ATTACHMENT A I. Introduction I.A. Purpose of Study The United States Department of Education has a requirement for a large, complex data collection. This data collection, National Education Longitudinal Study: 1988-2000 (NELS:88/00), is designed to continue the series of longitudinal data collection efforts started in 1988 and continued through 1994. NELS:88/00 will collect data elements concerning post-high school experiences including postsecondary education activities, work force activities, and the experiences of high school dropouts. The method of data collection will be telephone and personal interviews. This study will culminate in a descriptive report and documented data files. The work will be monitored by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) within the U.S. Department of Education (ED). I.A.1. Legislation The Longitudinal Studies program at NCES is authorized by law under the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) section 406(b), as amended, (20 USC, 1221e-1): "The purpose of the Center shall be to collect, analyze, and disseminate statistics and other data related to education in the United States and in other nations. The Center shall: collect, collate, and from time to time report full and complete statistics on the condition of education in the United States; conduct and publish reports on specialized analyses of the meaning and significance of such statistics; ..." I.A.2. Program Overview The NELS:88 is the third secondary school based longitudinal study. The earlier studies include: The National Longitudinal Study of the High School Class of 1972 - NLS:72 - followed through 1986, and High School and Beyond, 1980 - HS&B, - followed through 1986 (senior cohort) and 1992 (sophomore cohort). Further information concerning NELS:88, NLS-72, and HS&B are available on NCES's web page, nces.ed.gov. I.B. Quality Control NCES is firmly committed to determining how well each project meets the project goals, the quality of data collected, and implications for future projects. Project quality control should be integrated into every phase of the project. For instance, potential problems should be identified early so that possible solutions are tested as part of the field test. Item reliability and validity tests must be built into the data collection efforts, non-response analyses should be conducted as part of the final weighting process, and survey methodology and sample design effects should be presented for use by all data users. Thus, in this as in other Center projects, statistical quality control shall be incorporated into each stage as appropriate. I.C. NCES Standards All work conducted under this contract must at minimum meet the standards and guidelines set forth in the publication Standards and Policies, March 16, 1987 and as amended by standards implemented since that time. In addition, all final reports for major products must at minimum meet the standards and guidelines in the OERI Publication Guide. Copies of these publications are available on request from Dr. Sam Peng at (202) 219-1643, or by mail: National Center for Education Statistics, 555 New Jersey Ave., NW, Washington DC 20208-5654. II. Scope of Work Independently and not as an agent of the United States Government, the Contractor shall provide all personnel, materials, services, and facilities necessary for the project and perform the tasks as described below. The NELS:88/00 study shall be an incrementally funded 42 month contract. This study shall have four major components. The first shall encompass all initial management and review tasks, including overall project quality control (Task 1). This component shall encompass the entire period of the project. The second component shall involve the conduct and reporting of the field test (Task 2) from data element development through OMB clearance, data collection and file creation, and field test reporting. The third component shall involve the conduct of the full scale survey (Task 3) and shall include student locating and interviewing, data file development, and methodology reporting. The fourth component shall be comprised of weighting, creation of derived variables, the construction of a tabulation system, and a descriptive survey report (Task 4). The following tasks are among those needed to adequately complete the NELS:88/00 study. While this list is not exhaustive, when coupled with the detailed specifications for the deliverables, it should serve to illuminate the complexity of the overall study and provide guidance in its conduct. Task 1. Management The contractor shall manage the collection of NELS:88/00 data in an efficient manner that fosters communications with staff, the NCES COTR, and potential users of the data. Subtask 1.1 Post Award Conference Within the first week after contract award, the contractor's project director and other key project staff as identified in the proposal shall hold a meeting with the NCES Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR) and other appropriate NCES staff to review the overall contract tasks, to identify potential problems and possible solutions, and to discuss areas of concern related to the proposed project staffing plan and other management requirements. The primary purpose of this meeting is to refine the management, staffing, and scheduling plans. These refinements are not to alter the specifications of the contract, but to provide management information for use by both the contractor and the government in monitoring the work to be performed. This conference is also to help the contractor to make use of the experience and materials that NCES staff have gained over the years. Subtask 1.2 Schedules Due to the uncertainties of large data collection projects, the contractor shall develop and maintain a detailed schedule for all activities of the project. The schedule shall be updated monthly. Deliverables: Schedules Subtask 1.3 Technical Review Panel To obtain peer review of project plans and products, and to foster communications with potential users of the data, the contractor shall establish a Technical Review Panel (TRP) of 12 consultants and conduct 6 meetings. The 2-day meetings shall be held in Washington, DC. The contractor shall prepare packets, ship packets to TRP members, prepare and provide meeting materials, and prepare minutes of TRP meetings. The TRP shall work with the contractor to improve plans, products, and user-friendliness; however, the TRP does NOT report to or advise NCES. Deliverables: List of potential TRP panelists Pre-meeting information packets Meeting agendas Meeting materials Meeting minutes Subtask 1.4 Monthly Reports The contractor shall report monthly on the progress made in accomplishing the project tasks, the consumption of funds, problems encountered, and plans for the next month. Deliverables: Monthly Reports Subtask 1.5 Integrated Monitoring System The contractor shall develop and maintain an Integrated Monitoring System (IMS) to foster communications with staff and the NCES COTR. The contractor shall design the IMS to routinely produce information about the project and provide access to this information to the NCES COTR. NCES Provided Material: NELS:88/94 Data Files and Documentation Deliverables: Document Archive NELS:88/00 Data Library NELS:88/00 Bibliography Relational Instrumentation Interface Production Reports Confidentiality Reports Quality Control Reports Electronic Codebook Input Files Task 2. Field Test (FT) The contractor shall develop all systems for data collection, prepare materials for