Analyzing social media data/machine learning approach

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR 12.6 as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation and a separate written solicitation will not be issued. This solicitation number is NICHD-16-021 and is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ). The solicitation/contract will include all applicable provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-86. The North American Industry Classification (NAICS) Code is 518210 and the business size standard is $32.5m. However, this solicitation is not set aside for small business. This acquisition is being conducted using Simplified Acquisition Procedures in accordance with FAR Part 13. Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) intend to procure on a sole source basis with SecondHelix of Alexandria, VA to tailored keyword searches on social media and content analysis on the social media data using a machine learning approach. The begin date of service will be on or around March 1, 2016 for a performance period of five months from begin date and vendor location is the place of performance. See Attached S.O.W. Specifically, SecondHelix will use keyword searched such as smoking and tobacco for relevant tweets during January 1, 2009 through October 15, 2015. SecondHelix will download all the relevant tweets related to the research topic. SecondHelix will randomly sample some percent of the tweets (depending on the total number of tweets), review them and develop a coding scheme to classify these tweets in different themes and subthemes. SecondHelix will then write a computer-based algorithm so that a computer can do the classification. SecondHelix will randomly sample a percent of tweets to see if the algorithm is correct and sensitive. If algorithm is not correct and sensitive then SecondHelix will revise the algorithm, however if correct a computer will do all the subsequent coding. SecondHelix is the only known source available that fit the needs of the lab. SecondHelix offers tailored keywords searches on social media and content analysis on the social media data using a machine learning approach, which enable the lab to analyze millions of social media data points. In addition, SecondHelix unique expertise in managing and analyzing Twitter data and their ability to integrate geographical data into the Twitter data is vital to the lab research requirements. Also, SecondHelix offers the service to integrate social media data with geographical information, which is essential to the lab research. SecondHelix specific experience and knowledge in this area are critical to the lab research initiative. The lab wants to understand the social discussions about tobacco and its disparities because these discussions shape public opinions and perceptions. In the past (prior to social media) it was impossible to capture these discussions in large scales, now with social media the lab can acquire this information. It is essential to examine social media because behavioral theories post that social environment is influential to individuals behaviors. The lab wants to understand how the public discuss tobacco and its disparities. The insight to be gain can help us better understand the social environment and guide the lab in examining whether the public discussions need to be changed to create a more supportive environment for disadvantaged smokers to quit smoking, which is the research goal of the lab. The proposed contract action is for supplies or services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under authority of the 41 U.S.C. 253(c) (1), FAR 6.302. Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The offeror must include a completed copy of the provision of FAR Clause 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items with its offer. The provisions of FAR Clause 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Items; FAR Clause 52.212-2, Evaluation - Commercial Items; FAR Clause 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items; and FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders - Commercial Items - Deviation for Simplified Acquisitions applies to this acquisition. The offeror must include their Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS), the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and the certification of business size. The clauses are available in full text at http://www.acquisition.gov/far/. Interested vendors capable of furnishing the government with the services specified in this synopsis should submit a copy of their quotation to the below address or via email to contact@example.gov. Offers must also be accompanied by descriptive literature, delivery timeframe, warranties and/or other information that demonstrates that the offer meets all of the foregoing requirements. Quotations will be due fifteen calendar days from the publication date of this synopsis or by February 22, 2016 by 10 am, EST. via email or postal mail. The quotation must reference "Solicitation number" NICHD-16-021. Quotations sent by postal mail or other mailing services must be submitted to the following address: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 6100 Executive Boulevard, Room 5C01, Bethesda, MD 20852. Attention: Tina Robinson, by the date and time mentioned above. Any questions must be sent via email to contact@example.gov and must include solicitation# NICHD-16-021 in the subject line of email. Faxed copies/responses will not be accepted. Note: In order to receive an award, contractor must be registered for all awards and have valid/current certification in the SAM database @www.sam.gov.