Evaluation of Capacity Programs

Added: Nov 05, 2015 2:41 pm This solicitation defines a requirement for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Office of Extramural Programs located in Washington, DC.  NIFA has a need to demonstrate the value of the programs to stakeholders and to strengthen USDAs Research, Education and Economic (REE) focus on evidence-based decision-making, Identify research gaps and areas of improvement; and Leverage the visibility and accountability of capacity programs by an independent review.

It is the Governments intent to award a single Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract to the vendor representing the best overall value based on the following evaluation criteria:

Factor 1:  Understanding of the Issue:  Clear articulation of the issues and challenges (25 points)

Factor 2:  Technical Approach:  Complete, clearly articulated, logical study design and technically competent methodology (40 points)

Factor 3:  Management Plan:  Credible management proposal for staffing and completing the project in a timely fashion (15 points)

Factor 4:  Qualifications, relevant prior experience in performance measurement and evaluation; demonstrated knowledge of existing research, policies, and practice regarding the questions and issues outlined in the solicitation (20 points)

Evaluation factor 2 is more important than factors 1,3 and 4.
Evaluation factor 1 is more important than factors 3 and 4.
Evaluation factor 4 is more important than factor 3.
Evaluation factors 1, 2, 3 and 4 when combined are significantly more important than price.

Please prepare a proposal and ensure that it meets all of the criterias listed in the attached statement of work.  Questions concerning the solicitation shall be submitted electronically to Sabrina.Brown@ars.usda.gov no later than 9:00 am EST November 12, 2015 with response to all questions by 12 Noon EST November 13, 2015.  Proposals shall be submitted electronically to Sabrina.Brown@ars.usda.gov by Noon EST November 18, 2015.