National Institute of Standards & Technology, Acquisition & Assistance Div., Bldg. 301, Rm B117, Gaithersburg, MD 20899

B -- MANUFACTURING EXTENSION PARTNERSHIP (MEP) STUDIES SOL 52SBNB7C1217 DUE 081497 POC Linda Shariati, Contracting Officer, (301)975-5053 WEB: NIST Contracts Homepage, http://www.nist.gov/admin/od/contract/contract.htm. E-MAIL: NIST Contracts Office, Contract@nist.gov. This is a small business set aside under SIC code 8742; The size standard applicable to this procurement is $5 million (average annual receipts for preceding 3 fiscal years). The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Program Development Division, intends to award a follow-on contract to Michael Stone, 208 Lafayette Center, Suite 11, Kennebunk, ME. for market research data, a product and service plan, and implementation of the product and service plan/pilot study (ies) or projects in association with previous studies conducted for NIST under contract number 50SBNB5C8646. Contract number 50SBNB5C8646 was for the performance of all necessary analysis to obtain explicit data regarding factors that affect small manufacturers' competitiveness behavior and decision making process. It included: Industry analyses that reveal technology leverage points for assistance to small and medium-size manufacturing enterprises (SMEs); Analysis of the operating environment and channels of distribution for modernization technology and consultant expertise to small manufacturers; and, Identification and characterization of the relationships between Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), primes and suppliers throughout the supply chain to understand the demands for new technology and manufacturing practices that are affecting the competitiveness of SMEs. The work conducted under contract number 50SBNB5C8646 took a period of two years to complete. The work to be performed under this follow-on contract is dependent on the work performed under contract number 50SBNB5C8646. Under contract number 50SBNB5C8646, Mr. Stone's analysis included confidential interviews with over 160 small manufacturer to identify major market gaps where new technologies have not successfully penetrated the small manufacturing market and determining what drives those gaps. The knowledge that has been gained through the previous contract is critical to the performance of this new contract; Much of the critical knowledge is imbedded in Mr. Stone because of the nature of the confidential interviewing and analysis process. Evaluations of the strategies and capabilities of over 20 MEP centers in the area of revenue generation strategies, business practices and strategies, plans for sunset and self-sufficiency, marketing capability and strategy, service delivery models, and service delivery approach and capability were obtained under the prior contract. The need for additional work was not anticipated at the time that contract number 50SBNB5C8646 was awarded because the anticipated results and the actual results from the analysis conducted differed extensively. The Government requires a Key Personnel with: 7 years experience conducting market research/analysis, strategic planning, briefings and workshops, and business strategic development; Familiarization with the current products and services for improving the performance of small manufacturers; and Knowledge of the operations and functions of manufacturing extension organizations. This contract will be for a base period of 12 months after contract award and include four option periods consisting of 12 months. A task order will be issued with the initial contract award. This task order will be for the development of a product and service plan that will guide the MEP in the development, acquisition, and delivery of new revenue generating products and services and align products and services with market needs -- pinpoint gaps in the product line or niches where other service providers are weak or non-existent -- and determine the products and/or services that should be developed or acquired. The plan shall allow the MEP to communicate a larger vision to the MEP extension centers which integrates a wide range of individual product/service offerings into a coherent framework. The Government anticipates awarding an indefinite delivery indefinite quantity contract. The minimum for the base year is $100,000.00 and the maximum is $900,000. The same minimum and maximum is established for each option period, if the option period is exercised. A Request for Proposal (RFP) will be issued to Michael Stone. The anticipated award date is August 29, 1997. Numbered Notes 1, 22, and 26 apply. (0182)

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