U -- EDUCATION SUPPORT SERVICES FOR HOLLINGS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

NOTICE: This synopsis is a Request for information (RFI) only. It is not a Request for Proposal (RFP). This notice does not constitute a commitment by the Government. The information provided in response to this notice will assist the Government in determining the extent of the market for the type of work described herein. The NAICS Code is 611710 with a size standard of $6.0M. The Department of Commerce is seeking the following information: The Ernest F. Hollings (Hollings) scholarship program was established through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005 (Public Law 108-447). The purposes of the program include: (1) to increase undergraduate training in oceanic and atmospheric science, research, technology, and education and foster multidisciplinary training opportunities; (2) to increase public understanding and support for stewardship of the ocean and atmosphere and improve environmental literacy; (3) to recruit and prepare students for public service careers with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and other natural resource and science agencies at the Federal, state and local levels of government; and (4) to recruit and prepare students for careers as teachers and educators in oceanic and atmospheric science and to improve scientific and environmental education in the United States. As implemented in FY2005, the Hollings scholarship program provides selected undergraduate applicants with awards that include academic assistance (up to a maximum of $8,000) for full-time study during the 9-month academic year; a 10-week, full-time internship position ($650/week) during the summer at a NOAA or affiliated partner facility; and, if reappointed, academic assistance (up to a maximum of $8,000) for full-time study during a second 9-month academic year. The internship between first and second years of award provides - hands-on multi-disciplinary educational training experience involving Scholars in NOAA-related scientific, research, technological, policy, management, and education activities. Awards also include a housing subsidy for scholars who do not reside at home during the summer internship and travel expenses for attendance and participation at a Hollings scholarship orientation program, conference travel, and an end of summer internship presentation program. In cooperation with NOAA, support is required for the following administrative support services: 1. Develop a program plan and recruiting approach to ensure a competitive process resulting in the selection and sustenance of a highly qualified, demographically, geographically, and institutionally (e.g., 4-year, community and technical colleges, MSIs) diverse, cohort of 100+ undergraduate students, meeting the programs basic eligibility requirements: - U.S. citizen; - full-time student; - enrolled or planning to matriculate into the 3rd year of a 4-year degree program or 4th year of a 5-year degree program; - attending an accredited college or university within the United States or U.S. Territories; cumulative 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent on other identified scale) in all completed undergraduate courses and in the major field of study; and - majoring in NOAA-related disciplines, including, but not limited to, oceanic, environmental, and atmospheric sciences, mathematics, engineering, remote sensing technology, physical and social sciences including, geography, physics, hydrology, geomatics, or teacher education that support NOAA's programs and mission; 2. Outline and implement a program, awareness strategy to include activities, conferences, meetings, scholarship databases, outreach materials, or other appropriate methods for dissemination of scholarship information; 3. Establish a sequence and schedule of critical events, requirements, and dates necessary to ensure timely screening, selection and awarding of the undergraduate scholarships no later than May 2006; 4. Develop and maintain a scholarship web site, a paper and on-line application processes, and database of applicant information; 5. Develop program performance metrics to evaluate effectiveness based on legislative and Agency-defined program objectives; 6. Establish a methodology for tracking participants progress and experience at their academic institutions and internship location, including semi-annual review of academic performance, training, educational and research activities; assessment academic continued compliance with program eligibility requirements; and evaluation of program effectiveness of the program; etc. and develop a report and present to NOAA; 7. Implement an administrative process to notify and make awards to scholars selected by NOAA and facilitates the placement of participants in a 10-week, summer, stipend-supported, mentor-directed internship assignments at NOAA and affiliated partner facilities; this process should include developing a fiduciary process for providing student applicable stipend payments during the academic years and internship period, housing allowance, transportation/travel arrangements, etc.; and 8. Develop an administrative process to complete administrative review and convene an annual Hollings merit review panel, including program management and representation from NOAA line offices to determine needed competencies and review the scope of applications received; other panel membership may include representatives from NOAA-related professional societies, industry partners, and the university community. No contract will be awarded on the basis of responses received to this notice. All information submitted in response to this announcement is voluntary; the Government will not pay for information requested nor will it compensate any respondent for any costs incurred in providing information to the Government. Interested firms should submit its name, address, point of contact, telephone number, business type and size and a brief synopsis regarding its capability to provide the required services. The following information must be addressed in the response to assist the Government in determining the availability of qualified small business concerns for this requirement: 1) Demonstrated experience in the development and implementation of similar scholarship or fellowship programs offering students academic and pre-professional experience with administrative elements similar to the tasks outlined in the scope of work above. 2) Demonstrated professional experience required to maintain effective and long distance working relationships with the Government (timeliness to work with constraints of the Government fiscal year cycle and academic calendar year to successfully award scholarship or fellowship funds in fiscal year appropriated). 3) Provide a list of at least 5 but no more than 8 projects which are similar in size and complexity of those listed above with points of contact from the customer. 4) Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. It is the government's intent to analyze responses from firms which can operate in the areas of consideration as specified above. Information may be submitted by e-mail to cheryl.coxen@noaa.gov , or mailed in hard copy to: U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Acquisition & Grants Office, Staff Office & External Clients, AD, 1305 East West Highway, Rm 7520, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Attn: Ms. Cheryl Coxen by 2:00pm on February 6, 2006. Questions may be addressed to: cheryl.coxen@noaa.gov.