DC Small Business Census

The Government of the District of Columbia's Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development is seeking qualified contractors to conduct a comprehensive census of minority- and woman-owned small businesses in the District. The primary objective of this procurement is to develop a detailed census instrument, methodology, and implementation plan that will map and analyze the landscape of small businesses in DC. Contractors will be responsible for designing the census survey, conducting field implementation, and providing in-depth analysis of the results. The solicitation requires contractors to have significant experience in business research, survey design, and data collection methodologies. Key deliverables include a comprehensive census report that provides insights into the minority- and woman-owned business ecosystem in the District. The original proposal due date was amended multiple times, with the final submission deadline set for September 11, 2023, at 2:00 PM EST. Proposing contractors must submit a detailed experience questionnaire demonstrating their capabilities and prior relevant project work.

The contract includes a specific set-aside requirement that at least 35% of the total contract dollar volume must be subcontracted to qualified small business enterprises (SBEs). The contract will be structured as a firm fixed-price arrangement with a one-year term from the date of award. While no specific incumbent vendor is mentioned, the solicitation indicates this is a new initiative to better understand the small business landscape in the District of Columbia. The wage determination attached to the solicitation provides detailed compensation guidelines across multiple labor categories, suggesting the potential for a diverse team of researchers and data analysts. Though a specific contract value is not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the census and the required methodological rigor suggest a substantial investment in understanding the District's small business community. Proposing organizations must demonstrate significant organizational capacity, relevant experience in business research, and the ability to effectively implement a city-wide census of minority- and woman-owned businesses.