R -- EDUCATION AND ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTING SYSTEM (EARS)

Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) needs to add additional tasks to the Facilitation and Logistical Support for the FNS Workgroup on Food Stamp Nutrition Education. These additional tasks would allow the Education and Administrative Reporting System (EARS) workgroup to continue to capture final follow-up information from participants in the EARS field test and provide an additional opportunity for participants to voice their experience in preparing for and completing the EARS form during the pilot. FNS feels this information is needed by the workgroup to fully understand State’s experiences in using the form and will aid the workgroup in further refining the EARS form and preparing for a smooth implementation of EARS in the future. Tasks Task 1.1 – Prepare Discussion Outlines The contractor, with the assistance of FNS, shall prepare an outline for discussions to be conducted in each of the six (6) states participating in the pilot test. The outline shall include a brief overview of preliminary pilot results and questions to facilitate a group discussion on participant’s experience in collecting data for the new reporting form for the pilot test and any recommendations they have for changes. The contractor shall prepare one draft and a final version of the outline for each state. Task 1.2 – Schedule and Facilitate Discussions The contractor shall coordinate all aspects of organizing, scheduling and facilitating face-to-face discussions in the six (6) pilot states. The discussions will take place in one location per state but in the larger states such at California, Illinois and New York more than one meeting shall be anticipated to take place on the same day (a morning session and an afternoon session) dependent upon interest and travel needs of participants. It is anticipated that each discussion will last approximately 2 hours. The discussions will include State, implementing and local agency personnel who attended the discussions conducted in preparation for the pilot test and a list of these attendees will be provided by FNS. The contractor shall coordinate these discussions with FNS and provide a schedule of the meetings at least 2 weeks (10 working days) in advance including logistic arrangements, agenda and any summary documents. Task 1.3 – Complete Summary Memos After the additional discussions are completed in each state, the contractor shall prepare a summary memo of major themes discussed and recommendations received. The contractor will prepare one draft and a final version of each summary memo (one per state). FNS intends to award a follow-on modification to purchase order number 43-3198-3-0113, to Phelan-Gregory Consulting, Inc. for continued support to the Education and Administration Reporting System (EARS) on a sole source basis, citing the authority fo FAR 6.302-1(B). No solicitation is available. Qualified sources may submit a proposal demonstrating capability and pricing points. Proposal must be received within three business days of this notice. Based on reponses to this notice, a determination not to compete this proposed award is solely within the discretion of the Government. Responses may be e-mailed to Richard Hicks/([email protected]). Telephone requests will not be accepted.