B02 - 73351025Q0172 SF18 (with attachments).pdf

73351025Q0172

1. REQUEST NO.

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IMPORTANT: This is a request for information, and quotations furnished are not offers. If you are unable to quote, please so indicate on this form and return it to the address in Block 5a. This request does not commit the Government to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of the submission of this quotation or to contract for supplies or services. Supplies are of domestic origin unless otherwise indicated by quoter. Any representations and/or certifications attached to this Request for Quotations must be completed by the quoter.

11. SCHEDULE (Include applicable Federal, State and local taxes)

THIS RFQ

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION

(THIS IS NOT AN ORDER)

IS IS NOT A SMALL BUSINESS SET ASIDEX

11/21/2024 5212020EQ07760

1 59

DENVER FINANCE CENTER

721 19TH STREET

SUITE 301

DENVER ACQUISITION OFFICE FOR SBA

DENVER CO 80202

Multiple

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

OFFICE OF ECONOMIC RESEARCH

409 3RD ST SW

WASHINGTON

DC 20416

Angel Butler

12/19/2024 1700 ET

FOB DESTINATION

OTHER

(See Schedule)X

ITEM NO.

(a)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(b)

QUANTITY

(c)

UNIT

(d)

UNIT PRICE

(e)

AMOUNT

(f)

This requirement supports the Office of Advocacy in fulfilling research on small business topics using Economic Data.

Attachments:

1 - Statement of Work 2 - Terms and Conditions 3 - Instructions to Offerors 4 - Past Performance-Prior Experience Information

Questions are due no later than Friday, November 29, 2024 at 5PM ET and should be sent via email to angel.butler@sba.gov.

Quotation responses are due Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 5PM ET and should be sent via email to Continued ...

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NUMBER

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b. TELEPHONE are are not attached

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

Previous edition not usable

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Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.215-1(a)

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NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

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CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

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73351025Q0172 angel.butler@sba.gov.

0001 0001 - Outline and data development completed 1 EA

(includes 1.a and 1.b)

Product/Service Code: AF11

Product/Service Description: EDUCATION, TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT, & SOCIAL SVCS R&D SVCS; EDUCATION

SVCS R&D; BASIC RESEARCH

Delivery: 90 Days After Award

0002 0002 - Draft Introduction, Literature Review, & 1 EA

Data Discussion sections – submitted for COR and editorial review in complete or nearly complete form.

Product/Service Code: AF11

Product/Service Description: EDUCATION, TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT, & SOCIAL SVCS R&D SVCS; EDUCATION

SVCS R&D; BASIC RESEARCH

Delivery: 120 Days After Award

0003 0003 - First Draft Sections; Peer Review or 1 EA

External Consultation Possibly Initiated

(includes 3.a and 3.b)

Product/Service Code: AF11

Product/Service Description: EDUCATION, TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT, & SOCIAL SVCS R&D SVCS; EDUCATION

SVCS R&D; BASIC RESEARCH

Delivery: 180 Days After Award

0004 0004 - Polished Draft including all report 1 EA sections and Peer Review or External Consultation

– complete first draft submitted for COR, editorial, and peer review or external consultation

Product/Service Code: AF11

Product/Service Description: EDUCATION, TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT, & SOCIAL SVCS R&D SVCS; EDUCATION

SVCS R&D; BASIC RESEARCH

Delivery: 240 Days After Award

0005 0005 - Final Draft Passback (includes 5.a and 5.b) 1 EA

Product/Service Code: AF11

Product/Service Description: EDUCATION, TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT, & SOCIAL SVCS R&D SVCS; EDUCATION

SVCS R&D; BASIC RESEARCH

Continued ...

NSN 7540-01-152-8067 OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

3 60

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

73351025Q0172

Delivery: 270 Days After Award

0006 0006 - Reworked, Resubmission of Proposed Final 1 EA

Document (includes 6.a and 6.b)

Product/Service Code: AF11

Product/Service Description: EDUCATION, TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT, & SOCIAL SVCS R&D SVCS; EDUCATION

SVCS R&D; BASIC RESEARCH

Delivery: 330 Days After Award

0007 0007 - Final Report Submission – Completed final 1 EA product.

Product/Service Code: AF11

Product/Service Description: EDUCATION, TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT, & SOCIAL SVCS R&D SVCS; EDUCATION

SVCS R&D; BASIC RESEARCH

Delivery: 351 Days After Award

NSN 7540-01-152-8067 OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

Solicitation Number

Document Title

Research on Small Business Topics Using Economic Data –

Statement of Work (SOW)

Page

Research on Small Business Topics Using Economic Data

Statement of Work

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy examines the role and status of small business in the economy and represents the views of small business to federal agencies, Congress, and the President. Advocacy is an independent office within the Small

Business Administration that conducts policy analysis of small business impacts, disseminates small business statistics, and funds research into small business issues. For more information on the Office of Advocacy, including past research projects, visit https://advocacy.sba.gov/category/research/economic-reports/economic-studies/.

