Contractual Relationships for Educational Programs: The High Road.

Since 1972, Park College, in Missouri, has successfully competed contractually with other colleges and universities for the opportunity to provide non-traditional college education on U.S. Armed Forces installations throughout the United States. The contract process begins with the military installation's Education Services Officer (ESO) initiating a needs assessment survey to identify a market for a college program. If the ESO determines that the most effective method of delivery is inviting colleges to establish a center on the installation, he/she invited Requests for Proposals from known institutions. Generally, selection as a provider of educational programs is based on an institution's ability to perform the given service, projected costs and levels of tuition, full accreditation and state approval, acceptance of an elaborate inspection process, and flexibility to "give back" to the military community through scholarships and other assistance. Once a proposal is accepted, the institution signs a contract which explicitly outlines the responsibilities of the involved parties; the financial and administrative services available as a part of the contract; class size, format and scheduling requirements; minimum qualifications of faculty and staff; and quality assurance efforts. Ethical issues involved in bidding for and receiving military contracts include the need to ensure the truth of advertising claims and program quality, the necessity of avoiding misrepresentation to inspection team, and the need to act on the findings of quality control efforts. (MAB)