Q A.pdf

SBAHQ-14-Q-0034 Reasearch on Minority and/or Immigrant Entrepreneurship in STEM Fields

Question: Is the schedule negotiable based upon the research plan of the winning proposal, or is the 90 days effectively all the time that is allotted to conduct comprehensive effort on this topic?

Answer: We don't consider the timeline to indicate that all comprehensive effort on the contract would be completed within 90 days. The contract term is typically a one year period with milestones as noted in the

SOW.

Question : Would SBA grant a one week extension?

Answer: At this time we are not considering an extension.

Question: Is it ok to use this database for this contract? Which database? The SOW lists both the scope of the project as well as examples of potential datasets.

Question: Can we use some of the resources from this contract to hire more students to help us with the database?

Answer: Yes. But keep in mind the requirement of the SOW concerning key personnel changes.

Additionally, keep in mind that the government will only pay for work performed/cost incurred up to the amount of award.

Question: Would the SBA require access to individual records from this database or just the aggregate data in the report?

Answer: Depends on type of data used (such as public v. copyrighted or otherwise secure data).

Question: Is there a preferred classification for STEM disciplines that the SBA uses?

Answer: The proposer should reference the SOW and literature.

Question: Is there any example of a proposal so that we can get a better idea of what your standards are?

Answer: Previously completed research funded by the Office of Advocacy can give researchers perspective when creating offers. See http://www.sba.gov/advocacy/7540.

Question: Is there a maximum amount granted per contract? Are there any limitations on how the money can be used, i.e., buying equipment, hiring new employees, etc?

Answer: This award is not expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold of S150,000.00. How money is used in providing the services is at the discretion of the company. Keep in mind that invoices may be submitted by the Contractor for only the work performed/cost incurred not to exceed the amount of the contract award.

http://www.sba.gov/advocacy/7540

Question: We were unable to find the number of references that you would like for us to incorporate. Is there a threshold, or should we use our discretion to ensure we are providing enough to adequately demonstrate that we have the past experience to complete a strong study?

Answer: The proposer should reference the SOW and use discretion.

Question: There was mention that it was preferred that the proposal be no longer than 25 pages excluding credentials and references, but it was unclear if staff resumes and appendices would also be excluded. Would these count toward the 25-page limit?

Answer: Resumes would be considered part of credentials. Appendices – unclear what these would contain, however the 25 pp. limit is a preference rather than a bright line requirement.