Request for Information (RFI) 49100424K0015 to support potential "Unified Network for Innovative Technology and Engineering" (UNITE) NSF-Wide Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA)

This is not a request for proposal (RFP) or request for quotation (RFQ) and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract. Market Research is being conducted at this time for the sole purpose of determining interest and capability of potential sources currently available to mee the needs of National Science Foundation. 

BACKGROUND / PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Introduction: The National Science Foundation (NSF) seeks to enhance its operational efficiency and innovation capabilities through the establishment of a new Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) titled Unified Network for Innovative Technology and Engineering (UNITE). This initiative is designed to streamline procurement processes, leverage advanced technologies, and foster strategic partnerships. By introducing UNITE, the NSF aims to significantly improve how it acquires administrative, technical, and professional services. This BPA will be a utilitarian means for supporting the NSF’s diverse and resilient federal marketplace, driving procurement cost savings, and creating a broad-spectrum contract vehicle that leverages the broad talents of Small disadvantaged vehicles.

Background: The NSF currently faces challenges in swiftly adapting to technological advancements and efficiently managing its procurement processes. Existing processes face challenges that can affect the efficiency and effectiveness of overall performance, such as duplication of effort, complex and lengthy procurement processes, limited flexibility, contract management and oversight challenges, budget constraints, etc., which can hinder the NSF's ability to support cutting-edge innovation effectively. The idea for UNITE emerged from an extensive review of these challenges, coupled with the recognition of an opportunity to consolidate services under a single BPA framework. UNITE was conceptualized through a collaborative initiative between the Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) and the Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIP) divisions partnering on the SEATS Contract. The collaboration aimed to significantly enhance research and educational efforts within computer and information science and engineering fields, foster interdisciplinary collaborations, support investigator-led projects, cultivate a technologically proficient workforce, advance national cyber infrastructure, and facilitate research and educational activities. Establishing the UNITE BPA is a proactive step towards modernizing procurement and addressing the NSF’s small business goals.

Objectives: The National Science Foundation (NSF) enterprise-wide UNITE BPA enables NSF to efficiently access pre-qualified teams of Small Business Contractor Teaming Arrangements (CTA) contractors (partnered with small and large business subcontractors) to provide best-value solutions to meet technical, engineering, and programmatic type services.

The BPA is comprised of the following four BPA Task Areas:

Professional Services - Business Administrative Services

-  NAICS 541611 - Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

Professional Services - Technical and Engineering Services (non-IT)

-  NAICS 541330 - Engineering Services

-  NAICS 541990 - All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Professional Services – Training

-  NAICS 611430 - Professional and Management Development Training

Professional Services - Marketing and Public Relations

-  561920 - Convention and Trade Show Organizersj