Regional Educational Laboratory Program

The U.S. Department of Education plans to negotiate Change Orders for an additional sixth year with the current 10 Regional Educational Laboratory contractors, contingent on available funding. These laboratories operate under the authority of the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 and are managed by the Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance. Their mission is to connect research, policy, and practice to support state and local education agencies, communities, and schools. The laboratories conduct applied research, develop resources, disseminate best practices, offer technical assistance, and convene regional forums on key educational topics, functioning as part of a collaborative network. These contracts are designed to provide valuable resources to educators, policymakers, researchers, and the public by generating original research and comprehensive reviews of scientific evidence on educational interventions, including programs, products, and policies that aim to improve student outcomes. The contracting and acquisition responsibilities are managed by the Department of Education’s Contracts and Acquisitions Management office in Washington, D.C. For inquiries, Brenda K. Jefferson serves as the contract specialist. This ongoing effort reflects a commitment to evidence-based educational improvements that address regional needs and priorities.