SECTION A

BIDDER INSTRUCTIONS, INFORMATION AND CONDITIONS

This request for proposal (RFP) is issued by Service Canada on behalf of Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC).

ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The proposal must be signed by the Bidder or by an authorized representative of the Bidder. The signature indicates that the Bidder agrees to be bound by the instructions, information and conditions in their entirety as they appear in this RFP. No other terms and conditions included in the Bidder’s proposal will be applicable to the resulting contract notwithstanding the fact that the Bidder’s proposal may become part of the resulting contract.

In the event of a proposal submitted by a joint venture, the proposal shall either be signed by all members of the joint venture or a statement shall be provided to the effect that the signatory represents all parties of the joint venture.

ENQUIRIES REGARDING THE BID SOLICITATION

To ensure the integrity of the competitive bid process, enquiries and other communication regarding this procurement are to be directed only to the Contracting Authority. Enquiries and other communication are not to be directed to any other government official(s). Failure to comply with this condition during the solicitation period may (for that reason alone) result in the disqualification of the proposal.

Enquiries MUST be received no later than five calendar days prior to bid closing date to allow sufficient time to provide a response. Enquiries received after that time may not be answered prior to the bid closing date.

To ensure consistency and quality of information provided to Bidders, provision will be made to provide, simultaneously to all Bidders to which this RFP has been sent, any information with respect to significant inquiries received and the replies to such inquiries without revealing the sources of the enquiries.

PROPOSAL COSTS

No payment shall be made for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of a proposal in response to this RFP.

No costs incurred before receipt of a signed contract or specified written authorization from the Contracting Authority can be charged to any resultant contract.

REVISIONS

After the RFP closing date, no revisions to the proposal will be accepted. During the evaluation, members of the Evaluation Team may, at their discretion, submit questions or conduct interviews with Bidders to obtain clarifications.

APPICABLE LAWS

Any resulting contract shall be interpreted and governed, and the relations between the Parties determined, by the laws in force in the Province of Ontario, Canada.

The Bidder may, at its discretion, substitute the applicable laws of a Canadian province or territory of its choice without affecting the validity of its proposal, by deleting the name of the Canadian province or territory specified and inserting the name of the Canadian province or territory of its choice. If no change is made, it acknowledges that the applicable laws specified are acceptable to the Bidder.

METHOD OF PAYMENT

Payment shall be made within thirty (30) days following the date on which an invoiceand substantiating documentation are received according to the terms of the contract.

INVOICING INSTRUCTIONS

The invoice MUST clearly state the date, contract number and the description of work. Any amount to be levied against Her Majesty in respect of the GST/HST is to be shown separately on all invoices for goods supplied or services provided and will be paid by the Government of Canada. The Bidder agrees to remit any GST/HST paid or due to CRA.

SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

All proposals to be submitted by e-mail: Tomasz.Gluszynski@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

Proposals will be accepted up to September 28th 2007 at 16:00 (Eastern Daylight Saving Time)

Final awards will be decided by October 9th 2007, pending the completion of the external review process.

All bidders will be notified of the decision.

SECTION B

TERMS OF REFERENCE/STATEMENT OF WORK

1. Project Title:

Who are the post-secondary education program switcher, and what causes them to change their field of study?

2. Purpose:

The purpose of this RFP is to seek proposals for research which must use data from the first three cycles of the Youth in Transition Survey (YITS) – cohort B (and any other relevant data sources from Statistics Canada), to investigate the profiles and causes of switching educational programs in post-secondary education.

The research proposal must seek to: Identify the characteristics of individuals that switch programs in post-

secondary education. Conduct longitudinal/multivariate analysis on the choice of interrupted and

switched programs.

3. Background:Canada is experiencing very high rates of post-secondary education participation (Statistics Canada, 2006). After graduating from high school, those who decide to enrol in PSE are asked to make a decision on which field of study they would like to pursue. However, despite their initial decision, many students decide to change their field of study during the course of their education or to dropout early in the program.

