November 3, 2008
Dear Interested Vendors:
A presolicitation synopsis was posted on November 3, 2008 on the Federal Business Opportunities website at http://www.fbo.gov to notify potential offerors of the upcoming Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Research and Development (R&D) 2014 contracts.
The purpose of this acquisition is to procure services to assist the program managers in conducting research and development (R&D) activities that support the Census Bureau program goals. The U.S. Census Bureau serves as the leading source of quality data about the nation's people and economy. These statistics assist the Congress, the Executive Branch of the Federal Government, state and local governments, the general public, and the private sector in the development and evaluation of social and economic activities. The Census Bureau's core business is the conduct of periodic censuses, large-scaled surveys, and a wide range of reimbursable work for other agencies. The programs cover a broad spectrum of demographic and economic statistics. The work includes a wide range of activities, including survey and instrument design, data collection, data processing, and data dissemination.
The R&D contracts provide a pool of highly skilled Contractors and services to assist the Census Bureau in conducting research on all survey and census methodology and processes to improve Census Bureau products and services. These contracts will allow Census Bureau program managers to obtain outside research services quickly and easily and from individuals and groups with advanced degrees and specialized knowledge, which are not always available in-house.
Services are required in the following five technical areas:
- Assessment, Planning and Analysis/Set-Aside for Small Businesses
The technical area of Assessment, Planning and Analysis focuses on research, evaluation and study, in measureable terms, of census and survey methods, practices and procedures and technologies; emerging trends, knowledge, attitudes, skills, tools, and automated systems.
- Statistical Analysis and Evaluation/Full and Open Competition
The technical area of Statistical Analysis and Evaluation focuses on the research and development of statistical theory and methodologies for the statistical design, estimation, and evaluation of censuses and surveys.
- Methodological Research/Full and Open Competition
The technical area of Methodological Research focuses on the systematic and scientific investigation of the theories and principals that underlie survey research methods to discover innovative methods for survey design, collection and processing.
- Survey Engineering/Set-Aside for Small Businesses
The technical area of Survey Engineering focuses on the application of scientific and mathematical principles to practical survey problems such as the design and operation of efficient and economical surveys, machines, processes, and systems.
- Data Analysis and Dissemination/Full and Open Competition
The technical area of Data Analysis and Dissemination focuses on the research and analysis of the collected data and dissemination practices to improve the quality and usefulness of the data.
The services will be obtained through Multiple Award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity type contracts (IDIQ). Multiple task orders may be issued under these IDIQ contracts on a Time and Materials Labor Hour, Fixed Price, or Cost-Plus-Fixed Fee basis. The contracts provide for one five-year period of performance. The NAICS Codes by Technical Area are as follows:
| Technical Area | Competition | NAICS Code |
| 1) Assessment, Planning and Analysis | Set-Aside for Small Businesses Only | 541910 |
| 2) Statistical Analysis and Evaluation | Full and Open to all Businesses | 541690 |
| 3) Methodological Research | Full and Open to all Businesses | 541690 |
| 4) Survey Engineering | Set-Aside for Small Businesses Only | 541511 |
| 5) Data Analysis and Dissemination | Full and Open to all Businesses | 541690 |
This procurement will be a partial set-aside for small businesses. Technical areas 2) statistical analysis and evaluation, 3) methodological research, and 5) data analysis and dissemination will be acquired by full and open competition. Technical areas 1) assessment, planning and analysis and 4) survey engineering will be set-aside for small businesses.
The solicitation will be posted on this website to view or download on or about November 19, 2008. The estimated date for receipt of proposals is on or about January 12, 2008. This solicitation will be available in electronic format only. All documents will be in the Adobe Acrobat PDF file format via the Internet.
Cordially,
Valeria F. Baker
Contracting Officer
US Census Bureau
