Contracting With NSF - About NSF | NSF - National Science Foundation

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class="usa-nav__submenu-item researchgov"> <a href="https://www.research.gov/"> <span>Research.gov</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item nsf-public-access-repository-par"> <a href="https://par.nsf.gov/"> <span>NSF Public Access Repository (PAR)</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item our-directorates--offices"> <a href="https://new.nsf.gov/about/directorates-offices"> <span>Our Directorates & Offices</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item search-funded-projects-awards"> <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/"> <span>Search Funded Projects (Awards)</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item focus-areas"> <button type="button" class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link " aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="basic-mega-nav-section-3"> <span>Focus Areas</span> </button> <div id="basic-mega-nav-section-3" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu" hidden=""> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-3"> <div class="usa-col "> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <span class="usa-nav__submenu-item-dupe-parent">Areas We Fund</span> </div> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item arctic--antarctic"> <a href="https://new.nsf.gov/focus-areas/arctic-antarctic"> <span>Arctic & Antarctic</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item astronomy--space"> <a href="https://new.nsf.gov/focus-areas/astronomy-space"> <span>Astronomy & Space</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item biology"> <a href="https://new.nsf.gov/focus-areas/biology"> <span>Biology</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item chemistry"> <a href="https://new.nsf.gov/focus-areas/chemistry"> <span>Chemistry</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item computing"> <a href="https://new.nsf.gov/focus-areas/computing"> <span>Computing</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item diversity-in-stem"> <a href="https://new.nsf.gov/funding/initiatives/broadening-participation"> <span>Diversity in 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href="https://new.nsf.gov/focus-areas/people-society"> <span>People & Society</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item physics-"> <a href="https://new.nsf.gov/focus-areas/physics"> <span>Physics </span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item research-partnerships"> <a href="https://new.nsf.gov/focus-areas/research-partnerships"> <span>Research Partnerships</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item technology"> <a href="https://new.nsf.gov/focus-areas/technology"> <span>Technology</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item explore-all-focus-areas"> <a href="https://new.nsf.gov/focus-areas"> <span>Explore all Focus Areas</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="usa-col "> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <span class="usa-nav__submenu-item-dupe-parent">Additional Resources</span> </div> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item explore-our-impacts"> <a href="https://new.nsf.gov/impacts"> <span>Explore Our Impacts</span> </a> 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a2a_s__default a2a_s_linkedin" style="background-color: #0076d6; width: 24px; height: 24px;"><span class="visually-hidden">LinkedIn</span><svg fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 32 32"><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M25.4281 6.5719C22.9276 4.07141 19.5362 2.66666 16 2.66666 8.63622 2.66666 2.66669 8.63619 2.66669 16c0 7.3638 5.96953 13.3333 13.33331 13.3333 7.3638 0 13.3334-5.9695 13.3334-13.3333 0-3.5362-1.4048-6.92762-3.9053-9.4281ZM9.77791 12.4444v9.7778h2.66669v-9.7778H9.77791Zm-.22223-2.6951c0 .8658.69692 1.568 1.55552 1.568.8596 0 1.5556-.7022 1.5556-1.568 0-.86577-.6969-1.568-1.5556-1.568-.8586 0-1.55552.70223-1.55552 1.568ZM20.4446 22.2222h2.6666v-6.008c0-4.6693-4.9813-4.4996-6.2222-2.2009v-1.5689h-2.6666v9.7778h2.6666v-4.9813c0-2.7672 3.5556-2.9938 3.5556 0v4.9813Z" fill="#0076D6"/></svg></span></a><a class="a2a_button_email"><span class="a2a_svg a2a_s__default a2a_s_email" style="background-color: #0076d6; width: 24px; height: 24px;"><span class="visually-hidden">Email</span><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24" width="24"><path d="M0 0h24v24H0z" fill="none"/><path d="M20 4H4c-1.1 0-1.99.9-1.99 2L2 18c0 1.1.9 2 2 2h16c1.1 0 2-.9 2-2V6c0-1.1-.9-2-2-2zm0 4l-8 5-8-5V6l8 5 8-5v2z" fill="#0076D6"/></svg></span></a></span> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region layout__region--second"> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockcomponent-text nsf-component"> <section class="text__container"> <div class="body-1"><p>Each year, the U.S. National Science Foundation spends a large proportion of its budget acquiring goods and services from the private sector.