9531CB21R0005 - A1.pdf

(x)

9531CB21R0005

x x

1 copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted ; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 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 letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

x

CFP

WASHINGTON DC 20552

1700 G STREET, NW

OFFICE OF PROCUREMENT

Consumer Financial Protection Burea

05/14/20210001

13. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS. IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) is not extended.is extended, Items 8 and 15, and returning

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

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

FACILITY CODE CODE

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

CODE

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

7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6)CODE 6. ISSUED BY

PAGE OF PAGES

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.3. EFFECTIVE DATE2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

05/13/2021

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

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority) appropriation data, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not is required to sign this document and return __________________ copies to the issuing office.

ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

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

Online research support in accordance with the attached Statement of Objectives. This

Amendment adds Solicitation Provisions in Section E.

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

15C. DATE SIGNED 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR 16C. DATE SIGNED

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

PEGGY J. WRIGHT

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 11/2016)

Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

Previous edition unusable

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

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May 13, 2021

SUBJECT: Request for Proposals: 9531CB21R0005 – Virtual (Online) Research Support

The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to obtain online research support in accordance with the attached Statement of Objectives and per Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Part 12 and Part 13. Per the guidelines discussed herein, CFPB requests that you provide a response to this RFP.

Based upon the evaluation of proposals received in response to this RFP, the CFPB intends to award a single contract, but reserves the right to make multiple awards or no award, to be in effect for a term of up to five (5) years.

A pre-proposal conference will be held on May 20, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. ET. Questions related to this RFP shall be received by both the Contracting Officer (CO) Peggy.Wright@cfpb.gov and the Contract Specialist (CS) Crystal.McKay@cfpb.gov in writing no-later-than (NLT) 3:00 p.m. ET on May 27, 2021.

Responses to this RFP should be received by both the CO and CS listed above NLT 3:00 p.m. ET on June 17, 2021. Responses received after that date and time may not be opened, evaluated, or considered for award.

We appreciate you taking the time to provide us with a response for this critical requirement.

Sincerely, Peggy J. Wright Contracting Officer

Enclosures mailto:Peggy.Wright@cfpb.gov mailto:Crystal.McKay@cfpb.gov

9531CB21R0005 – Amendment 1 Virtual Research Support

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

9531CB21R0005

VIRTUAL RESEARCH SUPPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION A – SF 1449

SECTION B – SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

SECTION C – CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items C.2 Addendum to FAR 52.212-4 C.3 FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes and

Executive orders

SECTION D – CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS OR ATTACHMENTS

Reserved

SECTION E – SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

E.1 52.212-2, Evaluation-Commercial Items E.2 CFPB Solicitation Provisions E.3 Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 E.4 FAR Solicitation Provisions

SOLICITATION ATTACHMENTS AND EXHIBITS

Attachment 1 – Price Tables Attachment 2 – Non-Disclosure Agreement

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SECTION B – SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

B.1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

On July 21, 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Act") created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Section 1013(b)(1) of the Consumer Financial Protection Act, 12 U.S.C. § 5493(b)(1), establishes the Office of Research (“OR”) and assigns to it the responsibility of researching, analyzing, and reporting on topics relating to the Bureau’s mission, including developments in markets for consumer financial products and services, consumer awareness, and consumer behavior.

Controlled experimentation provides researchers with command over data collection processes, which provides several benefits. For example, researchers can maintain the assumptions of a given social science model, and the ability to alter these assumptions, which enables research that would either be less precise or impossible using administrative data. In addition, the results of experiments can be replicated and tested over different specifications of the environment or in the underlying model, implying that this type of research can, relatively easily, be expanded upon by other researchers or tested for robustness. Finally, experimentation allows researchers to conduct research that is timely and relevant to the Bureau’s greatest needs. This is in contrast to research resulting from natural experiments, the timing and topics of which cannot be influenced by Bureau researchers. While it is important to recognize that controlled experimentation itself has limitations, it is also clear that it plays an important role in the advancement of economic understanding.

Over the last decade, much social science research has transitioned from in-person laboratories and computer labs to virtual laboratories in which information is exchanged via the World Wide Web (the internet). There are at least four benefits of this approach. First, typical online participant pools include individuals with a greater diversity of demographics than do typical in-person participant pools, especially those maintained by typical colleges and universities. In addition, online participant pools are typically larger than university pools, online studies are less expensive than typical university studies, and online studies can be run more quickly than typical university studies.

B.2 DEFINITIONS

A. Online panel. A collection of individuals who volunteered to be contacted for the purpose of participating in research via the internet.

