The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA NASS) has initiated steps to significantly modernize its data collection and analysis systems and current and prospective industry partners to the agency are actively hunting for expertise that can bolster their teams. Recognizing the need for an advanced approach in handling vast agricultural data, NASS recently released a Request for Information (RFI) as a precursor to an upcoming Request for Proposal (RFP). This move marks a pivotal step in the department’s efforts to enhance its data handling capabilities. More details are below, but if your company has expertise that can help a team win and deliver, make sure to let it be known.
Revamping Data Collection: An RFI Overview
The primary objective of the RFI is to gather insights from the industry to aid USDA NASS in designing a future solicitation aimed at developing an enterprise platform. This platform will revolutionize how agricultural data is collected, encompassing activities like maintaining agricultural operation lists, conducting surveys, and employing various data collection methods like telephone, in-person interviews, and online submissions. The envisioned platform will be integrated with existing NASS systems, ensuring real-time data tracking, high data integrity, and security, and will be hosted in the Microsoft Azure Cloud environment. It’s designed for heavy usage, capable of handling numerous users and thousands of transactions daily.
Expertise Sought
NASS emphasizes the need for advanced skills in several key areas, including data collection, enterprise modernization, database management, and Azure Cloud environment solutions. Special focus is on Azure AI and ML model development, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), user interface standardization, Zero Trust Security architecture, and No Code and Low Code solutions. These competencies are crucial for the success of the modernization project, and NASS seeks to tap into the best available expertise in the industry.
Background and Necessity for Change
NASS’s mission has always been to provide timely and accurate agricultural statistics. However, the current infrastructure, comprising over 200 databases and numerous applications, many of which are outdated, has led to operational inefficiencies and duplication of processes. The READI (Reimagined Enterprise Application for Data Integration) Team, formed in late 2022, is tasked with transitioning from these legacy systems to a more streamlined, agile, and efficient solution. The objectives include implementing a centralized data collection platform, enhancing cloud computing, and improving operational efficiency through automated workflows and integrated functionalities.
Scope of Work and Project Goals
The scope of the READI project, and consequently the RFI, focuses primarily on the data collection aspect of NASS’s operations. This includes a wide range of activities, from managing large-scale surveys to ensuring data security and accessibility. The project aims to replace the existing complex ecosystem with a more efficient, cloud-based platform, enhancing the overall agility, security, and reliability of the data collection process.
Inclusion of Small Businesses and Agile Methodology
Significantly, any upcoming RFP aims to assess the capabilities of small businesses in executing this extensive project. Queries include whether these companies have experience using Agile methodology in application development and their proficiency in developing, modifying, or using Azure Cloud solutions.
The release of this RFP is a significant step forward for USDA NASS, indicating a transformative approach to agricultural data management that aligns with contemporary technological advancements and operational best practices.
Pro Tip 1 – If you are a firm with capabilities and socio-economic status that might support this or any related effort, comment below and let others know you are interested. You can’t bid if you don’t have the right team, so do let others know about your expertise.
Recent USDA Data/News
- Alpha Omega wins $108M USDA Prometheus Information Systems, Software Applications, Web Services, and Database support contract
- USDA focused Women-owned Small Business Partners targeted as we head into FY 2024
- Synergy Announces Key Leadership Promotions to Drive Growth in USCG and USDA Programs
- Contract Award: USDA Forest Service CERCLA Act support BPA
- TSPi awarded Farmers.gov Enhancement and CX contract
- Contract Award: $25M USDA FNS Expert Technical Assistance and Consultation Service
- Contract Award: $79M USDA FS Enterprise Geospatial Portal Next Generation
- USDA RFQ: Data Quality
- Contract Award: $74M USDA OCIO ENS IT Support Services
- WOSB wins USDA OCIO Departmental Administration Information Technology Office (DAITO) Cyber Security Services Support contract
- Contract Award: USDA OCIO Intelligent Automation support BPA
Pro Tip 2 – Feel like you are missing out on some of the key actions? It can be hard to keep up. Make sure you are in the know by checking out the US Department of Agriculture Intel Segment page, chock full of insights and intelligence.
Partners
Looking for some good teaming partners that are supporting USDA today? Click Here
You can filter the list by several key indicators, to include socio-economic status, NAICS, Contract vehicle, etc.
Meet the USDA focused firms drawing the most attention on OrangeSlices AI Platform
- Alpha Omega Integration **
- ECCO Select
- ICF **
- Synergy **
- Anika
- Sohum Systems
- Steampunk **
- NetImpact / AT-Impact JV **
- CVP **
- Flatter **
- Mathematica
- Focused Management (FMI)
- IT Concepts **
- 22nd Century **
- MetaPhase **
- Leidos
- Zen Strategics **
- VerticalApps
- RIVA Solutions **
- Summit Consulting **
- Nüvitek
- Chevo Consulting **
- RP Professional **
- Sierra7 **
- Veterans Management Services Inc (VMSI)
- Delviom **
- PBG Consulting
- AttainX
- Cask
- Savan Group **
- NextStep Technology
- Centennial Technologies
- Tarkik Solutions
- Arch Systems
- SydanTech
- InterImage
- Applied Intellect
- Softrams **
- Dev Technology Group **
- Forum One
- Accenture
- Ventech **
** An Elev8 GovCon Honoree, noted for a corporate culture that demonstrates its own excellence, making the company a beacon for talent, for partners, and for clients.
We cannot and will not speculate here as to the reasons for the increased interest, but whether it is a company evaluating them as a potential partner; a federal acquisition leader doing their due diligence; or a consultant weighing their next job move, this group of companies has been receiving increased interest.
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