Attachment A - Statement of Work.pdf

Request for Quotation FHF-23-Q-0110

ATTACHMENT A

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

Consulting Services to Improve the Quantity of Research Products and Elevate the

Research Reputation of the Agency

1.0 BACKGROUND

The Division of Research and Statistics (DRS) was established in 2020 to produce and disseminate high quality data, research, statistics, and analysis to internal and external stakeholders, and to provide agency-level data governance. Staff produce and disseminate high quality data, research, statistics, and analysis to internal and external stakeholders. The overall vision is to be a leading source of informative research, accessible data, and recognized expertise in housing finance.

Within the division, the Office of Research and Analysis (ORA) is responsible for producing and disseminating high quality research and analysis related to housing markets and housing finance. The ORA contains several subgroups, including the Research Branch for which services are being sought. The group’s mission is to become recognized as a leading source for innovative and high-quality research aimed at educating and informing stakeholders about significant emerging issues, opportunities, and risks in the mortgage and housing markets with the aim of supporting sound, evidence-based decision-making. The Research Branch’s responsibilities are:

• Investigate micro and macro-prudential topics confronting the regulated entities and/or the economic environment in which they operate.

• Conduct and publish academic, policy, and industry-relevant original research on significant topics related to the housing finance.

• Develop advanced and innovative data and analytic methodologies.

• Monitor relevant external research, market trends, and emerging risks.

• Engage with external subject matter and data experts in the industry and other agencies; represent the agency at external engagements; and disseminate research to the public.

2.0 SCOPE

FHFA desires to contract with a single visiting scholar subject matter expert in academic real estate research to help improve the quantity of research products and elevate the research reputation of the Agency. The visiting scholar will assist staff in the Research Branch of ORA in the DRS to achieve the division’s own strategic goal for research and analysis that align with the FHFA Strategic Plan 2022-2026 Strategic Objective 2.3 to serve as a reliable source of information and analysis on the state of housing finance markets and related issues.

3.0 EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

The Contractor shall possess the following minimum qualifications:

• A terminal doctoral degree in economics, finance, real estate or a closely related field from an accredited university.

• A demonstrated record of sustained scholarship and reputation commensurate with appointment to an endowed professorship or research position.

• U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent resident status, as the position will require access to sensitive data and information.

The following qualifications enhance the competitive value of the candidate:

• Recognition as a subject matter expert in academic research by internal colleagues and external stakeholders as demonstrated by awards for best paper, manuscript prizes, or scholarly achievements.

• Active membership in professional organizations (in economics, finance, or real estate) and, ideally, serve currently or previously in officer or other leadership positions within at least one of those organizations.

• The ability to balance multiple research projects and obtain acceptance of papers in leading field journals is an important objective which can be indicated by having an extensive list of peer-reviewed publications and referee experience at various academic journals.

• The ability to select industry-relevant topics, mentor staff on how to disseminate research information, and elevate the research reputation of the Agency demonstrated by having a developed professional network. The professional network may include belonging to multiple editorial boards and serving as an editor of a prominent field journal in economics, finance, housing, or real estate.

4.0 OBJECTIVES

The Contractor shall provide real estate research subject matter expertise with the goal of increasing the quantity and quality of both existing and new research products. Results will be used to produce end products that include, but is not limited to, working papers which are co-authored with FHFA staff, submitted for approval of public release within the contract period after services commence, and eventually accepted for publication in external academic journals. Any copyright assignments will be retained by FHFA and the U.S. government.

5.0 TASKS

Contractor will perform under a level-of-effort contract working at least two (2) days each week. Services are to be provided on-site a minimum of one day per week with the option for approved telework on additional days.

Specific tasks include but are not limited to:

5.1 Identify timely and appropriate research topics given data availability and agency interests.

5.2 Assist FHFA staff members with performing academic research.

5.3 Mentor staff at various phases of the project lifecycle. This may include aspiring researchers who work as research assistants or interns, early-stage researchers who have graduated from a doctoral program within the past several years, and established researchers who would benefit by further honing their skills.

5.4 Provide guidance to staff on how to successfully select journal outlets and navigate the publication process.

5.5 Demonstrate how to develop and maintain an active research agenda.

5.6 Determine appropriate internal and external stakeholder audiences in consultation with staff then disseminate findings from research projects.

5.7 Communicate other opportunities for research projects, paper calls, presentations, or collaborations that might benefit the agency.

