The objectives of this procurement are two-fold. First, the contractor shall perform all functions related to the conduct and data processing of the annual "Survey of Scientific and Engineering R&D Expenditures at Universities and Colleges." The contractor shall provide support for all activities related to survey and sample design, survey conduct, data tabulation, and production of diskettes and data tapes for general dissemination. The contractor shall also provide technical support for analytical, descriptive, and comparative purposes for data maintained in the system. Second, the contractor shall provide maintenance and support of the academic Integrated Data Base (IDB). The IDB includes the survey mentioned above as well as two additional academic surveys conducted under separate contracts within the Division of Science Resources Studies. Under the IDB task, the contractor will produce summaries of institutional data, as well as perform systematic edit checks across surveys to assess the relationship of financial and personnel resources and the validity of the data as reported. As part of its statutory charge to provide a central clearinghouse for the collection, interpretation, and analysis of data on the current and projected availability of scientific and technical resources in the United States, NSF collects and disseminates statistical data on detailed characteristics of science and engineering resources in colleges and universities. The annual survey that is the subject of this study as well as other academic surveys in the IDB provide statistical data and analytical reports for dissemination to users including internal NSF management and the National Science Board, other science and technology policy makers, institutional researchers, and private organizations interested in higher education.