Type of contract: The government anticipates awarding a firm-fixed price type award(s).

Location of work: To be completed by the contractor at the contractor’s facility.

Anticipated period of performance: Not more than one year from the award date.

Clearance required: None.

1 Background

The Office of Advocacy is responsible for examining the contributions and challenges of small businesses in the U.S. economy. Adding to the economic literature on important issues affecting small businesses can help inform policymakers and potentially improve future small business outcomes. The Office of Advocacy seeks research that increases knowledge about the state of small businesses as well as major issues facing small businesses. Recent examples of research published by the Office of Advocacy include studies of entrepreneurship in low-income areas,1 small business contributions to GDP,2 effects of small loans on bank and small business

1 Kugler, Maurice, Marios Michaelides, Neha Nanda, and Cassandra Agbayani, “Entrepreneurship in Low-Income

Areas,” U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Advocacy, September 2017, https://cdn.advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/09135902/437-Entrepreneurship-in-Low-income-

Areas.pdf.

2 Kobe, Kathryn and Richard Schwinn, “Small Business GDP 1998–2014,” U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Advocacy, December 2018, https://cdn.advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/21060437/Small-Business-GDP-1998-2014.pdf.

https://advocacy.sba.gov/category/research/economic-reports/economic-studies/ https://cdn.advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/09135902/437-Entrepreneurship-in-Low-income-Areas.pdf https://cdn.advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/09135902/437-Entrepreneurship-in-Low-income-Areas.pdf https://cdn.advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/21060437/Small-Business-GDP-1998-2014.pdf https://cdn.advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/21060437/Small-Business-GDP-1998-2014.pdf

Document Title

Research on Small Business Topics Using Economic Data –

Statement of Work (SOW) growth,3the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on small businesses,4 and business dynamics during COVID-19.5

2 Purpose

The purpose of this acquisition is to produce an empirical, data-intensive research report on an economic issue relevant to small businesses. This report will evaluate current small business economic trends, characteristics, or impacts, such as new business creation and dynamism, small business recoveries from economic shocks, barriers to small business growth, or small business issues with the labor market, supply chain management, or inflation. The report will also assess the policy implications of the findings. This report may focus on a relevant economic issue affecting all small businesses or an issue affecting specific groups of small businesses. Proposals focusing on small business finance or lending, however, should be submitted for the solicitation targeting those topics rather than this solicitation.

3 Scope

3.1 Overview

a. Any additional terms must be submitted with the proposal. No additional terms or agreements will be considered following award.

b. The research contract will incorporate by reference the contractor’s complete research proposal, the complete Statement of Work (SOW), and additional documents.

c. This is a nonpersonal services contract to provide services as detailed herein and in the contractor’s complete research proposal.

d. The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform this service as defined in this SOW. The contractor shall perform to the standards identified in this contract.

3.2 Research Expectations

This solicitation is for empirical research on an economic issue salient to small businesses to increase understanding and provide policymaking insight across government and is not intended specifically for evaluation of SBA programs. As stated, the Office of Advocacy is an independent office within SBA tasked with examining the role of small businesses in the economy. Research should demonstrate strong knowledge of the research area. The hypotheses to be tested should be

Aktug, Emrehan, Devrim Ikizler, Timur Hulagu, “Effects of Small Loans on Bank and Small Business Growth,”

U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Advocacy, March 2020, https://advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/De-Novo-Bank-Formation.pdf 4 Wilmoth, Daniel, “The Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Small Businesses,” U.S. Small Business

Administration, Office of Advocacy, March 2021, https://cdn.advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/02112318/COVID-19-Impact-On-Small-Business.pdf.

5 Richards, Tyler, “Business Dynamics during COVID-19,” U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of

Advocacy, January 2023, https://advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Business-Dynamics-During-The-

COVID-19-Pandemic-508c.pdf https://advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/De-Novo-Bank-Formation.pdf https://advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/De-Novo-Bank-Formation.pdf https://cdn.advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/02112318/COVID-19-Impact-On-Small-Business.pdf https://cdn.advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/02112318/COVID-19-Impact-On-Small-Business.pdf https://advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Business-Dynamics-During-The-COVID-19-Pandemic-508c.pdf https://advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Business-Dynamics-During-The-COVID-19-Pandemic-508c.pdf

Document Title

Research on Small Business Topics Using Economic Data –

Statement of Work (SOW) presented, and the data that will be used to test them should be identified. A wide range of data sources can be used. Modern statistical techniques and timely data are preferred. It is not expected that research will cover multiple or all issues mentioned. Research should focus on a particular issue and show a strong technical knowledge of the issue to be researched, demonstrate the policy relevance of the research and findings, and present a clear, concise, and feasible analysis.

