Solicitation_Questions_and_Answers.docx

Solicitation# 15-233-SOL-0000189 Page 1 of 1 Behavioral Interventions to Advance Self Sufficiency Next Generation (BIAS)

Questions and Answers

1. In Task 3 of CLIN 1 (entitled Engaging Behavioral Science Experts, and subsequently Task 2 in the CLINs that follow), ACF requires Contractor to demonstrate that Contractor has a plan to ensure the project “leverages behavioral experts;” however, Contractor is not permitted to “contact any individuals regarding this task or enter into any agreements around this task prior to approval by the COR.” Could ACF please clarify:

· Many researchers in varied disciplines have some knowledge of behavioral economics. How does ACF define a “behavioral expert” that Contractor cannot contact before approval by the ACF COR? Are there minimum qualifications or certain relevant experiences that would define a “behavioral expert” in this context?

OPRE RESPONSE: ACF understands that contractors have ongoing relationships and communications with individuals who may have expertise relevant to behavioral economics. ACF’s intention is not to prohibit contractors from continuing ordinary working relationships with such individuals. For the purposes of Task 3 of CLIN 1 (and Task 2 of the CLINS that follow), ACF is interested in ensuring that contractors do not engage these experts in work that would specifically apply to this contract prior to approval by the COR. In relation to defining what constitutes minimum qualifications or relevant experiences for establishing behavioral expertise, these questions can be discussed with the COR at the project orientation and as part of the work of Task 3 of CLIN 1 (and Task 2 of the CLINS that follow).

· Is Contractor prohibited from identifying experts of interest (but who would only be engaged after the COR’s later approval) in its proposal?

OPRE RESPONSE: Offerors are encouraged to identify potential experts of interest (e.g., by including names of potential experts) for purposes of the proposal.

2. There are instructions for bidders to provide up to 3 past project descriptions that are each limited to 2 pages in length in a technical proposal appendix (Section L.2) and up to 3 past performance references that are each limited to 3 pages in length in a separate proposal volume (Section L.4).

Can you please confirm what information should be provided in the past project descriptions? Should the project descriptions include the same information as the past performance references (see page 117): contract points of contact; contract title; contract number; contract type; total contract value; project description and size information?

OPRE RESPONSE: Offerors are encouraged to provide identifying information about the past project (such as the name of the project or contract and the contract number) as well as substantive information about the project and project staff that may be most relevant to the proposed work.

Can the past project descriptions and past performance references be the same projects?

OPRE RESPONSE: Yes. Past project descriptions and past performance references can refer to the same projects.

2. Will sites in this study receive funding for program-related or research-related expenditures?

OPRE RESPONSE: ACF assumes that funding available for this contract will be used to help sites with research-related expenditures. While it was not part of ACF’s assumptions that contract funding would be used to cover program-related expenditures, Offerors should propose an approach they believe most likely to result in the successful completion of the tasks and provide the greatest benefit to the Federal government.

3. According to the List of Attachments on page 96 and the attachment file, Attachments A through D are provided. However, the business proposal instructions include completion of Cost Accounting System Evaluation (Attachment I) on page 116. Could you please provide all required attachments as specified in the proposal instructions?

See Attachment.

4. Can a reference list be included as an appendix and be excluded from the page limitation?

OPRE RESPONSE: Yes.