Technical Advisory Group for USCIS' new Naturalization Test

This is a pre-solicitation notice published in accordance with FAR 5.203 announcing that a solicitation will be published in the Federal Business Opportunity (FedBizOpps) on or about June 21, 2010 to provide a Technical Advisory Group for USCIS' new Naturalization Test. Presently, USCIS is in the process of monitoring the administration and implementation of the new test. During the monitoring phase, USCIS will determine if any test items need to be revised or eliminated or if new test items should be developed. As USCIS proceeds with the monitoring and implementation phases, and, should USCIS determine that there is a need for modifications to the new test (e.g., moving from a paper-based test to an electronic-based test), USCIS will require guidance from the TAG. It is imperative that the new test remain scientifically sound, valid, reliable, and fair should it undergo any changes. Additionally, USCIS' Office of Citizenship is mandated to develop educational materials and resources to help immigrants integrate into the United States and to prepare immigrants for the naturalization test. In order to adhere to this requirement, USCIS will need input from the TAG to ascertain that the educational materials and resources for the new test are developed at the correct educational level and are developed in a way that meets the needs of immigrant learners and the organizations that serve them. As USCIS moves forward with full implementation of the new test, it will require the assistance of the TAG not only to provide guidance on the new test, but also on the educational materials and resources related to it. The contractor shall be capable of identifying and selecting a number of TAG candidates and ensure that there are sufficient TAG members throughout the duration of the contract, coordinate & facilitate TAG meetings. TAG members must have knowledge and/or experience in the following areas: - Expertise in adult second language acquisition; - Expertise in adult English as a second language (ESL) instruction and methodology; - Knowledge of psychometrics in test development and/or test administration; - Experience or working knowledge of U.S. history/government, civics, social studies and/or political science; - Knowledge of the U.S. Department of Education's National Reporting System for Adult Education (NRS) ; - Knowledge or an understanding of the U.S. naturalization process; - Candidates must be a member of TESOL; - Candidates may not use any confidential information gained through participation on the TAG, or information not yet available to the general public for financial gain (i.e. authoring text books for profit); and - Geographic and ethnic diversity of working group members (strongly encouraged). This acquisition will be a full and open competition. The acquisition is expected to result in one Firm Fixed Price contract. The contract will be awarded for a one year base performance period with four 12-month option periods. This notice is not a request for proposals and in no way obligates the Government to award any contract. All questions concerning this competition must be directed in writing via email to the designated point of contact. No questions or inquiries will be accepted by telephone. The distribution of the resulting solicitation will be accomplished solely through FedBizOpps. Hard copies of the solicitation documents will not be available, therefore, no written, telephone, or facsimile requests for the document will be accepted. All future information about this acquisition, including the solicitation and any amendments, will be distributed solely through FedBizOpps.