Survey of Graduate Students and Postdoctorates in Science and Engineering (GSS) for four survey cycles in the fall of each year: 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029

The National Science Foundation Division of Acquisition and Cooperative Support is conducting market research to identify qualified vendors for the Survey of Graduate Students and Postdoctorates in Science and Engineering (GSS) covering four annual survey cycles from 2026 through 2029. This comprehensive data collection initiative will support the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) and requires contractors to demonstrate capabilities in national-level survey data collection, internet-based data instrument development, survey staff expertise, and state-of-the-art database management with strong confidentiality and data security practices. The contractor will be responsible for survey design, data collection, processing, editing, and dissemination of results across multiple formats including InfoBriefs, Detailed Statistical Data Tables, and public use files, while achieving a minimum 95% response rate. Interested vendors must submit a 5-page response by September 3, 2025 at 12:00 PM ET that includes a cover page with corporate information, UEI number, contract vehicles, and capability demonstrations, with generic marketing materials excluded from review. The anticipated NAICS code is 541611 (Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services) with a size standard of $24.5 million.

This opportunity does not utilize any set-aside designations, though NSF encourages responses from all qualified businesses with special emphasis on small businesses across various socioeconomic categories. No current incumbent contractors or potential award values are specified in the available documentation, though optional tasks include conducting a Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDC) Postdoc Survey and performing methodological research studies with a potential budget of up to $500,000 for additional research activities. The contract will span four years covering survey cycles in fall 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029, with each cycle requiring comprehensive survey operations from design through final reporting and dissemination. Key deliverables include multiple critical components such as maintaining web-based data collection systems, conducting methodological research, performing quality assurance and control, creating statistical publications, and engaging stakeholders through workshops and expert panels. The contract will conclude with a transition period requiring the transfer of all survey materials and procedures to NSF or a successor contractor.