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

R -- ECONOMICS/MANAGEMENT STUDY OF KNOWLEDGE NETWORKS IN INNOVATING FIRMS, BASED ON CURRENT "STATE-OF-ART" RESEARCH UNDERSTANDING SOL 53SBNB867126 DUE 092198 POC Diane M. Loeb, (301) 975-6399, Fax (301) 963-7732, or e-mail:dloeb@nist.gov WEB: NIST Contracts Homepage, http://www.nist.gov/admin/od/contract/contract.htm. E-MAIL: NIST Contracts Office, Contract@nist.gov. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with Wharton School, Univ. of Penn., Philadelphia, PA 19104. The requirement is to conduct an economics/management study of knowledge networks in innovating firms, based on current "state of the art" research understanding. The study will examine knowledge diffusion and inter-organizational learning among highly innovative firms with business network ties. The study must draw on existing frontier economics/management research understanding, and will entail case study analysis of specific firms. The Wharton School is a first-tier graduate school of business management with established academic researchers with specific expertise and experience in the study of high technology firms, innovation, business networks, inter-firm knowledge diffusion and learning. The Wharton School has the experience required in case study research, specific expertise relating to firms in the biotechnology sector and the automotive industry, and has a proven record of significant publications in refereed academic journals. The study is to be completed within 12 months. This action is being done under Simplified Acquisition Procedures. No solicitation package will be issued. A Request for Quotation (RFQ) will be issued to the Wharton School. The anticipated award date is September 25, 1998. In accordance with FAR 5.207(e)(3), Numbered Note 22, DOES NOT APPLY. If you have any questions regarding this announcement, please contact Diane Loeb at the telephone number identified above. Posted 09/10/98 (W-SN247895). (0253)

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