B -- Evaluation of Abstinence Education Programs and Other Approaches to Teen Pregnancy Prevention

The Department of Health and Human Services/Program Support Center has a requirement for the Office of the Secretary/Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. The purpose of the contract is to conduct separate, parallel random assignment evaluations of the impact of (1) abstinence education curricula and (2) comprehensive sex education in multiple sites across the nation. The overall evaluation will address two specific research questions: - Does abstinence education, delivered as part of a middle school curriculum, succeed in reducing sexual risk behavior? - Does comprehensive sex education, delivered as a part of a middle school curriculum, succeed in reducing sexual risk behavior? Key outcomes will include: reduction and prevention of out-of-wedlock pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. Other key outcomes of interest include age at first sex, frequency of sexual intercourse, and the number of individuals who postpone sexual intercourse through adolescence. The study will also estimate program effects on non-sexual risk-taking behaviors. The impact evaluation will focus on the effects of these programs on a cohort of 6th graders who are followed through 12th grade. ASPE estimates that the impact evaluation will span about 9 years. The impact evaluation will rely on random assignment, with schools as the unit of randomization. The overall study sample (for both the abstinence and comprehensive sex education studies) will consist of a cohort of 10,400 6th grade students, comprising initial samples of a minimum of 130 students in each of 80 study schools in districts that agree to participate. It is anticipated that the 80 schools will be spread out across the nation in approximately five sites (urban, suburban, and rural) in five states. It is anticipated that a nine year, cost-reimbursement contract will be awarded. Additional design parameters and background documents can be obtained by sending an e-mail request to contact@example.gov. The solicitation is being competed on a full and open competition basis. Solicitation number 07EASPE070024 will be made available on the Federal Business Opportunities (fedbizopps) website approximately 15 days after publication of this notice. Additionally, all amendments and responses to questions will be posted on the fedbizopps website. No telephone or faxed requests for the solicitation will be accepted.