National Institute of Standards and Technology, Bldg. 301, Room C121, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-0001

A -- EVALUATION TOOL PROGRAM DUE 080296 POC NIST MEP (301)975-2474 or fax (301) 926-9787 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: The NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program is soliciting proposals for an Evaluation Tool Project. An estimated $300,000 in MEP funding is available in this competition. The MEP reserves the right to utilize more or less funding than the amount stated above. Funding may be requested for up to three years. While multiple awards may be considered, only a single award is anticipated. This evaluation tool project seeks to further develop the capacity of Manufacturing Extension Center (MEC) field engineers, marketing managers, reporting, evaluation and other technical staff :1) to design and conduct methodologically sound case studies of priority MEP management and service delivery issues, and 2) to participate collaboratively with personnel from multiple MEC~s in cooperative, systemwide studies. This solicitation is open to all public and private organizations, both for- and non-profit. The selection criteria to be used for rating proposals are: 1) demonstration of meeting needs (35%). Under this criteria, proposer must clearly demonstrate possession of the specialized expertise necessary to conducting the requisite activities; 2) development methodology and use of appropriate technology/information sources (30%). Under this criteria, proposer must clearly demonstrate expert knowledge of case study techniques which are widely recognized as methodologically advanced, as well as previous experience in successfully applying these techniques to other public, particularly Federal government, programs; 3) degree of integration (15%); 4) coordination with other organizations (5%); 5) program evaluation (5%); 6) management experience and plans (5%); 7) financial plan (5%). Matching funds are not required for this project. However, availability of matching funds will be considered in the Financial Plan factor of the evaluation. This solicitation is conducted under the procedures of Part 292, Title 15, of the Code of Federal Regulations published in the August 29,1995 Federal Register. The MEP Evaluation Tool Project Application Package (containing required forms, background material, and instructions for submission of proposals) may be obtained by phone (301-975-2474), FAX(301-926-3787), e-mail (klong@mep.nist.gov) or by written request at the address below. Proposals are limited to 20 pages in length, including a one-page executive summary. Proposals are due by 5:00 p.m. eastern daylight savings time on August 2, 1996. Proposals submitted by facsimile or electronic mail will not be accepted. Proposals received after the deadline will not be considered. Send proposals to: Manufacturing Extension Partnership, National Institute for Standards and Technology, Bldg. 301, Room C121, I-270 at Quince Orchard Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-0001. Mark envelope ''Evaluation Tool Project.'' (0173)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0003 19960624\A-0003.SOL)