Section B – Schedule of Services

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B. Participant. A participant is any individual who participates in a CFPB study under this Contract, regardless of whether they complete the study.

C. Study. Work conducted under this contract will be organized as “studies.” Studies will include tasks for individual participants such as surveys, as well as tasks for multiple participants such as games (e.g., a prisoners' dilemma game) or economic simulations (e.g., an auction).

D. Study Request. A Study Request will describe the requirements of the study, including required characteristics of participants and tasks for the Contractor.

E. Task. Work the Contractor conducts under each study is delineated as tasks. Recruitment of participants for a study is an example of a task.

F. Institutional Review Board (IRB): An IRB is a type of committee that applies research ethics by reviewing the methods proposed for research to ensure that they are ethical.

Such boards are formally designated to approve (or reject), monitor, and review behavioral research involving humans.1

G. Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA): PRA is a Federal law that seeks to limit the burden Federal agencies impose on the public for their information requirements. The CFPB is required to submit a PRA package with details about the information collection for Office of Management and Budget (OMB) review and approval. PRA approval is required prior to implementing a study.

B.3 SCOPE:

Under this contract, a Contractor will help CFPB to execute research, experiments, and studies via the internet. The Contractor will carry out support tasks only, including providing support with CFPB’s submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) package; obtaining Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, if necessary; recruiting and screening for high-quality participants; paying participants; and, possibly, matching study data with administrative data. Depending on the requirements of a study, participants may be paid a fixed amount, or they may be paid an amount that depends on their choices and/or the choices of other participants in the study.

CFPB researchers will determine recruitment requirements for each study. Some studies will require convenience samples, while other studies will require samples that match certain

1 Definition derived from Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Institutional_review_board

7 | P a g e demographics profiles. CFPB researchers will create study materials and make them accessible to participants through the internet.

Work conducted under this contract will be organized as “studies.” Work the Contractor conducts under each study will be delineated as “tasks.” The workflow for work conducted under each contract is as follows:

3.1 Studies

At the beginning of each study, CFPB will send the Contractor a “Study Request” which will describe the requirements of the study, including required characteristics of participants and tasks for the Contractor. Each study will follow the same basic workflow:

A. CFPB sends the Contractor a Study Request.

B. CFPB and the Contractor discuss and finalize the Study Request.

C. The Contractor provides support for CFPB’s submissions to the OMB, if necessary.

D. The Contractor obtains IRB approvals, if necessary.

E. For each wave of data collection (including pre-tests/pilots):

a. The Contractor recruits and screens participants.

b. The Contractor delivers eligible screened participants to the study web address.

c. CFPB informs the Contractor which individuals completed the study and specifies the amount each participant should be paid.

d. The Contractor pays participants.

F. The Contractor provides the CFPB with matched administrative data, including responses to screener questions.

G. CFPB and the Contractor meet to debrief after the study.

3.2 Study Requests

To initiate a study under this contract, CFPB will send the Contractor a “Study Request.” A Study Request will describe the requirements of the study, including required characteristics of participants and tasks for the Contractor. The Contractor will offer proposed changes to the Study Request. CFPB and the Contractor will then discuss and finalize the Study Request. Each Study Request will include, at least:

A. The required demographics of participants B. The required number of participants

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C. Suggested recruitment materials and suggested screener questions/techniques, if applicable

D. An estimate of study length E. Needs regarding IRB approvals and/or submissions to the OMB.

F. A description of the web addresses for the study, including whether the addresses will be individualized, and examples of the web address(es) for the study G. The structure and timing of data collection, including (1) whether there will be a pilot/pre-test and the number of participants required, (2) the number of waves of data collection and the number of participants required for each, and (3) the approximate timing of data collection waves and the pilot/pre-test, if relevant (e.g., the number of days between the completion of a pilot and wave one of data collection).

H. A description of how participant payments will be determined, including whether participants will be paid a flat payment or whether payment will depend on participants’ choices. The description will also include minimum, maximum, and expected payment amounts.

I. Required data matching (if applicable), including, data from the Contractor’s screening process; and including (optional) supplemental data matching.

B.4 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

The base period of performance for this contract shall be one (1) year, plus four (4) one-year option periods. In accordance with FAR 52.217-8, this contract may be extended for up to six

(6) months beyond the final option period.

B.5 STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES:

A. Implementation - The Contractor enables CFPB to implement online studies quickly.

Each stage of each study is implemented quickly, within the timeframes listed in the deliverables table (see section B.8 Deliverables). In addition, after each round of data collection, when CFPB is ready, the next round is begun quickly, if applicable. The Contractor’s solution shall clearly provide CFPB the ability to implement online studies within this time frame.