Changing their fields of study and types of PSE institutions often prolongs the process of obtaining PSE credentials. With high tuition costs, such a decision can therefore increase the total cost of obtaining PSE and reduce the returns on their education. It also carries additional costs for tax payers and PSE institutions in terms of capacity limitations. It is therefore crucial to identify reasons for such decisions which can in turn be targeted with informed policies.

The contractor is asked to use data from the first three cycles the older cohort of the Youth in Transition Survey (YITS cohort B) and any other relevant data source from Statistics Canada, to identify the reasons for switching fields of study and types of institutions by PSE students.

4. Objectives:

This initiative will answer the following questions:

Identify the characteristics of individuals that switch programs in post-secondary education.

Conduct longitudinal/multivariate analysis on the choice of interrupted and switched programs.

5. Project Requirements:

In undertaking the project, the successful bidder must carry out several activities.

Conduct longitudinal/multivariate analysis of the first three cycles of the Youth in Transition Survey (YITS) – cohort B and any other relevant data source from Statistics Canada. The research must answer the following questions:

What are the characteristics of students who attempted multiple programs while in post-secondary education?

What are the reasons/causes for pursuing multiple programs while in post-secondary education?

The successful bidder for this project must also complete a report which must:

Document existing theoretical and empirical evidence on the investigated issue.

Use multivariate/longitudinal analysis suitable to empirically investigate the issues in question.

Empirically estimate the model(s) and discuss results.

Communicate with the project coordinator on a regular basis;

Prepare and revise preliminary and final reports;

Abide by the publication standards that will be forwarded to the successful bidder.

Detailed methodologies, work schedules, technical or user requirements, and quality standards will be the subject of the first meeting (in-person or telephone) between the LPD of HRSDC and the successful bidder.

6. Deliverables:

The successful bidder will provide preliminary report by February 8, 2008 and the final report by March 14, 2008 on the findings. The report is to be written clearly and concisely, addressing the study objectives. The preliminary report shall be as complete as possible in all analysis, literature review and documentation. The final report must incorporate the feedback from the preliminary report, and therefore, should involve only minor changes. The final report must be accompanied by an executive summary indicating the research findings and all materials must be submitted electronically.

7. Constraints:

Intellectual Property:

The Crown has determined that any intellectual property arising from the performance of work under any resulting contract will vest in Canada on the following ground:

The main purpose of the Contract or of the deliverables contracted for, is to generate knowledge and information for public dissemination.

HRSDC will first publish the document (in paper format and/or on the Internet) as part of a series of papers commissioned through HRSDC. The contractor can publish articles or paper based on this work after the publication of HRSDC’s report, provided that HRSDC’s support is clearly acknowledged.

Security Requirements:

The contractor’s proposed personnel requiring access to PROTECTED information, assets or work site(s) must each hold a valid RELIABILITY STATUS at the level of PROTECTED B granted and approved by the Canadian and International Industrial Security Division (CIISD), Public Works and Government Services Canada.

To demonstrate compliance, bidders shall provide a list of proposed individuals who will require access to designated information, assets and sensitive work sites; their clearance levels, granted or approved by CIISD; and their birthdates. Birthdates will be used solely for security check purposes.

Security verification is required for accessing Statistics Canada Research Data Centre.

Data Locations:

Data will only be accessible to the successful bidders at one of the locations mentioned in Appendix B.

Language Requirements:

The report must be produced in English or French.

Work Environment:

HRSDC will not provide an office space for the completion of this contract.

8. Period of Contract:

From date of award to March 31, 2008.

9. Budget:

The cost of professional fees shall not exceed the available budget of $22,500 excluding applicable taxes (GST/HST).

Payment of data access fees - if applicable, data access fees will be paid to the contractor upon receipt of invoice from the RDC; the contractor will then be responsible to make said payment to the RDC up to a maximum of $ 4,000.

10. Payment

Payment will be based on the deliverables. Payment will be made 30 days after receipt of an invoice and upon acceptance of each deliverable by the Project Authority after review and edits.

