Library of Congress RFP: Congressional Research Service (CRS) Data Analysis Model Development

Notice ID: 030ADV24R0053

As a service unit of the Library of Congress, the Congressional Research Service {CRS) works exclusively for Congress to perform research, analysis, consultations, and a wide range of services that inform Members of the House and Senate on legislative issues. In recent years, Congress has taken an interest in CRS performing more data driven analysis including analysis utilizing large data sets and improving the timeliness and efficiency of the analysis. CRS is looking to enhance its existing data analytic capabilities to include consideration of artificial intelligence, machine learning, or other data science (DS) methods.

A principal function of the Congressional Research Service is to provide Congress with accurate, authoritative information and with nonpartisan, objective analyses. As an initial step, CRS identified the following objectives for a data analysis program.

• Objective 1: Interpret and assess analytic methods. Enhancements should enable CRS analysts to recognize, evaluate, and interpret studies in their field, especially those that use artificial intelligence, machine learning, or other data science (DS) methods.
• Objective 2: Identify, apply and use quantitative methods: Enhancements should enable CRS analysts to apply quantitative methods in their work responding to Congressional requests. This would include identifying available data and methods, running code developed by others, and developing new models and tools specifically tailored for CRS needs. These models and tools may require application of both traditional and new data science quantitative approaches.
• Objective 3: Maintain existing services. Ensure enhancements to capabilities do not interfere with the ability to efficiently respond to congressional requests in a timely manner and maintain a standard of authoritative and objective analysis.

SCOPE. The contractor shall explore and recommend possible solutions and spearhead the development of permanent, scalable, and modifiable cloud based or laptop tools and models to support the quantitative analytical requirements of CRS. Additionally, the contractor shall provide educational tools for informing and teaching staff about advances in data technology in the market.

REQUIREMENTS. The contractor shall support enhancements and a greater application of data science tools to analyze data sets, including big data sets, and also leverage those tools to improve responsiveness and efficiency. All work for which the Library takes responsibility must therefore be free of advocacy, unbiased, accurate, and utilize objective citing, as appropriate. All work must present the assumptions and arguments for all sides of an issue, including their strengths and weaknesses. Throughout the contract all statements of fact must be documented, all data must be attributed, and all opinions and conclusions must be so indicated. There is to be no release or publication of work or dissemination of any information relating to or materials or products developed under the terms of this Contract without prior written authorization of the Director of CRS …

Read more here.

🔊 Listen to Story