ABSTRACT
Thousands of state and local agencies, boards, associations, and other entities are currently responsible for developing and implementing testing programs that serve many different purposes. Some of these tests are used for relatively “low-stakes” purposes, such as for career counseling (aptitude measures) or curriculum (achievement tests) decisions. Other tests are developed and used to make decisions that have much higher stakes, for example, determining whether or not a person is admitted to a program, qualified for a job, awarded a credential, or promoted. Most of these test sponsors and developers require outside assistance with one or more aspects of the proposed program. The procurement of such services is vital to the successful development and implementation of the assessment program.
