This AEA 2013 conference presentation describes a framework involving six steps for assessing needs across multiple states, stakeholders, and topic areas for a regional education lab funded by the Institute of Education Sciences, REL Appalachia. A description with examples of the purpose and process of each step shows how specific needs sensing activities fit within the context of REL Appalachia’s large-scale, ongoing regional needs assessment. Challenges and solutions for each step are shared.#2013Conference #NeedsAssessment