B. Forecasting Prices - The Contractor provides enough information for the CFPB to accurately forecast the prices of studies before submitting a Study Request. The

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Contractor’s solution, Price Model, and estimates of incidences of demographic groups in the Contractors’ online panel(s) shall provide the means for CFPB to estimate studies’ costs prior to submitting a Study Request.

C. Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval - The Contractor is able to obtain IRB approval. The Contractor’s solution shall demonstrate the ability to lead and obtain IRB approval, if necessary.

D. Technical Support for CFPB - The Contractor is able to provide information to assist CFPB in creating Study Request materials and to fill out PRA paperwork.

E. Technical Support for Participants – Participants are able to receive technical assistance, as needed, to help them successfully navigate issues they may encounter when accessing a study, accessing or completing screening materials, or with receiving payment. The Contractor’s solution shall demonstrate the ability to provide technical support to participants.

F. Participation - The Contractor recruits high-quality participants. The Contractor’s solution shall clearly demonstrate the ability to recruit and screen high-quality individuals who are human beings (i.e., not robots or “bots”) with demographics accurately reported, and who answer questions attentively and honestly.

G. Online Panels - Online panels meet the needs of a variety of studies. The Contractor’s solution shall clearly demonstrate the ability to access to one or more online panels from which it can recruit and screen for participants. These panels allow CFPB to meet several goals, depending on the needs of the study:

a. Recruit quickly. The Contractor is able to quickly recruit high-quality participants from a convenience sample.

b. Recruit based on demographics. The Contractor is able recruit high-quality participants based on sex, race, or age; descriptors of their situations such as status as a veteran, status as a student, employment status, or household income;

or descriptors of their experiences such as current or previous uses of financial products like mortgage loans, credit cards, or savings accounts. The Contractor can use this capability to create diverse samples or samples that match the demographics of certain populations (e.g., American adults).

c. Obtain large sample sizes. The Contractor is able to recruit large samples of high-quality participants from both convenience samples and samples selected based on demographics.

H. Payment amounts are flexible. The Contractor’s solution shall clearly demonstrate the ability to pay participants amounts according to the needs of each study, including for studies in which participants’ payments are determined by their choices.

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I. Payment Time - The Contractor’s solution shall demonstrate the ability to deliver participant payments quickly, within the timeframe specified in the deliverables table (see section B.8 Deliverables).

J. Matched Data - Matched data helps CFPB understand how participants compare to the full sample and/or population. The Contractor’s solution shall demonstrate ability to quickly provide accurate matched data, including, at least, whatever data is used to recruit and screen for participants, after each round of data collection.

K. Feedback - Feedback from the Contractor improves the contract. After each study, the Contactor and the CFPB discuss how to alter communications or logistics so that the contract may better meet the above objectives.

B.6 REQUIREMENTS:

6.1 Required Capabilities

The Contractor shall possess the following capabilities.

6.1.1 Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

The Contractor shall obtain all approvals required to conduct CFPB studies involving human subjects, including obtaining approval from its IRB, if applicable.2

6.1.2 Online Panels

The Contractor shall recruit participants from one or more online panels. The Contractor shall be familiar with the demographics of the members of each online panel it uses, and shall be able to provide estimates of each of the following demographic groups in each of the panels it intends to use in service of this Contract:

A. Sex. Male and female B. Age. 18-29 years old, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60 years old or older C. Race. White, Black/African-American, Asian-American, and American Indian or Alaska

Native

2 At the Contractor’s request, CPFB will provide the Contractor with the artifacts to facilitate approvals. These may include, for example, a description of the experiment.

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D. Hispanic/Latinx and non-Hispanic/non-Latinx E. Education. Less than a college degree, associate’s degree or technical/vocational degree, bachelor’s degree, graduate or professional degree (for example, MA, MSW, MD, JD, PhD)

F. Annual House Income. Less than $20k, between $20k and $29,999, $30k-$39,999, $40k- $59,999, $60k-$79,999, $80k-$99,999, $100k-$150k, greater than $150k

In addition, in order to confirm the cost of each study before the study is implemented, the Contractor shall be able to provide incidences of demographic groups specified in each Study Request.

6.1.3 Recruitment

All participants recruited by the Contractor shall meet the following criteria:

A. They joined the panel(s) and participate in studies voluntarily.

B. They are accustomed to participating in studies via the internet. This means, at least, that each member has access to a reliable internet connection and access to a modern browser.

