The National Science Foundation intends to place an order with Know Innovation to conduct an Ideas Lab. An Ideas Lab is an intensive two-day stakeholder-driven workshop will bring together participants from scientific societies, provocateurs and NSF staff to engage in facilitated discussions aimed at promoting innovative thinking about how to address the challenges of increasing participation of underrepresented minority groups and to use these novel ideas to form the basis of proposals aimed at support of broadening participation efforts by the societies.

The basic event design should include data sharing, data gathering, problem framing, idea generation, and solution creation. The goal is to break down the parochial field-specific nature of the usual review process, and, by including a broad range of scientists who might not typically interact, to develop novel transformative approaches that may move a field forward in leaps. Ideas Labs are modeled on the sandpit workshops developed by KI in collaboration with the UK's Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. KI is believed to be the only organization to have run Ideas Labs in the US, and they have run all 4 of NSF's previous Ideas Labs.

KI is the only known source that focuses exclusively on the creative process, and also on scientific/academic issues. KI is the only known facilitation organization that supports the entire Ideas Lab process, not just the actual Ideas Lab event. This support includes guidance in selecting and training mentors and provocateurs, and bringing NSF staff new to Ideas Labs up-to-speed on the process.

The company is able to deliver the entire package of event design, psychological review for participant selection, event facilitation, and post-review by the October 18, 2011 deadline.

All responsible sources may submit a capability statement for consideration by the agency demonstrating an ability to provide these or equivalent services. Capability statements are due to the Contracting Officer listed in this announcement no later than August 10, 2011 at 8:00 a.m. EST.

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