ASSESSING THE APPLICABILITY OF "FUTURES" METHODOLOGIES TO ORD'S PLANNING PROCESS The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) intends to award a sole-source letter contract to the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA). EPA anticipates that the contract will be a cost reimbursement, completion form contract having a performance period of approximately 10 months. EPA requires the services of a proficient and highly prestigious organization capable of involving national experts in the field of "futures analysis," particularly as it applies to conducting an independent assessment of the applicability of analytic futures methods to the Office of Research and Development's (ORD's) strategic and annual planning processes. An independent and objective assessment is necessary because the results of the assessment must have immediate credibility with the diverse organizations within ORD and across EPA's program and regional offices. EPA therefore intends to award a contract to NAPA on a sole-source basis pursuant to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Parts 6.302-1, 6.302-2and 6.302-5. The purposes of this requirement are to conduct an independent assessment of three selected approaches to "futures analysis" and to determine if any of those methods might improve the effectiveness of ORD's strategic and annual planning processes in identifying emerging environmental issues. This independent assessment will include a series of round table discussions involving individuals trained in a wide range of academic disciplines and environmental program areas. The deliverable will be a report that analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of the futures methods used during the course of the project and provides recommendations for how ORD's Office of Science Policy could use these tools in ORD's planning processes. NAPA is uniquely qualified to perform this effort within the limited time constraint because it is the only known source with the required knowledge base, access to appropriate technical expertise, and the demonstrated objectivity and lack of conflicts of interest to conduct this independent assessment persuasively. Further, NAPA was chartered by Congress to advance the effectiveness of government at all levels through sound management and counsel on the practical implications of public policy. By virtue of having completed numerous studies of governmental organizations, NAPA has amassed an array of background knowledge that is not available elsewhere. This makes NAPA unique in its knowledge of public administration. Additionally, Public Law 98-257 expressly directs NAPA to examine and report on any subject of government when requested by Congress or a Federal agency. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS. THIS NOTICE IS BEING ISSUED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. The point of contact for this action is Marie Nichols at (513) 487-2054. E-MAIL: U.S. EPA Contracts Management Division, nichols.marie@epamail.epa.gov. Posted 07/29/98 (W-SN229777).

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