SF-30 - 19VE3025Q0003.pdf

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

PAGE OF PAGES

1 ç29

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO.

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

08/15/2025

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.

PR15482131-V2

5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)

6. ISSUED BY CODE

19C020 7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6)

CODE

19VE30

American Embassy Bogota Carrera 45 No. 24B-27, Bogota - Colombia

American Embassy Caracas Calle F con Calle Suapure, Colinas de Valle Arriba Caracas - Venezuela

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (NO., street,city,county,State,and ZIP Code)

9a. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

19VE3025Q0003

X

9b. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

7/24/2025 10a. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

10b. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

[X] The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers [X] is extended, [ ] is not extended Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods: (a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning _______ copies of the amendment;(b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or(c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers.

FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE

CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b)

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor [ ] is not, [ ] is required to sign this document and return ___ copies to the issuing office.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

The purpose of the amendment is:

1. Post on SAM.gov Question and Answers.

2. To extend the date specified for receipt of proposals until August 25, 2025, at 12:00 P.M. Bogota time (01:00 P.M. Caracas time)

3. Amend Section I – The Schedule, II Pricing

4. Amend Description/Specifications/Work Statement

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

16A. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. NAME OF CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

BY

(Signature of person authorized to sign)

15C.DATE

SIGNED

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

BY

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

16C.DATE SIGNED

NSN 7540-01-152-8070 Standard Form 30 (revised 10/83) Previous edition unusable Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

The purpose of this Amendment is:

1. Post Questions and Answers for Solicitation 19VE3025Q0003

19VE3025Q0003

Venezuelan Migration Qualitative and Quantitative Research

U.S. Embassy Caracas

Q1. The SOW identifies qualitative research as the first stage. However, would it be possible to conduct the qualitative research after the quantitative stage? This sequence could allow for more targeted qualitative inquiry, informed by early quantitative findings.

Please refer to Description/Specifications/Work Statement, 4. MAJOR TASKS:

Actions must adhere to the proposed sequence within this Statement of Work, commencing with Stage 1, followed by Stage 2, and concluding with Stage 3.

Q2. The scope references 8 qualitative research sessions across 4 regions, labeled as "A" and "B." We interpret these as sessions with potential migrants (A) and returned migrants (B). Could you please confirm if this is accurate?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement, 4. MAJOR TASKS, Stage 1

Q3. If so, we would like to raise a methodological concern: within each group (e.g., potential migrants), there may be significant socio-economic differences (e.g., middle-class vs. low-income participants) that could affect group dynamics and the depth of insight gathered. Mixing these profiles in the same session might limit openness. Would it be acceptable to propose additional focus groups per region to preserve internal consistency?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement.

Q4. The SOW outlines research across eight countries. Given the varying migratory contexts in each, we are considering a nationally representative survey with emphasis on key cities in each country. Would the State Department be open to our team recommending priority locations based on local context and data relevance, or are there specific geographic areas of interest we should be aware of?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement. Vendors should recommend key cities in each country to prioritize locations based on local context and data relevance.

Q5. While Stage 3 is labeled as "quantitative," our understanding is that it primarily involves in-depth interviews with stakeholders (e.g., NGOs, shelters, human rights monitors). From our perspective, this stage is more aligned with qualitative methods. Could you clarify whether this is correct? If not, could you please provide more detail on what kind of quantitative approach is expected?

Correct. Qualitative is more appropriate.

Q6. The SOW defines a 12-month contract period. Should we interpret this as the entire project being completed once during the year, or is the intent to conduct multiple research waves (e.g., a quantitative survey every 3 or 6 months)?

All activities should be completed within the 12-month period.

Q7. Regarding deliverables, is the expectation to submit written reports only, or will we also be expected to present findings live (virtually or in person)? This will help us properly scope hours and logistics.

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

Q8. Do you have an anticipated start date for the project? Knowing this will greatly aid in fieldwork planning, team allocation, and logistical coordination.

No earlier than September 2025.

Q9. Lastly, a crucial operational point: Will a prepayment or mobilization payment be made available to cover initial fieldwork expenses, or will contractors be expected to self-finance the research and submit invoices post-completion?

Pre-payments or mobilization payments won’t be provided. Payment will be made 30 days after the submission of a complete invoice and the delivery of the report.

Q10. Is the focus of the study exclusively on irregular or illegal migration toward the United States, or should the research address broader migration flows, including Venezuelan migrants in transit or destination countries (e.g., Colombia, Panama, Peru)?

The purpose is to equip the U.S. Government with timely, evidence-based insights to inform strategic policy design, enhance public diplomacy, improve regional coordination, and mitigate the negative impact of illegal migration.