IMCD/OMB forms clearance, train staff in the methods of data collection, test all data collection systems, and report on the quality of the data collection systems as a field test prior to the full-scale collection of NELS:88/00 data. Subtask 2.1 FT Sampling The contractor shall use the NELS:88/93 field test sample. Subsampling of CATI nonrespondents in 1999 for field data collection shall be specified and scheduled. Deliverables: FT CATI Nonrespondent Sampling Specifications FT CATI Nonrespondent Sample Frame Subtask 2.2 FT IMCD/OMB Forms Clearance The contractor shall prepare the IMCD/OMB Forms Clearance package for submission. The package shall request clearance for both the field test and the full-scale collections. Deliverables: FT Data Elements and Justifications FT IMCD/OMB Forms Clearance Package FT SF-83 FT Item Wording List Subtask 2.3 FT Data Collection The contractor shall collect the field test data from the FT sample with a target response rate of 92 percent. In addition, the contractor shall determine the amount of response time associated with each data element collected. Finally, the contractor shall re-collect data from a small (50) number of FT sample respondents to determine the quality of the data. Deliverables: FT Locating/Tracing Plan FT CAPI Executable FT Training Materials Data Element Timing Report Debriefing Report Re-collection Report FT Data files Subtask 2.4 FT Reporting The contractor shall prepare a report documenting all activities, methods, and outcomes of the field test. Deliverable: FT Methodology Report Task 3. Full-scale Data Collection The contractor shall modify all sampling and data collection systems as needed depending upon the results of the field test. The contractor shall prepare materials for IMCD/OMB forms clearance and shall collect data from the full-scale NELS:88/00 sample members. Subtask 3.1 Sampling The contractor shall use the NELS:88/94 sample. Subsampling of CATI nonrespondents for field data collection shall be specified and scheduled. Deliverables: CATI Nonrespondent Sampling Specifications CATI Nonrespondent Sample Frame Subtask 3.2 IMCD/OMB Forms Clearance The contractor shall prepare the IMCD/OMB Forms Clearance package for submission. The package shall request clearance for the full-scale collection. Deliverables: Data Elements and Justifications IMCD/OMB Forms Clearance Package SF 83 Final Item Wording List Subtask 3.3 Data Collection The contractor shall collect the full-scale sample data with a target response rate of 92 percent. Deliverables: Locating/Tracing Plan CAPI Executable Training Materials Data files Subtask 3.4 Methodology Report The contractor shall prepare a report documenting all activities, methods, and outcomes of the full-scale data collection. Deliverable: Methodology Report Task 4. Descriptive Reporting The contractor shall prepare a descriptive survey report based on the 2000 data. Subtask 4.1 Analysis Plan The contractor shall develop specifications for derived variables, table shells, and report structure. Deliverables: Derived variable specifications Table shells Descriptive report outline Subtask 4.2 Data Analysis System The contractor shall create the derived variables and a data analysis system for the estimation of table values. Deliverable: Data analysis system input files Subtask 4.3 Descriptive Survey Report The contractor shall prepare the descriptive survey report based on the 2000 data. Deliverable: Descriptive survey report III. Deliverable Specifications The specifications for all deliverables to be generated by the tasks described in section II are presented below. Several components of the Integrated Monitoring System (IMS) are included, but the IMS cannot be considered as the sum of its parts--it is more comprehensive. The IMS shall link the NCES COTR with project information, of all types. Unless otherwise specified, deliverables shall not be physically delivered to the NCES COTR. Instead, the NCES COTR shall be notified of the deliverable's placement within the IMS. An important function of the IMS from the NCES COTR's viewpoint is the IMS capability to retrieve deliverables. III.1 Schedule (Subtask 1.2) For all activities within the project, the schedule shall detail the key staff assigned, the projected start and end dates, and completion dates. The schedule shall be updated monthly. For any monthly schedule, all completion dates shall be entered and the future three (3) months activities shall be detailed. There are only three static dates within the schedule: [1] full scale data collection must begin by March, 2000; [2] accepted full-scale derived variable files must be delivered by December, 2000; and [3] accepted descriptive survey report must be delivered 2 weeks prior to contract termination. Delivery specifications: Each month (concurrent with the monthly report) an update of [1] off-the-shelf software scheduling file (not the software itself, but rather the activity/date file) and [2] ASCII text file "print-out" of the schedule shall be included within the IMS. III.2 List of potential TRP panelists (Subtask 1.3) Twenty (20) potential panelists shall be listed. Names, addresses, telephone numbers, affiliations, prior TRP memberships, and annotated resumes shall be included. To maintain continuity with the NELS:88/94 TRP (see appendix A), three (3) of the potential panelists shall be from the NELS:88/94 TRP. Delivery specifications: Six (6) weeks prior to the first TRP meeting the List of potential TRP panelists shall be delivered as a Word file. Selected TRP members information shall be included within the IMS with off-the-shelf database software for the generation of personalized letters and mailing labels. III.3 Pre-meeting (TRP) information packets (Subtask 1.3) These deliverables are materials (such as data element lists, collection problem reports, etc.) that shall be delivered to TRP members so that they can be prepared for discussion at the meetings. Six (6) TRP meetings of 2-day durations shall be held in Washington, DC. Pre-meeting information packets will be delivered to TRP members one (1) week prior to TRP meetings. Delivery specifications: Two (2) weeks prior to each TRP meeting, Pre-meeting Information Packets shall be delivered as Word files. III.4 (TRP) Meeting agendas (Subtask 1.3) These deliverables provide structure for TRP meetings in terms of times, topics, and discussion leaders. The expected topics for the six (6) TRP meetings are as follows: 1. FT data elements and FT nonrespondent sampling 2. FT data elements (timing) 3. Derived variables and descriptive survey report 4. Data files and electronic codebooks 5. Data analysis system 6. Descriptive survey report Delivery specifications: Two (2) weeks prior to each TRP meeting, the Meeting Agenda shall be delivered as Word files. III.5 (TRP) Meeting materials (Subtask 1.3) These materials include documents and drafts that are discussed at the TRP meetings. Delivery specifications: Two (2) days prior to each TRP meeting, the Meeting Materials shall be delivered as Word files. III.6 (TRP) Meeting minutes (Subtask 1.3) These minutes document the TRP discussions. Delivery specifications: Three (3) weeks after each TRP meeting, the Meeting Minutes shall be delivered as Word files. III.7 Monthly Reports (Subtask 1.5) The monthly report shall detail the progress made in accomplishing the project tasks, problems encountered, and plans for the next month. By attachment, the financial status of the project shall be described, including detailed monthly charges by named staff. Delivery