A National Institute of Education (NIE) statement of policy and procedures is presented regarding administering institutional contracts and grants with regional educational laboratories and research and development centers during fiscal years 1983 and 1984. Definitions are presented of regional educational laboratories and research and development centers. It is noted that NIE will work closely with each laboratory and center to help make its board adequately representative and effective, and to help develop plans for achieving the institutional goals. Attention is also briefly directed to the laboratory's and center's role in developing programmatic activities. In addition, it is suggested that institutional activities should be identified as specific projects with their own scopes of work and deliverables, or as clearly specified subparts of programmatic activities. An explanation of the term of contracts and grants awarded under this policy is provided. It is noted that to maintain funding continuity during fiscal years 1983 to 1984, each laboratory and center (with two exceptions) is to submit a 2-year proposal based on its 1982 level of funding. (SW)