U.S. Department of Labor, Procurement Services Center, Business Operations Center, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-5416, Washington, DC 20210

A -- RESEARCH IN SURVEY DESIGN AND DATA COLLECTION PROCEDURES SOL RFI TN 00-02 DUE 110499 POC Leonard L. Bednar, Contract Negotiator, (202) 219-6445, Phyllis R. McMeekin, Contracting Officer This is a market survey to locate qualified sources to perform survey methods research in support of the data collection activities of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and to determine if the proposed work could be performed by small business. The BLS is the principal fact-finding agency for the federal government in the broad field of labor economics and statistics. As such, it collects, processes, analyzes, and disseminates essential statistical data to the American public, Congress, other federal agencies, state and local governments, business, and labor. It is anticipated that the survey method research activities required of the Contractor will include the following general tasks: Computer-Assisted Data Collection, questionnaire design and analysis, methodological studies, nonresponse analysis and enhancement, and general mathematical/statistical applications. Research objectives will be specified through the use of task orders that include clearly defined deliverables and time lines. To elaborate on the general tasks, a conversion to computer-assisted data collection methodology (CADC) is underway for one of the most complex surveys conducted by the federal government: the Consumer Expenditures Survey (Quarterly and Diary). Required expertise in CADC methodologies would include knowledge and experience with computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) systems (e.g., CASES and Blaise), computer-assisted self interviewing (CASI), use of scanners, and web-based (Internet) surveys. The Consumer Expenditure Surveys provide critical input to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and a successful conversion to automated data collection is a long-term strategic objective. Questionnaire design studies might address the best approaches for collecting expenditure data from respondents using a diary. The design and use of diaries pose one of the most difficult challenges in survey research, since diaries typically suffer from high nonresponse and data quality problems. Key methodological and questionnaire-design issues for the Consumer Expenditures Surveys include: methods of accurately measuring income, approaches for identifying new types of expenditures, determining the optimal content and order of questionnaire sections, handling missing data, imputation, and sample design. Telephone survey research will be required to analyze and improve response rates, improve the timeliness of nonresponse follow-up, and to accurately measure and reduce measurement error, including a focus on issues related to the sample frame, collection methodology, and sample design and estimation. The general issue of enhancing survey methodology in establishment/business surveys will be addressed through a variety of research approaches. These might include the use of brainstorming, focus groups, think-aloud protocols, cognitive testing, tailoring surveys, new nonresponse follow-up procedures, reinterview research, on-line (web surveys), response analysis surveys, and even the application of artificial intelligence (e.g., expert systems) to the interviewing task. Finally, research support will require general mathematical statistical applications, including the development, application, and refinement of both micro- and macro-levels measures of quality. The SIC code and size standard for the proposed work are 8732 and $5 million, respectively. Vendors interested in performing this project must submit a Statement of Qualifications that identifies (1) The vendor's experience and expertise in the aforementioned research activities, and (2) The qualifications of persons who would be assigned to these research tasks. The Project Director will serve as the liaison between the Contractor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Project Director must be a senior member of the Contractor's organization with training and/or expertise in survey research methodology and experience in managing multidisciplinary efforts. At least six (6) years of experience working on the previously described projects is required. The Project Director must have a Ph.D. or equivalent experience in one of the following disciplines: statistics, sociology, psychology, anthropology, or another social science. In addition, Senior Survey Methodologists (Social Science Analysts), Survey Methodologists, and Junior Survey Methodologists will be required to perform work of a technically complex nature. Senior Survey Methodologists will be responsible for directing and reviewing the work of Survey Methodologists and Junior Survey Methodologists. Senior Survey Methodologists shall be senior professionals with training in social science research methodology and experience in conducting survey research. These individuals shall also have experience with data collection and processing methodologies, especially as they pertain to quality control and process. Each individual in this category shall have a Ph.D. or equivalent experience in one of the following disciplines: statistics, sociology, psychology, anthropology, or another social science. In addition, they shall have at least six (6) yearsof experience working on projects similar to those described above. Survey Methodologists will work under the supervision of Senior Survey Methodologists and may direct the performance of one or more elements of a study: for example, implementing survey methods, conducting interviews, developing data collection or data analytic procedures, completing literature reviews, programming CAI instruments, implementing cognitive laboratory techniques, etc. Survey Methodologists shall have at least two (2) years of experience in questionnaire design, data collection, and analysis procedures. In addition, they shall have an M.A. or equivalent experience in one of the following disciplines: statistics, sociology, psychology, anthropology, or another social science. Junior Survey Methodologists shall be capable of performing work requiring familiarity with survey methodological or related social science technical skills. They will work under the direction of more senior staff and implement data collection and analysis procedures, assist in report writing activities, assist with evaluation activities, etc. These individuals shall have a B.A. or equivalent in scientific or mathematical studies and have demonstrated capabilities in research or technical writing. Qualifications of the Project Director, the Senior Survey Methodologist, and the Survey Methodologist must be furnished in the form of a resume (one per labor category). Information on the vendor's experience must be in the form of synopses, with each synopsis identifying the work that was performed, the time period (dates) during which it was performed, the name and address of the client, and the point of contact (name and telephone number) at the client. The Statement of Qualifications must be provided in triplicate and transmitted under a cover letter. The cover letter must cite the number of this market survey (RFI TN 00-02), and it must state whether the respondent is a large or small business concern based on the aforementioned SIC code and size standard. Respondents that are small business concerns must also state whether they are small disadvantaged businesses and/or small woman-owned businesses. The closing date for the receipt of responses is November 4, 1999. Send your response (original and two copies) to the attention of Mr. Leonard Bednar at the U.S. Department of Labor, Procurement Services Center, Room N5416, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20210. The Government reserves the right to compete any acquisition resulting from this survey among small businesses or to make the award to an (8)a firm, based on the responses received. This synopsis is for planning purposes only and does not commit the Government to pay for the information requested, issue a solicitation, or award a contract. No technical or solicitation documents exist at this time. All firms/organizations that submit responses will be included in the distribution of any subsequent solicitation. Posted 10/21/99 (W-SN393810). (0294)

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