specifications: Monthly (on or before the day corresponding to the contract award date) progress and financial reports shall be delivered as Word files. III.8 (IMS) Document Archive (Subtask 1.5) All documents (including dated drafts, E-mail communications, meeting notes, etc.) generated during the life of the project shall be stored in the document archive. The archive shall identify file name, dates, author(s), format, and key words corresponding to each document. Delivery specifications: Monthly updates (corresponding to the monthly reports) using off-the-shelf software shall be delivered. A listing of each document's vitals (i.e., file name, dates, author(s), format, and key words) shall be an ASCII text file. III.9 NELS:88/00 Data Library (Subtask 1.5) All data files from prior rounds of NELS:88 data collections shall be stored and documented. These include 1988, 1990, 1992, and 1994 full-scale collections and 1987, 1989, 1991, and 1993 field test collections. When completed, the 1999 FT and 2000 full-scale data files shall be added to the library. Delivery specifications: Within six (6) weeks of contract award, the ASCII data files and electronic codebook documentation for the 1987-94 NELS data shall be available in the Data Library. (NCES will provide these files within four weeks of contract award.) A monthly listing of the contents of the Data Library shall be delivered as an ASCII text file. III.10 NELS:88/00 Bibliography (Subtask 1.5) All publications using NELS:88 data shall be cataloged. In addition to NCES publications, titles found in searches of ERIC and Dissertation Abstracts shall be included. Delivery specifications: Within six (6) weeks of contract award, NCES-sponsored NELS:88 publications shall be cataloged using off-the-shelf database software. Within six (6) months of contract award, titles from ERIC and Dissertation Abstract searches shall be included. The bibliography shall be updated at six (6) month intervals. III.11 Relational Instrumentation Interface (Subtask 1.5) The instrumentation for the collection of NELS:00 data shall consist of a PC-based, scripted, windowed computer assisted telephone interview (CATI) and computer assisted personal interview (CAPI) procedures with preload and recursive fills. The CAPI, operating on a laptop PC, shall be undistinguishable from the CATI system in terms of screen text, skip patterns, and preloads/fills. The development of screens for these procedures shall be controlled and documented by an Relational Instrumentation Interface (RII). The main function of the RII is to relationally develop CATI/CAPI screens from the data elements. The essential linkages are as follows: [1] Data elements [2] Variables [3] CATI/CAPI screens [4] Sources (Preload, Prior variable, Screen entry) [5] Range restrictions [6] Sample restrictions [7] Storage parameters The CATI/CAPI system shall accept translated text from the RII for [3], [4], [5], [6], and [7]--thus, it shall be scripted. Project staff, not programmer support staff, shall develop the text for the RII that shall be translated into the CATI/CAPI instructions. Look-up table software for IPEDS codes, industry and occupation codes, major field of study codes, and a key word glossary shall be available within the CATI/CAPI system--thus, it shall be windowed. The following list of data elements represent approximately 95 percent of the data elements that shall be included within the RII: V.1. DATE. [PROVIDED BY CATI/CAPI] V.2. RESPONDENT'S BIRTHDATE. [PRELOADED] V.3 SECONDARY SCHOOL CONFIRMATION. [PRELOAD] V.4 ADMINISTRATION [CATI or CAPI] A.1. Activity Status as of Feb., 2000 a. Working for pay at a full-time or part-time job. b. Taking vocational or technical courses at any kind of school or college. c. Taking academic courses at a two- or four-year college. d. Serving in an apprenticeship program or government training program. e. Serving on active duty in the armed forces. f. Keeping house. g. Holding a job but on temporary layoff from work or waiting to report to work. h. Looking for work. A.2. Current marital status. a. Married. b. Not married but living in a marriage-like relationship. c. Separated. d. Divorced. e. Widowed. f. Never married. A.3. Household composition (current) {YES NO} a. Husband/Wife/Partner. {consistency check with A.2=a} b. Father. c. Other male guardian (stepfather). d. Mother. e. Other female guardian (stepmother). {YES/NO and NUMBER} f. Brother(s) (including step- or half-). g. Sister(s) (including step- or half-). h. Children/Step-children. i. Grandparent(s). j. Other relative(s) (children or adults). k. Non-relative(s) (children or adults). TOTAL [Provided by CATI -- Interviewer will verify] A.4. Highest level of education attained. a. Some high school. b. Earned a high school equivalency diploma or certificate. c. Finished high school with a regular diploma. d. Vocational, trade or business school after high school (not for BA or MBA) 1. Less than two years. 2. Two years or more. e. College program 1. Less than two years of college. 2. Two or more years of college (including Associate's degree). 3. Finish college (Bachelor's degree). 4. Master's degree or equivalent. 5. Ph.D. or equivalent. 6. M.D., L.L.B., J.D., D.D.S. or equivalent. A.5. Highest level of education expected. a. Some high school. b. Earn a high school equivalency diploma or certificate. c. Finish high school with a regular diploma. d. Vocational, trade or business school after high school (not for BA or MBA) 1. Less than two years. 2. Two years or more. e. College program 1. Less than two years of college. 2. Two or more years of college (including Associate's degree). 3. Finish college (Bachelor's degree). 4. Master's degree or equivalent. 5. Ph.D. or equivalent. 6. M.D., L.L.B., J.D., D.D.S. or equivalent. {Consistency check with A.4} D.1. High school diploma, GED, or certificate of completion status [PRELOADED] a. Graduated early. b. Graduated with class. c. Left high school but returned to earn a regular diploma. d. Left high school but since earned an equivalent certificate (such as GED). e. Currently working toward a regular high school diploma. f. Currently working toward an equivalent of high school diploma. g. Did not graduate or earn an equivalent certificate. {{ASK D.2 ONLY IF D.1 = {a,b,c,d} }} D.2. Month and year high school (diploma/certificate) received. [PRELOAD] MM/YY E.1. Number of postsecondary institutions attended since high school. {Consistency check with 1994 preload} E.2. Number of degrees attained since high school. a. Certificate/license. b. Associate's Degree. c. Bachelor's degree. d. Master's degree or equivalent. e. A Ph.D. or equivalent. f. An M.D., L.L.B., J.D., D.D.S. or equivalent. E.3 For E.2 number of degrees and LAST ATTENDED, Loop: E.3.1. Name(s) and location(s) of the institution(s) attended. {Code IPEDS} E.3.2. Start and stop (expected for last) dates {Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer/YY} E.3.3. Intensity. a. Full-time/full-year b. Mixed part-time and part-year c. Consistently part-time or interrupted. E.3.4. Field of study {Code MAJOR} E.3.5 Grades 1 = MOSTLY A'S (3.75 AND ABOVE) 2 = A'S AND B'S (3.25-3.74) 3 = MOSTLY B'S (2.75-3.24 4 = B'S AND C'S (2.25-2.74) 5 = MOSTLY C'S (1.75-2.24 6 = C'S AND D'S (1.25-1.74) 7 = MOSTLY D'S OR BELOW (BELOW 1.24) 8 = PASS/FAIL 9 = SCHOOL DOESN'T AWARD GRADES E.3.6 Housing arrangements while attending While you were attending [school], where did you live?] {NOTE: IF MORE THAN ONE RESIDENCE, GIVE THE PLACE I. R LIVED THE LONGEST} 1 = On-campus in school-owned housing, 2 = Off-campus in school-owned housing 3 = In an apartment or house other than with your parents or guardians (including housesowned by fraternities and sororities) 4 = With your parents or guardians, 5 = With other relatives, or 6 = Some place else? E.3.7 Housing arrangements while not attending (e.g., summers) Where did you live when you were not in school?] {NOTE: IF MORE THAN ONE RESIDENCE, GIVE THE PLACE R LIVED THE LONGEST} 0 = Same place 1 = With parents/guardians 2 = In an apartment or house other than with parents/guardians (including houses owned by fraternities/sororities) 3 = With other relatives 4 = Other E.3.8 Transportation [While you are enrolled, how do you usually get to/ When you were enrolled, how did you usually get to] [school]? 