The project seeks to understand why Venezuelans plan to emigrate or return to their home country, where they intend to go, and the factors influencing their decisions.

Q11. In addition to informing U.S. policies on deterring illegal migration and encouraging return, does the research aim to support stabilization policies for Venezuelan migrants in transit or host countries?

The purpose is to equip the U.S. Government with timely, evidence-based insights to inform strategic policy design, enhance public diplomacy, and improve regional coordination and mitigate the negative impact of illegal migration.

Q12. For the qualitative phase in Venezuela, would the Government support a locally led in-person field approach, with oversight and instrument design managed remotely by the prime contractor?

The vendor may propose the research plan and justification, as long as it achieves the final objectives of the SOW.

Q13. Will the Government allow offerors to propose a new, locally representative quantitative survey in Venezuela to assess migration and return intentions? Or should in-country research be limited to qualitative methods, with quantitative insights derived from existing secondary data sources?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

The vendor has the option, but is not obligated, to identify a locally representative quantitative survey within Venezuela to evaluate migration and return intentions. In-country research is not required to be confined to qualitative methodologies, as quantitative insights may be derived from existing secondary data sources.

Q14. For Stage 2, are offerors expected to conduct nationally representative surveys in each diaspora country, or would subnational or quota-based sampling approaches be acceptable where full representation is not feasible?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

Diaspora online surveys: Not required a national representative in host countries.

Q15. How collaborative is this project expected to be? Will offerors have the ability to coordinate with U.S.

Embassies in the seven diaspora countries to facilitate access to local authorities and stakeholders?

The contractor is expected to execute the program and should not depend on facilitation from the U.S. Embassy to complete the work.

Q16. Will offerors be permitted to engage and coordinate with multilateral partners (e.g., UNHCR, IOM, ICRC) that may provide critical data or support access to migrant populations?

Yes.

Q17. Should the final reports include full anonymized survey datasets, qualitative transcripts, and methodological annexes?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement. Yes.

Q18. Are there expectations or restrictions around dissemination of findings beyond the U.S. Government, for example, to host governments or civil society partners?

The intended audience is the U.S. government.

Q19. Is there an anticipated or notional period of performance for this research, or should offerors propose a timeline consistent with the scope?

All activities should be completed within the 12-month period.

Q20. For the pricing submission, should offerors follow the CLIN structure provided in the RFQ template, organized by the three project stages?

Price proposal should follow the structure in the RFQ. Please refer to the new price structure included in Amendment 0001

Q21. Are there any formatting or submission requirements for the proposal not already specified in the RFQ, for example:

Is there a page limit for the technical or pricing proposals?

No. The file size must not exceed 30MB. If the file size should exceed the 30MB, the submission must be made in separate files and attached to separate emails with less than 30MB each

Should technical and cost proposals be submitted as separate volumes or combined?

Please submit price and technical proposals in separate files.

Is there a preferred font type, size, or margin requirement?

No

Can pricing be submitted as an Excel spreadsheet, or should it be converted to PDF?

It is important to make sure the submission is made in specific size and format; in MS-Word 2007/2010 or MS- Excel 2007/2010 or Adobe Acrobat (pdf) file format

Are there any naming conventions or document labeling guidelines for proposal files?

No

Q22. Is there an expected or minimum sample size for each region and country for both the qualitative and quantitative stages?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement. Sample sizes are detailed in the amended SOW.

Q23. Do you require stratification by gender, age, or migration status (e.g., legal/irregular, recent/long-term, voluntary/involuntary returnees) within each location?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

The offerors may propose what they think best meets the objectives of the SOW.

Q24. Can you confirm if in-person data collection is expected or permitted in any of the seven diaspora countries, or can all be remote/virtual?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

Q25. Should all reports and instruments be submitted in English only, or is a Spanish version also required?

English

Q26. Will the Embassy provide access to any existing databases or platforms for reaching diaspora participants, or is respondent recruitment solely the contractor’s responsibility?

No. The contractor should propose a plan to achieve the goals of the SOW without facilitation from the Embassy.

Q27. What is the anticipated contract start date?

No earlier than September 2025.

Q28. Are there any U.S. Government or Department of State IRB/ethics approval requirements beyond standard best practices in research ethics?

No.

Q29. In Stage 3 (Stakeholder research review), the document requires engagement with 2 stakeholder groups. We understand this is 2 stakeholders in each host country (Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, and the United States). Is this correct?

Correct

Q30. The request also says Stages 1 and 2 will be "followed by input from Venezuelan NGOs" (P7). Should we also plan to interview at least two organizations in Venezuela?