3.3 Data Sources

The proposed analysis can use a variety of economic datasets, and proposals should identify the economic dataset(s) that will be analyzed. The following list is not a comprehensive list of data sources appropriate for this research, and proposals that use the mentioned data will not necessarily be given preference.

a. American Community Survey (ACS)

b. Annual Business Survey (ABS)

c. Statistics of U.S. Business (SUSB)

d. Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP)

e. Current Population Survey (CPS)

f. Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics (LEHD)

g. County Business Patterns (CBP)

h. Business Employment Dynamics (BED)

i. Business Dynamics Statistics (BDS)

j. Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS)

k. National Longitudinal Surveys (NLS)

l. Nonemployer Statistics (NES)

m. Nonemployer Statistics by Demographics (NES-D)

n. Business Formation Statistics (BFS)

o. International Trade Administration Exporter Database

p. Census PUMS files

q. Business Trends and Outlook Survey (BTOS)

3.4 Possible Topics

The Office of Advocacy encourages offerors to submit proposals on a topic of relevance to

Advocacy’s mission,6 small business stakeholders, policymakers, academics, and small business owners. Possible topics of interest are wide-ranging, and are not limited to the following:

a) Trends and impacts of new business creation and business dynamism

b) Supply chain challenges faced by small businesses

c) Labor market issues for small businesses

d) Impacts of inflation on small businesses

6 See 15 U.S.C. § 634(b).

Document Title

Research on Small Business Topics Using Economic Data –

Statement of Work (SOW)

e) Barriers to entrepreneurship and small business growth

f) Impacts of natural disasters on small businesses

g) Regulatory impacts on small businesses

h) Personal emergency funding needs of small business owners

i) Trends in rural small businesses

j) The role of STEM entreprenuership in economic growth

k) Understanding the economic and community impacts of innovative small business technology sectors

l) Characteristics and trends of accelerators and entrepreneur support organizations

m) Challenges and needs of small business owners with disabilities

n) Federal policies and practices attracting small businesses in underserved areas

o) Contributions of small businesses to supply chain resilience and national defense

p) The impact of artificial intelligence on small and disadvantaged businesses

q) Understanding nonemployers, freelancers, and non-traditional entrepreneurship

3.5 Research Methods

The proposal should describe the empirical methods that will be used. The use of modern statistical techniques to test hypotheses about causal relationships is preferred. Proposals involving instrumental variables should identify the instruments to be used and defend their suitability. The software that will be used to conduct the analysis should be identified. Research should be thoroughly documented and reproducible, and scripts of the analysis in statistical packages like R or Stata should be available.

3.6 Components of Finished Research

The final research report should contain an executive summary, a literature review of the relevant research, discussion and description of the data and methodology, the results and findings of the analysis, policy implications, and overall conclusions. The final research report should be thorough, clear, concise, and cohesive.

4 Deliverables

4.1 Final Deliverable Schedule

The following is a general set of deliverables and deadlines for the delivery of those deliverables.

More specific deliverables and a more specific deliverable schedule shall be finalized following the award of the contract and shall be mutually agreed upon by the Contractor, Contracting Officer, and Contracting Officer Representative at the kick-off meeting for the contract. The deliverables and deliverable schedule shall be based on the milestones identified in this section, the accepted proposal, and the specific period of performance of the contract upon award, including specific due dates within the contract term. The final deliverable schedule shall be formally amended to the contract through a modification.

4.2 Progress of Deliverables

Deliverables must show significant progress relative to each previous deliverable and must be consistent with all parts of section 5 of the Statement of Work, Performance Requirements. SBA’s

Office of Advocacy will not cover the costs associated with correcting rejected deliverables.

Document Title

Research on Small Business Topics Using Economic Data –

Statement of Work (SOW)

4.3 Acceptance of Deliverables

The Contracting Officer Representative (COR) shall review submitted deliverables over a reasonable amount of time and shall make an express determination of whether to accept or reject the deliverable.

Deliverable Due Date Format for Written

Submissions

Transition

Method

Transmitted to Whom

Post Award Conference – discuss expectations, procedures/invoicing, and deliverables milestones

10 business days after award

N/A -- Phone

Conference

N/A CO and

COR

Deliverable progress reports Included with each deliverable submission

Microsoft Word document

Via Email COR

Discussions on reports/submittals, including passback and edits

As scheduled by request of the COR

(possible bi-weekly calls)

N/A -- Phone

Conference

N/A COR/Vendor

Detailed Contract Deliverables Milestones

1. Outline and data development completed

(includes 1.a and 1.b)

Months 1-3 of contract term

Microsoft Word documents formatted in accordance with specifications and/or statistical results (no PDFs or locked files)

Via Email COR

a. Outline – establishes planned overarching structure for report

Microsoft Word document

Via Email COR

b. Initial Briefing – contractor presents outline, projected research path, and any preliminary findings.