1 = WALK 2 = PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION (BUS, TRAIN, SUBWAY, TAXI, ETC.) 3 = SCHOOL-PROVIDED TRANSPORTATION 4 = DROVE CAR/VEHICLE 5 = CARPOOL 6 = DEPENDENT ON RIDES FROM OTHERS 7 = BICYCLE 8 = OTHER E.3.9. Distance [How far (in miles) do you live from/ How far (in miles) did you usually live from] [school]? 1 = LESS THAN 1 MILE 2 = 1 TO 2 MILES 3 = 3 MILES TO 10 MILES 4 = 11 TO 40 MILES 5 = OVER 40 MILES [r]R WALKS/WALKED TO SCHOOL: ENTER A DISTANCE LESS THAN 11 MILES {For Bachelor's degree or LAST=4-year only} E.3.10. Participation in various extracurricular activities. Scale: A Great Deal, Sometimes, Never. a. Varsity intercollegiate athletics. b. Other intercollegiate athletics. c. Intramural athletics. d. Performing arts (music groups, theater, etc.). e. College newspaper or radio station. f. Student government or political groups. g. Social clubs, fraternities/sororities. h. Volunteer services to fellow students. i. Volunteer services to community groups. j. Paying job on campus. E.3.11 Social and academic integration {NEVER, SOMETIMES, OFTEN} How often did you: a. Talk with faculty about academic matters, outside of class time? b. Study, or work on class projects, with other students? c. Have classes taught by graduate students? d. Use a personal computer? e. Have small classes? f. Have courses that consisted only of lectures? g. Have to write papers for courses? h. Have to use the library to find information? i. Have to write essay answers as part of exams? j. Receive lower grades than expected? k. Used Internet to do research? E.3.12 Varsity athletics Did you participate in varsity intercollegiate athletics? NO FOOTBALL BASKETBALL OTHER SPORTS {For Certificate or Last < 2-year only} E.3.13. Satisfaction with career programs. Please tell me if you were satisfied or dissatisfied with each of the following at [school]... {SATISFIED, DISSATISFIED, DID NOT USE, NOT AVAILABLE} a. The career preparation you received... b. The training you received to use the tools and equipment needed to work in your field... c. The counseling services ... d. The job placement services ... {END BA/BS LAST=4-YEAR } {If NO DEGREE} E.3.14. What was your primary reason for enrolling at [school]? a. JOB SKILLS b. DEGREE OR CERTIFICATE c. TRANSFER TO ANOTHER SCHOOL d. PERSONAL ENRICHMENT E.3.15. You told me earlier that you're no longer enrolled at [school]. Why did you leave there? COLLECT UP TO 3 RESPONSES. (ENTER 0 FOR NONE, OR NO MORE). a. DONE TAKING THE DESIRED CLASSES (PERSONAL INTEREST) b. FINANCIAL REASONS c. ACADEMIC PROBLEMS d. NOT SATISFIED WITH PROGRAM/SCHOOL/CAMPUS/FACULTY e. CLASSES NOT AVAILABLE/CLASS SCHEDULING NOT CONVENIENT f. CHANGE IN FAMILY STATUS (e.g., MARRIAGE, BABY, DEATH IN FAMILY) g. JOB/MILITARY CONSIDERATIONS h. MOVED FROM THE AREA i. PERSONAL PROBLEMS/CONFLICTS WITH DEMANDS AT HOME j. DECIDED TO TAKE TIME OFF FROM STUDIES k. ENROLLMENT DOESN'T SUIT LIFESTYLE l. SCHOOL/PROGRAM LOST ACCREDITATION m. SCHOOL/PROGRAM CLOSED n. OTHER {END IF NO DEGREE} {END LOOP} {ASK IF ATTENDED MORE THAN ONE SCHOOL} E.4. According to the information you gave me earlier, you've attended more than one school. Could you tell me why you decided to enroll at more than one school? COLLECT UP TO 3 RESPONSES. a. GET DONE SOONER b. TAKE EASIER CLASSES/FULFILL REQUIREMENTS c. OFFERED BETTER CLASS SCHEDULE d. PREPARING TO TRANSFER TO/TRYING OUT ANOTHER SCHOOL e. TRYING PROGRAM/FIELD OF STUDY NOT AVAILABLE AT CURRENT SCHOOL f. TAKING EXTRA CLASSES NOT RELATED TO MY PROGRAM (PERSONAL ENRICHMENT) g. FINANCIAL REASONS h. PARTICIPATED IN CONSORTIUM/TOOK CLASSES AT BRANCH CAMPUS i. OTHER j. DID NOT ENROLL IN MULTIPLE SCHOOLS AT SAME TIME. {ASK if E.1>1} E.5. Did you attempt to transfer any credits you earned to another school? 1 = YES 2 = NO {Ask if E.5=1} E.5.1. Why did you decide to transfer? COLLECT UP TO 3 RESPONSES. a. DONE TAKING THE DESIRED CLASSES/COMPLETED DESIRED COURSEWORK b. FINANCIAL REASONS c. ACADEMIC PROBLEMS d. NOT SATISFIED WITH PROGRAM/SCHOOL/CAMPUS/FACULTY e. CLASSES NOT AVAILABLE/CLASS SCHEDULING NOT CONVENIENT f. CHANGED DEGREE PROGRAM/MAJOR/FIELD OF STUDY g. TRANSFER SCHOOL IS LESS COMPETITIVE h. CHANGE IN FAMILY STATUS (E.G.,MARRIAGE, BABY, DEATH IN FAMILY) i. JOB/MILITARY CONSIDERATIONS j. MOVED FROM THE AREA k. PERSONAL PROBLEMS/CONFLICTS WITH DEMANDS AT HOME l. SCHOOL/PROGRAM LOST ACCREDITATION m. SCHOOL/PROGRAM CLOSED n. OTHER E.5.2. Were all, some, or none of those credits accepted? a. NONE b. SOME c. ALL {END IF TRANSFER} M.1. Currently serving in Armed Forces. Yes/No M.2. Veteran of the Armed Forces. Yes/No {{ASK M.3 & M.4 IF M.1 = Yes OR M.2 = Yes}} M.3. Branch. a. Army. b. Navy. c. Marines. d. Air Force. e. Coast Guard. f. National Guard. M.4. Active duty or reserves. a. active duty. b. reserves. W.1. Any job(s) during A. January - December, 1999? B. January - {month}, 2000? Yes/No {{LOOP FOR W.1 A,B = Yes}} W.2. Number of jobs. W.2.1. Type of job or occupation. [FOR JOB IN PERIOD HELD LONGEST] {OCC code} W.2.2. Type of business or industry. {INDUSTRY CODE} W.2.3. Main activities or duties. VERBATIM. W.2.4. Type of (employee/employer). 1. employee of a private company, business, or individual for wages, salary, or commission 2. government employee a. Federal government employee. b. State government employee. c. Local government employee. 3. self-employed in own business, professional practice, or farm a. incorporated. b. unincorporated. 4. working without pay in a family business or farm {{ASK W.3.e IF W.3.d = 1}} W.2.5. Hours typically worked per week. W.2.6. Earnings rate. {END JOB LOOP} W.5. Unemployment A. January - December, 1999? B. January - {month}, 2000? ever without a job, available for work, and looking for work at the same time. Yes/No {{LOOP W.5 A,B = Yes}} W.6. Months or parts of a month without a job, available for work, and looking for work. MM's W.7. Receipt of unemployment compensation. Yes/No W.8. Months received unemployment compensation. MM's {END UNEMPLOYMENT LOOP} S.1. Relationship between training/education since high school and job experiences. True/False a. Able to apply most of what was learned. b. Job different from way Respondent was trained. c. Did not use tools or equipment trained to use. d. Could have gotten job without training. e. Taken coursework associated with but not helpful in performing job. f. What was done on job was learned in school. S.2. Satisfaction in present or most recent job. Scale: very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, or dissatisfied with . . . a. the job's pay and fringe benefits? b. its importance and challenge? c. its working conditions? d. the opportunity for promotion and advancement? e. the opportunity to use past training and education? f. its security and permanence? g. your supervisor(s)? h. your