C. They are accustomed to participating in studies that take up to 30 minutes to complete.

D. They are over the age of 18 and reside within the United States.

6.1.4 Screening

The Contractor shall recruit and screen individuals from online panel(s) for participation in CFPB studies. If the Contractor has information about its panel(s)’ members’ demographics and quality (as defined below), then the Contractor may recruit the appropriate individuals using this information rather than screening using additional data collections such as surveys. Screening criteria will be of two types:

A. Demographics. The Contractor must be able to screen respondents based on respondents’ characteristics, including descriptors of themselves such as sex, race, or age; descriptors of their situations such as status as a veteran, status as a student, employment status, or household income; or descriptors of their experiences such as current or previous uses of financial products like mortgage loans, credit cards, or savings accounts.

B. Participant quality. The Contractor must be able to screen low-quality respondents to its recruiting materials. For example, the Contractor shall be reasonably able to screen out “bots,” respondents from “server farms,” respondents attempting to “retake” the study

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(either after completing the study once or after already being screened), as well as respondents demonstrating a lack of care or attention in their responses to the screener.3

6.1.5 Participant Payment

Study Requests will describe how participants payments will be determined. Although some studies may specify fixed payments for all participants who complete a study, other studies will determine payments as a function of participants’ choices in the study. The Contractor must therefore be able to take payment instructions from the CFPB after a participant completes a study and pay participants individualized amounts in accordance with those instructions. In addition, before the study is complete, the Contractor shall confirm with CFPB that participants were paid as instructed.

6.1.6 Matched Participant Data

6.1.6.1 The Contractor shall provide to the CFPB all data collected to determine participants’ eligibility for a study. This includes data collected for individuals who were determined to be eligible as well as those who were not. These data shall include unique identifiers to allow the CFPB to match these data to participants’ responses in the study, but shall be otherwise de-identified.

6.1.6.2 If the Contractor screens volunteers using information collected prior to the study (e.g., demographic information collected from all members of an online panel), then the Contractor shall provide:

A. For each screened attribute, the nature of the data used (e.g., survey data or administrative data), a list of all possible values, and, if applicable, individual survey items.

3 “Bots” are computer programs that automatically complete studies. “Server farms” are used to bypass online panel location restrictions or otherwise disguise their identity. Both are described in Chmielewski and Kucker (2019).

Available at https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1948550619875149

Individuals attempting to retake a study after already completing the study or after being excluded by screening are described in Wessling, Huber, and Netzer (2017). Available at https://academic.oup.com/jcr/article/44/1/211/3737805

Measures showing attention, effort, and sincere intention to complete the task are described by Kennedy et al.

(2020). Available at https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/political-science-research-and-methods/article/shape-of-and-solutions-to-the-mturk-quality-crisis/521AEEB9A9753D5C6038440BD123826C https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1948550619875149 https://academic.oup.com/jcr/article/44/1/211/3737805 https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/political-science-research-and-methods/article/shape-of-and-solutions-to-the-mturk-quality-crisis/521AEEB9A9753D5C6038440BD123826C https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/political-science-research-and-methods/article/shape-of-and-solutions-to-the-mturk-quality-crisis/521AEEB9A9753D5C6038440BD123826C

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B. For each screened attribute, summary statistics (i.e., mean, minimum, maximum, quartiles, variance, population/sample size) for the entire sampling frame (i.e., those who received, or had access to, the recruitment materials). If a study uses more than one screened attribute, then, upon request, the Contractor shall provide conditional summary statistics.

C. For each screened attribute, individual values (e.g., survey responses) for all individuals who responded to the study’s recruitment materials. As above, these data shall include a unique identifier to allow for matching, but shall otherwise be de-identified.

6.1.7 Personnel

A single person may fill multiple roles if that person meets those roles’ requirements. However, contractor may not invoice for multiple roles filled by a single person.

Key Personnel – Research Scientist The Research Scientist shall be responsible for reviewing Study Requests to ensure each study is feasible. The Research Scientist shall have significant experience running online studies, including studies that include tasks for individual participants, such as surveys; as well as studies that include tasks for multiple participants, such as games (e.g., a prisoners’ dilemma game) or economic simulations (e.g., an auction).

Non-Key Personnel – Research Associate The Research Associate shall be responsible for carrying-out most tasks required of the Contractor, including providing documentation in support of CFPB’s submissions to OMB and providing matched data. The Research Associate shall have experience running online studies, recruiting and screening participants, and paying participants.

6.2 Added-value Capabilities

The following items would add value to the Bureau but are not required. They will help CFPB identify the highest value Offers.

