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Request for Qualifications: Notice of Funding Availability for FY 2020 and FY 2021

Request for Qualifications: Notice of Funding Availability for FY 2020 and FY 2021

Request for Qualifications (RFQ)

Consultant and Contractor Partner

Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 and FY 2021 Community Compass Technical Assistance and
Capacity Building Program Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA)

Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) No.: FR-6400-N-06

Established in 1998, Econometrica is an economic research and analysis firm located in Bethesda, MD, that provides research, data analytics, and management services to local, state, and federal government clients, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and its grantees. Econometrica is requesting qualifications from firms and individuals interested in participating in our application in response to HUD’s FY 2020 and FY 2021 Community Compass Technical Assistance and Capacity Building Program NOFA (Opportunity No. FR-6400-N-06).

For more information from HUD regarding the FY 2020 and FY 2021 NOFA, the full announcement is accessible at the following link: https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/SPM/documents/HUD_FY2020andFY2021_ccta.pdf.

HUD’s NOFA invites competitive applications for 2 funding years, FY 2020 and FY 2021. Econometrica intends to request funding from both funding years.

Consultant/Contractor Partner RFQ Submission Deadline

The priority deadline has passed; however, Econometrica is now accepting applications on a continuous and rolling basis. Consultants and subcontractor firms with specialized skills and experience in the areas of economic development, affordable and assisted housing programs, community development, and disaster resilience and recovery are important members of our team. Experience with HUD data systems is a plus. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. Please consider reviewing the application requirements and submitting a response to join our team.

Qualifications and Experience Required

In accordance with 2 CFR Part 200, Sections 200.317 through 200.326, Econometrica is providing in this RFQ a description of the technical requirements of functions to be performed or performance required, including the range of acceptable characteristics or minimum acceptable standards. The Community Compass initiative is designed to support HUD’s local and state grantees to address a range of challenges or obstacles to full program implementation. The goal of the technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives is to equip HUD’s grantees with the knowledge, skills, tools, organizational capacity, and systems to implement HUD programs and policies successfully and in compliance with state and federal rules, regulations, and program requirements. Therefore, Econometrica is searching for qualified firms and individuals who can provide experience and skills relevant to HUD programs, policies, systems, and initiatives. These programs, policies, systems, and initiatives include but are not limited to:

  • Affordable housing, mixed finance (including Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and Rental Assistance Demonstration), and homeownership.
  • Community and economic development and disaster resilience.
  • Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.
  • Public housing operations and programs, including public housing accounting, Moving to Work, and Section 3.
  • Choice Neighborhoods, Promise Zones, and Opportunity Zones.
  • Disaster Recovery Grant Reporting (DRGR), Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS), Line of Credit Control System (LOCCS), Section 3 Performance Evaluation and Registration System (SPEARS), Physical Needs Assessment (PNA), and Energy and Performance Information Center (EPIC).
  • Supportive housing and services.
  • Housing preservation, tenant participation, and capacity building.
  • Policy Development and Research (PD&R).
  • Fair housing, procurement, Davis-Bacon, energy and environment, and other cross-cutting requirements.
  • Workforce development.

Evaluation Criteria

All submissions received will be reviewed against the following selection criteria:

  • Experience and Technical Qualifications: The extent to which each respondent demonstrates skills and abilities related to the description above and acceptable experience with Econometrica, as applicable.
  • Rate Reasonableness: The extent to which rates are considered reasonable compared to the respondent’s experience and qualifications, market prices, and any rate limitations imposed by HUD. Before assigning a funded task, rates must be determined to be fair and reasonable. Respondents must be able to provide evidence of their past pattern of compensation. This evidence includes customary rates, including rates on non-government contracts or cooperative agreements.
    • Please note: Due to HUD restrictions on approval of hourly consultant rates of $200 or above, Econometrica may need to request additional documentation and rate justification from a consultant to provide to HUD for approval.
  • Debarment/Suspension Check: Potential consultants found to be suspended or debarred from federal government business will not be solicited for or awarded task orders. This status is verified by searching the System for Award Management: https://www.sam.gov.
  • Small Business: Econometrica is committed to utilizing small disadvantaged businesses, minority-owned firms, American Indian- and Alaska Native-owned firms, veteran-owned firms, and women’s business enterprises whenever possible.

All consultants will be selected in compliance with the procurement procedures and standards codified in 2 CFR 200. Selection of consultants will be competitive, as required by 2 CFR § 200.320.

Qualified Applicants

The qualifications and experience of selected individual consultants or partner firms may be included in Econometrica’s application to the NOFA. Those included may also be asked to assist with contributing expert knowledge in areas of the application response.

Instructions for Submission

  1. Review and respond to only the required Experience Form tab/worksheet 4 found in the attached Excel Workbook entitled “1.C. Applicant Summary, Interest, Capacity & Experience Workbook-REQUIRED.”
  2. Once you have completed the required Experience Form, email the Excel file along with the following documents to FY2020NOFA@EconometricaInc.com. Please use the subject line “Your Name – FY2020 NOFA.”
    • A scanned copy of the signed and dated Participation Agreement found in Appendix A of this RFQ.
    • Professional resumes for each individual included in the completed Experience Form.
    • Hourly rates for everyone included in the completed Experience Form.
    • Three professional references for work completed within the last 3 years. The references should be nonfamilial and not an Econometrica staff member. Please provide the following for each reference:
      • Contact name (first, last).
      • Title/role.
      • Organization.
      • Email.
      • Best phone.