6.0 DELIVERABLES:

Contractor shall consult with the Research Branch manager about specific tasks and performance and notify that person within 24 hours of learning that findings or deliverables are no longer in accordance with (IAW) the research agenda, may no longer meet the agreed upon timeline, or may differ from project proposal specifications.

6.1 The Contractor will design a list of potential research topics within the initial 90 days that could be added to the research agenda in support of the missions and strategic plans for the Division and Agency. The list will be reviewed and revised after receiving feedback from the Research Branch manager. Topics will be chosen from the list and proposed as research products. The research products will follow guidance provided by Research Branch manager and any applicable Agency policies.

6.2 Participate in regular research seminar series. Offer feedback to internal and external presenters. Contribute to the invitation of external speakers to present findings in the seminar series, inviting at least one person every 90 days.

6.3 Assist the Research Branch manager with topical and expert selections for other research-related events, symposiums, or conferences.

6.4 Interact with various experts in academia, industry officials, and personnel at other federal agencies during the course of conducting research and promoting research projects.

6.5 Provide advice to the Research Branch manager on strategic hiring or recruiting efforts that may arise during the performance period. The Contractor, though, will not be involved directly in the actual hiring process.

6.6 Help motivate and develop internal staff to improve their subject matter expertise and productivity. Model innovation, creativity, and excellence in research products that will contribute to external publications. The Contractor will work most closely with members of the Research Branch but is not limited to collaborating with employees in other branches, offices, or divisions.

6.7 Deliver at least two working papers which are co-authored with FHFA staff.

The papers should be submitted for approval within the one-year period after services commence. The Contractor will work cooperatively with internal co-authors at the Agency but as needed, may also establish a project’s scope then lead, coordinate, and mentor staff associated with the research product. The Contractor will not direct or supervise employees. For any written deliverables, FHFA will provide notification of acceptance or rejection in accordance with FHFA clause 6.216, Review and Ownership of Deliverables.

For any written deliverables, the contractor must ensure they are in an electronic format (e-documents)—either in a Microsoft Office product format (Word/ PowerPoint/ Project/ Excel/LaTeX) or an Adobe Acrobat PDF format and comply with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 USC 794d), and its implementing standards and guidelines (36 CFR Part 1194).

All written deliverables must be marked as Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in accordance with FHFA’s CUI Policy and CUI Procedures. If you do not have access to FHFA’s CUI Policy and Procedures via FHFA’s intranet, you must request a copy from the Contracting Officer’s Representative. Generally, CUI markings require that a document 1) be marked with the word “CONTROLLED”, centered at the top of the document, and 2) include identification of FHFA as the designating agency on the first page of the document. Examples of an agency designation include having the Agency logo or Agency letterhead on the first page or placing “Controlled by FHFA” in the center of the footer of the first page.

7.0 GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY

Government furnished laptop and personally identity verification (PIV) may be provided to access FHFA computing systems. The Contractor will be provided with access to FHFA office space as needed to perform work and access to FHFA’s servers. All Government-furnished property (GFP) shall be used solely in the performance of this award.

8.0 SECURITY

The Contractor shall provide identification to the Government employee upon arrival at the FHFA office facility to perform services. The Contractor shall coordinate with the COR to gain access inside the FHFA facility, if necessary.

All Contractor support personnel shall obtain the proper clearances required by FHFA. Contractor personnel shall present a neat appearance and be easily recognized.

FHFA is authorized to restrict the engagement under Contractor support employee or prospective support Contractor employee, who is identified as a potential threat to the health, safety, and security of the FHFA mission.

The Contractor shall maintain an unbroken chain of custody of FHFA's documents from pickup to completion of destruction of documents.

To the extent required to carry out a program of inspection to safeguard against threats and hazards to the security, integrity, and confidentiality of FHFA data, the Contractor shall afford the Government access to the Contractor's facilities, installations, technical capabilities, operations, documentation, and records.

The Contractor shall use the FHFA-established electronic platforms to access, create, and edit any documents related to the inquiry.

9.0 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

The work shall be completed at FHFA's headquarters located at Constitution Center, 400 7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20219. Remote performance of the work may be permitted for this contract, at the discretion of the COR.

10.0 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

The period of performance is for one year with a one-year option period. No overtime is authorized for this award.

11.0 TRAVEL

Local travel expenses are not authorized.