relationships with co-workers? i. the job as a whole? j. the opportunity for further education? T.1. Receipt of formal training/education for current (or most recent) job. Yes/No T.2. Receipt of employer-provided training benefits/training or education program (during the last 12 months). Yes/No {{ASK IF T.2 = Yes}} T.3. Type of training/education received within the last 12 months. Hours per week. Total number of weeks. {A. Yes/No, B. Hours/week, C. Number of weeks} a. Employer-provided training during working hours on employer premises. b. Informal on-the-job training. c. Employer-provided training during working hours away from employer premises. d. Tuition aid and/or financial assistance for attending educational institutions. T.4. Where this training/education received a. High school. b. Vocational, trade, business, or other career training school. c. Apprenticeship. d. Government training program. e. Junior or community college. f. College or university. g. Independent graduate or professional school. h. Military service. i. Job site. {END IF TRAINING} T.5. During the last year, and not counting full time school or part time courses taken for credit toward a degree, involvement in adult education programs? Yes/No a. continuing education courses or noncredit courses. b. courses by mail, television, radio or newspaper. c. distance learning courses. d. private instruction or tutoring. e. instruction in basic skills such as math or reading and writing English. f. instruction in English as a second language. {{ASK T.6 ONLY IF ONE OR MORE T.5 = YES}} T.6. Did training/education include any of the following types of employment- or career-related training YES NO a. executive or management development training. b. supervisory training. c. professional development training. d. technical or skilled worker training. e. word processing or computer software training. f. job health and safety training. g. training in areas such as quality control or statistical process control. h. sales and marketing training. {ASK IF A.2 NE f.'Never married'} F.1. Number of marriages. F.2. First marriage begin date MM/YY {Preload} F.3. How (first/second) marriage ended. a. Separation. b. Divorce or annulment. c. Death. F.4. Total number of dependents claimed when filing income taxes. F.5. Number of dependent children. {Loop for 1st and Last child} F.6.1 CHILD's birthdate(s). MM/YY F.6.2. CHILD's sex a. Male b. Female F.6.3. CHILD a. Born to you? b. Adopted? c. Your step-child? d. A foster-care child? {End loop} {{ASK IF CHILDREN LESS THAN 5 YEARS OLD}} F.7. (CHILD) enrolled in preschool. Yes/No {If F.7=YES} F.7.1. Type of child care arrangement [Hours/week, 0=None] a. Center based b. Non-center based c. Family member {{ASK FOR CHILDREN 5 - 12 YEARS OLD}} F.8. Kind of school (CHILD) attends a. public 1. Charter school 2. Non-charter school b. private 1. Catholic 2. Other religious 3. Independent F.9. After school care? Yes/No {ASK I.1, I.2 OF ALL RESPONDENTS FOR 1999, AND AN ESTIMATE FOR 2000} I.1. INCOME QUESTIONS Yes/No a. Did you receive any wages, salaries, commissions or tips? b. Did you receive any net income from a business or farm? C+. Did your spouse/partner receive any wages, salaries, commissions, or tips, and his or her net income from a business or farm? D+. Did you or your spouse/partner receive any dividends, interest, rental income, investment income? e. Did you {or your spouse/partner} receive any Social Security benefits? f. Did you {or your spouse/partner} receive any veterans' benefits? g. Did you receive any unemployment compensation? H+. Did your spouse/partner receive any unemployment compensation? i. Did you {or your spouse/partner} receive any public assistance, welfare, AFDC, etc.? j. Did you {or your spouse/partner} receive any income as gifts from relatives or friends? k. Did you receive any scholarships, fellowships, grants, loans, etc.? l+. Did your spouse/partner receive any scholarships, fellowships, grants, loans, etc.? m. Did you {or your spouse/partner} receive any nontaxable income not included above? n. Did you file a tax return? {{+ item not asked if A.2=c,d,e,f}} I.2. Total income, before taxes. [AMOUNT] I.3. Monthly payments [AMOUNT, 0 = None] a. Home mortgage. b. Automobile loans. c. Education loans. {not asked if E.1=0} d. Other debt. The other 5 percent of the data elements shall be identified during the first TRP meeting and/or the IMCD/OMB clearance process. Delivery specifications: Within four (4) weeks of contract award the RII shall be established within the IMS using off-the-shelf database software. The RII shall be updated on a flow basis through FT IMCD/OMB forms clearance and following examination of the results of the field test. The RII database software shall have the capability to produce lists of data elements, skip pattern instructions, preload designations, fill designations, and range checks similar to the listing above as ASCII text files. In addition the RII database software shall have the capability to produce translatable files compatible with the CATI/CAPI systems. III.12 Production Reports (Subtask 1.5) The status of all cases in the data collection system, by day of operations, shall be presented in daily production reports. The following status categories shall be displayed: [1] Case not yet worked [2] In location/trace [3] Unlocatable [4] In CATI [5] Completed CATI [6] CATI call back [7] CATI partial complete, no call back [8] CATI refusal [9] In CAPI [10] Completed CAPI [11] CAPI partial complete, no recontact [12] CAPI refusal [13] Ineligible/deceased Delivery specifications: One day before the beginning of data collection, the spreadsheet with days as rows and the status categories as columns shall be loaded into the IMS. During CATI/CAPI operations, the Production Report shall be appended daily. III.13 Confidentiality Reports (Subtask 1.5) Confidentiality Reports shall be in two (2) parts. Part 1 shall be a list of all project staff with access to restricted NELS data. Part 2 shall be a completed (signed and notarized) set of NCES Affidavits of Nondisclosure for all project staff listed (in part 1). Delivery specifications: Within one (1) week of contract award, Part 1 shall be included within the IMS as a Word file. Each NCES Affidavit of Nondisclosure shall be completed prior to access to restricted NELS data. The completed NCES Affidavits of Nondisclosure shall be mailed to the NCES COTR in monthly batches corresponding to the monthly report. Part I shall be updated on a flow basis. III.14 Quality Control Reports (Subtask 1.5) The quality of CATI operations shall be monitored using the statistical quality control procedures of W.A. Shewhart and W.E. Deming1. The operator by time population of CATI activities shall be randomly sampled and monitored for the following events: [1] No observed errors or deviations [2] Deviation not resulting in error [3] Error with recovery [4] Error without recovery The quality of CAPI operations, from a monitoring point of view, is more difficult to assess. The use of recordings, supervisory actions, and other methods shall be evaluated as methods of gauging the quality of CAPI operations during the field test. Delivery specifications: One day before the beginning of CATI operations, the spreadsheet with days as rows and the event categories as columns shall be loaded into the IMS. During CATI operations, the Quality Control Report shall be appended daily. III.15 Electronic Codebooks (Subtask 1.5) Electronic codebook software enhances the usage of data files. Users are