The following instructions apply to the Experience Form (tab/worksheet 4) in Excel Workbook entitled “1.C. Applicant Summary, Interest, Capacity & Experience Workbook-REQUIRED”. REMEMBER you are ONLY required to complete the Experience Form. Econometrica as the Prime Applicant will complete the other tabs/worksheets.

  • For each staff person, consultant or partner organization populate the following (first and last); organization name, city, state, ZIP Code, and DUNS or unique identifier; role (in relation to you/your firm) and qualifications narrative.
  • For the qualifications narrative, provide a summary of the individual’s experience, expertise, and other qualifications relevant to the activities included in the Community Compass NOFA.
  • Use the “+” links (above the dark gray columns) to expand and show the relevant programs/topics in each HUD Office. To hide/collapse those programs/topics, use the “–” links.

Note: For each person listed, there are two steps to document years of experience:

  1. Enter the years of experience for each program/topic column.
  2. Enter the total number of unduplicated years of experience associated with each HUD program area.

For example, if Jane Doe has 5 years of experience with CDBG entitlements (2011–2016) and 8 years (2008–2016) with CDBG Disaster Recovery programs, the applicant would include 5 and 8 under the relevant program topics. Then, for the total years for the CDBG program, the applicant would include 8 years to represent unduplicated years. When entering the number of years of experience relevant to each program/topic, include only whole numbers; do not include text or decimals.

For this chart, 1 year means “10 months or more.” For instance, if a person has 9 months of experience, that person would be considered to have 0 years of experience, while a person with 5 years, 11 months of experience would be considered to have 6 years of experience.

Note: There are two columns under the Additional section that require a Yes or No response, rather than a numeric answer: the “Completed Administration and Rental Housing Compliance Certification courses” column and the “Bilingual (Spanish)” column.

Questions and Inquiries

Respondents are encouraged to submit questions about this RFQ in writing to: FY2020NOFA@EconometricaInc.com. Please use the subject line “Your Name – FY2020 NOFA Questions.”

Press contact: Jonathan Fusfield, JFusfield@EconometricaInc.com

The Econometrica Team closes out a successful first option year and looks ahead to another exciting year.

The Econometrica Team closes out a successful first option year and looks ahead to another exciting year.

Data to Action graphic

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), has awarded the Econometrica Team a second option year on the USDA Foods Trend Analysis project that will run through September 2019. This study examines the types and amounts of food ordered through USDA Foods and USDA U.S. Department of Defense Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (USDA DoD Fresh) under the National School Lunch Program.

During the first option year, the Econometrica Team conducted comprehensive descriptive analyses of the types of products ordered and order patterns through USDA Foods and USDA DoD Fresh at the national and State levels for school years (SYs) 2014–2015, 2015–2016, and 2016–2017. This work involved cleaning and assembling program administrative data, conducting analysis using SAS and Tableau, and producing a report on the findings. We developed infographics on ordering patterns for FNS program marketing and information dissemination purposes. In addition, the team developed an interactive Tableau-based dashboard for FNS and States to use in program monitoring. The dashboard contains detailed information on multiple data points that we analyzed over the course of this contract.

In the second option year, the project is expanding to include two additional years of order data (SYs 2013–2014 and 2017–2018). The project includes new analysis of USDA Foods processor inventory levels over the course of the school year to inform FNS about patterns in processor compliance with program inventory limits. We will also develop new infographics and update the Tableau dashboard with the new data. Congratulations to all on the win!

Work With Us, Work for Us

Econometrica specializes in research and management across numerous industries in both the public and private sectors. We are always looking to hire the best and brightest in data science, health, grants management, energy, homeland security, housing and community development, capital markets and finance, and transportation. We work as the lead service provider, and also as a capable outsource partner to other consultancies. To work with us on your next project, visit us online and email a member of our executive staff in your preferred specialty. To explore the benefits of working for us, visit our careers page.

Econometrica Completes Grand Rounds Contract

Econometrica Completes Grand Rounds Contract

Econometrica provided technical support, developed assessment questions, surveyed participants, and provided quarterly reports for the CMS Grand Rounds series.

Bethesda, MD, October 2018

In July, Econometrica completed 4 years of work on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Grand Rounds project, which supported CMS’ live Grand Rounds presentations through a variety of technical support and reporting services. The Grand Rounds project serves as a stellar example of Econometrica’s extensive capabilities in the learning, training, and diffusion spaces.

The Grand Rounds series convenes a group of nationally recognized experts to deliver informational presentations for CMS employees on current initiatives and innovative approaches in healthcare and healthcare policy. The presentations focus on programs that target CMS’ triple aims of improving healthcare.