Yes

Q31. Stage 1 involves collecting qualitative data in Venezuela, and stage 2 consists in conducting quantitative research targeting Venezuelan migrants living abroad. However, the request's scope states, 'This program will conduct qualitative and quantitative research on migrants that returned to Venezuela in at least four regions of Venezuela...'.

Should the study also allow stage 2 to include a quantitative instrument in Venezuela for returned migrants?

Yes

Q32. We do not find an SF-1449 form in the PDF document. Will the State Department provide this form, or should the offeror use a standard format?

The form is available as an attachment on the SAM.gov posting.

Q33. What is the minimum acceptable age for research participants? Would 15 years and older be permitted, particularly for qualitative interviews?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement. Minimum age for participants is 18 years old.

Q34. The period of performance is 12 months. Are there any expectations regarding the timeline or sequencing of Stages 1, 2, and 3 within that period?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

Q35. Are incentives permitted for research participants? For example, small stipends or tokens of appreciation for interviews or surveys—commonly used to increase participation and improve demographic diversity.

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

Q36. In the pricing table, each region is split into “A” and “B.” Do these refer to different participant categories (e.g., potential migrants vs returnees), or to different modalities (e.g., in-person vs virtual)? Could you clarify?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

Q37. Is there a minimum required number of interviews or participants expected per region or per participant group?

Q38. Is there a minimum sample size required per country or in total?

Q39. Besides the listed countries (Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, and the United States), should we anticipate including any additional host countries?

No.

Q40. Is there a defined threshold for how long ago a person must have migrated to qualify for inclusion? For example, would someone who left Venezuela 20 years ago still be considered part of the target population?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

Q41. Given the absence of precise population data—especially for undocumented migrants—will a sampling approach based on available estimates and quota methods be acceptable?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

Q42. Is there any flexibility in applying different sampling strategies per country depending on local conditions and access?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

Q43. The pricing table describes Stage 3 as “quantitative,” but the narrative in the SOW suggests qualitative engagement with NGOs and local stakeholders. Can you clarify the nature of this stage?

Please refer to the Amended II. Pricing

The pricing structure for Stage 3 has been modified.

Q44. The pricing table only lists Venezuela and the United States for Stage 3. However, the narrative describes interviews with NGOs and shelters in host countries. Should stakeholder interviews be limited to Venezuela and the U.S., or conducted in all Stage 2 countries?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

Q45. Will the Embassy provide introductions or facilitate initial contact with NGOs, shelters, or local government entities for Stage 3 stakeholder interviews, or should the contractor anticipate establishing all relationships independently?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

The contractor is expected to execute the program and should not depend on facilitation from the U.S. Embassy to complete the work.

Q46. Is there a minimum or expected page count for the three reports, e.g., 5–10 pages vs 50+ pages per report?

No.

Q47. Are visual deliverables such as data dashboards, infographics, or PowerPoint-style summaries encouraged alongside the narrative reports?

Yes. Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

Q48. Is the contractor expected to provide raw data (e.g., datasets, transcripts, coding frameworks) in addition to the final reports?

Yes. Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

Q49. Will the contractor be required to obtain IRB or other ethical clearance within Venezuela or host countries?

Or is clearance from a U.S.-based IRB sufficient?

Clearance from the U.S.-based IRB is sufficient, but not required

Q50. Should informed consent forms and research instruments be submitted for approval prior to fieldwork?

No.

Q51. To what extent does the Department of State desire representation of pendulum or seasonal migrants in the research?

Not Desired.

Q52. How are you defining “potential migrants” operationally in terms of survey eligibility? In other words, are there criteria (e.g., timeline for intent, expressed plans, or specific circumstances) we should use to screen individuals?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

Q53. What does “nationally representative” mean in the context of diaspora populations across seven countries?

Should we aim for representation of the overall Venezuelan migrant population (globally), or individual national samples representative of each host country? Do you have a quota plan or targets you could share that we could follow, or will we be responsible for creating these?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

Q54. Are there priority host countries among the seven listed or should we aim for equal sample sizes across all geographies? This information ties to the previous question and will also inform the need for sample weighting.

The Vendor should aim for equal sample sizes across all geographies, sample sized that represent Venezuelans in the host countries.

Q55. Is there a minimum required sample size per country or key subgroup (i.e., gender, migration status, length of stay) to enable disaggregated analysis?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

Q56. Would you like to be directly involved in the development or review of the questionnaire? For example, will there be a review committee or approval process we should factor into our timeline?

The Department of State would review the questionnaire once developed, but trusts the offeror’s proposal to achieve the final objectives of the SOW.

