.  Disputes.   Any dispute concerning the funding agreement that cannot be resolved by
agreement shall be decided by the Contracting Officer with right of appeal.

 7.  Contract Work Hours.   The contractor may not require an employee to work more than
eight (8) hours a day or forty (40) hours a week unless the employee is compensated accordingly
(that is, receives overtime pay).

 8.  Equal Opportunity.  The contractor will not discriminate against any employee or
applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin; or because he
or she is a disabled veteran or a veteran of the Vietnam era; or because he or she is physically or
mentally handicapped.

 9.  Officials Not to Benefit.  No Government official shall benefit personally from the
agreement.

10.  Covenant Against Contingent Fees.  No person or agency  has been employed to solicit or
secure the agreement upon an understanding for compensation except bonafide employees or
commercial agencies maintained by the contractor for the purpose of securing business.

11.  Gratuities.  The agreement may be terminated by the Government if any gratuities have
been offered to any representative of the Government to secure the agreement.

12.  Patent Infringement.  The contractor shall report each notice or claim of patent
infringement based on the performance of the agreement.

13.  American Made Equipment and Products.  When purchasing equipment or a product
under the SBIR funding agreement, purchase only American-made items whenever possible.


5.12 Proprietary Information

Information contained in unsuccessful proposals will remain the property of the offeror.  The
Government may, however, retain copies of all proposals.  Public release of information in any
proposal submitted will be subject to existing statutory and regulatory requirements.

If proprietary information is provided by a offeror in a proposal which constitutes a trade secret,
proprietary commercial or financial information, confidential personal information or data
affecting the national security, it will be treated in confidence, to the extent permitted by law,
provided this information is clearly marked by the offeror with the term "confidential proprietary
information" and provided the following legend appears on the title page of the proposal:

"For any purpose other than to evaluate the proposal, this data shall not be disclosed outside the
Government and shall not be duplicated, used, or disclosed in whole or in part, provided that if a
funding agreement is awarded to this offeror as a result of or in connection with the submission
of this data, the Government shall have the right to duplicate, use, or disclose the data to the
extent provided in the funding agreement.  This restriction does not limit the Government's right
to use information contained in the data if it is obtained from another source without restriction. 
The data subject to this restriction is contained in pages ______ of this proposal."

Any other legend may be unacceptable to the Government and may constitute grounds for return
of the proposal without further consideration and without assuming any liability for inadvertent
disclosure.  The Government will limit dissemination of such information to/within official
channels.

5.13 Additional Information

1.   This solicitation is intended for informational purposes and reflects current planning.  If
there is an inconsistency between the information contained herein and the terms of any resulting
SBIR funding agreement, then the terms of the funding agreement are controlling.

2.   In the interests of those with special needs, the offeror is encouraged to develop outcomes
which include alternate formats (e.g., closed- or open-captioning for films and/or videotapes,
Braille, large print, audiotape).

3.   The SBIR program is not a substitute for existing unsolicited proposal mechanisms.  The
Government shall not accept unsolicited proposals under the SBIR program in either Phase I or
Phase II.

4.   If an award is made pursuant to a proposal submitted under this solicitation, the
contractor will be required to certify that he or she has not previously been, nor is currently
being, paid for essentially equivalent work by any agency of the Federal Government.


     6.0  SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

6.1  Address

     Address six (6) copies of the proposal to:

                    U.S. Department of Education
                    Contracts and Purchasing Operations
                    Room 3616, ROB #3
                    GSA Building
                    7th and D Streets, S.W.
                    Washington, DC  20202-4447

                    ATTN:   SBIR Topic #   ***   

   [*** Insert the Topic Number for the one that you are submitting your proposal.]


Secure packaging is mandatory.  ED will not be responsible for processing proposals damaged in
transit.  Do not send separate "information" copies or several packages containing parts of a
single proposal.  All six (6) copies of a proposal must be sent in the same package.

One copy must be signed as an original by the principal investigator and an official empowered
to commit the offeror.  Other copies may be photocopied.  All copies must be clearly legible.

