Program for International Student Assessment (PISA)

The Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences (IES) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) related to the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) under solicitation number IES26SS00002. This market research effort seeks input on supporting the full U.S. participation in the 2029 PISA cycle managed by the OECD. The scope covers comprehensive project activities, including assessment instrument adaptation, sampling, data collection, coding, and final data delivery in core domains of Mathematics, Reading, and Science, as well as optional assessments in Media and AI Literacy, Financial Literacy, and Teacher Questionnaires. The contractor will be responsible for meeting rigorous international and NCES statistical standards, producing accessible final data products, and submitting all materials securely and in compliance with federal data privacy and security requirements. The anticipated performance period spans 48 months, combining a 12-month base period with up to three 12-month option periods, with all operations based in Washington, D.C. The contract emphasizes stringent data security protocols aligned with FIPS 140-2 encryption standards and multiple NIST cybersecurity frameworks. Contractor personnel must complete background checks and adhere to nondisclosure agreements with reporting requirements. Deliverables include detailed data sets, technical documentation, and disclosure avoidance plans, all subject to NCES and OECD approval before acceptance. While the solicitation does not specify pricing or evaluation criteria, it requires careful adherence to federal regulations including the Paperwork Reduction Act, FAR cybersecurity provisions, and prohibitions on covered foreign ICT services. The RFI seeks input via capability statements submitted by May 21, 2026, reflecting the government’s intent to ensure a secure, compliant, and high-quality execution of the U.S. PISA participation.