Q57. Would you like us to include advanced statistical analysis, such as regression or segmentation, to identify drivers of migration, trust, or media behavior? This could help isolate push/pull factors and predictors of return vs.

onward migration.

Q58. Beyond the report, what other deliverables might you require (weighted data files, weighted/unweighted tables, etc.)?

Q59. Do you have any prior research (quantitative or qualitative) that we can review to inform survey design or avoid duplication? Background materials, narratives, or even policy briefs can help ground our approach and align with ongoing efforts.

No.

Q60. When is the anticipated start date for the Contract?

No earlier than September 2025.

Q61. Is this a recompeted contract? If so, can the client share who is the incumbent contractor?

No, this is a new contract action.

Q62. Can the client share an indicative budget for this research project?

No budget estimate will be provided

Q63. Can the client provide indicative sample sizes for both qualitative and quantitative methodologies in each country for each stage? This will allow us to balance budget and methodological rigor to meet client expectations.

Q64. Can the client share an expected timeline for each of the three stages? This will allow us to provide a streamlined technical approach and accurate associated costs.

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

All activities should be completed within 12 months.

Q65. Do stages have to be in the order described – i.e. is there an option to do stage 3 before the start of stage 2?

This would allow us to refine the instruments based on expert information and potentially use experts to recruit initial respondents for the migrant survey in each country.

Please refer to Description/Specifications/Work Statement, 4. MAJOR TASKS:

Actions must adhere to the proposed sequence within this Statement of Work, commencing with Stage 1, followed by Stage 2, and concluding with Stage 3.

Q66. Could the client provide further information on reporting requirements? Does the client expect a written report and a presentation?

Yes. Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

Q67. For Stage 1, does the client have a preference for which of the urban centers they would like to be researched? Are there any specific regions in Venezuela that the client is more interested in studying?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

Q68. The example CLIN for Stage 1 on page 5 provides separate line items for “Research A” and “Research B” in each of the four regions (Image 1). Can the client provide an explanation of what Research A and B refers to?

Image 1. Screenshot of example CLIN for Stage 1, page 5 of RFQ

Please refer to the Amended II. Pricing and the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement.

Q69. For Stage 2, does the client have an estimated length of interview (time and number of questions)?

Q70. For Stage 2, the RFQ instructs offerors to “use snowball sampling to reach hidden populations” (page 11).

Does the client strictly desire snowball sampling (or version of it) or would the client be open to more rigorous sampling methodologies such as Adaptive Cluster Sampling? A more rigorous sampling methodology will increase the overall cost of the project.

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

a. Adaptive Cluster Sampling (ACS), a pseudo-probability sampling technique, randomly selects primary sampling units (PSUs) and a seed secondary sampling unit (SSU) within each PSU. If a selected SSU contains a member of the target population (i.e., Venezuelan households), neighboring SSUs are added to the sample from within the PSU. This adaptive expansion continues repeatedly until no additional target households are found, the PSU is fully covered, or the desired sample size is reached.

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

Q71. Stage 2, page 10, states “Modality: In-person in Venezuela…” and the example CLIN for Stage 2 on page 6 provides a line item for “Migrant quantitative research Venezuela.” However, the listed targets on page 10 does not include the country Venezuela itself, instead it specifies “Venezuelans in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, and the United States.” Does the client request a survey in Venezuela as a component for Stage 2 or does the client only request a survey of Venezuelans in host countries (i.e. outside of Venezuela)?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

a. If the client does request a survey in Venezuela, does the client prefer a nationally representative survey or a targeted survey of potential and recently returned migrants? Are there any regions or cities that the client is most interested in studying?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

Q72. The explanation for Stage 3 within the example CLIN on page 6 (Image 2) describes “quantitative research in Venezuela [and the United States].” Meanwhile, the explanation for Stage 3 on page 10 describes a qualitative approach, “contact with at least two (2) NGOs, shelters, human rights monitors, local government staff in host countries to validate or complement insights found in Stages 1 and 2 and to better understand NGOs and stakeholders role in the migration or return process.” Does the client request quantitative research in Stage 3 or only qualitative stakeholder interviews?

Image 2. Screenshot of example CLIN for Stage 3, page 6 of RFQ

It is qualitative. Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

Q73. Stage 3, page 7 of the RFQ states “…followed by input from Venezuelan NGOs to understand Venezuelan immigrants' that return to Venezuela and migration patterns, adaptation experiences, and future intentions across the Americas for Venezuelans in other countries.” Page 10 says, “contact with at least two (2) NGOs, shelters, human rights monitors, local government staff in host countries.” Does this mean

a. The location of stakeholder interviews should be in Venezuela, OR

b. The location should be in host countries with 2 interviews minimum in each country where “Venezuelan NGO” refers to an NGO that focuses on Venezuelan migrants, OR

c. The location should be across both Venezuela and host countries with 2 interviews minimum in each country?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

Q74. The RFQ provides an illustrative list of the target populations on page 10 and requests offerors to “aim for diversity.” Does the client have any specific demographic splits in mind (i.e. gender, age, migration status, etc.)? This will allow us to provide a better cost estimate and technical approach.