</p> <ul> </ul></div> <div class="text__content text-formatted"><p>NSF commonly procures the major categories of supplies and services listed below:</p> <ul> <li>Scientific studies.</li> <li>Applied research.</li> <li>Educational research.</li> <li>Audit services.</li> <li>Facilities maintenance.</li> <li>IT hardware, software, maintenance and integration; telecommunications and other technical support.</li> <li>Logistics, operations and maintenance support for ocean drilling and operations in polar regions.</li> </ul></div> </section> </div> <section data-component-id="nsf_theme:related-links" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockrelated-links-with-files nsf-component"> <div class="related-links nsf-component related-links--bullets"> <h2 class="headline--left header-two-as-three headline-callout "> On this page </h2> <ul class="link-list"> <li class="link-list__item"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--attachment paragraph--view-mode--ief-table"> <div class="grid-col-fill"> <div class="field field-para-attachment-link"><a href="#opportunities">Find contracting opportunities</a></div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="link-list__item"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--attachment paragraph--view-mode--ief-table"> <div class="grid-col-fill"> <div class="field field-para-attachment-link"><a href="#process">NSF's acquisition process</a></div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="link-list__item"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--attachment paragraph--view-mode--ief-table"> <div class="grid-col-fill"> <div class="field field-para-attachment-link"><a href="#types">Award types</a></div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="link-list__item"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--attachment paragraph--view-mode--ief-table"> <div class="grid-col-fill"> <div class="field field-para-attachment-link"><a href="#instruments">Instrument types</a></div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="link-list__item"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--attachment paragraph--view-mode--ief-table"> <div class="grid-col-fill"> <div class="field field-para-attachment-link"><a href="#who">Who to contact</a></div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="link-list__item"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--attachment paragraph--view-mode--ief-table"> <div class="grid-col-fill"> <div class="field field-para-attachment-link"><a href="#inventory">NSF service contract inventory</a></div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="link-list__item"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--attachment paragraph--view-mode--ief-table"> <div class="grid-col-fill"> <div class="field field-para-attachment-link"><a href="#resources">Additional resources</a></div> </div> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </section> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout-container--wrapper nsf-layout nsf-layout--base constrained-width"> <div class = "nsf-layout--outer"> <div class = "nsf-layout--inner"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--main"> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockcomponent-text nsf-component"> <section class="text__container"> <div class="body-1"><p><a name="opportunities"></a></p></div> </section> </div> <div class="card-dark-blue card-dark-blue--horizontal block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockcomponent-featured-content" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockcomponent-featured-content" data-media-id="8210" data-is-footer-caption-credit data-src="https://nsf-gov-resources.nsf.gov/2023-01/machines.png?VersionId=jCkg_xOECDng4B.pA5VFnXBCdQMF57My" data-footer-caption-credit-src="https://nsf-gov-resources.nsf.gov/styles/image_credit_caption_block_130x78_/s3/2023-01/machines.png?VersionId=CCATIk1Cl9yh4.J94Mst3GrnOgoUlLyK&amp;itok=PQuWgjco" data-caption="Researchers can change the patterns of a surface and adjust the surface's properties." data-credit="Muza Productions/Princeton University" data-component-id="nsf_theme:card-dark-blue"> <div class="card-dark-blue__inner"> <div class="card-dark-blue__content fullwidth"> <div class="card-dark-blue__image"> <div