D -- Field Data Collection Automation (FDCA) Market Research

The U.S. Census Bureau is developing the Field Data Collection Automation (FDCA) Program to automate the collection of survey data in the field to reduce the cost and improve the quality of the 2010 Decennial Census. The Census Bureau is in the Market Research/Industry Engagement stage of this effort for the FDCA Program. This stage will be used to engage industry in order to more fully understand the scope of current and practical technologies, processes, and approaches for FDCA, and so that potential bidders can obtain a more solid understanding of FDCA’s possible requirements and objectives. The Census Bureau will soon release an initial Field Data Collection Automation Program Scope Definition document that establishes a baseline range of services and products that may be acquired through this procurement. The Census Bureau will also conduct an “Industry Day” as a critical element of market research for the FDCA program. A dedicated Census Bureau website has been set up to allow prospective vendors access to the Program Scope Definition document and other relevant reference materials. This site can be found at http://www.census.gov/procur/www/fdca. Companies are encouraged to check this site frequently for updates pertaining to the FDCA program. Industry Day will be held at the Census Bureau Headquarters in Suitland, MD, on August 27, 2004. The Industry Day will include a briefing by Census Bureau management to offer an overview of the FDCA program. Time and space will also be set aside to allow vendors the opportunity to display their products and capabilities for other vendors. More details, registration information, and directions to the Census Bureau can be found on the FDCA website noted above. The Census Bureau is interested in hearing from vendors that have established proven technology to accomplish the FDCA goals, or any vendors that may have new or innovative equipment, processes, or techniques relevant to the FDCA mission. Interested vendors should understand that the scope and requirements of the FDCA program are still being defined, and the Census Bureau seeks to interact with innovative companies in order to understand the alternatives and capabilities offered by industry. The information obtained from industry during market research will be used to help define the requirements that will ultimately be acquired through open competition.