NASA valuation study: the value, benefits and impact of servir applied sciences teams (AST)

***Please contact Sharrief Alamin, only, in writing at sharrief.a.alamin@nasa.gov for technical concerns***

NASA/MSFC plans to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a strategic impact evaluation to ascertain the impact, value, and effectiveness of SERVIR applied science activities. The study will focus on using new innovative methods/approaches to value, measure and quantify the benefits of NASA data products/tools and scientific efforts on societal benefits.

To improve National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA's) understanding on the impact, value, and effectiveness of SERVIR Applied Sciences activities, NASA/ Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) has a requirement to conduct a strategic impact evaluation. The study will focus on using new innovative methods/approaches to value, measure and quantify the benefits of NASA data products/tools and scientific efforts on societal benefits.

In 2012, NASA Applied Sciences Program created 11 PI-led SERVIR Applied Sciences Team (AST) projects. These were focused across various societal areas including water, disasters, agriculture, public health and climate change. Currently, NASA is in the process of designing a potential second round for AST work. Understanding the benefits and contribution to SERVIR outcomes and impacts from the first AST cohort is critical in ensuring the second round also is successful. In addition, identifying ways to improve and maximize the effectiveness of PI-led scientific teams for development goals, will ensure NASA funding is meeting its intended mission.

The 2012-funded SERVIR AST projects are in a third year of work of their four-year project term. Many projects are building tools products and applications to help communities manage natural disasters, increase resilience to climate change, and predict environmental events (fire, floods, droughts, and landslides). Using some of the most advanced data, products and models in the globe, these scientists are harnessing NASA products to help improve access to data, use of geospatial information for decision making, and increase geospatial information capacity in developing regions. The AST projects are just one example of many efforts that use NASA's portfolio of data, products, and tools to help improve the lives of people.

The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. The NAICS Code and Size Standard are 541712 and 500, respectively.

All responsible sources may submit an offer which shall be considered by the agency.

The anticipated release date of the RFP is on or about April 13, 2016 with an anticipated offer due date of on or about May 12, 2016.

Prospective offerors shall notify this office of their intent to submit an offer. It is the offeror's responsibility to monitor the Internet site for the release of the solicitation and amendments (if any). Potential offerors will be responsible for downloading their own copy of the solicitation and amendments (if any).

All contractual technical questions must be submitted in writing (e-mail or fax). Telephone questions will not be accepted.