presented lists of fully-labeled variables with associated frequency distributions (unweighted) and associated item wording. Users' selections of variables are converted into fully-labeled SPSS-PC and PC-SAS code for extraction of analysis files. Delivery specifications: Within four (4) weeks of contract award, the NELS:88/94 electronic codebook system shall be available within the IMS. Development of the electronic codebook for the NELS:88/99 field test data files and for the NELS:88/00 full-scale data files shall be documented within the project schedule (see subtask 1.2). III.16 FT CATI Nonrespondent Sampling Specifications (Subtask 2.1) FT CATI nonrespondent sampling specifications shall present strata and expected rates for both the field test samples and the plans for the full-scale sample. For the field test, a CATI nonrespondent subsample of the 300 NELS:88/93 field test sample shall be specified. Delivery specifications: Two (2) weeks prior to the first TRP meeting, a draft of the FT CATI Nonrespondent Sampling Specifications shall be delivered as a Word file. Two (2) weeks after the first TRP meeting, the final FT CATI Nonrespondent Sampling Specifications shall be delivered as a Word file. III.17 FT CATI Nonrespondent Sample Frame (Subtask 2.1) Based on the accepted FT CATI Nonrespondent Sampling Specifications, the NELS:93 Field Test Sample Frame shall be revised for use in 1999. Delivery specifications: Eight (8) weeks after the start of CATI operations on the FT sample, the FT CATI Nonrespondent Sample Frame shall be delivered as an ASCII text file with documentation. III.18 FT Data Elements and Justifications (Subtask 2.2) For the data elements included within the RII, justifications suitable for inclusion within the IMCD/OMB package shall be developed. Delivery specifications: Two (2) weeks prior to the first TRP meeting, a draft of the FT Data Elements and Justifications shall be delivered as a Word file. One (1) week after the first TRP meeting, the second draft FT Data Elements and Justifications shall be delivered as a Word file for NCES inter-divisional review. One (1) week after NCES inter-divisional review, the final FT Data Elements and Justifications shall be delivered as a Word file. III.19 FT IMCD/OMB Forms Clearance Package (Subtask 2.2) The FT IMCD/OMB Forms Clearance Package shall include introduction, project justifications, purpose and use of data, descriptions of collection methods, descriptions of efforts to identify duplication, descriptions of the suitability of existing data, methods used to minimize burden, frequency of data collection, adherence to guidelines in 5 CFR 1320.6, consultations, confidentiality, sensitive questions, estimates of costs, estimates of response burden, publication plans and schedules, statistical methodology, sampling, data elements and justifications, and sample notifications. This package shall request clearance for field test and full-scale activities. Delivery specifications: One (1) week after NCES inter-divisional review of the FT Data Elements and Justifications, the FT IMCD/OMB Forms Clearance Package shall be delivered as a Word file. During the 120 day clearance period, two (2) revisions for IMCD and OMB concerns shall be delivered as Word files. III.20 FT SF-83 (Subtask 2.2) Information needed to complete blocks #13 and #17 on Standard Form 83, which accompanies the IMCD/OMB clearance package, shall be delivered. Delivery specifications: One (1) week after NCES inter-divisional review of the FT Data Elements and Justifications, the FT SF-83 information shall be delivered as a Word file. III.21 FT Item Wording List (Subtask 2.2) OMB and IMCD require documentation of the final CATI/CAPI screens used for data collection. Delivery specifications: One (1) week prior to CATI operations on FT sample [6], an ASCII text file presenting all CATI windows and coding structures shall be delivered. III.22 FT Locating/Tracing Plan (Subtask 2.3) One of the most difficult jobs will be tracing and locating NELS:88 field test sample members in 1999. All locating/tracing information from 1987-94 was stored on compact disks in relational database format. These compact disks shall be provided by the National Opinion Research Center, Chicago, Illinois. In addition to planning the steps for pre-CATI locating activities, strategies for tracing during CATI, and field efforts, the FT Locating/Tracing Plan shall include an evaluation of the 1987-94 information stored on the compact disks. Delivery specification: Two (2) months prior to the start of CATI operations on the FT sample, the FT Locating/Tracing Plan shall be delivered as a Word file. III.23 FT CAPI Executable (Subtask 2.3) Based on the accepted FT Data Elements, the FT CATI and (identical) FT CAPI shall be developed. Delivery specification: Two (2) months prior to the start of CATI operations on the FT sample, the FT CAPI Executable shall be delivered. III.24 FT Training Materials (Subtask 2.2) Materials used for the training of trace/location staff, CATI/CAPI operators, and quality control monitors include mock interview sessions, glossaries of terms, procedures for refusal conversion, and procedures for system operations. Delivery specifications: One (1) week prior to CATI operations, the FT Training Materials shall be delivered as Word files. III.25 Data Element Timing Report (Subtask 2.3) The Data Element Timing Report shall detail the amount of time in minutes (average and maximum) required for CATI operations with FT sample for each data element. Delivery specifications: Two (2) weeks prior to the second TRP meeting, the Data Element Timing Report shall be delivered as a spreadsheet file. III.26 Debriefing Report (Subtask 2.3) The experiences of CATI/CAPI operators and trace/location staff during the field test shall be documented in a Debriefing Report. Delivery specifications: Two (2) weeks after termination of CATI/CAPI operations, the Debriefing Report shall be delivered as a Word file. III.27 Re-collection Report (Subtask 2.3) Qualitative comparisons of the two interviews conducted with FT sample, the comments obtained from these respondents, and comments obtained from the reinterview operators shall be documented in the Re-collection Report. Delivery specifications: Two (2) weeks after termination of CATI/CAPI operations, the Re-collection Report shall be delivered as a Word file. III.28 FT Data files (Subtask 2.3) The data collected during the field test shall be stored in a series of files for the analyses needed for the FT Methodology Report and for secondary analyses. (The documentation for the FT Data Files shall be an electronic codebook, see IMS specification.) Delivery specifications: One (1) month following termination of CATI/CAPI operations, the FT data files shall be delivered as ASCII text files with fixed variable positions. The maximum record length shall be less than 1024 characters. One (1) month following acceptance of the Derived Variable Specifications (see subtask 4.1), an ASCII text file of derived variables based on field test data shall be delivered. III.29 FT Methodology Report (Subtask 2.4) All aspects of the field test activities and results shall be documented in the FT Methodology Report. Chapters within the FT Methodology Report shall include an introduction with a discussion of the history of NELS in general and the field test sample(s); a description of the collection systems developed; timing and response rates for data elements; quality measures (quality control monitoring and re-collection); system