NCSES SDAF LSJ signed_Redacted.pdf

This Limited Source Justification document is for the National Science Foundation's (NSF) National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES), seeking a contractor to maintain a remote secure data access facility (SDAF) for National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics. The period of performance will be from 1/1/2026 to 12/31/2026 as a hybrid Firm Fixed Price (FFP) and Time & Materials task order with a total estimated value that is redacted.

NCSES conducted market research via SAM.gov from December 1-4, 2025, receiving five responses. Only one response was deemed capable of performing the services - the incumbent contractor National Opinion Research Center (NORC). The justification emphasizes that recompeting the services would be unacceptable and could seriously impede the government's ability to provide approved researchers access to restricted-use data in a secure environment. NCSES plans to recompete these services in FY2026 and will conduct additional market research to determine whether the future competition will be full and open or set aside for small business participation.