The Appalachian Regional Commission invites proposals from qualified researchers and consultants to conduct a major program evaluation of its non-infrastructure job creation and retention projects in the Appalachian Region. This program evaluation will focus on approximately 300 projects that were funded in fiscal years 2004 through 2010 throughout all 13 Appalachian states. The main purpose of this evaluation is to determine the extent to which non-infrastructure job creation and retention projects have contributed to the attainment of ARC's economic development objectives, as identified in the Commission's 2011-2016 strategic plan. Proposals are due on or before November 28, 2012.