class="card-dark-blue__image--image"> <picture> <source srcset="https://nsf-gov-resources.nsf.gov/styles/featured_content_tablet/s3/2023-01/machines.png.webp?VersionId=7Aj3JL67qlchzqetoWg8MKe7pN06rrS2&itok=CoUORJeA 1x" media="all and (min-width: 640px)" type="image/webp" width="500" height="324"/> <source srcset="https://nsf-gov-resources.nsf.gov/styles/featured_content_mobile/s3/2023-01/machines.png.webp?VersionId=v7jjGY2TzZqDZmYfjQOGJcMvmbSm_lW1&itok=u-kOWGau 1x" media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="595" height="400"/> <source srcset="https://nsf-gov-resources.nsf.gov/styles/featured_content_tablet/s3/2023-01/machines.png?VersionId=7Aj3JL67qlchzqetoWg8MKe7pN06rrS2&itok=CoUORJeA 1x" media="all and (min-width: 640px)" type="image/png" width="500" height="324"/> <source srcset="https://nsf-gov-resources.nsf.gov/styles/featured_content_mobile/s3/2023-01/machines.png.webp?VersionId=v7jjGY2TzZqDZmYfjQOGJcMvmbSm_lW1&itok=u-kOWGau 1x" media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="595" height="400"/> <img src="https://nsf-gov-resources.nsf.gov/styles/featured_content_tablet/s3/2023-01/machines.png?VersionId=7Aj3JL67qlchzqetoWg8MKe7pN06rrS2&itok=CoUORJeA" width="500" height="324" alt="machines working on a black texture" loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <span role="img" aria-label="machines working on a black texture" class="card-dark-blue__background-image" style="background-image: url(https://nsf-gov-resources.nsf.gov/styles/featured_content_tablet/s3/2023-01/machines.png?VersionId=7Aj3JL67qlchzqetoWg8MKe7pN06rrS2&itok=CoUORJeA);"></span> </div> <div class="card-dark-blue__text"> <h3> <a href="https://sam.gov/content/opportunities">Find NSF contracting opportunities</a> </h3> <p>NSF’s current contracting opportunities and announcements can be found on SAM.gov. </p> <a href="https://sam.gov/content/opportunities" title="Go to SAM.gov" class="link-button usa-button usa-button--outline usa-button--inverse " > Go to SAM.gov </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="palette palette--light-gray layout-container--wrapper nsf-layout nsf-layout--threecol full-browser-width"> <div class="nsf-layout--outer"> <div class="nsf-layout--inner"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--headline"> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockcomponent-text nsf-component"> <section class="text__container"> <div class="body-1"><p><a name="process"></a></p></div> <div class="text__content text-formatted"><h2>NSF's acquisition process</h2></div> </section> </div> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockcomponent-text nsf-component"> <section class="text__container"> <div class="text__content text-formatted"><p>Acquisition at NSF typically takes three steps:</p></div> </section> </div> </div> </div> <div class="nsf-layout--inner"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--first"> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockcomponent-text nsf-component"> <section class="text__container"> <div class="text__content text-formatted"><h3>Solicitation</h3> <p>NSF issues a solicitation on <a href="https://sam.gov/"><strong>SAM.gov</strong></a>, which outlines the foundation's requirements and invites bids or proposals from businesses.</p></div> </section> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region layout__region--second"> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockcomponent-text nsf-component"> <section class="text__container"> <div class="text__content text-formatted"><h3>Evaluation and award</h3> <p>NSF reviews proposals, sets the competitive range, conducts negotiations with bidders and awards the contract to its selected awardee.</p></div> </section> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region layout__region--third"> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockcomponent-text nsf-component"> <section class="text__container"> <div class="text__content text-formatted"><h3>Implementation</h3> <p>NSF monitors contract compliance and performance, approves invoices and payments, and modifies or terminates contracts, where necessary.