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

The vendor is responsible for defining specific demographic distinctions for each action, including but not limited to gender, age, and migration status and more.

Q75. Under Section 3, Solicitation Provisions (pg. 27), State requests that the “Contractor must submit the required documents in the order detailed below [...] File 1 – Pricing [...] File 2- Technical". Can The Department of State of State also clarify whether File 1 and File 2 should be submitted in separate emails as per common practice for submitting pricing and technical proposal volumes separately?

Files 1 and 2 can be submitted in the same email as long as the size is under 30Mb

Q76. Section 3, Solicitation Provisions (pg. 26), requests a “list of clients over the past two (02) years, demonstrating prior experience with relevant past performance information and references”. Considering that Offerors may have a lengthy client list and significant experience, would the State Department consider limiting this list to 3-5 clients and past performance examples that are relevant to the RFQ?

Contractors can provide a shorter list with the most relevant experience in the past two years

Q77. Section 3, Solicitation Provisions (pg. 27) requests a list of personnel, equipment, and financial statements for the past two years to be submitted as a part of File 2 -Technical.

Can the State Department confirm that Offerors should only list personnel and specialized equipment (e.g., tablets, data analysis software) that is relevant to the RFQ?

Contractors can provide a list of personnel and equipment that is relevant to the RFQ.

Q78. Can the State Department clarify whether Offerors should name each individual staff member or whether Offerors can list position titles and the number of staff they hold in that role? For example, “Enumerators - 100”.

The contractor can summarize the staff. For employees relevant to the research, name and title will be preferable.

Q79. Does the Department of State have a preferred software for coding and data analysis?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

The vendor is responsible for defining the software for coding and data analysis and needs to share this information in the proposal of the project.

Q80. Scope of Work, RFQ pg. 10: During Stage 3, Stakeholder research review, will the Department of State provide the Contractor with a list of relevant NGOs, shelters, human rights monitors, or local government staff to engage?

It is qualitative. Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement.

The contractor is expected to execute the program and should not depend on facilitation from the U.S. Embassy to complete the work.

Q81. Under Stages 1 and 2 (Scope, pg. 9-10), does the State Department have a desired target sample size and a minimum disaggregated sample size by target city (Stage 1) and target country (Stage 2)?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

Q82. Regarding Sampling Considerations (Scope, pg.10), does the State Department have a definition for what classifies migrants as recent vs. long-term? If this is not defined, should the Offeror propose a definition as part of the proposed methodology?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

Migrants should have departed Venezuela within the last five years, but up to ten years is acceptable.

Q83. Under Stage 3 (Scope, pg. 10), could the State Department please clarify whether the requirement to contact “at least two (2) NGOs, shelters, human rights monitors, or local government staff in host countries” refers to a minimum of two stakeholders per host country, or at least two stakeholders in total across all host countries?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

Q84. Please confirm that the SF-1449 should be completed in accordance with the pricing tables included in Section 1 (CLIN numbers, description, quantity, total price, and VAT and IGTF (if applicable) for each stage.

SF-1449 should include summarized totals. Pricing tables must be submitted in the price proposal following the structure in Section 1 (please make sure to review amended II. Pricing for Stage 1 and 3).

Q85. Is there an established budget ceiling or funding range for this activity that offerors should be aware of when preparing their cost proposals?

No budget estimate will be provided.

Q86. Can the Government clarify what specific data privacy and ethical compliance standards are required for this contract? For example, are there expectations regarding data anonymization, informed consent procedures, data storage security, or compliance with local data protection laws in each country of research?

Q87. The RFQ states that the modality for Stage 1 qualitative data collection will be in-person or virtual. There are important tradeoffs between in-person and virtual data collection in terms of cost and quality. Can the Government kindly clarify whether it has any additional criteria for evaluating “technically acceptable” standards for qualitative data collection in Stage 1?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement.