Do not use bindings or covers.  Staple the pages firmly in the upper left hand corner of each
proposal.

Hand-carried proposals should be addressed as indicated above and delivered to that address.

Telegraphed and/or Facsimile Proposals are not authorized; if submitted, such proposals shall be
rejected.
     

6.2  Deadline for Proposals

1.   Deadline for receipt of six (6) copies of a proposal at the Department of Education is 2:00
P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, April 10, 1998.  Any proposal received at the office designated in
this solicitation after the exact time specified for receipt will not be considered unless it is
received before awards are made and:
     (a)  It was sent by registered or certified mail not later than April 6,1998; or 
     (b)  It was sent by mail or, (if authorized by the solicitation, was sent by telegram or
via facsimile), and it is determined by the Government that the late receipt was due solely to
mishandling by the Government after receipt at the address given in Section 6.1; or
     (c)  It was sent by U.S. Postal Service Express Mail Next Day Service - Post Office to
Addressee, not later than 5:00 p.m. at the place of mailing two (2) working days (April 8, 1998)
prior to the date specified for receipt of proposals.  The term "working days" excludes weekends
and U.S. Federal Holidays; or
     (d)  It was the only proposal received.

2.   The only acceptable evidence to establish the date of mailing of a late proposal or
modification sent either by U.S. Postal Service registered or certified mail is the U.S. or
Canadian Postal Service postmark both on the envelope or wrapper and on the original receipt
from the U.S. or Canadian Postal Service.  Both postmarks must show a legible date or the
proposal, quotation, or modification shall be processed as if mailed late.  "Postmark" means a
printed, stamped, or otherwise placed impression (exclusive of a postage meter machine
impression) that is readily identifiable without further action as having been supplied and affixed
by employees of the U.S. or Canadian Postal Service on the date of mailing.  Therefore, offerors
should request the postal clerks to place a legible hand cancellation bull's-eye postmark on both
the receipt and the envelope or wrapper.

3.   The only acceptable evidence to establish the time of receipt at the address given in
Section 6.1 is the time/date stamp of the Contracts and Purchasing Operations on the proposal
wrapper or other documentary evidence of receipt maintained by that Office.

4.   The only acceptable evidence to establish the date of mailing of a late offer, modification,
or withdrawal sent by Express Mail Next Day Service-Post Office to Addressee is the date
entered by the post office receiving clerk on the "Express Mail Next Day Service-Post Office to
Addressee" label and the postmark on both the envelope or wrapper and on the original receipt
from the U.S. Postal Service. "Postmark" has the same meaning as defined in paragraph (2) of
this provision, excluding postmarks of the Canadian Postal Service.  Therefore, offerors should
request the postal clerk to place a legible hand cancellation bull's-eye postmark on both the
receipt and the envelope or wrapper.

5.   Proposals may be withdrawn by written notice or telegram (including mailgram) received
at any time before award.  If the solicitation authorizes facsimile proposals, proposals may be
withdrawn via facsimile received at any time before award, subject to conditions specified in the
provision entitled "Facsimile Proposals."  Proposals may be withdrawn in person by an offeror or
an authorized representative, if the representative's identity is made known and the representative
signs a receipt for the proposal before award.


     7.0  SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION SOURCES

Certain sources can provide information that can be useful in preparing SBIR proposals.  The
Internet sites listed below can provide you with helpful material and links to other sites.

U.S. Department of Education (ED)       (www.ed.gov/)

ED SBIR Program                         (www.ed.gov/offices/OERI/SBIR/)

Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Technology (SBIR)
                                   (www.sbaonline.sba.gov/sbir/)

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
                                   (www.nist.gov/)

Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC User Services)
                                   (www.aspensys.com/eric/)
                    


     8.0  RESEARCH TOPICS

For fiscal year 1998, the Department of Education has selected for its SBIR solicitation
seventeen (17) technical topics which are designed to better understand and improve academic
achievement.  SBIR projects are encouraged that look to the future by exploring uses of
technology to ensure equal access to education and promote educational excellence throughout
the nation. 

