Sole-Source Justification for Innovative Program Experimentation and Research using Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items

1. This sole source justification is prepared in accordance with Federal Acquistion Regulation (FAR) 13.106-1(b)(1), by the Small Business Administration, Office of Financial Operations & Acquistion Management  (OCFO), Acquistion Operations Division in conjuction with the Office of Investment and Innovation (OII).

2. The anticipated award date is 27 Sept 2024 as a Firm Fixed Price.

3. Request for Proposal (RFP) #: 73351024R0013 

4. Period of Performance will be one 12-month base period, two 12-month option periods and an optional 6-month extension.

5. Total requirement, with options, is estimated to cost $95,121.25.

6. This acquisition is restricted to the following vendor/contractor:

Company: Innovation Growth Lab (IGL) dba Nesta
UEI: WTW2W8KJKKD8

7. NAICS: 813219 - Other Grantmaking and Giving Services

8. PSC: R499 - Support - Professional: Other

9. This requirement, Innovative Program Experimentation and Research, consist of: 

• Assisting IIED with the development and implementation of real-time evaluation efforts
(program experiments) done through randomized controlled trials, the real-time evaluation
efforts will be focused on IIED policies and programs, mainly GAFC and the RIC Initiative;
• Reporting to IIED the outcomes from the real-time evaluation efforts done through randomized
controlled trials and provide recommendations for program improvements;
• Disseminating outcomes to a network of subject matter experts for review, validation (or
disagreement), and adaptation; and
• Providing access to a growing community of researchers that design and run these specific types
of experiments to generate evidence related to specific policies and programs.

9. Market Research was conducted via GSA e-library utilizing key word searches and via SAM.gov, as well as via communication with other federal agencies, including the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration, and SBA’s Office of Strategic Management and Enterprise Integrity, which led to the determination that IGL is uniquely qualified for this work. Although many vendors were identified, it was determined that none were found specific to real-time, hands-on experimentation, encompassing economic policy, development, and research in one, with global networking capabilities.

10. Please see attachment for additional information.

Contracting Officer:

Tracie J. Gutierrez, email tracie.gutierrez@sba.gov

Contracting Specialist:

E. Elaine Connor, email esther.connor@sba.gov