USDA, Food and Consumer Service, Contract Management Branch, 3101 Park Center Dr., Rm. 914, Alexandria, VA 22302

D -- FOOD STAMP PROGRAM MICROSIMULATION AND RELATED ANALYSES FOR ESTIMATION COSTS AND PARTICIPATION SOL FCS 96-017LMP DUE 071596 POC Lisa Parrett, Contract Specialist, (703) 305-2250 Elaine Lynn, Contracting Officer, (703) 305-2250. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Consumer Service (FCS) plans to award a contract for ''Microsimulation and Related Analyses for Estimating Costs and Participation.'' The purpose of the contract is to obtain technical and statistical support and products needed for estimating the costs and distributional impacts of potential Food Stamp Program (FSP) changes, performing short-turnaround analyses of current food stamp-related issues, conducting periodic analyses of FSP participation and household characteristics, and researching ways to improve future analytic capacities. The contract requires the use and enhancement of computer simulation models employing microeconomic data on households and individuals, including those participating in and eligible for the FSP. Work also involves statistical analysis, data file development, and technical reviews of other studies. FCS anticipates that the contract will require expertise from specialists in economics, statistics and large-scale microsimulation models. Knowlege of income assistance programs in general, and the FSP in particular, is desirable. The total period of performance will be 39 months, which includes a base period and three option periods. The Request for Proposals (RFP) will be released on or about May 14, 1996 and offers will be due on or about July 15, 1996. All qualified organizations interested in receiving a copy of the RFP when it is issued MUST submit their request in writing and MUST include four (4) self-addressed mailing labels. Telephonic or faxed requests will not be honored. (0123)

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