Two-thirds of the payment will be issued when the successful bidder has provided a satisfactory preliminary report of the findings to LPD (no later than February 8, 2008); the last third will be issued upon satisfactory completion of the final report (to be received no later than March 14, 2008).

Payment of data access fees - if applicable, data access fees will be paid to the contractor upon receipt of invoice from the RDC; the contractor will then be responsible to make payment to The National Coordinating Committee of the Research Data Centres Program, University of Manitoba.

11. Submission of Proposals:

Detailed methodologies, work schedules, technical or user requirements, and quality standards will be the subject of the first meeting (in-person or telephone) between the LPD of HRSDC and the successful bidder. Bidders must incorporate details on these points (in particular methodology) in their response to this RFP.

The bidders must demonstrate skills, knowledge, and expertise in the following areas:

Experience in the areas of education and training, lifelong learning, or related economic research and analysis;

Experience using econometrical analysis tools such as multinomial logit, longitudinal analysis.

Sound technical ability to work with complex data base, including the ability to work with computer analysis packages (like SAS or SPSS);

Sound knowledge and experience in the area of learning; Experience in analyzing learning issues for public policy; Appropriate knowledge and understanding of Canada’s learning system, including

the federal/provincial/territorial dimension; Management skills and expertise appropriate to the successful implementation and

execution of this project; Ability to write reports; Communication skills appropriate for carrying out this research and interacting

with LPD staff.

Bidders must submit a detailed statement of their estimated costs associated with the submission, including the per diem rates of all researchers who will be involved.

Proposals will be accepted up to September 28th, 2007 at 16:00 (local time)

Final awards will be decided by October 9th, 2007, pending the completion of the external review process.

All bidders will be notified of the decision.

12. Selection Criteria:

a) Mandatory Requirements:

A Curriculum Vitae (CV) for each staff member involved in the project (including sub-contractors and research assistants). If some members are replaced after the contract is signed, the contractor must advise the project authority immediately in writing, and provide the names of the proposed replacement and a CV of the proposed replacement.

The cost of professional fees shall not exceed the available budget of $22,500 excluding applicable taxes (GST/HST).

Payment of data access fees - if applicable, data access fees will be paid to the contractor upon receipt of invoice from the RDC; the contractor will then be responsible to make payment to the RDC up to a maximum of $ 4,000.

b) Basis of Selection:

To be considered responsive, a bid must:

meet all the mandatory requirements of this solicitation;

obtain a minimum score of seventy (70) percent in each of the technical and contractor characteristics sections of the proposal ratings. Proposals not meeting the minimum 70 percent in one or both of the two sections will not be considered for contract award.

The proposal with the highest score will be recommended for the award of a contract.

In case of a tie in the rated criteria, the contract will be awarded to the Bidder with the lowest cost proposal.

c) Rated Requirements:

Proposals will be assessed and awarded points to a maximum of 100. The relative importance of certain criteria is reflected in the following selection matrix:

Criteria Total Points Min Pts Required1- TECHNICALa) Demonstrated understanding of the project requirements and objectives The bidder must ensure to provide enough detail to demonstrate

an understanding of the work and propose how the research will be undertaken in relation to previous research including the identification of specific outputs and a schedule for their completion, as well as detailed methodologies, technical or user requirements and quality standards.

30

b) Proposed work feasibility The Bidder must provide an analysis plan to answer the research

questions.

30

c) Adequacy of proposed work plan and schedule Proposals will be rated on the level of work allocated to each

individual and the schedule upon which they have determined major components of the project will be completed. The proposal must be sure to outline dates for completion of major components of the project.

15

TOTAL TECHNICAL 75 52.52- CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CONTRACTORa) Relevant research experience

Bidders must provide evidence of expertise in the analysis (including familiarity with data set) & synthesis of information particularly as it pertains to the subject area. Bidder must provide details of relevant experience and competencies that clearly demonstrate the bidder’s ability to complete the project requirements in terms of research quality and time.