The technical topics for which proposals will be considered are identified below.  Each topic or
series of topics has been preceded by the Department's Program Office which identified the
topic(s) for inclusion in the SBIR solicitation. A contact person for technical information related
to a specific topic is provided on page 32 . Each proposal must respond to one (and only one)
topic as outlined in this section.

Under most of the topics there are included a number of examples to illustrate the kinds of
activities that could be funded under the topic. Each example includes a reference number (e.g.,
1-A., 7-E.).  In order to facilitate the review of proposals, offerors who choose to submit
proposals that address one of these examples are asked to specify the reference number
associated with that particular example.  Should an offeror chose to submit a proposal which
does not address one of the examples, then the offeror need only reference the topic number (e.g.,
1, 2, 3, ...).  Please note that this is only to assist in the review of applications; it is not necessary
that offerors address any particular example, so long as a topic is addressed.

PLEASE NOTE THAT EACH PROPOSAL MUST BE IDENTIFIED TO AT LEAST THE
MAJOR TOPIC LEVEL, WHICH IS UNDERLINED.


OFFICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES

These topics relate to innovative research utilizing new technologies addressing the needs of
individuals with disabilities and their families.  Whenever feasible, individuals with disabilities
will be represented on the review panels.


Topic 1:  Development of Strategies or Adaptation of Assistive Devices, Mechanisms,
Technologies, or Techniques for Individuals with  Disabilities.

Examples include:

1-A.   Devices and technologies that promote better access to information for individuals with
disabilities such as devices that convert text to sound for persons with visual impairments or
expand accommodations of input/output devices for individuals with physical disabilities. 

1-B.   Simulation and virtual reality technologies to help newly disabled persons anticipate and
address the challenges associated with their disability.

1-C.   Input/output technologies to interpret sounds and movements of infants with severe or
multiple handicaps, and to provide feedback/stimulation to enhance the development of infants,
toddlers, and young children with disabilities.

1-D.   Technologies to meet the specialized needs of individuals with cognitive impairments or
emotional disorders.

1-E.   Devices and technologies that promote remote access to information for individuals with
disabilities, such as devices that can request and receive computer real time captioning (CART)
service by wireless means.

1-F.   Devices and technologies that promote remote access to information for individuals with
disabilities, such as small, portable devices that can help individuals with speech and/or hearing
disorders communicate remotely using speech-recognition technology and artificial voice output
technology packaged for laptop based application. 

1-G.   Strategies to assist children with disabilities to participate in after school activities with an
emphasis on inclusion, such as camp craft, community awareness, mobility awareness, and
others.

1-H.   Accessible computer pointing devices for GUIs such as, but not limited to isometric
joysticks.

1-I.   Full screen tactile displays for computer monitors.

1-J.   Modification of technology and training for the personal protection and safety of persons
with disabilities.


Topic 2:  Development or Adaptation of Devices, Mechanisms, or Techniques for
Individuals with Hearing Disabilities.

Examples include:

2-A.  Children's reading books, using extensive illustration with "universally recognizable"
pictures, to promote reading, vocabulary development, and English proficiency in deaf and
hearing impaired children.

2-B.   Stand-alone, fully digital ISDN-based terminal to emulate the TDD, voice, or computer to
substitute for current systems that are incompatible with certain types of hearing aids and TDDs.

2-C.   Techniques for computer-assisted note taking (CAN), giving attention to types of notes
preferred, training required, and other pertinent features.

2-D.   Accessibility system to provide "voice over" and amplification for translation and
interpretation in public areas when sign language or foreign language presentations are being
made.

2-E.   Technologies to improve instruction for deaf and hearing-impaired students and dialogue
between them and their fellow students and teachers.

2-F.   Real-time speech-to-text technologies as practical communication and English-enhancing
systems for deaf and hearing impaired students in education and training programs.

2-G.   Videodiscs/tapes and related curricula and materials to enhance the training of educational
interpreters for students with hearing impairments or deafness.

2-H.   Captioned media with accompanying instructional materials to enhance disability
awareness, including issues faced by children and adults with disabilities, their inclusion in
school, community, and workplace activities, and strategies to improve and enhance
interpersonal relationships.

