Questions & Answers

Questions and Answers (Q & A’s)

NEARFP-09-05 Five Opportunities to Prepare Monographs that Analyze Arts Participation and Specific Areas of Interest

Q1: Would NEA consider a single proposal for a unified report that would cover all five themes, rather than five proposals for five separate reports that will, of necessity repeat related findings across the board?

A1: Yes, the NEA would consider a single proposal for a unified report. However, we would expect each individual topic to be addressed in depth and to explore the topics and questions outlined in the RFPs.

Q2: Is it possible to submit proposals for multiple solicitations?

A2: Yes.

Q3: Is it possible to partner with other contractors for joint work on multiple solicitations?

A3: Yes.

Q4: What are the intended audience/expected distribution format for the completed monographs?

A4: It is our expectation that the monographs will be released as reports to the public.

Q5: What will be included in the data release? Will it be possible to append SPPA records with additional data collected in the CPS?

A5: For analysis purposes, you will receive data for the May 2008 CPS respondents along with data for the 2008 SPPA respondents.

Q6: Is the NEA interested in situating this work within the broader context of attitudinal and segmentation-related work on arts audiences?

A6: Yes.

Q7: When the SPPA was bid out for the 2002 SPPA data, the anticipated maximum price for the Endowment was $25K. Can you provide some guidance as to the range of budget that someone responding to your RFP would face?

A7: The maximum amount for each monograph in this solicitation is $25,000.

Q8: Who would the Project Director be for the Endowment?

A8: Someone from the NEA’s Office of Research & Analysis.

Q9: We are independent contractors. Are consultants eligible for this RFP or would we need to be affiliated with an incorporated entity? If so, would SS#s suffice for the TIN?

A9: Yes, and a SSN will suffice for the TIN.

Q10: Two of your headings - arts creation and performance and media and technology.

Would you accept a proposal that combines elements of each in an interdisciplinary fashion? If so, would we need to apply to each category or would one proposal suffice?

A10: Yes, and one proposal is fine.

Q11: a: Would we be able to use our engagement frameworks to build off of the SPPA data?

b. Could you provide clarification on the terminology utilized in the SPPA? From the RFP text, we have interpreted "participation" to mean "observation and attendance" - is that a correct interpretation of your terminology? Does "participation" also include the information solicited regarding lessons? If so, does the NEA consider these "lessons" as an adult to be creative or a participatory activity in their terminology?

A11: a: We are open to the use of additional or supplementary data. Please put details of your “engagement frameworks” in the proposal.

b: We realize that there are many forms of arts participation – attendance, performance, learning, and creation or observation through online media, to name a few examples. The questions from the survey should guide your understanding of participation in each particular context.

Q12: What should be included in the submission?

A12: Please see Section L (Instructions to Offerors) and review the details explaining how to assemble a comprehensive and complete proposal.

Q13: Regarding the budget, how much detail would you like?

A13: Providing a lump sum is sufficient.

Q14: Would I be expected at one or more times to visit the NEA in person? If so, should I include that cost in my budget?

A14: Visiting the NEA in person is optional, and need not be included in your budget.

Q15: What is the usual timeline for payment?

A15: Assuming an acceptable/completed invoice is received by NEA’s Finance Office and the Program Office Project Director has accepted and approved the services in writing, payment shall be made within 30 days.

Q16: Are proposals still due on Friday, March 27, 2009 at 4:00pm EST?

A16: Yes!