Q As.docx

U.S. Small Business Administration

SBAHQ-12-Q-0035

Research: Women Entrepreneurs, Self-Limiting Perceptions and Segmentation Questions and Responses

Below are questions received and the response. Duplications were omitted in the event questions were similar or the same as those listed below. Any additional questions or requests for clarification should be submitted via email to the contacting officer.

1. I understand that focus groups are an essential element for the research and I realize that there is no budget mentioned for the overall proposal. However, the cost varies a lot depending on demographic and geographic diversity of the focus groups. Would you provide some guidelines in terms of the budget? This is a Simplified Acquisition, the threshold is $150,000.

2. What would an ideal report for this research look like? Please visit our website to view past reports, http://www.nwbc.gov/issues-and-research

3. Could you provide some examples of past successful proposals? See question #2

4. The 15 pages limit for the proposal, does that include an appendix and attachments? Yes

5. Attached please find the SOW with our questions inserted in the margin. Page 2 – comments [CAC1] yes, Microsoft suite; [AE2] Microsoft suite; [CAC3] yes face to face or a telephone conference; [CAC4] yes. Page 3 -- Comments [CAC5] both; [AE6] yes; [CAC7] no. Page 4 – Comments [AE8] no.

6. Will you be providing an answer list with all the other vendor questions and when would that information be posted? They are located on the FedBizOps

7. Is there a deadline due date to submit additional questions should they arise? August 6 is the deadline

8. The RFP for solicitation SBAHQ-12-Q-0035 references a study to be found at the following link: I clicked on the link; it took me straight to it. That link is the study. Please try again.

Are Male and Female Entrepreneurs Really That Different?

http://archive.sba.gov/advo/research/rs309tot.pdf

9. Realizing the project must be completed within 12 months, has a proposed start date been established? Once project is awarded

10. Are sub-contractors allowed for this project? We would work directly with you.

11. As I was reviewing the Statement of Work, I was wondering if you could clarify your definitions of segments and segmentation. (e.g. business type; demographic differences – geographic location, age, income, education, etc.; the Gartner 1985 Framework – individual, environmental, process, organization; motivations; or expectations) For example, the first objective – is segment referring to the same characteristics?: See Page 2 Specific Tasks, Determine Segments.