Q88. The RFQ states that Stage 1 qualitative data collection will include some, but not necessarily all, of the the following: Caracas, Maracaibo, Valencia, Barquisimeto, San Cristobal, Puerto Ordaz, and Puerto de la Cruz. There are important tradeoffs between cost and quality depending on the number of locations included. Can the Government kindly clarify the minimum number of areas needed to meet its “technically acceptable” standards for qualitative data collection in Stage 1 and to ensure all bidders are budgeting using the same number of localities?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

Q89. Can the Government kindly confirm that it does not expect that qualitative data collection in Stage 1 will include any locations outside of the major urban centers listed (Caracas, Maracaibo, Valencia, Barquisimeto, San Cristobal, Puerto Ordaz, and Puerto de la Cruz)? As written, it appears Stage 1 will not include rural residents or residents of smaller cities, although later in Section 6, page 10, it suggests the Government may be interested in more geographic diversity.

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

Q90. Could the Government kindly provide guidance on its “technically acceptable” standards for the survey’s margin of error for Stage 2? This will be necessary to make decisions on sample size and response rates, which will have dramatic implications for the cost/quality tradeoff.

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement MOE near +/- 4 is acceptable

Q91. Could the Government kindly clarify the meaning of “Nationally representative audience of Venezuelans”?

Does this mean that surveys must be representative of Venezuelan migrants living in each of the seven countries listed?

Does it mean that the Government requires a nationally representative survey of Venezuelans in Venezuela? Or something else?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement Nationally representative survey of Venezuelans in Venezuela

Q92. May offerors propose providing an incentive to survey respondents in Stage 2 to increase response rates? If so, would the Government consider providing a plug for the value of survey incentives? Otherwise offerors will be competing on subjective assessments of what incentive value is required to achieve an “acceptable” response rate, which will be difficult for the Government to evaluate.

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

Q93. Could the Government kindly confirm that offerors will need to include surveys of Venezuelan migrants living in ALL of the seven countries listed (Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, and United States)?

Q94. Could the Government kindly clarify whether it will require reporting statistics separately for each of the seven countries, along with disaggregated results for each country (i.e., results for all Venezuelan migrants in Brazil, results for Venezuelan migrants in Brazil disaggregated by gender, etc.)?

Q95. Under the first bullet point in “Themes”, the RFQ mentions “key demographics to understand the migrant profile (age, gender, socioeconomic profile, education background)”. Does this imply that, to meet its “technically acceptable” standards, survey results will need to be capable of being disaggregated by the demographic traits listed?

Q96. The modality for Stage 2 is described as “in-person in Venezuela; virtual for diaspora participants.” Does this mean the Government requires one in-person, nationally representative survey of Venezuelans in Venezuela, and additional virtual surveys of Venezuelan migrants in each of the seven countries listed?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

Q97. If the Government requires a nationally representative survey of Venezuelans living in Venezuela, can it clarify the expected sample size or level of precision (margin of error) it expects? Given the budget implications this would have, we appreciate specific guidance on this matter.

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

Q98. Can the government indicate the sample sizes it expects the virtual survey should achieve in each of the host countries? Given the budget implications this would have, we appreciate specific guidance on this matter.

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement.

Q99. Will the Government facilitate introductions to local NGOs or stakeholders for Stage 3, or is the contractor expected to identify and engage them independently?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement .

The contractor is expected to execute the program and should not depend on facilitation from the U.S. Embassy to complete the work.

Q100. Are there specific expectations for the length or level of detail expected in the final reports for each stage?

Are there formatting or content guidelines?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement.

Q101. Are there minimum qualifications for the Project Manager mentioned in A.2?

No.

Q102. Should offerors list ALL relevant clients over the past two years, or is there a specific number of clients the Government would like offerors to list? Does the Government have any specific minimum criteria it will use to evaluate an offeror’s “�echnically acceptable” capability to meet the solicitation requirements?

There are no minimum criteria for prior experience (client list).

Q103. Will the Government consider cost realism or reasonableness as part of the evaluation, or is the award strictly based on lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA)?

The award will be given to the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable offer.

Q104. If the offeror proposes to use local subcontractors in host countries, should their costs be included in the prime contractor’s pricing or submitted separately?

The cost of subcontractors (if any) should be included in the prime contractor’s price proposal.

Q105. The solicitation requests a “list of personnel, equipment, and financial statements for the past two years.”

Could the Government clarify the level of detail expected for personnel and equipment? For example, would high-level summaries of available staff roles and relevant tools suffice, or is a full itemized listing required?

The personnel and equipment that are relevant to the performance of the contract.

Q106. Section 3(A)(6)(d) of the solicitation requests that offerors submit either a certificate of insurance or a statement that coverage will be obtained. In addition, FAR 52.228-4 (Worker’s Compensation and War-Hazard Insurance Overseas) is incorporated by reference in Section 2. Could the Government clarify whether there are any specific insurance coverage types or minimum limits required under this contract — for example, general liability, professional liability, or foreign workers’ compensation policies?

