Potential Sources Sought. This is not a RFP/RFA.This is not an RFP/RFA. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is conducting a market survey to identify potential sources that are capable of supporting the Department of Transportations Garrett A. Morgan Technology and Transportation Education Program (GAMTTEP). The purpose of this program is to improve the preparation of students, particularly women and minorities, in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through curriculum development and other activities related to transportation. Parties interested in this effort must be capable of conducting programs to improve students STEM skills at the elementary and secondary school levels (kindergarten through 12th grades (K-12)). Each program should be capable of enhancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics at the elementary and secondary school level through such means as: (A) Internships that offer students experience in the transportation field; (B) Programs that allow students to spend time observing scientists and engineers in the transportation field; and (C) Developing relevant curriculum that uses examples and problems related to transportation. These programs will also assist in building the capacity of educational agencies to plan, implement, sustain, and evaluate transportation education activities in order to facilitate interest in the field of transportation and ultimately supply skilled employees needed for the future transportation workforce. Eligibility to participate in this program is limited to Local educational agencies (LEAs) and State educational agencies (SEAs). A LEA shall be defined as a public board of education or other public authority legally constituted within a State for either administrative control or direction of, or to perform a service function for, public elementary schools or secondary schools in a city, county, township, school district, or other political subdivision of a State, or of or for a combination of school districts or counties that is recognized in a State as an administrative agency for its public elementary schools or secondary schools. (Section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801). A SEA shall be defined as an agency that has the primarily responsible for the State supervision of public elementary schools and secondary schools. (Section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801). Also the term institution of higher education has the meaning given the term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001).FHWA encourages other interested parties, e.g., universities, businesses, associations, etc., to enter into partnership agreement with a LEA or SEA to assist with program activities. Also please note a priority will be given to vendors that encourage the participation of women and minorities. The FHWA anticipates posting a Request for Application (RFA) for this requirement on or about December 03, 2007 on both FedBizOps and Grants.gov. All interested applicants should closely monitor both FedBizOps and Grants.gov. for this requirement. RESPONSES TO THIS NOTICE: All interested organizations should submit information and comments in writing or by email by December 3, 2007, to Federal Highway Administration, Office of Professional & Corporate Development (Attn: Gwen Sutton, HPC-32), 4600 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 800, Arlington, VA 22203; Email
[email protected]. This sources sought is not to be construed as a commitment on the part of the Government to award a contract or agreement nor does the government intend to directly pay for any information or responses submitted as the result of this announcement.