</p></div> </section> </div> </div> </div> <div class="nsf-layout--inner"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="palette palette--light-gray layout-container--wrapper nsf-layout nsf-layout--base full-browser-width"> <div class = "nsf-layout--outer"> <div class = "nsf-layout--inner"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--main"> <div class="card-dark-blue card-dark-blue--horizontal block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockcomponent-featured-content" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockcomponent-featured-content" data-media-id="8505" data-is-footer-caption-credit data-src="https://nsf-gov-resources.nsf.gov/2023-01/OIRM_OSDBU_HomePageHero.jpg?VersionId=yDgr9BAx8xc0fwe5SuhNIUUcfk0X7RaB" data-footer-caption-credit-src="https://nsf-gov-resources.nsf.gov/styles/image_credit_caption_block_130x78_/s3/2023-01/OIRM_OSDBU_HomePageHero.jpg?VersionId=EmEg4Fzt6.SSixkDUzX8CMuQv2Ws33ye&amp;itok=5AQj4K-p" data-caption="" data-credit="National Science Foundation" data-component-id="nsf_theme:card-dark-blue"> <div class="card-dark-blue__inner"> <div class="card-dark-blue__content fullwidth"> <div class="card-dark-blue__image"> <div class="card-dark-blue__image--image"> <picture> <source srcset="https://nsf-gov-resources.nsf.gov/styles/featured_content_tablet/s3/2023-01/OIRM_OSDBU_HomePageHero.jpg.webp?VersionId=18R6yAAWj9tycwV2soJ5kCA_p7k_iLQ3&itok=kC-Rr7ol 1x" media="all and (min-width: 640px)" type="image/webp" width="500" height="324"/> <source srcset="https://nsf-gov-resources.nsf.gov/styles/featured_content_mobile/s3/2023-01/OIRM_OSDBU_HomePageHero.jpg.webp?VersionId=t5akbSxmvfRCteX8sfkrtimwp18o49fr&itok=FJYPUZ_5 1x" media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="595" height="400"/> <source srcset="https://nsf-gov-resources.nsf.gov/styles/featured_content_tablet/s3/2023-01/OIRM_OSDBU_HomePageHero.jpg?VersionId=18R6yAAWj9tycwV2soJ5kCA_p7k_iLQ3&itok=kC-Rr7ol 1x" media="all and (min-width: 640px)" type="image/jpeg" width="500" height="324"/> <source srcset="https://nsf-gov-resources.nsf.gov/styles/featured_content_mobile/s3/2023-01/OIRM_OSDBU_HomePageHero.jpg.webp?VersionId=t5akbSxmvfRCteX8sfkrtimwp18o49fr&itok=FJYPUZ_5 1x" media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="595" height="400"/> <img src="https://nsf-gov-resources.nsf.gov/styles/featured_content_tablet/s3/2023-01/OIRM_OSDBU_HomePageHero.jpg?VersionId=18R6yAAWj9tycwV2soJ5kCA_p7k_iLQ3&itok=kC-Rr7ol" width="500" height="324" alt="Collage of people with a dark blue overlay" loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <span role="img" aria-label="Collage of people with a dark blue overlay" class="card-dark-blue__background-image" style="background-image: url(https://nsf-gov-resources.nsf.gov/styles/featured_content_tablet/s3/2023-01/OIRM_OSDBU_HomePageHero.jpg?VersionId=18R6yAAWj9tycwV2soJ5kCA_p7k_iLQ3&itok=kC-Rr7ol);"></span> </div> <div class="card-dark-blue__text"> <h3> <a href="/osdbu">Assistance for small businesses</a> </h3> <p>NSF offers extensive opportunities for small and small disadvantaged businesses to participate in the foundation's acquisitions.</p> <a href="/osdbu" title="Learn More" class="link-button usa-button usa-button--outline usa-button--inverse " > Learn More </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout-container--wrapper nsf-layout nsf-layout--twocol constrained-width"> <div class="nsf-layout--outer"> <div class="nsf-layout--inner"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--headline"> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockcomponent-text nsf-component"> <section class="text__container"> <div class="body-1"><p><a name="types"></a></p></div> <div class="text__content text-formatted"><h2>Award types</h2></div> </section> </div> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockcomponent-text nsf-component"> <section class="text__container"> <div class="text__content text-formatted"><p>NSF relies a great deal on the use of consolidated purchasing programs, such as GSA Schedules, government-wide acquisition contracts and other multiple award vehicles. NSF's contracts are typically exclusively negotiated.</p> <p>The foundation commonly uses the selection techniques and award types listed below:</p></div> </section> </div> </div> </div> <div class="nsf-layout--inner"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--first"> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockcomponent-text nsf-component"> <section class="text__container"> <div class="text__content text-formatted"><h4>1. Micropurchases:</h4> <p>NSF may make purchases without soliciting competitive quotations if the purchase price is reasonable and below the current micro-purchase threshold defined at <strong><a href="https://www.acquisition.gov/far/2.101">FAR 2.101</a></strong>. NSF often uses purchase cards for its micro-purchases.</p></div> </section> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region layout__region--second"> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockcomponent-text nsf-component"> <section class="text__container"> <div class="text__content text-formatted"><h4>2. Simplified acquisitions:</h4> <p>NSF may use simplified procedures, with reduced contract clause requirements, for purchases that are greater than the micro-purchase threshold but less than or equal to the simplified acquisition threshold defined at <strong><a href="https://www.acquisition.gov/far/2.101">FAR 2.101</a></strong>.