Specifications include, but are not limited to: Charter Oak State College is seeking a market research firm with experience in higher education to conduct research that will provide the College with reliable data from which to make strategic and informed decisions regarding viable out of state markets for future enrollment and recruitment efforts based on the College’s current product line at both the Undergraduate and Graduate levels. The College specifically seeks a market research firm to provide the College with data that supports the selection of five (5) potential Out of State Markets (regions or designated market areas (DMA’s)) that exhibit the most potential for Charter Oak’s marketing and enrollment efforts surrounding its current product line of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Related to the College’s current product line and out-of-state market/geographic focus, the College seeks data on geographic industry clusters, in-market competitors and in-market identification of prospective student demand. There will be two phases of research. Phase 1: A report of findings based on secondary research to determine current and predicted (5 years out) out-of-state markets with employment and industry growth trends that sync with the College’s current product line, plus a competitor analysis of the relevant academic programs offered by similar online higher education institutions serving adult students as well as on ground in-market competitors serving adult students. Percentage of degree attainment, advertising affordability and travel access should also be considered as factors in market selection. Specific deliverables for Phase 1 include a comprehensive written report. The report will include an electronic file of the raw data as well as an in-depth analysis of the findings presented and the recommendations as they relate to potential out of state market opportunities for the College. The selected firm may need to develop a list of more than 5 potential target markets prior to executing Phase 2. Phase 2: A quantitative study of adults with an associate degree, age 25-54; and adults with a bachelor’s degree, age 25-54, in the markets identified in phase 1. The purpose of the study is to determine student demand for the College’s slate of academic programs within the target markets identified in Phase 1. Ultimately the research should help match products with student demand in specific out of state target markets. Firms shall evaluate all of the target markets within Phase 1 in order to supply the College with a portfolio of five most potentially lucrative markets for enrollment. Specific deliverables for Phase 2 include a comprehensive written report and an in-person presentation at the College. The report should build on the findings of Phase 1 and include both an electronic file of the raw data findings and a full analysis of the research in total including recommendations for the College.