Microsoft Word or

PowerPoint

Document

Via Tele-conference or in

Person

COR and internal staff including

Advocacy editors

2. Draft Introduction, Literature Review, & Data

Discussion sections – submitted for COR and

Months 3-4 of contract term

Microsoft Word documents formatted in accordance with specifications

Via Email COR

Document Title

Research on Small Business Topics Using Economic Data –

Statement of Work (SOW)

Deliverable Due Date Format for Written

Submissions

Transition

Method

Transmitted to Whom editorial review in complete or nearly complete form.

and/or statistical results (no PDFs or locked files)

3. First Draft Sections; Peer

Review or External

Consultation Possibly

Initiated (includes 3.a and

3.b)

Months 4-6 of contract term

Microsoft Word documents formatted in accordance with specifications and/or statistical results (no PDFs or locked files)

Via Email COR

a. Initial results of analysis submitted for review, including: preliminary model & results, descriptive statistics/cross-tabulations, preliminary graphics, preliminary discussion of results

Microsoft Word documents formatted in accordance with specifications and/or statistical results (no PDFs or locked files)

Via Email COR

b. Complete Draft submitted for COR and editorial review, including methodology, model, results, and discussion

Microsoft Word documents formatted in accordance with specifications and/or statistical results (no PDFs or locked files)

Via Email COR

4. Polished Draft including all report sections and Peer

Review or External

Consultation – complete first draft submitted for

COR, editorial, and peer review or external consultation

Months 6-8 of contract term

Microsoft Word documents formatted in accordance with specifications and/or statistical results (no PDFs or locked files)

Via Email COR

5. Final Draft Passback

(includes 5.a and 5.b)

Months 8-9 of contract term

Microsoft Word documents formatted in accordance with specifications and/or statistical

Document Title

Research on Small Business Topics Using Economic Data –

Statement of Work (SOW)

Deliverable Due Date Format for Written

Submissions

Transition

Method

Transmitted to Whom results (no PDFs or locked files)

a. Peer review or external consultation and COR, editorial feedback distributed – contractor will receive comments

Microsoft Word or

PDF

Via Email COR to contractor

b. Response to peer review or external consultation – submitted for COR review, including proposed revisions in response to comments with brief explanation.

Microsoft Word documents formatted in accordance with specifications and/or statistical results (no PDFs or locked files)

Via Email COR

6. Reworked, Resubmission of Proposed Final Document

(includes 6.a and 6.b)

Months 9-

11 of contract term

Microsoft Word documents formatted in accordance with specifications and/or statistical results (no PDFs or locked files)

Via Email COR

a. Final round of substantive comments distributed.

Microsoft Word or

PDF

Via Email COR to contractor

b. Draft Final Report – submitted for COR and editorial review, including final revisions in response to comments/edits.

Microsoft Word documents formatted in accordance with specifications and/or statistical results (no PDFs or locked files)

Via Email COR

7. Final Report Submission

– completed final product.

No later than 14 business days before end of contract term.

Microsoft Word documents formatted in accordance with specifications and/or statistical results (no PDFs or locked files)

Document Title

Research on Small Business Topics Using Economic Data –

Statement of Work (SOW)

5 Performance Requirements

5.1 General Requirements

a. The methodology and hypotheses put forth in the proposal will clearly show how the research will be conducted, are binding upon award, and are expected to be reflected in the final report.

b. All research team members listed in the proposal, including but not limited to subject matter and technical experts, will actively contribute through the performance of these services.

c. The resulting final submission will fully document the analysis and conclusions to fully support the position asserted.

d. The final product should contain a thorough review of the current and relevant literature, discussion of the data and findings, and overall conclusions.

e. The report should demonstrate policy relevance to current issues.

f. Deliverables as listed in the final deliverable schedule will reflect reasonable progress toward the final product and should be submitted according to final product formatting requirements, meaning all deliverables should be thoroughly proofread and edited, written clearly and concisely and free of grammatical and typographical errors.

g. For other details on the final product, see section 4 of the Statement of Work on deliverables and section 5.2 of the Statement of Work on additional requirements.

5.2 Additional Requirements

Contractors must adhere to the following when submitting draft and final deliverables, with the draft and final versions completed by the listed deadlines.

5.2.1 Adherence to Contract Terms

All submissions will be presented by the prescribed deadlines; presented under the prescribed methodology; in the prescribed format to the contracting officer’s representative (COR).

Documents shall be clearly annotated and/or identified as either a draft or a final document.

5.2.2 Deliverables

The contractor will provide the Office of Advocacy with an electronic version of the final deliverable within the contract term. All of the deliverables listed in the deliverables chart of this

SOW and any subsequent modifications to the contract, including all drafts identified as deliverables, shall be created in accordance with the terms and conditions detailed in this document.

The research is expected to progress along the timeline and benchmarks as noted in the Deliverables section and as incorporated into the contract.

5.2.3 Contract Team

a. Key Personnel

Key personnel shall have the technical skills requisite to perform the project. This requires a minimum of advanced technical training in applied economics and econometric analysis and demonstrated experience as subject matter experts. For example, a Ph.D. in Economics would be

Document Title

Research on Small Business Topics Using Economic Data –

Statement of Work (SOW) considered acceptable to perform advanced technical analysis. Offerors shall submit resumes that demonstrate qualifications for key personnel, such as project leads.

b. Changes in Contract Team

Contractors must seek prior written approval from the contracting officer and COR before any changes are implemented among the key personnel and other staff listed in the proposal.