</p></div> </section> </div> </div> </div> <div class="nsf-layout--inner"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout-container--wrapper nsf-layout nsf-layout--base constrained-width"> <div class = "nsf-layout--outer"> <div class = "nsf-layout--inner"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--main"> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockcomponent-text nsf-component"> <section class="text__container"> <div class="text__content text-formatted"><h4>3. Acquisitions above the simplified acquisition threshold:</h4> <p>For acquisitions that exceed the simplified acquisition threshold defined at <strong><a href="https://www.acquisition.gov/far/2.101">FAR 2.101</a></strong>, NSF's contracting officers use three methods, described below:</p></div> </section> </div> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockcomponent-accordion nsf-component usa-accordion js-first-collapsed"> <h2 class="usa-accordion__heading"> <button type="button" class="usa-accordion__button" aria-controls="item-1n370072564" aria-expanded="true" > Invitations for bid </button> </h2> <div class="usa-accordion__content text-formatted field field-accordion" id="item-1n370072564" class="field field-accordion" data-component-id="nsf_theme:accordion-item"> <p><p>With this method, sealed bids are submitted to NSF, which are publicly opened. Award goes to the low, responsive, responsible bidder.</p></p> </div> <h2 class="usa-accordion__heading"> <button type="button" class="usa-accordion__button" aria-controls="item-2n321385144" aria-expanded="true" > Competitive negotiation </button> </h2> <div class="usa-accordion__content text-formatted field field-accordion" id="item-2n321385144" class="field field-accordion" data-component-id="nsf_theme:accordion-item"> <p><p>With this method, NSF issues a request for proposals, discusses proposals with offerors in the competitive range, and awards based on the evaluation criteria outlined in the solicitation.</p></p> </div> <h2 class="usa-accordion__heading"> <button type="button" class="usa-accordion__button" aria-controls="item-3o422945362" aria-expanded="true" > Noncompetitive negotiation </button> </h2> <div class="usa-accordion__content text-formatted field field-accordion" id="item-3o422945362" class="field field-accordion" data-component-id="nsf_theme:accordion-item"> <p><p>This method is only permitted only when a contract meets statutory exceptions to competition, such as urgency or lack of any other responsible source.</p></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="palette palette--light-gray layout-container--wrapper nsf-layout nsf-layout--base full-browser-width"> <div class = "nsf-layout--outer"> <div class = "nsf-layout--inner"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--main"> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockcomponent-text nsf-component"> <section class="text__container"> <div class="body-1"><p><a name="instruments"></a></p></div> <div class="text__content text-formatted"><h2 id="instrument-types-fdb">Instrument types</h2> <p> </p></div> </section> </div> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockcomponent-text nsf-component"> <section class="text__container"> <div class="text__content text-formatted"><p>NSF uses Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)-based contracts and non-FAR-based contracts for its procurement needs.<br>  </p> <h3>FAR-based contracts</h3></div> </section> </div> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockcomponent-accordion nsf-component usa-accordion js-first-collapsed"> <h2 class="usa-accordion__heading"> <button type="button" class="usa-accordion__button" aria-controls="item-1a1047806810" aria-expanded="true" > Fixed price contract </button> </h2> <div class="usa-accordion__content text-formatted field field-accordion" id="item-1a1047806810" class="field field-accordion" data-component-id="nsf_theme:accordion-item"> <p><p>A type of contract that provides for a firm price or, under appropriate circumstances, for an adjustable price for the supplies or services being procured.</p></p> </div> <h2 class="usa-accordion__heading"> <button type="button" class="usa-accordion__button" aria-controls="item-2s244719335" aria-expanded="true" > Time-and-materials and labor-hour contracts </button> </h2> <div class="usa-accordion__content text-formatted field field-accordion" id="item-2s244719335" class="field field-accordion" data-component-id="nsf_theme:accordion-item"> <p><p>Time and materials contracts are a type of contract that provides for acquiring supplies or services based on:</p> <ul> <li>Direct labor hours at specified fixed hourly rates that include wages, overhead, general and administrative expenses and profit.