ABSTRACT
National, state and local agencies increasingly use tests for a variety of purposes, including instructional improvement, certification and accountability. Agencies need to select or develop, administer, score, report and use tests in order to fulfill these purposes, and these agencies need to procure the services of organizations that can assist them in carrying out these activities. Yet, procurement processes can seem dauntingly complex and lengthy. This chapter takes users of such services through the step-by-step processes for contracting for testing services, including planning for the requisition, crafting the bidding document, conducting the competitive bid process, evaluating the proposals and negotiating with the apparent winner. This chapter should prepare individuals to carry out these activities with confidence.
