Solicitation_SBAHQ160044_Answers_to_Questions.pdf

Solicitation SBAHQ-16-Q-0044 Questions

Research on Latina Entrepreneurship

1.) In addition to quantitative analysis, we would be recommending qualitative research, most likely focus groups, to flesh out the opportunities and challenges Latina entrepreneurs face. Is doing substantive qualitative research permissible for the proposal?

A research methodology may propose to incorporate both quantitative and qualitative components, such as survey analysis coupled with in-depth interviews or demographic statistics alongside a focus group analysis. Please see our research philosophy, found in Appendix A, for details on National Women’s Business Council’s approach to research. Please note that focus groups, in-depth interviews, surveys may be subject to OMB approval which is the responsibility of the contractor to secure.

Note that Task A is limited to a literature review and environmental scan.

2.) What resources are available from the SBA as far as access to academic journals and other relevant databases that the researcher can use?

Research is to be completed by the contractor off-site (not at SBA headquarters) – SBA cannot provide additional access to journals or relevant databases. Government open-source data can be accessed by the offeror.

3. If there are limited resources; is there a financial cap on the fees and expenses required to access relevant academic, trade and business journals?

Fees and expenses to complete the research should be accounted for in the Offeror’s proposal. All costs associated with the contractor’s completion of the study shall be inclusive as this is a fixed price service. However, scope of contract does not require the purchasing of additional resources.

4. Are there any additional financial guidelines that we should be aware of?

Fees and expenses to complete the research should be accounted for in the Offeror’s proposal.

Additional financial guidelines cannot be disclosed.

5. Is a DUN number required? What if I currently do not have one but I have an EIN for my company?

We do require a DUNS. This is specified in the Instruction to Offerors document. If a DUNS is not given, we will not be able to accept your proposal.