SOLICITATION NOTICE
B -- Developing Software Program to Estimate Item-Fit Indices for Polytomous Item Response Theory Models
- Notice Date
- 8/25/2005
- Notice Type
- Solicitation Notice
- NAICS
- 541710
— Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Contracting Office
- Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Research Contracts Br., 6120 Executive Blvd. EPS Suite 600, Rockville, MD, 20852
- ZIP Code
- 20852
- Solicitation Number
- NCI-50149-NG
- Response Due
- 9/8/2005
- Archive Date
- 9/23/2005
- Description
- National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Cancer Institute (NCI), Applied Research Program (ARP), Outcomes Research Branch (ORB) plans to procure on a sole source basis, services regarding Developing Software Program to Estimate Item-Fit Indices for Polytomous Item Response Theory Models with the contractor QualityMetric, Incorporated. The North American Industry Classification System Code is 541990 and the business size standard is $6M. The supplies and services herein are being procured in accordance with the simplified acquisition procedures stated in FAR Part 13. The primary purpose of this requirement is to develop a Statistical Analysis Systems (SAS) module that will produce a range of indices for evaluating the fit of item response theory (IRT) models to polytomous response data. The program will read-in both IRT model parameter estimates provided by various IRT model software programs (e.g., MULTILOG, PARSCALE, WINSTEPS) and the individual response patterns and will return a range of fit statistics including extensions of the S-X2 and the S-G2 tests for polytomous items and the X2* statistic. The program will also include tests for local dependence between item pairs. To visualize misfit, the program will provide observed-expected plots of fit. The software program will be user-friendly to allow psychometricians to easily input the required data, run the program, and interpret the results. A user?s manual will also be developed to guide the researcher. Model fit indices produced by the software program will be evaluated both for correct specifications as well as head-to-head comparisons for relative performance. The development of this module will be compatible with the existing software. QualityMetric, Incorporated, is widely regarded as one of the leaders in developing and analyzing health outcomes instruments. They were one of the first to develop computerized-adaptive tests for health outcomes. The strength of their psychometric core is led by Dr. Jakob Bjorner. QualityMetric?s main research focus is on applying modern psychometric methods to health status measurement: development of item banks, new psychometric methods, and software applications for psychometric analyses and computerized assessment. The team consulting with QualityMetric (Drs. David Thissen, Clement Stone, and Maria Orlando) have written software and published articles that have defined the area of IRT modeling. Dr. Thissen?s IRT software program MULTILOG is one of the most heavily used programs among psychometricians. The team also has extensive knowledge of test theory including IRT as well as the development of item fit indices for use with IRT models. This team has been instrumental in the development of the S-X2 and the X2* statistics which is the primary indices used in this study. The assembled team of QualityMetric, Inc. are the only source known to the NCI that can provide the above services and superior products. Changing variables at this time will be detrimental to the software currently developed. This is not a request for competitive quotation. However, if any interested party believes it can meet the above requirements they may submit a statement of capabilities. The statement of capabilities and any other information must be in writing and must contain sufficient detail to allow NCI to determine if the party can perform the requirement. The contractor must also demonstrate knowledge and research experience in the field of psychometric modeling in health outcomes research and be able to deliver the same superior products. Capability statements must be received in the contracting office by 1:00 PM EDT on September 9, 2005. All questions must be in writing and can be faxed to (301) 402-4513 or sent via electronic mail to holdcram@exchange.nih.gov. It is the vendors? responsibility to call 301-402-4509 to insure all questions have been received. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. No collect calls will be accepted. In order to receive an award, contractors must be registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) and the Online Representations and Certifications Applications (ORCA).
- Record
- SN00879216-W 20050827/050825211827 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
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