Statistical Research Support Services

Attachment 1 Performance Work Statement and QASP Statistical Research Support Services - NASS Page 1 of 6 1. GENERAL 1.1. Purpose: The Research and Development Division (RDD) requires contractor support to provide advanced statistical and data science research supporting NASS modernization initiatives. 1.2. Background: NASS continues to modernize the production of official agricultural statistics by incorporating advanced statistical methods, artificial intelligence, and diverse data sources while maintaining scientific integrity, confidentiality, transparency, and reproducibility. 1.3. Scope of Work: The Prime Contractor shall provide all personnel, transportation (including travel,) labor, and supervision necessary to perform Statistical Research Support Services according to this Performance Work Statement and QASP. The Contractor shall provide two key personnel: (1) one full-time Senior Research Statistician and (2) one part-time Senior Scientific Advisor. Research shall include small-area estimation, Bayesian modeling, integration of survey, administrative and geospatial data, record linkage and entity resolution, machine learning, AI-assisted geospatial harmonization, large language models (LLMs), adaptive survey design, automated diagnostics, disclosure avoidance, and reproducible research workflows. 1.4. Expected Outcome: NASS will obtain a dedicated research team that develops production-ready statistical methodologies, software, and documentation for operational implementation. The Senior Research Statistician will perform day-to-day research while the Senior Scientific Advisor provides strategic scientific leadership, mentoring, and independent technical review. 1.5. This is a performance-based requirement, the contractor shall perform to the requirements and standards established by this PWS. 1.6. All in scope requirements are Firm Fixed Price. This is not a Time and Materials requirement. 1.7. The contractor shall perform all work described in this Performance Work Statement in accordance with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and codes. 1.8. Place of Performance: USDA/NASS Headquarters, USDA South, Room 6054, 1400 Independent Ave., SW, Washington, D.C. 20050. Telework is limited and only authorized by the Contracting Officer in writing. No telework is allowed outside of the United States. See clause at AGAR 452.207-70 in the terms and conditions. 1.9. Period of Performance: The period of performance (PoP) shall be for one (1) Base Year of 12 months and four 12-month option years. 1.10. Duty Hours: Business Days unless otherwise specified by the COR or Contracting Officer and bilaterally agreed to via contract modification. 1.11. Government Provided: 1.11.1. Government Provided Information (GFI): network access, approved software, data. 1.11.2. Workspace at the Place of Performance. 1.11.3. Government issued computer. See applicable FAR and AGAR clauses for clarification on security and privacy requirements. 1.12. Invoicing and Payment: -- 1 of 6 -- Attachment 1 Performance Work Statement and QASP Statistical Research Support Services - NASS Page 2 of 6 1.12.1. The "Submit Invoice-to" address for USDA orders is the Department of Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform (IPP). 1.12.2. All invoices shall be submitted via the electronic Invoice Processing Platform. This is a mandatory requirement initiated by the U.S. Department of Treasury. More information is available at https://www.ipp.gov. The Department of Treasury is the point of contact for all IPP Collector account inquiries. 1.12.3. Payment is in arrears pursuant to the clause at FAR 52.212-4. Note FAR 52.212-4 (i)(1) Items accepted. Payment shall be made for items accepted by the Government that have been delivered to the delivery destinations set forth in this contract. 1.12.4. Payment will not be made for service in advance of delivery. 1.12.5. The invoice cycle is at minimum monthly. 1.12.6. Advance invoice approval is not required, as required approval tiers exist in IPP. 2. DEFINITIONS 2.1. CLIN – Contract Line Item, numbered. Established in the solicitation schedule, will start with “0001.” 2.2. Program Office Administrative Officer – USDA Employee Location/Program Office administrative representative identified by the Contracting Officer at point of award. The Program Office Administrative Officer may not be physically located at the Place of Performance. 2.3. Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)– USDA Employee Technical representative appointed by the Contracting Officer to monitor, evaluate, and communicate to the CO the Contractor’s performance in complying with contract requirements in an efficient and timely manner. 2.4. Privity of Contract - Contract service providers shall be accountable solely to the Prime Contractor, who, in turn, is responsible to the Government. For the purposes of this requirement, any reference to “contractor” is referring to the Prime Contractor. 2.5. Full Time – At least 40 hours per week ‘Business Days.’ Includes fringe, conferences, and IDC (Indirect Costs) 2.6. Part Time – 20 hours per week or less. Includes fringe, conferences, and IDC (Indirect Costs) 2.7. ‘Calendar Days’- Every single day on the calendar (12 AM to 11:59 PM), including weekends, holidays, and non-working days. 2.8. ‘Business Days’ – Standard business days 9AM to 4:30PM Eastern with holiday exceptions as noted: Listed below are official Government holidays: New Year’s Day January 1* Martin L. King Birthday Third Monday in January President's Day Third Monday in February Memorial Day Last Monday in May Juneteenth As Indicated Independence Day July 4* -- 2 of 6 -- Attachment 1 Performance Work Statement and QASP Statistical Research Support Services - NASS Page 3 of 6 Labor Day First Monday in September Columbus Day Second Monday in October Veterans Day November 11* Thanksgiving Day Fourth Thursday in November Christmas Day December 25* Or when the USDA-ARS facility is closed …