Individuals that the contractor proposes to use as replacements for those listed in the proposal shall satisfy the minimum qualification requirements contained in the solicitation and the contractor must provide resumes for each proposed replacement as part of its request for prior written approval.

5.2.4 Paperwork Reduction Act Requirements

When surveys or new information collections are necessary, contractors must meet the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) where applicable. In order to do so, the contractor will need to anticipate within the performance term the required public notice and OMB review for information collections under the PRA. The creation of a new information collection will require the contractor to develop survey procedures; identify appropriate respondents; provide clarification of the collection process; provide realistic estimates of the response rates; and work to develop an appropriate survey instrument (see, https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/information-regulatory-affairs/federal-collection-information/).

It is the contractor’s responsibility to prepare any materials necessary to obtain PRA clearances associated with the work to be performed.

5.2.5 Data Quality and Transparency Requirements

All research and data projects are subject to the Office of Management and Budget Guidelines for

Ensuring and Maximizing the Quality, Objectivity, Utility, and Integrity of Information

Disseminated by Federal Agencies (see, https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2002-02-22/pdf/R2-

59.pdf).

Per these guidelines, data source disclosure and robustness checks will be required for any research or data project, including all data coding necessary to replicate findings and datasets derived through coding and query and used in support of analysis, unless otherwise limited by special access agreements. Peer review may range from internal Advocacy staff review to that of external reviewers in relevant fields such as academics or technical experts. Feedback from this process will be incorporated into subsequent drafts before the report can be finalized for release.

5.2.6 Data Rights

Rights in Data under FAR §§ 52.227-14 (alternates 2 and 5), 52.22715, and 52.227-16 shall apply.

5.2.7 Editing and Proofreading Requirements

The documented submissions related to the post award service, including the final report and all intervening deliverables, must be thoroughly edited and of high professional quality before submission to the COR. These high professional quality drafts and reports shall include professional language, presentation, and citations commensurate with published research in academic journals in the relevant subject matter field and shall be free of typographical and grammatical errors.

Document Title

Research on Small Business Topics Using Economic Data –

Statement of Work (SOW)

5.2.8 Style Requirements

The final report must contain an executive summary and table of contents. It must conform to the current version of one of the major style guides, such as the University of Chicago Manual of Style or the American Psychological Association (APA) Style Manual, in terms of grammar, style, and organization. In particular, each table and figure must have a source specified on the page;

references, footnotes and bibliographies shall be formatted consistent with a major style guide; and all pages shall have page numbers, including tables and figures.

5.2.9 ADA Section 508 Requirements

All government agency electronic and information technology (EIT) is required to comply with the

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). Section 508 of the ADA’s 1998 amendments requires the electronic documents posted by Federal agencies to be accessible to employees and members of the public with disabilities to the extent that it does not pose an "undue burden." To comply with this mandate, the final report must be formatted in accordance with Section 508 requirements. The according to the Office of Advocacy will provide guidance to achieve 508 compatibility at the time of award; however, it is ultimately the contractor’s responsibility to provide all deliverables in accordance with the legal requirements for section 508 compliance. Per the guidelines, written descriptions of all figures and charts in the final report must be provided in a separate document.

5.2.10 Formatting Requirements

Final reports must be double-spaced. The format of the electronic version must be a native word processing software format. An Acrobat (PDF) file is not acceptable. All tables, graphics, and charts must be supplied in an editable software format. The font size used in the document will be no smaller than 12 point for manuscript text; 10 point for tables, graphics and charts; and 9 point for footnotes.

5.2.11 Disclaimer

The Office of Advocacy will prepare a cover page carrying the following disclaimer, "The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations found in this study are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Office of Advocacy, the United States Small

Business Administration, or the United States Government."

5.2.12 Product Release

If the contracted product is a complete publishable report, following approval and acceptance of the final report, the Office of Advocacy will assign a date for public release of the report. Upon release, an electronic final report, along with an Office of Advocacy-prepared research summary, will be posted on Advocacy's web site, https://advocacy.sba.gov/.

5.2.13 Definition of Small Business

Within the research product, the definition of small businesses should be the same as that of the proposal and should be consistent with either the general definition of small businesses (less than

500 employees), the definition of small business established by the U.S. Small Business

Administration’s Office of Size Standards, or a reasonably justified definition of small business as substantiated in the contractor’s proposal.

https://advocacy.sba.gov/

Document Title

Research on Small Business Topics Using Economic Data –

Statement of Work (SOW)

5.2.14 Future Publication and Attribution

Prior to the Office of Advocacy’s release, the Contractor shall not release, distribute, or publish the final research product without written permission of the Office of Advocacy. The Office of

Advocacy encourages contractors to publish their findings in professional journals, if possible, but they can do so only after completing the contract, and, if prior to the Office of Advocacy’s release, receiving written permission of the Office of Advocacy. Prior to publication, the Contractor must notify the Contracting Officer Representative in writing regarding attribution to the Office of

Advocacy. Attribution must cite the SBA contract number under which the research was performed.

