INDIANOLA, Iowa — Longtime political analysts are calling the 2016 presidential showdown between candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump one of the most unorthodox — and contentious — races in decades, putting pollsters in a difficult bind two months before Election Day.

Simpson College announced Friday on its website that the institution’s nonpartisan John C. Culver Public Policy Center is collaborating with Red America Blue America Research, a bipartisan survey research firm founded in 2016, to conduct a series of polls surrounding the general election that will focus on political races and issues.

RABA representatives, who hail from both sides of the aisle and represent nationally recognized political professionals, will work with Simpson students and faculty on developing polling questions and methodologies. The joint polling effort will also provide qualified students with the opportunity to delve into survey research, polling methods and public relations by offering a preferred internship program.

RABA founders include Tim Albrecht, owner of Albrecht Public Relations and former communications director for Gov. Terry Branstad, and Brad Anderson, former Iowa state director of President Obama’s campaign and the 2014 Democratic nominee for Iowa secretary of state.

The first poll results are expected to be announced next week.