Questions and Answers - 1333ND21QNB480309 -19July2021.pdf

Questions and Answers – RFQ 1333ND21QNB480309 - Manufacturing Data Analysis & Modeling Licenses

Question Answer 1 If there is an incumbent contractor currently performing these services Yes

2 If similar services have been performed in the past, or if this is a new requirement

Yes

3 If a follow-on requirement, could you please provide the previous contract or task order number

SB1341-16-AE-0067

4 Whether companies from Outside USA can apply for this (like, from India or Canada)?

Yes, firms from outside the USA may apply to this

RFQ.

5 Whether we need to come over there for meetings?

Yes, the contractor will need to attend meeting if the Government requires them in the contract.

6 Can we perform the tasks (related to RFP) outside USA (like, from India or Canada)?

It depends on the task.

7 Can we submit the proposals via email?

Proposal will only be accepted by email per the instructions in the RFQ

8 Is NIST seeking a forecast for each NAICS covered? (i.e. not just historical data)

NIST MEP would like a basic forecast for each NAICS code covered (and SOC code if possible).

The forecast should look at how indicators such as jobs, earnings, number of locations, etc. will trend over the next 5 to 10 years.

9 By sample report, are you seeking a sample spreadsheet of data? Or are you also looking for a narrative report on key manufacturing sectors and regions?

In the sample report, NIST MEP is looking for an example of how the offeror would package and provide information related to the industry and occupation of interest. The report should be in spreadsheet, word, or PDF form. Narratives may be provided to add more value but are not a requirement. An output of data only would also suffice.

10 How many users does NIST estimate per MEP site license?

NIST MEP’s assumption is that there is one user per site license. However, NIST MEP is open to other alternatives should the offeror present them and if the alternatives are within the budget of the Government.

11 Is NIST looking for a subscription to a COTS solution only or is NIST open to using software and services to build a custom solution?

NIST MEP is looking for a product that is already created, a COTS solution.

12 Is NIST willing to purchase and install software if that software allows MEPs to access the data, information, and modeling outputs via a web browser?

The tool/service shall be hosted entirely online and accessible via any web browser without needing to install anything on Government computers.

13 Is NIST willing to purchase and install software that allows MEPs to access the data, information, and modeling outputs if the software still meets the requirement of web browser access?

The tool/service shall be hosted entirely online and accessible via any web browser without needing to install anything on Government computers.

14 Is NIST willing to purchase and install software on their system that allows web browser access for NIST and MEP locations?

The tool/service shall be hosted entirely online and accessible via any web browser without needing to install anything on Government computers.

15 Can NIST provide the budget available for this project?

No

16 Please send an example report (can be anonymous) so we can get a feel for the level of detail required including charts, graphs, maps, and the depth of the data?

The Government cannot provide a sample report.

The Government is looking for each offeror to provide sample reports that their system/tools can generate. The Government will be evaluating the reports based on the information provide in the sample reports requested.