Document Title

Research on Small Business Topics Using Economic Data - Terms

Page

SECTION 1 – INTRODUCTION

1.1 GENERAL INFORMATION

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is issuing a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation

#73351025Q0172 for commercial items pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part

12—Commercial Items and FAR 13 – Simplified Acquisition Procedures. Refer to SECTION 4 -

QUOTATION PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS of this document for more details on how to respond to this RFQ. This requirement is in support of Office of Capital Access in its disaster response.

This is a notice that the resultant purchase order for services is for a total small business set-aside.

If your firm is interested in this acquisition, you may participate by submitting your response in accordance with the requirements and instructions contained herein. This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract; it does not restrict the Government’s ultimate approach; nor does it obligate the Government to pay for any proposal preparation costs. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

The NAICS Code is 541720 Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities. The

Product Service Code is AF11 Other Research and Development – Basic Research.

1.2 RFQ QUESTIONS:

Offerors must submit all questions concerning this RFQ in writing by e-mail to the Contracting

Officer, Angel Butler Angel.Butler@sba.gov, ONLY. All questions must be submitted via e-mail and received no later than 5:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) on Friday, 11/29/2024.

1.3 RFQ DUE DATE:

Quotations submitted in response to this RFQ shall be emailed to Contracting Officer, Angel Butler, at Angel.Butler@sba.gov and received by the due date and time established herein. Quotations shall be received no later than 5:00 PM ET, Thursday, 12/19/2024, in order to be considered for award.

1.4 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

Refer to SECTION 4 - QUOTATION PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS of this document for more details on how to respond to this RFQ.

1.5 ANTICIPATED AWARD TYPE

The Government anticipates a Firm Fixed Price Order as a result of this Request for Quote

(RFQ). Please include any and all discounts available in your response.

mailto:Angel.Butler@sba.gov mailto:Angel.Butler@sba.gov

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SECTION 2 – SBA LOCAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

SBA Terms and Conditions

The following terms and conditions shall be incorporated into solicitations and contracts as prescribed in SOP 20 21, The Small Business Administration Acquisition Program.

Contents SBA Terms and Conditions

1. SBA201-70 Authorities and Delegations (OCT 2022)

2. SBA203-70 Restrictions on Endorsements (OCT 2022)

3. SBA204-70 Preservation of and Access to Contract Records (OCT 2022)

4. SBA204-71 Contractor Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credentials and Background

Investigations (OCT 2022)

5. SBA209-70 Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCT 2022)

6. SBA209-71 Access to Nonpublic Information (OCT 202)

7. SBA219-70 Limitations on Subcontracting (Deviation) (APR 2022)

8. SBA219-71 Limitations on Subcontracting Report (APR 2022)

9. SBA228-70 Liability, Accident Prevention, and Safety Requirements (OCT 2022)

10. SBA232-70 Invoice Submission (OCT 2022)

11. SBA237-70 Key Personnel (OCT 2022)

12. SBA237-71 Physical Security Safeguards (OCT 2022)

13. SBA242-70 Post-Award Evaluation of Contractor Performance (MAR 2022)

1. SBA201-70 Authorities and Delegations (OCT 2022)

(a) The Contracting Officer is the only individual authorized to enter into or terminate this contract, modify any term or condition of this contract, waive any requirement of this contract, or accept nonconforming work.

(b) The Contracting Officer may designate a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) at the time of award. The COR will be responsible for technical monitoring of the contractor's performance and deliveries. The COR will be appointed in writing, and a copy of the appointment will be furnished to the Contractor. Changes to this delegation will be made by written changes to the existing appointment or by issuance of a new appointment.

(c) The COR is not authorized to perform, formally or informally, any of the following actions:

(1) Promise, award, agree to award, or execute any contract, contract modification, or notice of intent that changes or may change this contract;

(2) Waive or agree to modification of the delivery schedule;

(3) Make any final decision on any contract matter subject to the Disputes Clause;

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(4) Terminate, for any reason, the contractor's right to proceed;

(5) Obligate in any way, the payment of money by the Government.

(d) The contractor shall comply with the written or oral direction of the Contracting Officer or authorized representative(s) acting within the scope and authority of the appointment memorandum.

The contractor need not proceed with direction that it considers to have been issued without proper authority. The contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing, within three days of occurrence and with as much detail as possible, when the COR has taken an action or has issued direction (written or oral) that the contractor considers to exceed the COR's appointment. Unless otherwise provided in this contract, the contractor assumes all costs, risks, liabilities, and consequences of performing any work it is directed to perform that falls within any of the categories defined in paragraph (c) prior to receipt of the Contracting Officer's response issued under paragraph (e) of this clause.