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6.2.1 Online Panels

The Contractor provides estimates of the incidence of the following groups in its online panels:

A. Those who are, or those who identify as, current students of an institution of higher education

B. Those who are, or those who identify as, borrowers with outstanding higher education loans

C. Those who are, or those who identify as, active-duty members of the United States Armed Forces or as members of the National Guard or Reserves

D. Those who are, or those who identify as, veterans of the United States Armed Forces or as members of the National Guard or Reserves

E. Those who have access to a computer/laptop or smart phone to complete studies.

6.2.2 Recruitment and Screening

The Contractor can provide a sample of participants that matches the demographics of certain populations (e.g., American adults according to the U.S. census). This may increase the external validity of CFPB studies run under this Contract.

6.2.3 Matched Participant Data

The Contractor provides additional demographics data about members of its online panels. This allows CFPB researchers to create more succinct study instruments and therefore increases the value of this Contract. In its response to this RFQ, the Contactor would provide a list of available demographics. Each Study Request would then specify a subset of this list to be provided for the study. After data collection for a study is complete, the Contractor would then provide data as specified above in section 3.1 (e.g., summary statistics for the full sampling frame, and individual values for all recruited individuals).

6.2.4 Personnel

Research Scientist

A. The Research Scientist has experience running online studies using the Qualtrics platform.

B. The Research Scientist has experience running online studies using oTree software.

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Research Associate A. The research associate has experience running online studies using the Qualtrics platform.

B. The Research Associate has experience running online studies using oTree software.

B.7 CONSTRAINTS AND RISKS

7.1 Budget Constraint –

The budget for this contract, base and all options, is not expected to exceed $315,400.00. This budget estimate is based on completion of twenty (20) study requests over the life of the contract. The actual number of Study Requests and effort may vary depending on the needs of the CFPB. Option period funding is not currently secured and may impact the continuation or completion of this contract beyond the base period.

7.2 Contractor shall adhere to all Security and Non-Disclosure information within the clauses of this RFP.

7.3 All deliverables must be 508 compliant

B.8 DELIVERABLES

The following deliverables are required under this contract and shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and Program Manager for the Study Request (PM).

The deliverable should be submitted electronically, unless specified otherwise.

8.1 Contract

The following is a list of deliverables related to this contract.

Deliverable Due Date and Format Kickoff meeting Within 10 business days after award, the Contractor shall meet in-person or remotely with CFPB staff.

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Deliverable Due Date and Format Final Quality Control Plan

(QCP)

Within five (5) business days of receiving CFPB feedback, the Contractor shall make adjustments to the QCP. The final QCP shall be delivered within one (1) month after the award.

Intermittent Project Status Reviews

As requested, or as necessary, to successfully carry out a study.

The format will depend on the request and can include meetings (in-person or remote), phone calls, and by email.

8.2 Study

The following is a list of deliverables related to each study conducted under this contract. To provide a sense of the type of work conducted for the deliverable, examples of possible work requested are included in italics.

Deliverable Due Date and Format Study Feasibility, if applicable

If applicable, within eight (8) business days of receiving a request, provide incidences for proposed groups, maximum sample sizes for proposed groups, and other information that will allow CFPB to confirm the cost of running a specific study.

This will not be necessary if the incidences and maximum sample sizes are already known from the initial proposal or other studies executed under this contract.

Finalized Study Request

1. Initial Study Feedback: Within three (3) business days of receiving a Study Request, the Contractor shall respond with proposed changes, if any. Examples of work include: Contractor provides recommendation on proposed changes, which panel(s) to use, recruitment method, and confirms details of payment method and readily available data.

2. Study Meeting: Within five (5) business days of receiving a Study Request, the Contractor shall meet in-person or remotely with CFPB staff to discuss the contractor’s feedback and finalize the Study Request.

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3. Finalized Study Request: If changes to materials such as the recruitment or screening materials are required after the Study Meeting, then the Contractor shall make these changes and send the finalized Study Request within five (5) business days of receiving the requested changes.

Support with OMB Package, as requested

Within five (5) business days of receiving a request for support, the Contractor shall provide requested information or materials in support of a submission to OMB.

The Contractor will only be responsible for providing information or materials requested by CFPB; the Contractor will not be responsible for delivery or coordination of the PRA process with

OMB.

Examples of work include: CFPB staff may request information about administrative aspects of the study that are needed for CFPB staff to complete PRA paperwork. The Contractor responds by providing a brief written description of the requested information, such as the Contractor’s recruitment method, procedures for information collection from participants, collection and use of any PII by the Contractor, justification for the use and amount of participant incentives, and other administrative details as requested.

IRB Approval, if applicable

Prior to PRA approval from OMB (OMB approval typically takes a minimum of 8 weeks), the Contractor shall provide confirmation of IRB approval to carry out the study.