Besides Defense Base Act Insurance (when applicable), there are no other insurance requirements. Contractors should provide employees with the insurance required under each country’s Labor Law if applicable.

Q107. Can you please provide the cover page for the required SF-1449 provided?

The form is available as an attachment on the SAM.gov posting.

Q108. Can you please confirm that the FAR 9.1 Contractor Responsibility evaluation will be assessed via information provided in the instructions of the RFQ Section 3 or additional information needs to be provided.

No additional information besides the requested in Section 3 needs to be provided.

Q109. Are there minimum sample size expectations for either the qualitative or quantitative stages, or should we propose our own based on methodological best practices?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

Q110. Are the same core indicators and survey instruments required across all countries in Stage 2, or can these be adapted by location?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

Q111. Can the Embassy confirm whether Stage 3 CLINs 3001/3002 should reference stakeholder interviews (as described in Section 1, Pg. 10), or if this is a mislabeling of the quantitative work from Stage 2?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement.

Q112. Are there any restrictions or recommendations on survey platforms to be used for online data collection in Stage 2?

No. Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

Q113. Will the Embassy facilitate introductions to Venezuelan NGOs referenced in the SOW to support recruitment or insight development?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

The contractor is expected to execute the program and should not depend on facilitation from the U.S. Embassy to complete the work.

Q114. Will the embassy provide any data about the migrant distribution in countries outside Venezuela?

The contractor is expected to execute the program and should not depend on facilitation from the U.S. Embassy to complete the work.

Q115. Will the contractor and/or subcontractors need to obtain any special approvals, permits, or security clearances for in-person fieldwork inside Venezuela?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

The contractor is expected to execute the program and should not depend on facilitation from the U.S. Embassy to complete the work. The contractor should comply with all local laws and permits required.

Q116. Considering the sensitivity of this work and the political environment in Venezuela, does the Embassy have any preference or requirement regarding local hiring for field staff, moderators, or enumerators in Venezuela or abroad?

No.

Q117. Are there specific regions or areas within Venezuela that are considered unsafe or off-limits for fieldwork under this project?

The contractor is expected to execute the program and should not depend on facilitation from the U.S. Embassy to complete the work

Q118. What protocols must be followed to protect participants’ and interviewers’ identities and ensure the safety of field staff, given the security environment in Venezuela?

The contractor is expected to execute the program and should not depend on facilitation from the U.S. Embassy to complete the work

Q119. Is Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval required by the U.S. Government, or is it sufficient for the contractor to follow its own internal ethics protocols?

Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval not required. The Department of State requires access to documentation of internal ethics protocols.

Q120. Will the U.S. Government provide assistance in navigating local legal or political barriers to research implementation in Venezuela?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

The contractor is expected to execute the program and should not depend on facilitation from the U.S. Embassy to complete the work.

Q121. Is there an anticipated budget range or ceiling for this contract that offerors should be aware of when designing their cost proposal?

No budget estimate will be provided.

Q122. Given the financial sanctions and currency restrictions in Venezuela, how does the Embassy expect contractors to disburse payments to local subcontractors, field teams, and participants? Are there limitations we should be aware of?

Logistical expenses should be handled by the contractor.

Q123. Are VAT and IGTF applicable to foreign contractors not based in Venezuela, or do these apply only to Venezuelan entities?

VAT and IGTF do not apply to companies based outside Venezuela.

Q124. Should travel and logistical expenses (e.g., airfare, lodging, per diem) be embedded within each CLIN’s firm-fixed price, or can they be presented separately?

Logistical expenses should be included in the pricing.

Q125. Will the contractor be allowed to propose its own structure and design for reports and data deliverables, or is a standard format required?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

Q126. Should each “action report” (Stage 1–3) follow a particular reporting template or structure, or will that be determined by the contractor?

Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement

Q127. Will the contractor be required to submit raw data files (e.g., transcripts, datasets), and who retains ownership of the research outputs?

Yes. Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement .

Q128. Are final reports expected in English only, or should they also be submitted in Spanish?

English

Q129. Can stakeholders interviewed in Stage 3 remain anonymous in reports, or will attribution be required?

Anonymous is acceptable. Please refer to the Amended Description/Specifications/Work Statement.

Q130. Will the Embassy assist in identifying and facilitating access to relevant NGOs, shelters, and local government officials for the Stakeholder Research Review?

The contractor is expected to execute the program and should not depend on facilitation from the U.S. Embassy to complete the work.