Bidders must provide relevant experience for each staff member who will be participating in the project.

25

TOTAL CONTRACTOR CHARACTERISTICS 25 17.5Total 100 70

APPENDIX A

DATA – PISA/YITS

The Youth in Transition Survey (YITS) is a longitudinal survey designed to examine the patterns of, and influences on, major transitions in young people's lives, particularly with respect to education, training and work. YITS was first implemented in 2000 with two cohorts of youth: a group aged 15 (cohort A) and a group aged 18 to 20 (cohort B). Among its objectives was to gain a better understanding of the determinants of postsecondary participation.

The first cycle of YITS (both cohorts) was collected in 2000. In 2004, when they participated in YITS for the third time, these young people were aged 21 (A) and 22-24 (B).

More detailed information on YITS (cohort B) can be found at:http://www.statcan.ca/cgi-bin/imdb/p2SV.pl?Function=getSurvey&SDDS=4435&lang=en&db=IMDB&dbg=f&adm=8&dis=2

APPENDIX BData Access

Data Access SLID does not have a public use data file of the variables required for this project. Access to the data is possible only through the Statistics Canada’s Research Data Centres (RDC). Obtaining access to the RDC is the responsibility of the successful bidder. It should be noted that the RDC might charge a fee for accessing the data. The successful candidate must notify the contact identified below if they have difficulties obtaining the data by e-mail: Tomasz.Gluszynski@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

Research Data CentreAccess and contact information

The Atlantic Research Data CentreDalhousie UniversityArden Bell ardc@dal.caTel.: 902-494-1545Fax: 902-494-2758

Research Data Centre at the Canadian Research Institute for Social PolicyUniversity of New BrunswickDr. René HouleAnalystrdc@unb.caTel: 506-458-7240Fax: 506-447-3427

University of MonctonSoheil ChennoufAnalystchennos@umoncton.caTel: 506-858-4718Fax: 506-858-4739

Quebec Inter-university Centre for Social StatisticsUniversité de MontréalFranck Larouchefranc.larouche@umontreal.caTel.: 514-343-2090 ext. 4

Fax: 514-343-2328

Université LavalCharles FleuryAdjoint à la statistiquelaboratoire.ciqss@bibl.ulaval.caTél. : (418) 656-2131Poste: 11317Téléc. : (418) 656-7897

McGill University

Cara FedickStatistical Assistantlab.qicss@mcgill.caTel: 514-398-2703Fax: 514-398-2239

Université de SherbrookeThierry RoyStatistical Assistantlaboratoire.ciqss@usherbrooke.caTel: 819-821-1170Ext: 2528Fax: 819-829-7141

UQAM

Gabrielle NicoleStatistical Assistantciqss@uqam.caTel: 514-987-3000 Ext. 4969Fax: 514-987-8733

Carleton, Ottawa, Outaouais local Research Data CentreCarleton UniversityJean-Michel BilletteAnalystcoolrdc@uottawa.caTel: 613-562-5800Ext: 2887Fax: 613-562-5132

Queen’s Research Data CentreQueen’s UniversityCasey WarmanAnalystqrdc@post.queensu.ca Tel: 613-533-6224Fax: 613-533-6362

Toronto Regional Statistics Canada Research Data CentreUniversity of TorontoAngela PrencipeAnalystToronto.rdc@utoronto.caTel.: 416-946-8321Fax: 416-946-8104

McMaster University Research Data CentreMcMaster UniversityJames Chowhanrdc@mcmaster.caTel.: 905-525-9140 ext. 27967Fax: 905-546-0625

South Western Ontario Research Data CentreUniversity of WaterlooDr. Pat Newcombe-WelchAnalystpanewcombe@uwaterloo.caTel: 519-888-4567  Ext: 35504Fax: 519-746-7326

University of Western Ontario Research Data CentreUniversity of Western OntarioBrad CorbettAnalystrdc@uwo.caTel: 519-850-2971Fax: 519-661-3044

