99 -- DEVELOPMENT OF STANDARD TESTS AND TESTING PROCESS FOR NATURALIZATION

Notice Date

October 24, 2000

Contracting Office

Immigration & Naturalization Service, Procurement Division, 425 I St., NW, Room 2208, Washington, DC 20536

ZIP Code

20536

Solicitation Number

N/A

Response Due

November 27, 2000

Point of Contact

Geneva Webb, 202-305-2036

Description

In accordance with the Federal Acquisitions Regulation (FAR)Part 10, the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) is conducting market research for the redesign and successful implementation of test materials and the testing process for individuals applying for naturalization as United States citizens. Test materials developed, as a result of contract award must operationalize naturalization requirements specified by 8 CFR Section 312. Test processes must evaluate naturalization applicants on their ability to understand the English language, including the ability to read, write and speak words in ordinary usage in the English language, and on their knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of history and of the principles and form of government of the United States (civics). In addition to satisfying legal requirements, the resulting test materials and testing process should improve test administration efficiency and uniformity, maintain system and test integrity and security, and be more customer-friendly for applicants. The redesigned test materials and testing process will be implemented in phases to meet critical INS redesign objectives. INS will require interested firms to identify curricula that validates a naturalization applicant's knowledge of the English language and of civics, and to develop appropriate methods for testing that knowledge. The process must also include development, implementation and process management for a one-year pilot program to assess quality, effectiveness, efficiency, customer satisfaction, and systems reliability and integrity, based upon the identified curricula and testing methods. All aspects of the pilot must include finite test management procedures and processes to ensure test material control and systems integrity. Interested firms must be able to address: testing measurement trends affecting validity and reliability, including errors of measurement; test development and revision, including scales, norms and score comparability; and, test administration (systems, products and human resources), including scoring, reporting, and supporting documentation. Interested firms must be able to address Fairness in Testing issues (rights and responsibilities of test takers, test administrators, testing individuals of diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds and testing individuals with disabilities). Standardized test benchmarks must address test difficulty levels for English and civics, identification of test methods and test formats which best meets INS' needs in measuring the requisite knowledge in each area, and must assess ease of test administration and reporting processes. Interested firms must possess or have access to technical expertise in educational fields that measure written English, spoken English, English reading comprehension, knowledge of U.S. history and of the principles and form of government of the United States, and to other expertise such as, but not limited to, organizational, industrial or behavioral psychology. Contractors may be required to plan, design, and pilot an entire testing process or only selected parts. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS. This is a sources sought notice to identify potential sources that exist to provide these services. INS WILL NOT PAY FOR INFORMATION SUBMITTED IN RESPONSE TO THIS SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE. INS WILL ALSO NOT PAY FOR ANY COSTS INCURRED IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS INFORMATION. If your firm is interested, please respond in writing and provide background information on your company, its capabilities and evidence of similar experience. Please indicate if your company has a GSA Federal Supply Schedule contract and include applicable contract information. This information is requested by November 27, 2000. Responses should be addressed to Immigration and Naturalization Service, Procurement Division, 425 I Street NW, Room 2208, Attn: Geneva Webb, Washington, DC 20536. Please submit your responses by close of business on November 27, 2000.

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20001026/99SOL009.HTM (W-298 SN5050K6)