The JISC invites tenders to conduct a review of emerging interoperability standards and development activities of e-Research tools and applications; and to provide ongoing guidance to current and future development activities within the JISC Virtual Research Environments programme to ensure high level of interoperability. Funding of up to £200,000 is available for this study, inclusive of VAT, if applicable, and all travel and other expenses. The deadline for proposals is Monday 23 January 2006. The study is expected to last three years. The successful bidder will be expected to commence work no later than March 2006, and complete work by the end of March 2009.