2-I.   Devices and technologies that promote remote access to information for individuals with
severe hearing loss, such as devices that can request and receive face-to-face interpreter service
by wireless means.

2- J.   Application of new technology to enhance the development of new interpreters' receptive
sign language skills using speech recognition and artificial intelligence and also, to reduce bias in
evaluating certification levels for individuals working as interpreters for the deaf.

2-K.   Improve state-of-science of tinnitus maskers by improving control of spectra, waveform,
user control and variation of the signal and/or investigate monaural and binaural masking effects.

2-L.   Work with current, state-of-the-art hearing aid technology to determine how digital-
programmable technology, in particular, might be improved and utilized for individuals with
hearing loss and tinnitus.

2-M.   Combine state-of-the-art hearing aid technology with better masking capability to create a
programmable dual capability device that can accommodate hearing loss with fluctuating
tinnitus.
 

Topic 3:  Innovative Technologies to Enhance Self-Determination, Job Development, Job
Modification, Job Opportunities, or Transition from School-to-Work for Individuals with
Disabilities.

Examples include:

3-A.   Simulation or virtual reality technologies to simulate job situations for individuals with
disabilities.

3-B.   Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) software or multimedia to assist youth with
disabilities in developing skills necessary for progressively more complex goal-setting and
decision-making.

3-C.   Videodisc/tape or multimedia that focus on career options for  individuals with disabil-ities
who leave school, including those who plan to attend postsecondary programs or work.

3-D.   Technologies and techniques to assist teachers and related service providers in identifying
appropriate assistive and home automation devices for individuals transitioning from school to
adult life.

3-E.   Technologies to stimulate public and private sector employment of individuals with
disabilities; techniques may include methods to promote advocacy and participation and hiring
officials, as well as approaches to foster job market success and economic self-sufficiency.

3-F.   Technologies and techniques to assist teachers and related service providers in identifying
appropriate assistive and home automation devices including captioning and video description as
appropriate assistive living device/technology for individuals transitioning from school to adult
life.

3-G.   Accessible instrumentation for use in education and employment, such as but not limited
to, microscopes, oscilloscopes, and measuring tools.

         
Topic 4:  Innovative Technological Circumventions to Neutralize Existing or Emerging
Barriers to the Education or Vocational Rehabilitation of Individuals with Disabilities.

Examples include:

4-A.   A more efficient means of adapting screen-reading technology to new and emerging
graphic-based systems, such as Windows NT and the various Navigating interfaces in the
Internet and elsewhere. 

4-B.   Software to enable individuals with disabilities to have improved access to the Internet and
the World Wide Web.


Topic 5:  Combining New Technologies to Expand Placement Opportunities for Vocational
Rehabilitation Clients, and School-To-Work Options for Youth with Disabilities.

Examples include:

5-A.   Combining new geographic satellite locators with teleaddress systems to assist learning
disordered individuals doing delivery work.

5-B.   Increase job mobility of individuals with low incident disabilities by integrating wireless
technology into visual or auditory aids currently immobilized by hardwired requirements.

5-C.   Developing interactivity between the merging technology of voice-to-print and CD-ROM
technology for random sentence structure capacity using sign language imagery, to produce
voice-to-sign language capacity for use in the vocational rehabilitation process and elsewhere
(e.g. vocational evaluation and education, and basic communication).

       
 
Topic 6:  Technological Solutions to  Maintain the Communication Skills of Individuals
with Severe Late Onset Deafness.

Examples include:

6-A.   Matching common communication skill maintenance needs of individuals who have
become deaf in adulthood with new and emerging technological solutions. 

6-B.   Develop systems of self-instruction in manual communication skills, using systems of
CD-ROM, artificial intelligence, and speech recognition, that can mirror the language style/level
used by the late deafened individual prior to the onset of deafness.

   
Topic 7:  Development of Adaptation of Telecommunications, Electronics Networks,
Multimedia, or Management Information Systems and Software to Meet the Needs of Individuals
with Disabilities, Their Families, and Professionals in Rehabilitation and Special Education.