Examples of work include: Contractor coordinates and completes submission for IRB review. The CFPB provides the Contractor with information or materials, as needed, for the Contractor to submit the IRB request for approval.

High-Quality Participants

Unless otherwise specified in the finalized Study Request, the Contactor shall begin recruiting for the first wave of data collection (or the pilot/pre-test, if applicable) no later than seven

(7) days after the Study Request is finalized. The Contractor shall email a confirmation when recruitment has started.

In most cases, the CFPB will directly observe when participants complete a study. In cases where a Contractor is needed to

18 | P a g e confirm completes, the Contractor shall send a confirmation within the timeframe(s) specified in the Study Request.

Confirmation of participant payment

Within one (1) business day of confirmed participant completion of the study, the Contractor shall pay the participant the amount specified by the CFPB and send confirmation of participant payment. The confirmation shall allow CFPB to confirm the date and amount of payments made for each participant who completed the study but should not include any direct-identifying

PII.

De-identified demographic and/or other matched participant data

Provided within timeframe as applicable to the Study Request.

The format of data will be determined during Study Request Meeting. The method of secure transfer will be determined after the contract is awarded.

Study Wrap-Up Meeting

Within ten (10) business days of the completion of the Bureau’s Study, the Contractor shall meet in-person or remotely with CFPB staff to confirm completion of study and provide feedback to improve future studies.

8.3 Inspection - All deliverables will be inspected for content, completeness, accuracy and conformance to order, contract or agreement requirements by the COR, or other authorized representative designated in the order, contract or agreement. Inspection may include validation of information or inspection of the deliverables, as specified in the order, contract or agreement. The scope and nature of this inspection will be sufficiently comprehensive to ensure the completeness, quality and adequacy of all deliverables.

8.4 Quality Control Plan (QCP) – The contractor shall create and deliver a complete QCP that identifies how the contractor plans to meet the requirements of the contract relative to its commitment to quality. The contractor QCP shall describe the way in which the contractor will verify and validate the approach that will be taken to ensure the highest quality of the methodology and work products. The QCP shall be approved by the Government and maintained by the contractor to ensure the quality of the project deliverables are met. The contractor shall submit the QCP within 30 days after date of award.

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SECTION C CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 FAR 52.212-4, CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS-COMMERCIAL

ITEMS (Oct 2018) is hereby incorporated by reference.

C.2 ADDENDUM TO FAR 52.212-4

2.1 FAR CLAUSES

2.1.1 FAR 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services (Nov 1999)

The Government may require continued performance of any services within the limits and at the rates specified in the contract. These rates may be adjusted only as a result of revisions to prevailing labor rates provided by the Secretary of Labor. The option provision may be exercised more than once, but the total extension of performance hereunder shall not exceed 6 months. The Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor within fourteen (14) days.

2.1.2 FAR 52.217-9 Option to Extend the Term of the Contract. (Mar 2000)

a. The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the

Contractor within five (5) days; provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least fourteen (14) days before the contract expires. The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension.

b. If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this option clause.

c. The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed sixty (66) months.

2.1.3 FAR 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

https://www.acquisition.gov https://www.acquisition.gov/

Section C – Contract Clauses

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FAR 52.204-25 - Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (Aug 2020) FAR 52.213-2 Invoices (Apr 1984)

2.2 CFPB LOCAL CLAUSES

2.2.1 BUREAU DELIVERIES (AUGUST 2020)

Deliveries to the Bureau via US Postal Service or nation-wide delivery services, such as Federal Express or United Parcel Service, should be shipped to 1700 G St, NW, Washington, DC 20552.

Deliveries to the Bureau via courier or personal delivery should use 1700 G St, NW, Washington, DC 20006 if delivering to 1700 G Street, NW, or use 1990 K Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006 if delivering to 1990 K Street, NW.

The loading dock at 1700 G Street, NW is located on the back side of the building. Access to the loading dock is on F Street. The loading dock is restricted in size and delivery vehicles must be under 13 feet.

Deliveries must take place between the operating hours of 7:30 am and 4:30 pm local, Monday – Friday, unless otherwise approved and coordinated with a member of the Bureau’s Facilities Operations Management staff in advance of the delivery. All deliveries for the Bureau’s Technology & Innovation (T&I) division, consisting of laptops, printers, servers (or other high dollar items) may be received by CFPB personnel in Facilities but the official acceptance e.g.

verifying the contents of the shipment must be performed by a Government T&I employee. The loading dock personnel will notify the contact person when the truck arrives. All large deliveries require, at a minimum, one business day prior notification to a member of the Bureau’s Facilities Operations Management Staff. Contact by email, cfpbfacilities@cfpb.gov (preferred) or by phone, 202-435-9390.

