Usability RFP Questions.docx

Answers to Evaluation Services RFP (ED-FSA-10-R-0067) Questions

· The statement of work says the work ends "January 17,2009." Does this mean 2011? Yes

· Each CLIN describes additional survey respondents and focus groups. Should our Technical Proposal talk about our ability to do these items as well or just Task Order 1? Yes Within our technical proposal, do you expect a targeted approach to the survey and focus group? Cover your ability to conduct focus groups and surveys in general, beyond what Task Order one covers Does the 15 page technical proposal limit apply to double or single-spaced pages? Proposals can be single or double spaced Can you tell me the name of the previous contractor? Crosby Marketing Communications Is there an Annual National Survey Report available for us to review? We are not posting the survey report but the following will provide some information on the scope of the past effort:

· Telephone survey (Average length approximately 7 minutes)

· 1,500 parents and 1,500 students

· Sample list – households with 13-18 year old; List drawn from households in white pages, representing all regions of the country proportionately including urban, suburban, and rural areas

· Is the one focus group protocol to be used for the other focus groups throughout the year or does every focus group require a different one? What about the survey? The answer is no to both questions. The requirements for this focus group and survey are unique. The size, scope, and requirements for each project will vary, but generally there will be more than one focus group.

· Should the pricing proposal contain both a budget for Task Order 1 and a more general one for the IDIQ? Are you expecting a detailed narrative to accompany pricing? A detailed narrative on pricing is not necessary. Include estimated travel cost for task order 1

· The RFP suggests that FSA will provide a room for the Focus Group (the contractor shall identify the room requirements), could you please confirm and clarify? For Task Order 1 this will take place with a room being provided at the conference site as the contractor identifies what they require

· Should the proposal include incentives for both survey respondents and focus group participants? No

· Could you please clarify what you mean by artifacts – are these past deliverables i.e. reports, power point presentations, A/V recordings? Case Study or other form of previous similar work

· B.3 Contract Pricing Table shows $20,000 on the Travel line. Is this the amount for travel alone or for the total year? This is just a baseline value

· B.3 Contract Pricing Table: What does “Extended Price” mean? Estimated Quantity times Price

· Besides a completed table B.3, do you want a separate budget for the event in Orlando? Include a travel cost estimate

· Can the client references used to demonstrate Past Performance include FSA? Yes, but you are encouraged to provide outside references

· The activities mentioned in Section 2.b.(1) of the Instructions to Offerors are broader than those shown in the Contract Pricing Table. They include usability testing and possibly other activities included in the Offeror’s approach to “evaluate and measure the effectiveness of social and communication programs.” Should we just price the items presently shown in the Contract Pricing Table or also add line items for these other activities? If the latter, what quantities should be assumed for the added activities? Price the items in the Contract Pricing Table

· In Section 2.b.(1), what is meant by “primary and secondary research?” Primary research is research completed by the company directly (e.g., through focus groups with a target audience, studies, etc.). This is research the company is completing first hand. Secondary research is compiled by reviewing existing research and published studies from other secondary sources. This is research the company is completing by reviewing what has already been published or made available and using it to inform or draw conclusions.

· In Section 2.b.(1), does FSA want 3 artifacts for each of the activities listed, or 3 artifacts in total? 3 Total

· For the recurring medium and large focus groups and the annual survey, should we assume that the participants are to be recruited and incentivized by the Offeror or will those costs be covered separately by FSA? If the former, will the participants include financial aid professionals as well as students, parents or others drawn from the public? Yes, the participants are to be recruited and incentivized by the Offeror. Yes, participants could potentially include financial aid professions, students, parents, or others. The size, scope, and requirements for each of the focus groups will vary based on the project.

· For the recurring medium and large focus groups, should we assume that the Offeror should provide the facilities or will those costs be covered separately by FSA? The Offeror should provide the facilities. There are some facilities available to Federal agencies for one-on-one usability testing that we may be able to use at no charge, but for the most part facilities should be provided by the Offeror.

· Are the completed Client Reference Forms to be included with the proposal or sent to FSA separately? Include with proposal

· Should a separate quote specifically for Task Order 1 be included in the proposal? Yes

· Should the proposal address just the one conference indicated in the SOW or provide an approach for conducting the work at the same conferences for five years? The government is looking for the capability of a firm to conduct this and other versions of this kind of conference and survey services.

· Does the national survey mentioned in the Solicitation document refer to the general survey that will be distributed to all participants? The general survey will be used at the conference The Solicitation document lists 2 focus groups of varying sizes and indicates multiple focus groups, while the SOW only lists one. The Solicitation document also does not list the Exit Survey. Can ED please clarify the total number of focus groups and surveys per year? The format of this contract will be indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity since the government does not know the exact extent it will need or use these services over the next 5 years

· The Task Order 1: Statement of Work describes an exit survey that appears to be different from the national survey referenced in the chart in section B/3 of the solicitation. Are the specifications for the national survey outlined in a document that is perhaps not posted yet on FBO? No, the government will only be looking at a firm’s capability to do such work during the evaluation

· When is the anticipated award date of this contract, given that the first deliverable is due 9/10/2010? Will an oral presentation required? Sept 2010. The first deliverable date will be pushed back depending upon award date. Oral presentations will not be performed

· Is there a time limit for our past performance—may references be provided on projects completed in the last 5 years? Yes, but the newer the references are the more relevant they will be

· Is there a specific font style required? (Times New Roman?) No, see instructions to offerors

· Can all three required sections of our response be combined into one document, or are separate documents required for the Technical proposal and Cost proposal? Keep technical and cost proposals separate

· The RFQ indicates that FSA will identify and recruit participants for the focus groups. What is contractor’s role in this identification and recruiting process? If support is needed that will determined with each requirement

· Will contractor have the ability to discuss the mix and composition of the group? Will contractor have an opportunity to review recruit sample to ensure sufficient number and representation for group? The contractor will have the ability to provide suggestions to the government in order to produce the best surveys and studies

· Is there flexibility in recommending a different size and number of groups, provided objectives and timing are met? That will depend upon requirements as they are developed in the future