Examples include:

7-A.   Interactive media and systems to assist local school districts, vocational rehabilitation
agencies, centers for independent living, or community rehabilitation facilities in planning for the
acquisition or repurposing of instructional technology and media; the use of complicated
hardware/software; and charting management changes and planning.

7-B.   Telecommunication systems and applications for distance learning communication, social
networks, and providing information to parents and professionals, to involve the community and
world outside schools and centers in on-going interaction with individuals with disabilities, and
their families.
7-C.   Technologies to increase the participation of students with disabilities in regular
instruction.

7-D.   Management information systems for tracking across multiple service providers and
persons with disabilities to provide useful, timely information.

7-E.   Modification of off-the-shelf technology to better accommodate the needs of individuals
with communication disabilities, with special emphasis on speech recognition and voice-to-print
technologies.

7-F.   Modification of new and emerging audio systems and connectors (e.g. infra-red) to provide
broad frequency, high gain output to persons with diminishing hearing.

7-G.   Video disks/tapes and related curricula and materials to enhance the training of regular
education teachers regarding the benefits of closed captioned and video described television
programs for literacy skills of students who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, and visually
impaired and their non-disabled peers in an inclusive/integrated setting.

7-H.   Development of databases that may aid professionals in studying the unique needs of
groups of individuals with disabilities.

7-I.   Software to guide program users who have various levels of cognitive impairment during
the learning phase and during use.

7-J.   Virtual training/learning environments, particularly those involving two-way interaction
that may be appropriate for independent living, homecare, or telerehabilitation.

7-K.   Improved intelligibility and/or speed -- in voice input (recognition) and/or voice output
(speech) for augmentative communication devices, using advanced techniques such as artificial
intelligence, frequency analysis, neural nets, or fuzzy logic.


Topic 8:  Development or Adaptation of Assistive Devices, Mechanisms, or Technologies
for Use by Allied Health Professionals and Individuals with Disabilities to Address
Rehabilitation Needs Arising from Decreased Length of Inpatient Care and Increased
Rehabilitation Techniques in Home Settings.

Examples include:

8-A.   Development of communication devices to allow individuals with disabilities to maintain
contact with family members, allied health professionals or emergency personnel upon discharge
from acute or sub-acute rehabilitation settings.

8-B.   Development of educational/training materials used by therapists, individuals with
disabilities, or family members and primary care givers, to increase their knowledge base of
specific disabilities and prepare them for potential problems and situations.
8-C.   Development of innovative assistive devices or technological applications to continue the
rehabilitative process after discharge from an acute or sub-acute rehabilitation setting.

8-D.   Development of videodiscs, tapes, multimedia technologies and other innovative ways of
enhancing community resources to provide the necessary support for individuals with disabilities
transitioning from a rehabilitation facility to home.
         

Topic 9:  Development or Adaptation of Innovative Technologies to Enhance Learning and
Development for Individuals with Disabilities of All Ages.

Examples include:

9-A.   Technologies that foster fairness, accuracy, reliability, validity, and access to assessments
for individuals with disabilities.

9-B.   Technologies to improve the assessment of individuals with disabilities in cognitive,
language, perceptual-motor, vocational, or social development domains.

9-C.   Multimedia technologies to facilitate individualized multisensory learning experiences for
individuals with disabilities.

9-D.   Networked instructional management systems (NIMS) to provide integrated
computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and computer-managed instruction (CMI) for students with
disabilities.

9-E.   Portable electronic learning devices to improve the performance of individuals with
learning and other cognitive disabilities in language and memory skills. 
         

Topic 10: Development or Adaptation of Technologies to Foster the Inclusion and Facilitate
the Successful Integration of Individuals with Disabilities into Regular School, Social, and Work
Environments.

Examples include:

10-A.   Technologies, media, and techniques that improve communication between individuals
with disabilities and their non-disabled peers and teachers.

10-B.   Assistive devices or other technologies that foster communication and language
development, mobility, or learning and promote access to mainstream environments for
individuals with disabilities.