Q131. If the total file size exceeds 30MB, can the Pricing and Technical files be submitted via multiple emails, each under the limit?

Yes, please refer to the invitation letter in the RFQ for details.

Q132. Is it acceptable to include subcontractor experience in the “list of clients over the past two years,” or should only prime contractor work be included?

For the prime contractor only

Q133. Are there any specific licenses, business registrations, or insurance requirements that must be secured in advance for operating legally in Venezuela?

We expect the contractor to obtain the legal licenses and permits required.

2. The date specified for receipt of proposals is extended until August 25, 2025 at 12:00 P.M. Bogota time (01:00 P.M. Caracas time)

3. Section I – The Schedule, II Pricing is amended

DELETE:

II. PRICING

The Contractor’s firm-fixed price shall include all labor, materials, overhead, profit and any other costs not listed in this contract necessary to deliver the required deliverables.

All prices should be in U.S. Dollars

Stage 1: Qualitative Research

CLIN Description Quantity Total Price 1001 Migrant Qualitative Research A Venezuela Region 1 1 1002 Migrant Qualitative Research B Venezuela Region 1 1 1003 Migrant Qualitative Research A Venezuela Region 2 1 1004 Migrant Qualitative Research B Venezuela Region 2 1 1005 Migrant Qualitative Research A Venezuela Region 3 1 1006 Migrant Qualitative Research B Venezuela Region 3 1

1007 Migrant Qualitative Research A Venezuela Region 4 1 1008 Migrant Qualitative Research B Venezuela Region 4 1

VAT (if applicable)

IGTF (if applicable)

Total Stage 1

Stage 2: Quantitative Research

2001 Migrant quantitative research Venezuela 1 2002 Migrant quantitative research United States 1 2003 Migrant quantitative research Ecuador 1 2004 Migrant quantitative research Brazil 1 2005 Migrant quantitative research Peru 1 2006 Migrant quantitative research Mexico 1 2007 Migrant quantitative research Colombia 1 2008 Migrant quantitative research Chile 1

VAT (if applicable) IGTF (if applicable) Total Stage 2

Stage 3: Stakeholder Reseach Review

CLIN Description Quantity Total Price

3001 Migrant quantitative research Venezuela 1 3002 Migrant quantitative research United States 1

VAT (if applicable)

IGTF (if applicable)

Total Stage 3

Grand Total

CLIN Description Total

1 Stage 1 2 Stage 2 3 Stage 3

REPLACE WITH:

II. PRICING

The Contractor’s firm-fixed price shall include all labor, materials, overhead, profit and any other costs not listed in this contract necessary to deliver the required deliverables.

All prices should be in U.S. Dollars

1001 Migrant Qualitative Research Venezuela Region 1 1 1002 Migrant Qualitative Research Venezuela Region 2 1 1003 Migrant Qualitative Research Venezuela Region 3 1

VAT (if applicable)

IGTF (if applicable)

Total Stage 1

Stage 2: Quantitative Research

2001 Migrant quantitative research Venezuela 1 2002 Migrant quantitative research United States 1 2003 Migrant quantitative research Ecuador 1 2004 Migrant quantitative research Brazil 1 2005 Migrant quantitative research Peru 1 2006 Migrant quantitative research Mexico 1 2007 Migrant quantitative research Colombia 1 2008 Migrant quantitative research Chile 1

VAT (if applicable) IGTF (if applicable) Total Stage 2

Stage 3: Stakeholder Reseach Review

CLIN Description Quantity Total

3001 Stakeholder research review Country 1 1 3002 Stakeholder research review Country 2 1 3003 Stakeholder research review Country 3 1

VAT (if applicable)

IGTF (if applicable)

Total Stage 3

CLIN Description Total

1 Stage 1 2 Stage 2 3 Stage 3

4. Description/Specifications/Work Statement is amended

DELETE:

This Statement of Work (SOW) outlines the requirements for a contractor to execute the Venezuelan Migration qualitative and quantitative research program. Offerors should use this information to create a comprehensive proposal that addresses the program’s specific needs.

1. PERFORMANCE PERIOD

The performance period for this contract will be 12 months, beginning on the date of the award.

2. SCOPE

This program will conduct qualitative and quantitative research on migrants that returned to Venezuela in at least four regions of Venezuela and on migrants in the United States, Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico and Chile followed by input from Venezuelan NGOs to understand Venezuelan immigrants’ that return to Venezuela and migration patterns, adaptation experiences, and future intentions across the Americas for Venezuelans in other countries.

As of mid-2025, Venezuela remains the leading country of origin for displaced persons in Latin America, with over 7.2 million refugees and migrants, according to UNHCR data.