Regional Educational Laboratory Program: 2027 – 2031 Cycle
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. Department of Education (ED), specifically the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), is conducting market research through a Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI) for the Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Program: 2027-2031 Cycle. This RFI seeks to identify qualified entities capable of serving as RELs for up to 10 regions, with contracts planned as firm fixed-price with cost-reimbursable travel for 60-month periods. This is NOT a request for proposals, but an invitation for potential offerors to express interest and provide information to assist ED in finalizing its acquisition strategy. Responses are due by March 23, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
The REL Program aims to improve learner outcomes by supporting the generation and use of research and evidence-based practices. Key activities for RELs include:
- Applied Research and Development: Conducting original research and developing toolkits.
- Training, Coaching, and Technical Support (TCTS): Designing and implementing activities to build capacity for data use.
- Dissemination: Spreading scientifically valid research and evidence-based practices.
- Coordination and Collaboration: Working with other Department technical assistance entities.
- Partnership Development: Establishing and convening a Governing Board with regional stakeholders, prioritizing State Educational Agencies (SEAs) and Local Education Agencies (LEAs).
REL personnel must include researchers with scholarly expertise in relevant content areas and methodologies, as well as practitioners with significant teaching and professional development experience.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Planned Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price with Cost-Reimbursable Travel
- Period of Performance: Approximately 60 months (5 years) per REL, with an anticipated start date of January 3, 2027.
- Set-Aside: None specified. However, eligible offerors include research organizations, institutions, agencies, institutions of higher education, partnerships, or individuals with demonstrated ability.
- Response Due: March 23, 2026, 2:00 PM ET
- Published: March 19, 2026 (Updated March 18, 2026)
Evaluation
Responses will be used for market research to determine marketplace interest and capability. The RFI specifically asks if the use of a GSA MAS Schedule 541611 SIN Program Evaluation adversely affects an organization's ability to compete and why. Respondents should also state their entity size status and socioeconomic categories.
Additional Notes
Interested parties are highly encouraged to work with GSA to be included in the MAS Schedule SIN or to partner with a current GSA schedule holder. All information is preliminary and subject to change. No payment will be made for information provided, and the Government is not obligated to award a contract. Responses should be no longer than 10 pages and submitted via email to Jana.Knapp@ed.gov, with a copy to Katie.Opper@ed.gov and Joseph.gibbs@ed.gov.