performance in terms of tracing/location rates and times, CATI yields, and CAPI yields; and significant problem areas. Delivery specifications: One (1) month following delivery of the FT Data files, the FT Methodology Report shall be delivered as a Word file. During the six month period of NCES publication review, this report shall be revised to reflect the concerns of (A) Division statistician review, (B) Associate Commissioner review, (C) Adjudication panel review, and (D) Chief statistician review. III.30 CATI Nonrespondent Sampling Specifications (Subtask 3.1) The sampling specifications for the full-scale collection shall be adjusted from the FT CATI Nonrespondent Sampling Specifications to reflect the findings of the field test. Delivery specifications: Eight (8) weeks after the start of the full-scale collection, the CATI Nonrespondent Sampling Specifications shall be delivered as a Word file. III.31 CATI Nonrespondent Sample Frame (Subtask 3.1) Based on the accepted CATI Nonrespondent Sampling Specifications, the NELS:00 Nonrespondent Sample Frame shall be developed. Delivery specifications: One (1) week prior to CAPI operations on the full-scale nonrespondent sample, the CATI Nonrespondent Sample Frame shall be delivered as an ASCII text file with documentation. III.32 Data Elements and Justifications (Subtask 3.2) For the data elements identified for full-scale collection, justifications shall be developed. (If IMCD/OMB clearance of the field test extends to the full-scale, this deliverable will describe the deletions and changes in field test data elements.) Delivery specifications: Two (2) weeks prior to submission of the IMCD/OMB Forms Clearance Package for the full-scale collection, the Data Elements and Justifications shall be delivered as a Word file. III.33 IMCD/OMB Forms Clearance Package (Subtask 3.2) The IMCD/OMB Forms Clearance Package shall include introduction, project justifications, purpose and use of data, descriptions of collection methods, descriptions of efforts to identify duplication, descriptions of the suitability of existing data, methods used to minimize burden, frequency of data collection, adherence to guidelines in 5 CFR 1320.6, consultations, confidentiality, sensitive questions, estimates of costs, estimates of response burden, publication plans and schedules, statistical methodology, sampling, data elements and justifications, and sample notifications. (If IMCD/OMB clearance of the field test extends to the full-scale, this deliverable will describe the deletions and changes in the above sections.) Delivery specifications: One (1) week after NCES inter-divisional review of the Data Elements and Justifications, the IMCD/OMB Forms Clearance Package shall be delivered as a Word file. During the 120 day clearance period, two (2) revisions for IMCD and OMB concerns shall be delivered as Word files. III.34 SF 83 (Subtask 3.2) Information needed to complete blocks #13 and #17 on Standard Form 83, which accompanies the clearance package, shall be delivered. Delivery specifications: One (1) week after NCES inter-divisional review of the Data Elements and Justifications, the SF 83 information shall be delivered as a Word file. III.35 Final Item Wording List (Subtask 3.2) OMB and IMCD require documentation of the final CATI/CAPI screens used for data collection. Delivery specifications: One (1) week prior to full-scale CATI operations, an ASCII text file presenting all CATI windows will be delivered. III.36 Locating/Tracing Plan (Subtask 3.3) Based on the results of the FT, the Locating/Tracing Plan for the full-scale data collection shall ibe developed. Delivery specification: Two (2) months prior to the start of CATI operations on the full-scale sample, the Locating/Tracing Plan shall be delivered as a Word file. III.37 CAPI Executable (Subtask 3.3) Based on the accepted Data Elements, the CATI and (identical) CAPI shall be developed. Delivery specification: Two (2) months prior to the start of CATI operations on the full-scale sample, the CAPI Executable shall be delivered. III.38 Training Materials (Subtask 2.2) Materials used for the training of trace/location staff, CATI/CAPI operators, and quality control monitors include mock interview sessions, glossaries of terms, procedures for refusal conversion, and procedures for system operations. Delivery specifications: One (1) week prior to full-scale CATI operations, the Training Materials shall be delivered as Word files. III.39 Data files (Subtask 3.3) The data collected during the full-scale operations shall be stored in a series of files for the analyses needed for the Methodology Report, the Descriptive Survey Report, and for secondary analyses. (The documentation for the Data Files shall be an electronic codebook, see IMS specification.) Delivery specifications: One (1) month following termination of CATI/CAPI operations, the data files shall be delivered as ASCII text files with fixed variable positions. The maximum record length shall be less than 1024 characters. One (1) month following acceptance of the Derived Variable Specifications (see subtask 4.1), an ASCII text file of derived variables shall be delivered. III.40 Methodology Report (Subtask 3.4) All aspects of the full-scale collection activities and results shall be documented in the Methodology Report. Chapters within the Methodology Report shall include an introduction with a discussion of the history of NELS in general; a synopsis of the field test; a description of the collection systems developed; response rates for data elements; quality measures (quality control monitoring); system performance in terms of tracing/location rates and times, CATI yields, and CAPI yields; weighting and design effects; and significant problem areas. Delivery specifications: One (1) month following delivery of the Data Files, the Methodology Report shall be delivered as a Word file. During the six month period of NCES publication review, this report shall be revised to reflect the concerns of (A) Division statistician review, (B) Associate Commissioner review, (C) Adjudication panel review, and (D) Chief statistician review. III.41 Derived variable specifications (Subtask 4.1) Approximately 250 new variables shall be specified as derivations from the 1988 through 2000 data. These derived variables shall be composites of one or more variables that have the potential for inclusion within the Descriptive Survey Report. The classes of derived variables include postsecondary activities, labor force activities, family formation, life goals and values, and demographics. Most of these new derived variables will be based on the 2000 data, but a few will modify/correct/enhance existing derived variables from the 1988-94 data. Delivery specification: Two (2) weeks prior to the third TRP meeting, a first draft of the Derived Variable Specifications shall be delivered as a Word file. Three (3) weeks following the third TRP meeting, the second draft of the Derived Variable Specifications shall be delivered as an ASCII text file with PC-SAS or SPSS-PC code detailing each specification. Two (2) months following termination of CATI/CAPI operations, the final Derived Variable Specifications shall be delivered as an ASCII text file with PC-SAS or SPSS-PC code detailing each specification including adjustments for missing values within the data. III.42 Table shells (Subtask 4.1) Sixty (60) shells for tables planned for inclusion within the Descriptive Survey Report shall be developed. Tables shall be specified with rows, columns, and sample filters