2027 & 2029 NCSES Survey of Science and Engineering Research Facilities Sources Sought

Background
The National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) within the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is responsible for collecting, maintaining, and disseminating information on science and engineering resources in the United States. This acquisition aims to collect and tabulate data from research-performing colleges and universities on their science and engineering research facilities for the FY 2027 and FY 2029 survey cycles.

The NCSES has conducted this survey biennially since 1986, following a mandate from Congress to document the status of research facilities in major fields of science and engineering.

Work Details
The contractor will perform the following tasks: conduct the FY 2027 and FY 2029 survey cycles; maintain a database of individual institution data; generate detailed tables; prepare and deliver data files to NCSES; format cumulative data files for NCSES databases; conduct research on survey design and methodologies; prepare documentary information including methodology reports, technical notes, imputation memos, and survey overviews.

Specific tasks include: initial meetings, transition plans, survey management plans, revising data collection instruments, OMB survey clearance support, collecting data via a web-based instrument with a target response rate of at least 95%, preparing table shells for data tables, producing final data files, delivering microdata and associated files to NCSES by specified deadlines, preparing public use files without confidential variables, sending thank you letters to respondents, imputing nonresponse data, producing detailed tables with technical notes, conducting ad hoc analyses as requested by NCSES, updating methodology reports based on project activities.

Period of Performance
Data collection will begin by October 27, 2027 for the FY 2027 cycle and by October 24, 2029 for the FY 2029 cycle.

Place of Performance
The work will primarily be performed in Alexandria VA 22314 UNITED STATES at NSF or virtually as determined by the COR.

Bidder Requirements
Bidders must demonstrate experience with federal statistical surveys and possess qualified personnel capable of handling confidential data. All staff working with confidential data must sign an NCSES Data Use Agreement. Additionally, contractors must comply with federal confidentiality laws such as CIPSEA and FISMA.

Incumbent Analysis (see Incumbents section for more detail)
This opportunity appears to have a confirmed incumbent based on the prior contract GS00F009DA-49100423F0028 awarded to Westat for “Survey of Science and Engineering Research Facilities” survey cycles (02/16/23–04/15/27) valued at $2,911,899. The current requirement similarly calls for conducting NCSES science and engineering research facilities survey cycles, maintaining institution-level data, producing tables and data files for NCSES, and performing related survey methodology and documentation activities, which suggests the FY 2027 and FY 2029 efforts are a continuation of the same survey program.