</li> <li>Actual cost for materials.</li> </ul> <p>A labor-hour contract is a variation of the time-and-materials contract, differing only in that materials are not supplied by the contractor.</p></p> </div> <h2 class="usa-accordion__heading"> <button type="button" class="usa-accordion__button" aria-controls="item-3c263637094" aria-expanded="true" > Cost reimbursement contract </button> </h2> <div class="usa-accordion__content text-formatted field field-accordion" id="item-3c263637094" class="field field-accordion" data-component-id="nsf_theme:accordion-item"> <p><p>Costs incurred in the contract performance to the extent prescribed in the contract. These contracts may not require completion of the contract work, but rather the best efforts of the contractor. The types of cost reimbursement contracts include:</p> <ul> <li>Cost.</li> <li>Cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF).</li> <li>Cost-plus-incentive fee (CPIF).</li> <li>Cost-plus-award fee (CPAF).</li> </ul></p> </div> <h2 class="usa-accordion__heading"> <button type="button" class="usa-accordion__button" aria-controls="item-4n1674804828" aria-expanded="true" > Broad agency announcement </button> </h2> <div class="usa-accordion__content text-formatted field field-accordion" id="item-4n1674804828" class="field field-accordion" data-component-id="nsf_theme:accordion-item"> <p><p>A tool used for acquisition of basic and applied research. BAAs focus on advancing the state-of-the-art or increasing knowledge or understanding — not on a specific system or hardware solution. Visit NSF's <a href="https://beta.nsf.gov/funding/broad-agency-announcements"><strong>Broad Agency Announcements</strong></a> webpage for more information.</p></p> </div> </div> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockcomponent-text nsf-component"> <section class="text__container"> <div class="text__content text-formatted"><h3>Non-FAR-based instruments</h3></div> </section> </div> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockcomponent-text nsf-component"> <section class="text__container"> <div class="text__content text-formatted"><p><a href="https://nsf-gov-resources.nsf.gov/files/Other_Arrangements_Transactions_Guide.pdf"><strong>Other Arrangements/Transactions Guide</strong></a></p></div> </section> </div> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockcomponent-accordion nsf-component usa-accordion js-first-collapsed"> <h2 class="usa-accordion__heading"> <button type="button" class="usa-accordion__button" aria-controls="item-1a1190792054" aria-expanded="true" > Other arrangements </button> </h2> <div class="usa-accordion__content text-formatted field field-accordion" id="item-1a1190792054" class="field field-accordion" data-component-id="nsf_theme:accordion-item"> <p><p>NSF generally uses other arrangements for binding non-assistance, contract-like instruments. These arrangements are used for many purposes and are generally intended to be contractual in nature. They generally possess the requirements for a valid, enforceable contract with the United States; these are:</p> <ul> <li>Mutuality of intent to contract.</li> <li>Offer and acceptance.</li> <li>Consideration. </li> </ul></p> </div> <h2 class="usa-accordion__heading"> <button type="button" class="usa-accordion__button" aria-controls="item-2a776514077" aria-expanded="true" > Other transactional authority </button> </h2> <div class="usa-accordion__content text-formatted field field-accordion" id="item-2a776514077" class="field field-accordion" data-component-id="nsf_theme:accordion-item"> <p><p>Procurement instruments other than contracts, grants or cooperative agreements that are used for the acquisition of applied research focusing on technology advancement or rapid prototype development.</p></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout-container--wrapper nsf-layout nsf-layout--twocol constrained-width"> <div class="nsf-layout--outer"> <div class="nsf-layout--inner"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--headline"> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockcomponent-text nsf-component"> <section class="text__container"> <div class="body-1"><p><a name="who"></a></p></div> <div class="text__content text-formatted"><h2 id="who-to-contact-779">Who to contact</h2></div> </section> </div> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockcomponent-text nsf-component"> <section class="text__container"> <div class="text__content text-formatted"><p>NSF is committed to maintaining an environment in which small businesses and others are free to question or complain about the foundation's actions or policies without fear of retaliation.