Questions_and_Answers_for_RFQ__1625DC-19-Q-00049.pdf

Questions and Answers for RFQ #1625DC-19-Q-00049

1. Does the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) need all of the referenced MSAs in each month’s dataset?

We would like to obtain as many MSAs in each month’s dataset as you collect

2. Does BLS intend that the units represented be the same month-over-month?

BLS would like time series data for the units you supply. Ideally monthly, can be quarterly or semi-annual.

3. Is the specific address for each residential rent transaction critical? Would providing just the zip code in lieu of the address be acceptable?

BLS would like to obtain the lowest level data you can supply. Ideally, these data would be at the unit level with specific street addresses and unit (apartment) numbers when applicable.

4. Can BLS be more specific as to the property data that is either required and/or optional?

BLS would like to obtain the most specific unit level property data that you can supply.

5. Can BLS provide what specific lease characteristic data is either required and/or optional.

BLS would like to obtain the most specific unit level lease characteristic data that you can supply including lease start date, lease termination date, renter move-in date, renter move-out date, last transaction date.

6. Can BLS explain what the requirement “representative of all census regions” mean in each month’s dataset? Can BLS please elaborate on this requirement?

We would like to obtain as many MSAs in each of the census regions for each month’s dataset as you can collect so that there is representation for the US as a whole.

7. Can BLS provide how “non-institutional” is defined?

Non-institutional excludes residential rental units found in places such as prisons, universities, nursing and assisted facilities, military compounds, and religious orders.

BLS is not interested in residential rental units located in institutional communities.

8. Would BLS be interested in a quotation for potentially larger volumes of residential transaction records as an option?

Yes

9. Can BLS provide an extension of the response date until Friday, August 30th at noon to allow for answer to questions to be provided and incorporated in the response, as well as to allow for the bidders to address potential regulatory and compliance issues that might impact the bidders ability to respond with the data requested?

The RFQ is extended to close on 9/3/2019 at 12:00 PM EST.

10. In our original RFQ submission – Response for 1625DC-19-Q-00033 – we had the ‘Price’ page built within the same document as the Technical Capabilities. Do these need to be separated based on page 20, ‘Format and Content’ section (f) of RFQ 1625DC-19- Q-00049?

RFQ # 1625DC-19-Q-00033 has been cancelled. In regards to RFQ 1625DC-19-Q- 00049, the documents can be separated per the solicitation instructions volume table in Section L.6. Volume I.

11. We have analyzed RFQ 1625DC-19-Q-00033 side by side with RFQ 1625DC-19-Q- 00049. It appears everything is identical within the ‘Contract Clauses’ (which starts on page 8 of RFQ 1625DC-19-Q-00049 section of both. Could you please verify that there are no differences between the two?

RFQ 1625DC-19-Q-00049 will be amended to reflect updated changes to the L.7 VOLUME I – TECHNICAL CAPABILITY & as well as extend more time for vendors to submit quotes.