Baldridge Branding & Customer Requirements Research

The Baldridge Branding and Customer Requirements Research contract, solicitation number SB1341-09-RQ0544, was issued by the National Institute of Standards and Technology under the Department of Commerce. This fixed-price, competitive procurement was designated as a 100 percent small business set-aside under NAICS code 541910. The primary objective of the contract was to conduct market research to identify marketplace perceptions of the Baldrige brand and to develop effective brand messages. The scope of work included professional research services and associated travel costs, with specific line items dedicated to these requirements. The solicitation process began on August 10, 2009, and underwent several amendments to extend the quotation submission deadlines, ultimately moving from an initial August date to a final deadline of August 31, 2009. Throughout the procurement phase, the agency provided clarifications regarding survey administration mediums, stakeholder data transmission, and meeting expectations. The contract was managed by the NIST office in Gaithersburg, Maryland, with Jennifer Lohmeier serving as the Contract Specialist and Mario A. Checchia as the Contracting Officer.