Topic 11: Development or Adaptation of Devices or Technologies to Assist Children,
Youth, and Adults with Disabilities in the Arts, Recreation, or Leisure-Time Activities.

Examples include:

11-A.   Computer, video, or other electronic graphic display systems designed to present visual
translations of audio inputs from music.

11-B.   Swimming techniques and aids for individuals with physical disabilities.

11-C.   Devices and technologies to assist disabled children and adults in participating in more
stimulating leisure and recreational activities, especially those activities involving non-disabled
persons.

11-D.   Strong but lightweight sports equipment for persons with special needs.

11-E.   Technologies and assistive devices to enhance direct participation in the arts by
individuals with disabilities.



OFFICE OF VOCATIONAL AND ADULT EDUCATION

These topics relate to innovative research using new technologies addressing the needs of
individuals seeking additional instruction to enhance their skills and/or education with the
particular outcome of moving from school-to-work or from unemployment to employment.  For
each topic the development of CD-ROM instructional material can be a traditional
computer-based technology (CBT) with the potential of being placed on the Internet as
web-based training (WBT).  The emphasis should be on instruction and not just on information
delivery.


Topic 12. Development of CD-ROM-Based Instructional Material for the Welfare of
Education/Employment in a Classroom and/or Community Center Setting.
         

Topic 13. Development of CD-ROM-Based Interactive Instructional Material for
Out-of-School Youth to Assist Them in Obtaining Further Education and/or Employment.
  

Topic 14. Development of CD-ROM-Based Materials for Use in a School-to-Work
Program.


Topic 15. Development of CD-ROM-Based Materials that Implement the SCANS Skills
Standards Endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Labor and the
National Skills Standards Board.

         

OFFICE OF EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH AND IMPROVEMENT

This topic was identified by the Office of Educational Research and Improvement's National
Research Institutes to apply learning technologies to the research of cognitive and social
development of young children and students placed at-risk of school failure.  These Research
Institutes are:
     National Institute on Early Childhood Development and Education
     National Institute on the Education of At-Risk Students
     National Institute on Educational Governance, Finance, Policy-Making,
          and Management
     National Institute on Postsecondary Education, Libraries, and Lifelong 
          Learning
     National Institute on Student Achievement, Curriculum, and Assessment.


Topic 16. Development of Technologies to Support Learning, Cognitive and Social
Development (particularly of young children and students placed at-risk of school failure).

Examples include:

16-A. Technologies that support the development of innovative approaches to improve young
children's learning in the arts, reading, mathematics and science.

16-B. Technologies to develop tests and instruments which measure reliability in the
development of cognitive, language, affective and social development of young children ages
three (3) to eight (8).

16-C  Development of devices and technologies that help limited English proficient children
learn challenging subject matter, particularly first and second language arts.



OFFICE OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

This topic relates to innovative research utilizing new technologies addressing the
business-related needs of new charter school developers.


Topic 17. Development of an Interactive CD-ROM Software Package to Take a New
Charter School Developer Step-by-Step Through the Business Process of Planning, Designing,
and Implementing a Charter School.

The areas to be addressed may include, but should not be limited to:
          budget and financial planning;
          establishing personnel policies;
          borrowing for facilities and other start-up costs;
          handling revenues;
          financial management and audit; and,
          fund-raising.


     9.0  POINTS OF CONTACT FOR TECHNICAL TOPICS



Topic Numbers       Point of Contact              Telephone Number
  
            1-11              Dr. Robert Jaeger                (202)  205-8061
     12-15               Ms. Mary Lovell                  (202)  205-9258
        16               Mr. Joseph Caliguro              (202)  219-1596
                    Mr. OK-Choon Park                (202)  208-3951
                    Dr. Duc-Le To               (202)  219-2248
                    Dr. Joseph Teresa                (202)  219-2046
                    Dr. Ram Singh               (202)  219-2025
        17               Mr. John Fiegel                  (202)  260-2671


NOTE:   No proposal will be accepted for any topic not included in this request for proposal.