1. 1 “Building A Better Bid” U.S. Census Bureau Experience Thanks to Ellen Weiser National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST/U.S. Dep’t of Commerce A Fellow Fed and Member of CMMA!

2. 2 Special Considerations for Government Procurement FAR (Federal Acquisitions Regulations) regulates govt. procurement Agency approaches may differ Must work with procurement office (find a friend)

3. 3 Performance-Based Contracting

4. 4 The FAR states that when preparing statements of work: “Agencies shall, to the maximum extent practicable-describe the work in terms of the required results rather than either ‘how’ the work is to be completed or the number of hours to be provided.” Federal Acquisition Regulation, Section 37.602 (b), http://acquisition.gov/far/index.html

5. 5 Performance-Based Contracting Govt. decides what performance or service they want….contractor decides how to get there. As opposed to design-based As opposed to design-based Affects how bid specifications are written Affects how bid specifications are written

6. 6 Performance-Based Contracting Why Use It? Holds contractor accountable to END results Encourages creativity

7. 7 Example: RFP covering production of VNR’s (March 2004) SOW states: “Objectives of this VNR campaign are to increase awareness of the work of the U.S. Census Bureau….”

8. 8 Example: RFP covering production of VNR’s (March 2004) SOW lists two goals: -Accomplish placement of VNR’s… -Establish baseline targets of viewers, airings and placements…

9. 9 Example: RFP covering production of VNR’s (March 2004) SOW Specific Tasks Intro: “Contractor shall be responsible for developing a comprehensive (yearly) plan to line produce…etc.”

10. 10 Example: RFP covering production of VNR’s (March 2004) SOW Specific Tasks includes: -“Recommend/develop” -“Perform standard research” -“Place pitch calls” -“Recommend improvements…”

11. 11 Example: RFP covering production of VNR’s (March 2004) SOW Resources: “Contractor shall supply all labor, production facilities, … and all related services as required.”

12. 12 Example: RFP covering production of VNR’s (March 2004) SOW Work Procedures : Census Bureau shall provide data…. and clearance of material Contractor shall collaborate with Census Bureau …and provide materials for review

13. 13 Example: RFP covering production of VNR’s (March 2004) End Results for this set of VNR’s: Consistent 200-plus total airings, including all major markets 12-million viewers minimum