</p></div> </section> </div> </div> </div> <div class="nsf-layout--inner"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--first"> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockcomponent-text nsf-component"> <section class="text__container"> <div class="text__content text-formatted"><h3>Senior Procurement Executive:</h3> <p><strong>Patrick Breen: </strong><strong><a href="mailto:pkbreen@nsf.gov">pkbreen@nsf.gov</a></strong></p> <p>Manages the direction of NSF's acquisition system, including NSF's unique acquisition policies, regulations and standards.</p></div> </section> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region layout__region--second"> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockcomponent-text nsf-component"> <section class="text__container"> <div class="text__content text-formatted"><h3>Acquisition Innovation Advocate:</h3> <p><strong>Raymond McCollum: <a href="mailto:rmccollu@nsf.gov">rmccollu@nsf.gov</a></strong></p> <p>Encourages testing of new ideas and better ways of executing existing acquisition practices at NSF.</p></div> </section> </div> </div> </div> <div class="nsf-layout--inner"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout-container--wrapper nsf-layout nsf-layout--twocol constrained-width"> <div class="nsf-layout--outer"> <div class="nsf-layout--inner"> </div> <div class="nsf-layout--inner"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--first"> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockcomponent-text nsf-component"> <section class="text__container"> <div class="text__content text-formatted"><h3>Head of Contracting Activity:</h3> <p><strong>Charlean Thompson: <a href="mailto:chthomps@nsf.gov">chthomps@nsf.gov</a></strong></p> <p>Manages NSF's contracting activities.</p></div> </section> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region layout__region--second"> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockcomponent-text nsf-component"> <section class="text__container"> <div class="text__content text-formatted"><h3>Competitive Advocate:</h3> <p><strong>Jason Bossie: <a href="mailto:jbossie@nsf.gov">jbossie@nsf.gov</a></strong></p> <p>Promotes full and open competition for the purchase of goods and services at NSF.</p></div> </section> </div> </div> </div> <div class="nsf-layout--inner"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout-container--wrapper nsf-layout nsf-layout--twocol constrained-width"> <div class="nsf-layout--outer"> <div class="nsf-layout--inner"> </div> <div class="nsf-layout--inner"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--first"> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockcomponent-text nsf-component"> <section class="text__container"> <div class="text__content text-formatted"><h3>Director of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization:</h3> <p><strong>Wonzie Gardner: <a href="mailto:osdbu@nsf.gov">osdbu@nsf.gov</a></strong></p> <p>Provides small and small disadvantaged businesses with opportunities to participate in NSF acquisitions.</p></div> </section> </div> </div> </div> <div class="nsf-layout--inner"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="palette palette--light-gray layout-container--wrapper nsf-layout nsf-layout--twocol constrained-width"> <div class="nsf-layout--outer"> <div class="nsf-layout--inner"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--headline"> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockcomponent-text nsf-component"> <section class="text__container"> <div class="text__content text-formatted"><h3><u>Comments or complaints</u></h3></div> </section> </div> </div> </div> <div class="nsf-layout--inner"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--first"> <div class="cta " data-component-id="nsf_theme:cta"> <h2 class="headline--left header-two-as-three headline-callout "> About regulatory or enforcement actions: </h2> <div class="cta__content"> </div> </div> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockcomponent-text nsf-component"> <section class="text__container"> <div class="text__content text-formatted"><p>Small businesses may direct comments to the Small Business Administration's <strong><a href="http://www.sba.gov/ombudsman">Office of the National Ombudsman</a></strong>:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Email:</strong> <strong><a href="mailto:ombudsman@sba.gov">ombudsman@sba.gov</a></strong></li> <li><strong>Phone:</strong> 1-888-REG-FAIR</li> <li><strong>Mail:</strong> SBA Office of the National Ombudsman, 409 Third St. SW, Washington, D.C., 20416</li> </ul> <p><em>Note:</em> The National Ombudsman process has no effect on your rights or obligations under the agency on which you are commenting. You must still comply with all of NSF's processes and procedures.