Answers_for_SBAHQ16Q0061.pdf

Questions for Solicitation SBAHQ-16-Q-0061

Research on Miscellaneous Small Business Topics on Minority Entrepreneurship

1.) Could you please provide the incumbent contract number? If not, is this a new requirement?

Last year, this topic was awarded under solicitation SBAHQ-15-Q-0031. This contract is still open. The award/contract number is SBAHQ-15-M-0129.

2.) Our firm has research experience from an academic standpoint. Does the government require professional experience?

Academic research experience in the relevant subject matter is considered appropriate, particularly if the researcher has published in this area.

3.) Can we propose another topic of interest pertaining to Minority Entrepreneurship that is not listed under section 4.4 of the solicitation?

Yes. The list is non-exhaustive.

4.) The posting lists a search for " projects that increase the base of knowledge about minority entrepreneurship and minority business ownership in the small business economy." Is it possible to receive any more clarity regarding what sort of research questions the SBA is looking for?

Further detail is provided in the SOW, which includes both a non-exhaustive list of possible topics and the detailed technical requirements.

5.) The instructions note that existing data is preferred over additional surveys. Will there be any data offered by the SBA? Is it possible to see at a high level what data the SBA has compiled related to these topics?

Graham

The proposer is expected to know and understand relevant datasets, most preferably through prior research experience in using the data.

6.) Section 5.2 of the Statement of Work states that a “writing sample” is required. However, in the document titled “Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Respondent” it states that the “Technical - Past Performance – Price” should be included as separate files and in Adobe PDF format in a CD-ROM. It does not mention a writing sample. Please clarify if a writing sample is required.

Writing sample is required.

7.) If a writing sample is required, what subject/sections of a paper is the government requesting for review (i.e. a thorough literature review section or multiply sections that will not exceed 5 pages in length).

LaMothe

As the submitter notes, the subject matter for the writing sample is specified in the statement of work: a thorough literature review section or multiply sections that will not exceed 5 pages in length.