(e) The Contracting Officer shall respond in writing within 30 days to any notice made under paragraph (d) of this clause or as soon as practicable thereafter. A failure of the parties to agree upon the nature of a direction, or upon the contract action to be taken with respect thereto, shall be subject to the provisions of the Disputes clause of this contract.

(f) The Contractor shall provide copies of all correspondence to the Contracting Officer and the

COR.

(g) Any action(s) taken by the Contractor, in response to any direction given by any person acting on behalf of the Government or any Government official other than the Contracting Officer or the

COR acting within his or her appointment, shall be at the Contractor's risk.

2. SBA203-70 Restrictions on Endorsements (OCT 2022)

The Contractor shall not refer to contracts/agreements/orders awarded by the SBA in commercial advertising, as defined in FAR 31.205-1, in a manner which states or implies that the product or service provided is approved or endorsed by the Government, or is considered by the Government to be superior to other products or services. This restriction is intended to avoid the appearance of preference by the Government toward any product or service. The Contractor may request that the Contracting Officer make a determination as to the propriety of promotional material.

3. SBA204-70 Preservation of and Access to Contract Records (OCT 2022)

“Contract records” means information created or maintained by the contractor in the performance of the contract. Contract records include documents required to be retained in accordance with FAR 4.703 and other information generated or maintained by the contractor that is pertinent to the contract and its performance including, but not limited to: email and attachments; formal and informal correspondence;

calendars; notes; reports; memoranda; spreadsheets; tables; telephone logs; forms; surveys; books; papers;

photographs; drawings; machine-readable materials; and data. Contract records may be maintained as electronically stored information or as tangible materials. Contract records may exist in either final or any

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(a) “Electronically stored information (ESI)” means any contract records that are stored on, or generated by, an electronic device, or contained in electronically accessible media, either owned by the contractor, subcontractor(s), or employees of the contractor or subcontractor(s) regardless of the physical location of the device or media (e.g., offsite servers or data storage).

(b) “ESI devices and media” include, but shall not be limited to:

(1) Computers (mainframe, desktop, and laptop);

(2) Network servers, including shared and personal drives;

(3) Individual e-mail accounts of the contractor’s and any subcontractors’ principals, officers, and employees including all folders contained in each email account such as “Inbox,” “Outbox,”

“Drafts,” “Sent,” “Trash,” “Archive,” and any other folders;

(4) Personal data assistants (PDAs);

(5) External data storage devices including portable devices (e.g., flash drive); and

(6) Data storage media (magnetic, e.g., tape; optical, e.g., compact disk; microfilm; etc.).

(c) “Tangible materials” means contract records that exist in a physical (i.e., non-electronic) state.

(d) If during the period of performance of this contract, SBA becomes or anticipates becoming a party to any litigation concerning matters related to records maintained or generated by the contractor in the performance of this contract, the contracting officer may provide the contractor with a written (either hardcopy or email) preservation hold and certification of compliance with preservation hold. Upon receipt of the hold, the contractor shall immediately take the following actions:

(1) Discontinue any alteration, overwriting, deletion, or destruction of all tangible materials and ESI;

(2) Preserve tangible materials and ESI. The contractor shall preserve ESI in its “native” form to preserve metadata (i.e., creation and modification history of a document);

(3) Identify all individuals who possess or may possess, tangible materials and ESI related to this matter, including contractor employees, subcontractors, and subcontractor employees. The contractor shall provide the names of all such individuals via email to the SBA official indicated in the notice;

(4) Document in writing the contractor’s efforts to preserve tangible materials ESI. It may be useful to maintain a log documenting preservation efforts;

(5) Complete the certification of compliance with litigation hold upon receipt and return it to the identified contact person; and

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(6) Upon the request of the contracting officer, provide to the contracting officer or other SBA official designated by the contracting officer with any of the information described in this requirement. The contractor shall immediately confirm receipt of such request. The contractor shall describe in detail any records that the contractor knows or believes to be unavailable and provide a detailed explanation of why they are unavailable, and if known, their location.

(e) Increases in cost or price. (1) If any request for records pursuant to paragraph (b)(6) of this requirement causes an increase in the estimated cost or price, or the time required for performance of any part of the work under this contract, or otherwise affects any other terms and conditions of this contract, the contracting officer may make an equitable adjustment in any one or more of the following and will modify the contract accordingly:

(i) Contract price.

(ii) Delivery schedule.

(iii) Other affected terms.

(2) The contractor must assert its right to an adjustment under this requirement within 30 days from the date of receipt of the contracting officer’s request made pursuant to paragraph (b)(6) of this requirement. However, if the contracting officer decides that the facts justify it, the contracting officer may receive and act upon a request submitted before final payment of the contract.

(3) Failure to agree to any adjustment shall be a dispute under the Disputes clause. However, nothing in this requirement shall excuse the contractor from providing the records requested by the contracting officer.

(f) The contractor shall include the terms of this requirement in all subcontracts awarded under this contract.