Manitoba Research Data CentreUniversity of ManitobaKelly CranswickAnalystrdc@cc.umanitoba.caTel: 204-789-3293

University of Alberta Research Data CentreUniversity of AlbertaIrene WongAnalystUofA.RDC@ualberta.caTel: 780-492-6673Fax: 780-492-6672

Prairie Regional Research Data CentreUniversity of CalgaryMarkus LahtinenAnalystrdc@ucalgary.caTel: 403-210-5483Fax: 403-284-3817

British Columbia Interuniversity Research Data CentreUniversity of British ColumbiaLee GrenonAnalystbcirdc@interchange.ubc.caTel: 604-822-0263Fax: 604-822-9028

APPENDIX CSelection Criteria Points

1- TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

d) Demonstrated understanding of the project requirements & objectives: (maximum 30 points)

Not addressed (0 pts);Fair demonstration of understanding (15 pts);Good demonstration of understanding (20 pts);Very good demonstration of the understanding (25 pts);Excellent demonstration of understanding (30 pts).

Subjective Rating Criteria for Requirement Not addressed : information is missing Fair demonstration of understanding : Basic understanding of project

requirements and objectives. Some information presented contains a significant error (i.e. inaccurate, outdated and/or irrelevant).

Good demonstration of understanding : Satisfactory understanding of project requirements and objectives. The majority of the information is accurate and current and only a small amount of information contains an error. Almost all of the information provided is relevant.

Very good demonstration of understanding : A good understanding of the project requirements and objectives is demonstrated. All of the information is accurate and current and contains no significant errors. A small amount of irrelevant information is included in the proposal.

Excellent demonstration of understanding : Sophisticated, knowledgeable and insightful understanding of project requirements and objectives. All information presented is accurate, current and relevant.

b) Proposed work feasibility: (maximum 30 points)

Not addressed (0 pts);Fair (15 pts);Good (20 pts)Very Good (25 pts);Excellent (30 pts).

Subjective Rating Criteria for Feasibility Not addressed : information is missing Fair : Limited understanding of analysis required. Some information

presented contains a significant error (i.e. inaccurate, outdated and/or irrelevant).

Good : Satisfactory understanding of analysis required for each research questions. None of the information presented contains a significant error (i.e. inaccurate, outdated and/or irrelevant).

Very Good : Comprehensive understanding of analysis demands demonstrated for each research questions. The majority of information is accurate and current, and does not contain significant errors.

Excellent : Sophisticated understanding of analysis required for each research questions. The plan provides a thorough and in depth description of how to meet the objectives. All information presented is accurate, current and relevant.

c) Adequacy of proposed work plan and schedule:(maximum 15 points):

Not addressed (0 pts);Fair (9.5 pts);Good (12.5 pts);Very Good (13.5 pts);Excellent (15 pts).

Subjective Rating Criteria for Work plan and Schedule Not addressed : information is missing. Fair : lacking on most minor areas, and/or at least one major deficiency. Good : missing some minor areas, and/or at least one major deficiency. Very Good : missing some minor areas, and no major deficiencies. Excellent : zero minor deficiencies or omissions and no major deficiencies.

2- CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CONTRACTOR

(a) Relevant research experience:(maximum 25 points)Relevant experience and proven capability as evidenced by similar and/or related work performed by the contractor. Assessment is based on the quality of examples provided.

Not addressed (0 pts);Fair (12.5 pts); Good (17.5 pts);Very Good (21 pts); Excellent (25 pts)

Subjective Rating Criteria for Experience Not addressed : information is missing Fair : body of research is mostly irrelevant or unrelated to the topic Good : body of research is important and has a few irrelevant or unrelated

pieces Very Good : Body of research is important and has no irrelevant or unrelated

pieces of work but most work is indirectly related to research topic

Excellent : Body of research is extensive and has no irrelevant or unrelated pieces of work and all work is directly relevant to research project