QuestionsAnswersSolicitation_SBAHQ17Q0012.pdf

Questions for Solicitation SBAHQ-17-Q-0012

Research on Entrepreneurship in Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) and Non-Metropolitan Statistical Areas (Non-MSA)

1.) What is the anticipated award date?

• The anticipated award date will be between 8/15/17 – 9/30/17.

2.) Will preference be given to research that focuses on tax policy?

• Proposals will be evaluated according to the factors discussed in the solicitation notification instructions to offerors.

3.) Does the SOW require (or prefer) an analysis of a single economic policy or a portfolio of related policies?

• SOW does not require an analysis of specific policies or a portfolio of related policies.

Policymaking insight is one objective of our research. It is the offeror’s discretion which policies are analyzed based on their technical approach to achieve the requirements of the

SOW.

4.) Does the SOW require a county-level analysis (or below) or are "rural" state versus "urban" state analyses permitted?

• The SOW requires an analysis at the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) and Non- Metropolitan Statistical Area (Non-MSAs) level. Areas outside of MSAs are often characterized as rural. Areas in MSAs are often characterized as urban. Analyses at the county or state level can be included at the offeror’s discretion according to their technical approach.

5.) Would the SOW consider research on the effects of federal entrepreneurship programs rather than policies?

• Yes.

6.) Will a government sponsored study or literature review on the research topic (or a related topic) satisfy the “Writing Sample” requirement in the SOW?

• Any research study, literature review, or journal article on the topic or related to the topic authored by key personnel of the proposed research team will satisfy the writing sample requirement.

7.) Are the subject matter and technical expert resumes included in the 25 page limit?

• No, resumes are not included in the 25 page limit.

8.) We understand the writing sample must be double spaced with 12-point font. Do the same requirements apply to the 25 page technical approach?

• No, but all proposals should be concise and readable.

9.) Can tables/figures in the technical approach be single spaced?

• Yes.

10.) Instruction to offerors state: part 1.e. Page Limit Page limit for technical and past performance sections when added together shall not exceed 25 pages. This page limit does not include the cover page, company credentials, references and writing samples. - Does the page limit include the resumes of the proposed researchers or are these excluded?

• Resumes are not included in the 25 page limit.

11.) If needed, will SBA assist with coordinating with other federal agencies to obtain access to data and previous research?

• It is the offeror’s responsibility to obtain the data needed for the research.

12.) Is there a limit to how much we can apply for?

• Offerors can submit proposals to multiple solicitations or submit multiple proposals to the same solicitation.

13.) Is there a time limit?

• The Office of Advocacy anticipates a performance period of not more than 12 months.

14.) The University of Texas charges 51% indirect costs. Can we charge indirect costs to the proposal?

• Offerors should include all applicable costs to meet the SOW requirements in their price quote. The Office of Advocacy intends to procure a firm fixed price contract.

15.) Can administrative costs be included?

• Offerors should include all applicable to meet the SOW requirements in their price quote.

The Office of Advocacy intends to procure a firm fixed price contract.