2.2.2 BUREAU OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL (OIG) (SEPTEMBER 2018)

For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this contract shall limit the OIG's authority under the Inspector General Act to examine the Contractor's books, documents, papers, etc.

The Contractor and any subcontractor shall make notification (including posting notices in each of their respective facilities) to all Contractor and subcontractor employees working on this mailto:cfpbfacilities@cfpb.gov

21 | P a g e contract of the OIG’s hot line telephone number, 1-800-827-3340, and to report any suspected "waste, fraud, or abuse" transactions related to the performance of this contract.

2.2.3 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S AUTHORITY (MARCH 2019)

The Contracting Officer for this Task Order is:

Peggy J. Wright, Senior Contracting Officer Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Address: 1700 G St. NW, Washington, DC 20552 Phone Number: 202-435-7355 Email Address: Peggy.Wright@cfpb.gov

The Contracting Officer, in accordance with FAR Subpart 1.6, is the only person authorized to make or approve any changes in any of the requirements, and notwithstanding any clauses contained elsewhere, the said authority remains solely with the Contracting Officer. In the event the Contractor makes any changes at the direction of any person other than the Contracting Officer, the change will be considered to have been made without authority and no adjustment will be made in the terms or price to cover any increase in cost incurred as a result thereof.

2.2.4 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR) DESIGNATION AND

AUTHORITY (JUNE 2019)

The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) is:

To Be Determined at Time of Award

Performance of work must be subject to the technical direction of the COR identified, or a representative designated in writing. The term “technical direction” includes, without limitation, direction to the Contractor that directs or redirects the labor effort, shifts the work between work areas or locations, fills in details and otherwise serves to ensure that tasks outlined in the work statement are accomplished satisfactorily.

Technical direction must be within scope of the contract. Technical direction may be oral or in writing. The COR shall confirm oral direction in writing within five (5) workdays. The COR does not have authority to issue technical direction that:

mailto:Peggy.Wright@cfpb.gov

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• Constitutes a change of assignment or additional work outside the specification(s);

• Constitutes a change as defined in the clause entitled “Changes”;

• Causes a change to the price or time/period required for performance or delivery;

• Changes any of the terms, conditions, or requirements;

• Interferes with the Contractor’s right to perform under the terms and conditions of the Task Order, etc.; or

• Directs, supervises or otherwise controls the actions of the Contractor’s employees.

The Contractor shall proceed promptly with performance resulting from the technical direction issued by the COR. If, in the opinion of the Contractor, any direction of the COR, falls within the limitations noted above, the Contractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer.

Failure of the Contractor and the Contracting Officer to agree that technical direction is within the scope shall be subject to the terms of FAR clause 52.233-1, Disputes, hereby incorporated by reference.

2.2.5 CONTRACTOR POINT-OF-CONTACT (POC) (SEPTEMBER 2018)

The Contractor’s POC is identified here:

To Be Determined at Time of Award

The POC shall be responsible for the overall management and coordination of this Task Order and shall act as the central point of contact with the Government. The POC shall have full authority to act for the Contractor in the performance of the required supplies/services.

2.2.6 CONTRACTOR’S PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

The Contractor’s Performance Work Statement dated TBD shall be incorporated into this contract.

2.2.7 CONTRACTOR PUBLICITY (SEPTEMBER 2018)

The Contractor, or any entity or representative acting on behalf of the Contractor, shall not refer to the equipment or services furnished pursuant to the provisions of this contract in any news release or commercial advertising, or in connection with any news release or commercial advertising, without first obtaining explicit written consent to do so from the Contracting Officer.

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Should any reference to such equipment or services appear in any news release or commercial advertising issued by or on behalf of the Contractor without the required consent, the Government may institute all remedies available under applicable law. Further, any violation of this provision may be considered during the evaluation of past performance in future acquisitions.

2.2.8 COOPERATING WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS (SEPTEMBER 2018)

The Contractor(s) agrees to cooperate with representatives of other contractors, Federal Reserve Banks, Federal agencies, Governmental entities, and other organizations, as may be required by the Bureau, but only to the extent such cooperation does not violate the Contractor’s independence, create a conflict of interest, or materially interfere with the Contractor’s performance of services under this Task Order.

