Q A_as_of_7_April_2014.pdf

As of 7 April 2014

Q. The RFP states (Number 1 on page 4), Research quotes should include a review of the literature, establish a set of hypotheses to be tested... Can you help me to understand what is expected to be included in the "review of the literature"? i.e. How does this differ from the "literature review" to be completed as part of the contract? I am working on a "literature review" project for the DOL, the listing of all literature reviewed as part of the project is well in excess of the 25 pages allowed for this proposal and took over a month to compile.

A. A proposal on the subject would necessarily need context; a summarized / abbreviated literature review will show knowledge of the literature. Such review will subsequently be expanded in the report.

Q. We feel SBA would greatly benefit by gathering insights directly from patent attorneys. I noticed the Proposed Milestone chart does not allow time for OMB oversight etc. Shall I take this as an indication that it would be better to leave primary research for the next contract opportunity? We feel there is value to completing the literature review and then determining the content of additional information to be collected.

A. The PWS does not make allocations for OMB review, and it is not incumbent upon the requester to do so. The entity proposing a methodology is the responsible party in devising a strategy for data gathering. As such, should an information collection be required, it is the responsibility of the proposing entity.

Q. Is the cost proposal included in the 25 page limit?

A. No

Q. If not, do you want the cost proposal in the same volume as the technical proposal or should the cost proposal be on a separate volume?

A. Please including pricing in a separate volume

Q. Based on the FedBiz Opportunities posting the proposal needs to be submitted electronically, no later than April 17, 2014 at 10:00 ET. Will there be an amendment that indicates this change, as well?

A. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation and as such does not utilize any Standard Forms (i.e. SF30, SF1449, etc) you might normally see indicating number amendments. However, if you look closely at the posting on FBO you will see the tracked changes regarding the solicitation and the requirement for electronic submission has always been included.

Q. Should the required clauses and copy of ORCA be included as appendices or are the clauses and copy of ORCA included in the 25 limit page count?

A. The required responses to applicable clauses are not part of the 25 page limit.