</p></div> </section> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region layout__region--second"> <div class="cta " data-component-id="nsf_theme:cta"> <h2 class="headline--left header-two-as-three headline-callout "> About task or delivery orders: </h2> <div class="cta__content"> </div> </div> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockcomponent-text nsf-component"> <section class="text__container"> <div class="text__content text-formatted"><p>Contractor complaints about task-orders and delivery-orders executed under procedures set forth in FAR 16.505 can be directed to:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Email: <a href="mailto:NSFAcquisitionOmbuds@nsf.gov">NSFAcquisitionOmbuds@nsf.gov</a></strong></li> <li><strong>Phone:</strong> (703) 292-8200</li> </ul> <p>NSF's Task-Order and Delivery-Order Ombudsman reviews complaints and ensures they have a fair opportunity to be considered, consistent with the procedures in the applicable contract.</p> <p><em>Note:</em> The NSF Acquisition Ombudsman has no authority to review complaints that relate to matters beyond 41 U.S.C § 4106(g) and/or FAR 16.505(b)(8). </p></div> </section> </div> </div> </div> <div class="nsf-layout--inner"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout-container--wrapper nsf-layout nsf-layout--base constrained-width"> <div class = "nsf-layout--outer"> <div class = "nsf-layout--inner"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--main"> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockcomponent-text nsf-component"> <section class="text__container"> </section> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="palette palette--light-blue layout-container--wrapper nsf-layout nsf-layout--base full-browser-width"> <div class = "nsf-layout--outer"> <div class = "nsf-layout--inner"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--main"> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockcomponent-text nsf-component"> <section class="text__container"> <div class="text__content text-formatted"><h2 id="inventory">NSF service contract inventory</h2><p>NSF's annual service contract inventory data is included in the government-wide inventory posted on <a href="https://www.acquisition.gov/content/service-contract-inventory">acquisition.gov</a>; the government-wide inventory can be filtered to display data for NSF.</p><p>NSF's annual inventory analyses determine if the mix of federal employees and contractors is effective or requires rebalancing. They can be found below:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2023/nsf23007/nsf23007.pdf">FY 2022 NSF Inventory Analysis including FY 2023 Analysis Plan (NSF 23-007)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf22112">FY 2021 NSF Inventory Analysis including FY 2022 Analysis Plan (NSF 22-112)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf22020">FY 2020 NSF Inventory Analysis including FY 2021 Analysis Plan (NSF 22-020)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf21106">FY 2019 NSF Inventory Analysis including FY 2020 Analysis Plan (NSF 21-106)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf20103">FY 2017 NSF Inventory Analysis including FY 2018 Analysis Plan (NSF 20-103)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf20102">FY 2016 NSF Inventory Analysis including FY 2017 Analysis Plan (NSF 20-102)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf17133">FY 2015 NSF Inventory Analysis including FY 2016 Analysis Plan (NSF 17-133)</a></li></ul></div> </section> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="palette palette--light-blue layout-container--wrapper nsf-layout nsf-layout--base full-browser-width"> <div class = "nsf-layout--outer"> <div class = "nsf-layout--inner"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--main"> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockcomponent-text nsf-component"> <section class="text__container"> <div class="body-1"><p><a name="resources"></a></p></div> <div class="text__content text-formatted"><h2 id="additional-resources-d0c">Additional resources</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://beta.nsf.gov/osdbu">NSF acquisition forecast</a></li> <li><a href="https://techfarhub.cio.gov/assets/files/AIA-March9Memo.pdf">Background on acquisition innovation advocates at federal agencies</a></li> <li><a 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