OTLA FY2013 Contract Research Program:Human Resource Prerequisites for Successful Labor Inspections

Synopsis: REQUEST FOR INFORMATION(RFI) ILAB-OTLA 2013 Contract Research Program: Human Resource Prerequisites for Successful Labor Inspections 1. Description of Information Requested Pursuant to FAR 15.201(a), Exchanges with industry before receipt of proposals, this Request for Information (RFI) seeks to obtain information from industry for planning purposes and is not a solicitation or request for proposals. In conducting market research and acquisition planning, the USDOL seeks to obtain information from industry that identifies capabilities; to obtain feedback from regarding the attached draft Performance Work Statement (PWS); to obtain a rough estimate for performance of this type effort; to identify performance requirements, deliverables, schedules, and other market information (e.g., contract type, commerciality, NAICS/size) that will assist in defining the requirement development of the solicitation. Responses to this Notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. The United States Department of Labor (DOL) is conducting market research for an upcoming procurement requirement entitled "ILAB-OTLA 2013 Contract Research Program: Human Resource Prerequisites for Successful Labor Inspections" in support of the Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB). This potential procurement will require the services of a contractor to produce a research paper that supports the ILAB mission to improve livelihoods, working conditions and labor standards for workers around the world and is of a quality suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed professional journal. The contractor shall be required to conduct a meta-analysis or other systematic literature review resulting in a paper that identifies the competencies and incentives needed for labor inspectors to successfully carry out their work. Types of factors or conditions that are of interest include, but need not be limited to, economic, institutional or cultural incentives that encourage labor inspectors to work faithfully; incentives that may corrupt them; individual inspector characteristics (e.g., education, training, temperament, social skills, attitude, knowledge of law) and the extent of legal authority given to inspectors. A strong representation of literature covering developing countries is of particular interest. 2. Capability Statement: Interested Service Providers responding to this RFI are requested to demonstrate their capability and experience by providing adequate details to address the following: - Can you demonstrate research in either the area of labor inspectors and/or labor inspection strategies or systems? - Within the last three years, have you had a publication in, commitment to publish or "revise-and-resubmit" from a peer-reviewed journal? If so, please describe. - Do you hold a PhD from an accredited university? - Can you demonstrate affiliation with a research institution? 3. Additional Information: Respondents are encouraged to include additional comments/information considered to be appropriate and useful in assisting the program office in refining the PWS task requirements and in assessing potential costs and interest in this area of research. In addition to the above, please address the following: a. Please identify any questions or clarifications that would likely be requested from industry regarding the attached draft Performance Work Statement (PWS). Additional and provide any additional feedback/comments regarding the PWS. b. Provide a rough order of magnitude (dollar estimate) for this type of research in terms of one of the following price ranges: ? Less than $25,000. ? Between $25,000 and $50,000. ? Between $50,000 and $75,000. ? Between $75,000 and $100,000. ? Between $100,000 and $150,000 ? Between $150,000 and $200,000 ? $200,000 or higher c. Is the deliverables schedule (Technical Exhibit II) feasible, or would it require a significant reallocation of time across the deliverables? d. Are there any comments or significant concerns about the research topic? e. Would you classify this type service as "commercial" or "non-commercial?" If non-commercial, please provide a short explanation of basis for considering it non-commercial. f. Do you provide this service under a Federal Supply Schedule? If so, please identify the GSA contract number and applicable special item number (SIN). 4. North American Industry Classification System (NAICS): Please identify the NAICS code you consider most appropriate for this type service? The McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA) covers contracts entered into by federal and District of Columbia agencies that have as their principal purpose furnishing services in the U.S. through the use of "service employees." The definition of "service employee" includes any employee engaged in performing services on a covered contract other than a bona fide executive, administrative, or professional employee who meets the exemption criteria set forth in 29 CFR Part 541. Would employees performing services under this type requirement be covered under the SCA or be exempt as defined in 29 CFR 541?