Researcher for Ready-to-Learn

New applications are no longer being accepted. Check this page for updates about this initiative.

Focus:

Education, Evaluation, Quantitative Research, Ready To Learn, Research

Eligibility:

Open to all applicants.

Deadline:

February 21, 2020

Request for Proposals

In anticipation of a U.S. Department of Education (“ED”) Request for Proposals (“ED RFP”) for a new round of Ready To Learn (“RTL”) grants, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (“CPB”) seeks a research organization to serve as its research lead (“Researcher”) for the project. An essential component of past RTL awards has been the development of rigorous, scientifically based research and evaluation strategies to increase the body of knowledge about the impact of educational media on improving the school readiness and academic success of children from low-income families. We anticipate it will be a critical component of the ED RFP, which the Researcher would assist with, in the following ways:

A. Work closely with CPB, its partner the Public Broadcasting Service (“PBS”) and project stakeholders in developing the anticipated but modifiable five-year research and evaluation portion of the proposal. The research must address the fundamental and summative research needs of the project, and;

B. Act as the summative research and evaluation lead for the project should CPB and PBS receive an RTL award. This work would be detailed in an agreement negotiated with the Researcher after the grant award.

Please download the Request for Proposals below for detailed information, including application requirements.
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PDF icon Request for Proposals213.61 KB

Questions from Potential Respondents, with CPB Answers:

FAQ Topic: 
General
FAQ: 

7. Is the description of the sample study part of the 8-page narrative?

No. The RFP does not request a description of the sample study, just a budget and budget narrative.

6. Are descriptions of the three examples of relevant previous research experience part of the 8-page narrative or separate?

Brief descriptions of the examples may be included in the narrative to support the discussion of qualifications. URLs for or PDFs of the final project report for each example should be submitted separately as an appendix.

5. When would companies submitting proposals be informed about the results of the proposal selection process? This is especially important since the RFP is supposed to be released on Feb 14 and other potential bidders are showing interest in research partners.

On or before February 28, 2020.

4. Do you want Bios or CVs?

We request Bios for the key staff and their CVs with detailed descriptions of their experience relevant to this project.

3. Does the page allocation of 8 pages include the bios? cost analysis? Are appendices allowed?

Bios and the cost analysis are not included in the eight-page narrative. Bios may be attached as an appendix; however, the cost analysis must be submitted separately.

2. The RFP asks about qualifications about collaborating and sharing data with other research partners in studies that harness the use of learning analytics and A/B testing. We are wondering if the following qualification wants to know if we have done all of these at the same time or if we have experience in using/analyzing data analytics, conducting A/B design studies, and sharing data with partners?

The request is about the proposer’s experience using/analyzing data analytics, conducting A/B design studies, and sharing data with partners.

1. The RFP states Applicants must provide to CPB a statement of their qualifications and experience with the following: Large-scale national research and evaluation studies that meet What Works Clearinghouse standards of newly developed RTL PBS KIDS content, learning resources and activities for children, families and educators implemented in sites throughout the United States; including studies that focus on learning outcomes; For the qualification request above does this refer to just RTL studies or be able to give examples of studies that meet this qualification not RTL specific. We read this as having done studies of this type including RTL or EdTech etc.

Yes, the examples may include studies of RTL content and/or those of other educational media and technology.