Specifications include, but are not limited to: Develop and provide comprehensive technical support for an annual summative assessment of approximately 42,000 students in grades 5,8, and third year of high school designed specifically to measure student progress towards the Maine Learning Results: Parameters for Essential Instruction in science as referenced in Rule Chapter 132 (Maine Science Standards/NGSS). Lead the effort in terms of item writing, field testing, and scoring items in the development phase as well as administration and scoring of the operational test. Provide a file, in an agreed upon format, with the results of the tests each year in addition to released item data relative to the Maine science standards and corresponding achievement level descriptors (ALDs). Provide a delivery system and comprehensive technical support for the assessments. The Department prefers a computer-based assessment that meets the requirements as outlined in Part II M but will consider proposals that are for a paper and pencil-based assessment.