B -- Study on Artist Population Trends to 2005

Description (i) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial services prepared in accordance with the format in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. (ii) Solicitation No. is RFQ 06-09, which is issued as a request for quotations (RFQ), under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures of FAR Part 13. (iii) The RFQ and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2001-12. All referenced FAR clauses may be obtained via the Internet at URL http://www.acqnet.gov/far/. (iv) Notice: This acquisition is not set aside. The NAICS code is 541720 and the small business size standard is: $6.5 million. (v) The purchase order will have one line item: Study on Artist Population Trends to 2005. The anticipated award date is November 2006. A firm-fixed price purchase order is anticipated to be awarded. (vi) DESCRIPTION OF REQUIREMENTS: Background: The Research Division of the National Endowment for the Arts has analyzed information on artist employment, earnings, demographic characteristics, and geographic distribution using decennial Census results since 1975. The size of the decennial Census sample affords a unique opportunity to examine smaller occupations in significant demographic and geographic detail. The last research report using decennial Census results was Research Division Report #29, which covered trends from 1970 to 1990 (available at: http://www.arts.gov/pub/Report29.pdf). This new study will analyze the Public Use Microdata Files from the 2000 Census of Population and the American Community Surveys (from 2001 to 2005). Examining the American Community Survey adds an important new dimension. The American Community Survey is a new, large national survey with a unique rolling sample design that the Census Bureau has undertaken to, among other goals, replace the decennial Census Public Use Microdata Files beginning in 2010. Working with the American Community Survey data will not only provide more up to date data on the artist population, but will help current and future arts researchers understand how to work with this new, complex data base. Statement of Work: The purpose of the contract is to obtain information on artist employment, earnings, demographic characteristics, and geographic distribution using the Public Use Microdata Files from the 2000 Census of Population and the American Community Surveys (from 2001 to 2005). The contractor shall obtain the raw data files from the Bureau of the Census, prepare extract files containing data on individuals in artist occupations, produce summary tabulations, analyze the data results, and prepare a summary report that describes the overall findings using text, graphs, and tables, as appropriate. In addition, the contractor shall provide copies of the extract files and a brief overview of their contents and instructions on how to use them. The summary report will, to the extent possible, compare trends with earlier Census of Population data on comparable artist occupational groups such as those described in National Endowment for the Arts Research Division Report #29. The summary report (approximately 20-30 pages of text and 20-30 pages of graphs and tables), at a minimum, shall analyze and describe trends in the demographic characteristics and geographic distribution of artists based on information from these two data sets, and to the extent possible, compare the results to those from prior Census (1990, 1980, 1970) artist extract files. (The 1970 and the 1990 Census artist extract files are available for downloading at: http://www.cpanda.org/data/profiles/census_ae.html . ) The contractor shall complete the following tasks: I. Within two weeks after contract award, the contractor shall meet with the COTR to discuss initial plans for the project. II. Within four weeks after award, the contractor, in consultation with the COTR, shall develop a detailed work plan for the project. III. Within 16 weeks after award, the contractor shall utilize the Public Use Microdata Files for the 2000 Census of Population and the American Community Survey (from 2001 to 2005), and create extract files of households containing artists (selecting comparable occupational codes to those selected in the 1990 Census for Research Division Report #29). IV. Within 24 weeks after award, the contractor shall provide summary tabulations from both the Census and American Community Survey Public Use Microdata Files extract files that cross-tab artist occupational groups by similar variables to those found in Research Division Report #29. V. Within 34 weeks after award, the contractor shall provide a draft report (approximately 20-30 pages of text and 20-30 pages of tables) describing and analyzing the overall demographic, economic, and geographic trends in these artist occupations from 2000 to 2005, and, to the extent possible, from 1970 to 2000. VI. Within 40 weeks after award, the contractor shall produce and deliver the final summary report revised to incorporate comments from the COTR. VII. Within 42 weeks after award, the contractor shall provide the artist extract files in electronic format, such as CD-ROMs, for the 2000 Census of Population Public Use Microdata Files and the American Community Survey (2001-2005), along with a brief overview (less than 10 pages) of the contents and instructions for use. (vii) PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE. The period of performance will be ten months, anticipated to begin in November 2006. (viii) FAR clause 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Items (JAN 2006) applies. (ix) The Government will award a purchase order to the responsible offeror whose offer conforms to the solicitation and reflects the best value to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following evaluation factors will be used to evaluate offers: Knowledge and experience with Census Public Use Microdata Files Samples from the Census of Population and the American Community Survey; knowledge and experience with creating extract files from the Census Public Use Microdata Files Samples; knowledge and experience with analyzing and reporting on data related to the artist population; demonstrated ability to complete the project on time; price. (x) Offerors shall complete and provide a completed copy of the provisions at FAR 52.212-3, Offer Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items (JUNE 2006) with the offer. (xi) FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items (SEPT 2005) applies to this contract. (xii) FAR 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders - Commercial Items (AUG 2006) applies to this contract. Paragraphs (a), (b), (14), (16), (17), (18), (19), (20), (31), and (e) apply. (xiii) In addition, the following FAR clauses are applicable to this acquisition: 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998); 52.227-14 Rights in Data-General (JUNE 1987); 52.232-18 Availability of Funds (Apr 1984). (xiv) NA (xv) NA (xvi) Proposals should consist of: 1) a description (5 pages or less) of the technical approach to this project; 2) prices, which shall include all direct and indirect costs, profit, and any other factor that contributes to the total price; 3) budget information to support the proposed prices--such as staffing plans; and 4) past performance information, consisting of at least three references for recent contracts successfully performed by the contractor, for similar or related efforts. The contractor shall include a brief description of the scope of each contract. It is important that references be current and that they can be readily contacted. Proposals may be faxed to (202) 682-5626 or (202) 682-5610. The delivery of first-class mail to the National Endowment for the Arts has been delayed since mid-October 2001 and delays are expected to continue for the foreseeable future. Please consider using alternative delivery services. (xvii) Direct all questions or inquiries referencing this RFQ to William Hummel, Contract Specialist (202) 682-5417 or contracts@arts.endow.gov. Point of Contact: William Hummel, Contract Specialist (202) 682-5417, Fax (202) 682-5626, contracts@arts.endow.gov.