Q and A 5-19.docx

Solicitation 733510-22-Q-0070 Questions and Answers 5/18

1. Is there an established budget that can be shared for this request?

The Government’s Estimate will not be shared.

2. In the stated evaluation criteria in accordance with FAR 13.106-2, is there weighted preference for past performance? For example, is there a higher score placed on federal work versus commercial work? This is with the understanding that PP must be relevant in scope and similar in size and complexity to the tasks required in the SOW.

There is no weighted preference. That being said, if all other things are equal, working with the federal government would be a plus.

5/19

Question 1. What does the SBA want to be used as the demarcation between Small and Large Businesses? The same method the US Census uses, or some other way. Use the SBA Size standards in 13 CFR 121.

Question 2. We assume that this is to be priced with using sampling, not a full census of every small business, is that correct? Yes, a pure random sampling will be acceptable, with no stratification.

Question 3. Does the SBA concur that the US Census data as a baseline is of acceptable quality and integrity? Yes.

Question 4. Is the SBA aware of the recent Annual Business Survey (ABS) product from the US Census? Are there any objections to leveraging this survey information to lower costs by validating instead of a total resampling? We are aware and have no objection to that method.

Question 5. There could be some 6-digit NAICS codes with a high export value, but only a few dozen companies, in the discovery of the Top 20 Exporting NAICS Codes. Is the government willing to look at broader (3-digit) NAICS Codes when there are less than 50-100 in each 6-digit NAICS Code? Yes.

Question 6. How do I ensure that I respond to match what the SBA is specifically looking for? The proposal must respond to the information in the solicitation.

Question 7. Is the due date for the proposal May 23, 2022, at 10 am eastern, or has it changed? It has been amended to close on May 25, 2022, at 10AM EST.

Question 8. Can we eliminate the firms in the 310 NAICS industries that are local - i.e., local services? Don’t understand what is being asked.

Question 9. Would the SBA consider a delay in proposal delivery and extend the date to save 50% or more of investment to include the additional annual business survey from the US Census Bureau? No.