4. SBA204-71 Contractor Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credentials and

Background Investigations (OCT 2022)

(a) The Contractor shall ensure that all contract employees requiring access to SBA facilities or SBA information resources shall obtain a Government-issued PIV credential (PIV Card). The contractor shall coordinate with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) to facilitate COR sponsorship of each employee requiring a PIV Card.

(1) All contractor (and subcontractor) contract employees shall undergo security processing before being eligible to work on the premises of any SBA owned, leased, or controlled facility; to access

Government or other contractor data, reports, or other information; or to obtain access to a SBA IT system.

(i) The Contractor shall comply with the SBA Cybersecurity and Privacy Policy specified in

Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) 90 47 5. The Contractor shall submit the information contained in paragraphs (A) through (H) below to the COR for each employee requiring access. All documentation must be completely filled out with accurate, true data. The contractor shall submit

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(A) An email providing the following information for each contractor employee:

(1) Name.

(2) Position Title.

(3) Risk Level.

(4) Program Office.

(5) Duty Location.

(6) Selecting Official.

(7) COR Name.

(B) Standard Form 85P (SF-85P), Questionnaire for Public Trust Positions.

(C) Completed Contractor Electronic Questionnaire for Investigations Processing (E-QIP).

(D) Job Description Worksheet or Statement of Work clearing showing the duties and access required.

(E) OPM Position Risk Designation Summary (signed by manager/supervisor). See link:

Position Designation Tool (opm.gov);

(F) SBA Form 2044, Credit Report Release for Employment, if the position is Moderate Risk or higher and the form was provided by the COR for completion.

(G) Resume.

(H) Digitally completed SBA form 1228, Network Access Request Form, (completed in its entirety – must annotate to include access and expiration dates, if the form was provided by the

COR for completion.

(ii) Security processing will consist of personal background inquiries. The Agency has the option to repeat the security processing on any contract employee at its sole discretion.

(iii) Upon completion of security processing, the COR will notify the contractor of a contract employee’s eligibility to be provided access to an SBA facility or IT system.

(iv) Positions for these services are determined to be: (Contracting Officer to check appropriate position risk) https://www.opm.gov/suitability/suitability-executive-agent/position-designation-tool/

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☐ Moderate Risk ☐ Low Risk

(v) If the SBA receives disqualifying information on a contract employee, the COR will be notified.

The COR, in coordination with the Contracting Officer, will immediately remove the contract employee from duties requiring access to Agency facilities and/or IT systems. Contract employees may be barred from working on the premises of a facility for any of the following:

(A) Failure to meet CFR 731 equivalent fitness standards;

(B) Conviction of a felony crime of violence or of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude;

(C) Falsification of information entered on security screening forms or on other documents submitted to the Agency;

(D) Improper conduct once performing on the contract, including offensive, unlawful, criminal, infamous, dishonest, amoral, unethical, devious, or notoriously disgraceful conduct or other conduct prejudicial to the Government, regardless of whether the conduct was directly related to contract performance; or

(E) Any behavior judged to pose a potential threat to Agency information systems, personnel, property, or other assets.

(b) The Contactor shall ensure that all contract employees safeguard their PIV Card.

(c) The Contractor shall ensure that contract employees schedule an appointment with an enrollment/activation center via http://www.fedidcard.gov if a Personal Identification Number (PIN) reset is needed.

(d) In the event that a PIV Card is or may have been lost, damaged, compromised, or stolen, the Contactor shall immediately notify the COR and the SBA PIV Security Office at PIV@sba.gov. Instructions for obtaining a replacement will be provided.

(e) The Contractor shall ensure return of employee PIV Cards to the COR or the COR’s designee on the employee’s final day of contract performance. The contractor shall provide the actual separation date and reason its employee will no longer support the contract.

(f) The Contractor shall ensure return of PIV Cards in accordance with FAR clause 52.204-9, Personal

Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel, which is incorporated herein by reference, on the contract employee’s last day of contract performance. In the event that a contract employee fails to turn the PIV Card over to the Government on the last day of work, the Contractor shall ensure return of the employee’s PIV

Card within one working day.

(g) This requirement shall be incorporated into any subcontracts that require subcontractor personnel to have routine and regular unsupervised access to a federally controlled facility for more than 180 calendar days or unsupervised access to a federally controlled Level 3 or 4 information systems.

http://www.fedidcard.gov/ mailto:PIV@sba.gov

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5. SBA209-70 Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCT 2022)

The contractor shall ensure that neither the contractor nor any subcontractor is biased because of financial, contractual, organizational, or other interests which relate to the work under this contract. The contractor shall also ensure that neither the contractor nor any subcontractor obtains any unfair competitive advantage over other parties based on performance of this contract.

(a) The restrictions described herein shall apply to performance or participation by the Contractor and any of its affiliates or their successors in interest (hereinafter collectively referred to as

“contractor”) in the activities covered by this clause as a prime contractor, subcontractor, cosponsor, joint venture, consultant, or in any similar capacity.