Data Harmonization Services

This is a SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE to determine the availability of services and capability of all businesses to provide Data Harmonization services. The purpose of this solicitation is to procure technical services, in order to perform data harmonization and to build a tool to store harmonized datasets. The support includes activities to maintain the system in a fully functional state and to develop and implement enhancements for the system. The Period of Performance for this action is estimated as one, twelve month base period and four, twelve month optional periods. Interested potential offerors are encouraged to respond to this notice. However, be advised that generic capability statements are not sufficient for effective evaluation of respondents' capacity and capability to perform the specific work as required. Responses must directly demonstrate the company's capability, experience, and ability to marshal resources to effectively and efficiently perform each of the tasks described in the attached draft Statement of Work at a sufficient level of detail to allow definitive evaluation; and evidence that the contractor can satisfy the minimum requirements listed in the draft Statement of Work while in compliance with FAR 52.219-14 ("Limitations on Subcontracting"). Failure to definitively and specifically address these requirements will result in a finding that respondent lacks capability to perform the work. Responses to this notice shall be limited to ten (10) pages, and must include: 1. The following information must be included on the FACE PAGE of the submittal (the face page is not counted in the ten (10) page limit): a. Company/Organization name, b. mailing address, c. e-mail address, d. telephone and FAX numbers, e. website address (if available), f. The name, telephone number, and e-mail address of a point of contact having the authority and knowledge to clarify responses with Government representatives. g. Business size for NAICS 541690 (size standard $14 million), h. DUNS number, i. CAGE Code, j. Tax Identification Number, and company structure (Corporation, LLC, partnership, joint venture, etc.). Companies also must be registered in the SAM (www.sam.gov) to be considered as potential sources. 2. Please provide a brief statement of capability for each task area in the proposed draft SOW. 3. Describe your experience in providing data harmonization services as they relate to the requirements in the draft SOW. At a minimum, please address, briefly, each of the following items: - Any methodologies used when harmonizing data for previous, similar projects - A description of any documentation provided to the customer that accompanied the harmonized data - What methods were used for disseminating data and any supporting documentation? Please include a description of any tools used for these purposes. - What security procedures, protocols, and systems does your company have in place to assure data security? 4. Describe your company's experience harmonizing health and tobacco usage questions from nationally representative surveys. 5. How has your company recruited for the positions necessary to accomplish work of this nature similar to this requirement in the past? 6. Has FDA omitted any critical information in the associated Statement of Work that is needed? 7. Do you have any questions about the draft Statement of Work? 8. What labor categories do you recommend for the attached work? Which do you consider key personnel? 9. Do you suggest any particular evaluation criteria that would effectively allow FDA to discriminate between offerors? To the maximum extent possible, please submit non-proprietary information. Any proprietary information submitted should be identified as such and will be properly protected from disclosure. This notice is for planning purposes only, and does not constitute an Invitation for Bids, a Request for Proposals, a Solicitation, a Request for Quotes, or an indication the Government will contract for the items contained in this announcement. This request is not to be construed as a commitment on the part of the Government to award a contract, nor does the Government intend to pay for any information submitted as a result of this request. The Government will not reimburse respondents for any cost associated with submission of the information being requested or reimburse expenses incurred to interested parties for responses to this announcement. Responses to this notice must be received by Contract Specialist named in this announcement no later than 12:00 p.m. ET on March 6, 2014 for consideration. E-Mail is the only acceptable method of delivery for this sources sought notice. Responses may be emailed to sherry.rowlett@fda.hhs.gov. All email files submitted in response to this RFI should begin with the vendor name submitting the RFI response (i.e., ABCCompanyResponse to FDA-RFI-1127447.doc) Responses to this announcement will not be returned and no discussions or debriefings of any responses will occur. FDA will not acknowledge receipt of submittals to this RFI; the use of delivery and read receipts is highly encouraged. However, information obtained as a result of this announcement may be reflected in the subsequent solicitation, and FDA may contact one or more respondents for clarifications and to enhance the Government's understanding. This announcement is Government market research, and may result in revisions in both its requirements and its acquisition strategy based on industry responses. Thank you for your interest.