The Econometrica Team’s specific project work encompassed support of the web-based transmission of live Grand Rounds presentations for virtual participants by conducting webinars and providing technical support for pre-, post-, and live event activities. The team delivered attendance data and analysis reports after Grand Rounds events and reviewed event recordings for posting on the CMS website.

Econometrica received high praise from CMS on all aspects of our work, as noted in the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting evaluation: “With customer service being a focal point for Econometrica and a real strength of theirs, their overall business behavior was outstanding. They were responsive to feedback and embodied the flexibility needed to be most responsive to changing CMS needs.”

Congratulations to the team for a job well done!

About Econometrica:

Founded in 1998, Econometrica is a research and management organization in Bethesda, MD, established to provide public- and private-sector clients with customized program support services. Econometrica works with multiple agencies to provide high-quality, cost-effective analyses, modeling, and economic evaluations. The company consistently receives exceptional scores from its clients and believes in three principles: technical capabilities, happy customers, and business growth.

With customer service being a focal point for Econometrica and a real strength of theirs, their overall business behavior was outstanding. They were responsive to feedback and embodied the flexibility needed to be most responsive to changing CMS needs.

Econometrica Wins Option Year 2 of USDA Foods Trend Analysis Project

Econometrica Wins Option Year 2 of USDA Foods Trend Analysis Project

HealthyLunchThe U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), has awarded the Econometrica Team a second option year on the USDA Foods Trend Analysis project that will run through September 2019. This study examines the types and amounts of food ordered through USDA Foods and USDA U.S. Department of Defense Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (USDA DoD Fresh) under the National School Lunch Program.

During the first option year, the Econometrica Team conducted comprehensive descriptive analyses of the types of products ordered and order patterns through USDA Foods and USDA DoD Fresh at the national and State levels for school years (SYs) 2014–2015, 2015–2016, and 2016–2017. This work involved cleaning and assembling program administrative data, conducting analysis using SAS and Tableau, and producing a report on the findings. We developed infographics on ordering patterns for FNS program marketing and information dissemination purposes. In addition, the team developed an interactive Tableau-based dashboard for FNS and States to use in program monitoring. The dashboard contains detailed information on multiple data points that we analyzed over the course of this contract.

In the second option year, the project is expanding to include two additional years of order data (SYs 2013–2014 and 2017–2018). The project includes new analysis of USDA Foods processor inventory levels over the course of the school year to inform FNS about patterns in processor compliance with program inventory limits. We will also develop new infographics and update the Tableau dashboard with the new data. Congratulations to all on the win!

About Econometrica:

Founded in 1998, Econometrica is a research and management organization in Bethesda, MD, established to provide public- and private-sector clients with customized program support services. Econometrica works with multiple agencies to provide high-quality, cost-effective analyses, modeling, and economic evaluations. The company consistently receives exceptional scores from its clients and believes in three principles: technical capabilities, happy customers, and business development.

Econometrica developed infographics on ordering patterns for FNS program marketing and information dissemination purposes.

Econometrica to Provide Research, Analytics, and Data Preparation Services to Support the Open Payments Program

Econometrica to Provide Research, Analytics, and Data Preparation Services to Support the Open Payments Program

Doctor ipadEconometrica, Inc., was recently awarded a contract by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide research, analytics, and data preparation services to support the Open Payments program.

Under this contract, Econometrica and its partner, Acumen, LLC, will prepare standing analytics and data products, analyze program compliance, and carry out ad hoc analyses and special studies as they arise.

To increase transparency, the Affordable Care Act mandated the Open Payments program to provide the public with information regarding the financial relationships between the healthcare industry—pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers and distributors—and healthcare providers—physicians and teaching hospitals.

Open Payments requires applicable manufacturers and Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs) to annually report payments and other transfers of value made to physicians and teaching hospitals. Certain information regarding the ownership or investment interests held by physicians or their immediate family members in applicable manufacturers and GPOs must also be reported. The Open Payments mandate requires CMS to compile the submitted data, check them for accuracy, and publish the data on a public website.

Increasing transparency helps improve the public’s trust in healthcare. Econometrica worked on many projects in the past with CMS, including the Development, Implementation, and Maintenance of Quality Measures for the Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly project and the Evaluation and Monitoring of the Bundled Payments for Care Improvement Model 1 Initiative. Econometrica is proud to continue working to impact the quality of care.

“Our experts in data and analytics look forward to using their skills to support the Open Payments program, serving CMS and the public,” said Cyrus Baghelai, Econometrica’s President and CEO. “In the next few years, this program will likely expand exponentially. Econometrica looks forward to supporting CMS through this transition and to providing the public with more information about how healthcare providers are being compensated by the healthcare industry.”

About Econometrica:

Founded in 1998, Econometrica is a research and management organization in Bethesda, MD, established to provide public- and private-sector clients with customized program support services. Econometrica works with multiple agencies to provide high-quality, cost-effective analyses, modeling, and economic evaluations. The company consistently receives exceptional scores from its clients and believes in three principles: technical capabilities, happy customers, and business development.

Econometrica and its partner, Acumen, LLC, will prepare standing analytics and data products, analyze program compliance, and carry out ad hoc analyses and special studies as they arise.