2.2.9 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS (INVOICE

REQUIREMENTS) (JANUARY 2021)

a. Definition. As used in this clause, “Payment request” means a bill, voucher, invoice, or request for contract financing payment with associated supporting documentation. The payment request must comply with the requirements identified in FAR 32.905(b), "Payment documentation and process" and the applicable Payment clause included in this contract.

b. Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this clause, the Contractor shall submit payment requests electronically using the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP). Information regarding IPP is available on the Internet at https://ipp.for.fiscal.treasury.gov/. Assistance with enrollment can be obtained by contacting the IPP Production Helpdesk via email ippgroup@bos.frb.org or phone (866) 973-3131.

c. The Contractor may submit payment requests using other than IPP only when the Contracting Officer authorizes alternate payment procedures in writing.

d. If alternate payment procedures are authorized, the contractor shall include a copy of the Contracting Officer’s written authorization with each payment request.

e. Each payment request submitted shall be supported by appropriate documentation necessary to substantiate the request.

For commercial firm-fixed-price/fixed-price contracts/CLINs, payment requests shall be submitted in accordance with this local clause and FAR 52.212-4(g).

https://ipp.for.fiscal.treasury.gov/

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For commercial Time and Materials/Labor-Hour contracts, payment requests shall be submitted in accordance with FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items and Alternate 1.

Payment requests shall be submitted by the thirtieth [30] calendar day of each month following the month of performance and shall meet the approval of the Contracting Officer Representative (COR). For payment and invoice questions, go to https://ipp.for.fiscal.treasury.gov/ or contact the Accounting Services Division at (304) 480-8000 or via email at AccountsPayable@fiscal.treasury.gov.

2.2.10 HIstorically BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES AND MINORITY

INSTITUTIONS (SEPTEMBER 2020)

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB or Bureau) promotes and is committed to the participation of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Institutions (MIs) in its procurements.

I. Definitions – For the purposes of this clause:

a. Historically black college or university means an institution determined by the

Secretary of Education to meet the requirements of 34 CFR 608.2.

b. Minority institution means an institution of higher education meeting the requirements of Section 365(3) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.1067k), including a Hispanic-serving institution of higher education, as defined in Section502(a) of the Act (20 U.S.C.1101a).

II. Contractor Obligation:

a. The Contractor has made and shall continue to make, or shall make, during this contract, a good faith effort to promote and to ensure, to the maximum extent possible, HBCU/MI inclusion in its subcontracts.

b. Subcontractors – The Contractor shall insert the substance of this clause in all subcontracts under this contract.

2.2.11 HOURS OF OPERATION AND COVERAGE (SEPTEMBER 2018)

The Contractor is responsible for conducting business between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Et Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays (listed on the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) website at www.opm.gov) or when the Government facility is closed due https://ipp.for.fiscal.treasury.gov/ mailto:AccountsPayable@fiscal.treasury.gov

25 | P a g e to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar Government directed facility closings. However, certain contracts do require a 24/7 on-site operation schedule. The hours of operation are specifically stated in these contracts. For other than firm-fixed-price contracts, the Contractor will not be reimbursed when the Government facility is closed for the above reasons.

The Contractor must maintain an adequate workforce for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within the Statement of Work when the Government facility is not closed for the above reasons. When hiring personnel, the Contractor shall keep in mind that the stability and continuity of the workforce are essential. Under special circumstances in order to meet tight deadlines or deliverable schedules, contractors supporting other than firm-fixed-price contracts may be required to provide services outside the stated schedule, including weekends, Government observed holidays or Government directed closings. The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) must approve, in advance, any exceptions to services performed outside of the stated schedule.

2.2.12 INSPECTION OF BOOKS & RECORDS (MARCH 2019)

The Contractor agrees that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) (including its authorized representative and/or its Office of Inspector General) (collectively, "CFPB") shall, until expiration of three (3) years after final payment under this contract, have access to and the right to examine any directly pertinent books, documents, papers, and records of the Contractor involving transactions related to this Contract. The Contractor further agrees to include in all its subcontracts hereunder a provision to the effect that the subcontractor agrees that the CFPB shall have the same rights to the subcontractor books, documents, papers and records as specified above.

The periods of access and examination described above, for records which relate to (1) litigation or the settlement of claims arising out of the performance of this contract, or (2) costs and expenses of this contract as to which exception has been taken by the CFPB, shall continue until such litigation, claims, or exceptions have been disposed of, and CFPB has specified in writing that exception is no longer being taken.

2.2.13 INVOICE SCHEDULE (SEPTEMBER 2018)

The payment schedule shall be as follows:

TBD at time of Award

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2.2.14 KEY PERSONNEL (SEPTEMBER 2018)

The following personnel are considered key personnel by the Government for this contract:

Name TBD Title

The Contractor shall provide a contract manager who shall be responsible for the performance of work under this contract.