for derived variables. Delivery specification: Two (2) weeks prior to the third TRP meeting, a first draft of the Table Shells shall be delivered as a Word file. Three (3) weeks following the third TRP meeting, the second draft of the Table Shells shall be delivered as a Word file. Two (2) months following termination of CATI/CAPI operations, the final Table Shells shall be delivered as a Word file detailing adjustments for low frequencies within the data. III.43 Descriptive report outline (Subtask 4.1) An annotated outline of the Descriptive Survey Report shall be developed. Table topics outlined shall include postsecondary activities, labor force activities, family formation, and life goals and values. Further, an essay (15-20 pages) on a policy relevant topic shall be included. Delivery specification: Two (2) weeks prior to the third TRP meeting, a first draft of the Descriptive Report Outline shall be delivered as a Word file. Three (3) weeks following the third TRP meeting, the second draft shall be delivered as a Word file. Two (2) months following termination of CATI/CAPI operations, the final Descriptive Report Outline shall be delivered as a Word file. III.44 Data Analysis System (Subtask 4.2) Based on the 250 new derived variables and the 1994 derived variables, a data analysis system shall be developed for the estimation of table values. Delivery specification: One (1) month following the acceptance of the derived variables data file, the Data Analysis System (DAS) shall be delivered. III.45 Descriptive survey report (Subtask 4.3) As specified in the accepted Descriptive Report Outline and using the accepted DAS to produce tables specified in the accepted Table Shells, the Descriptive Survey Report shall be developed. In addition to text describing group differences, this report shall include approximately 15 graphs and/or charts for the most interesting findings and a 2-page set of bullets serving as highlights. Delivery specification: Four (4) months prior to the termination date of the contract, the Descriptive Survey Report shall be delivered as a Word file. During the four month period of NCES publication review, this report shall be revised to reflect the concerns of (A) Division statistician review, (B) Associate Commissioner review, (C) Adjudication panel review, and (D) Chief statistician review. IV. Inspection and Acceptance Procedures The contractor shall consult with the NCES COTR before making any major decisions or developing the required deliverables. To facilitate this communication, the contractor shall make frequent phone calls and visits to NCES to discuss potential project problems and progress. The contractor shall set up an electronic system for transferring information via electronic mail and microcomputers. In addition, the contractor shall provide the COTR access to files and systems within the Integrated Monitoring System and remote access for monitoring CATI operations. The contractor shall prepare all reports following the guidelines referenced by NCES's standards. The NCES review process may take 2-6 months, depending on the type of report. It is paramount that schedules for publication releases be kept and that NCES standards for all phases of report production be followed. All materials must be approved before release. The contractor shall not release any data in raw or derived form to anyone without NCES's review and approval. V. Additional Compliance Requirements V.A. Protection of data The confidentiality of individually identifiable information contained in documents, data, and other information supplied by the National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (NCES/ED) or acquired in the course of performance under this contract, furnished under the provisions of section 406 of the General Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C. 1221e-1), is a material aspect of the contract, and must be maintained, as provided in Paragraphs 4(A) through (F) of Section 406 of the General Education Provisions Act and 5 U.S.C. 552a. Therefore, the contractor shall maintain the confidentiality of all documents, data, and other information supplied by NCES/ED or acquired in the course of performance of this contract, except for any documents or other information specifically designated as nonconfidential by NCES/ED. The contractor shall take such measures as are necessary to maintain the required security. V.B. Control file maintenance The contractor shall store and keep all computer files, including all locator information and other control files, in a secure place for six years or until conveyed to NCES and written permission is given by NCES through the Contracting Officer to otherwise dispose of the files. V.C. Performance Indicators Attachment B to the RFP is a list of Performance Indicators the COTR will use in monitoring this contract. V.D. Staff Qualifications The offeror shall provide staff who have technical expertise, knowledge, and experience all areas related to this study. These areas include: educational research, survey methodology, complex statistics and sampling methodologies, imputation methodologies, the implementation of conversational CATI/CAPI/CADE systems, the development of integrated software systems such as the IMS, postsecondary education, locating difficult to trace samples of individuals, field data collection, and gaining cooperation from a large and diverse number of people. Key personnel assigned to this project must have successful experience in: 1) studies of the transitions from education into the labor force; 2) studies of the effects of individual and contextual variables on education, occupation, and personal development; 3) studies relating to minority concerns; and 4) studies of longitudinal data with many inter-related data sets. The project director (PD) shall have experience in managing and conducting large scale surveys, preferably longitudinal surveys. The PD shall be a good problem solver, communicator, and team builder. The PD shall be capable of identifying problems early or anticipating them before they occur. Because of the nature of this project, the project director should either personally have or be closely assisted by someone who has expertise in the use of PC's and CATI/CAPI/CADE. If such a management team is proposed, there should be clear lines of authority and responsibility. Further, the offeror shall provide evidence that the management team has worked well together in the past. The project director (together with the technical director if a management team approach is proposed) shall have full-time commitment to the project and be prepared to maintain this commitment over the critical stages of the project. Other key staff shall be persons with a long range commitment to the project. The competencies of these persons should compliment those of the project director. These individuals should be experienced in working as part of a project team. They shall be people with demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and produce high quality products within budget. Attachment To Statement of Work NELS:88/94 TRP MEMBER LIST Dr. Jerald Bachman Institute for Social Research Dr. Jomills Braddock University of Miami Eric Hanushek University of Rochester Dr. Kancy Karweit John Hopkins University Dr. Richard Murnane Harvard University Dr. Vincent Tinto Syracuse University Dr. Marta Tienda University of Chicago 1W.E. Deming, "Some Principles of the Shewhart Methods of Quality Control", Mechanical Engineering, vol. 66, pp. 173-177, March, 1944. ?? 1