Performing ASTRO Market Research

This overview explains how to conduct market research or create a Request for Information (RFI) in Symphony for ASTRO. The required URL for ASTRO ordering activities is https://astro.app.cloud.gov/. 

1. Start the Request

From Quick Actions:

2. Enter the Title

Enter the title and click Save. Follow the left navigation menu to complete the order.

3. Add Points of Contact

Add Contact Information for the Ordering Contracting Officer (OCO) and the Contracting Specialist (CS). When adding the Points of Contact follow the prompts.

1. Click the +Add button.
2. Users can assign themselves (Self) or another registered user in Symphony.
3. To assign someone else, find the person to INVITE. The suggestion box will search for a user after typing 3 characters.
4. Save or Cancel the changes.

4. Pick Contract Types

Symphony presents the Contract Types available. Pick the Contract Type(s) that apply to the market research as needed (see Figure 1).

Figure 1. Contract Types are optional for Market Research.

5. Set the Order Processing Schedule

Set the parameters for the Symphony scheduler. Parameters are:

• Release Date if supported.
• Questions if there will be a Question and Answer Period and if so, the Q&A deadline.
• Submission deadline for proposals.

6. Apply Fair Opportunity

Filter the Contract Holders by Pools and SBA designations to select contractors for the market research (see Figure 2). Users must choose at least one Contract Holder. If there is an Exception to Fair Opportunity, use the link to provide the Fair Opportunity Exception Justification. 

Figure 2. Market Research allows multiple pools for selection.

7. Include Attachments

Upload required documents or add files to the appropriate folder types listed in the drop-down.

8. Review Documents

The Points of Contact can access the Document Library at any time to see what documents exist. Confirm that the files are in the appropriate folders for visibility. Return to the attachments tab to make changes.

9. Release Request

Symphony advises users if there are validation errors in the market research and any errors must be fixed before submission.

• Submit Market Research: Once satisfied with the request, the assigned Contracting Officer  can submit it for release (see Figure 3). 
    
• Cancel Market Research: Users can cancel the request at any time. Provide a reason for the cancellation and click Cancel Market Research. 

Figure 3. Contract Holders are notified of the request immediately after release.

10. Track the History

See the history of the Market Research in the order's History tab. 

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