Research on Systemic Racism and Racial Disparities Affecting Workers of Color in State Workers' Compensation Programs

THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL - THIS IS A NOTICE OF THE GOVERNMENT'S INTENT TO ISSUE A SOLE SOURCE AWARD CONTRACT TO NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SOCIAL INSURANCE FOR A RESEARCH ­­­­­PROJECT TO ASSIST THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR'S (DOL) OFFICE OF WORKERS’ COMPENSATION PROGRAMS (OWCP). This is not a request for proposal. This is a notice of the Government’s intent to issue a sole source award contract to: National Academy of Social Insurance 1441 L ST NW STE 530 Washington, District of Columbia 20005-4679, United States The Department (DOL) intends to negotiate and award a firm-fixed price contract with National Academy of Social Insurance for a research project entitled, entitled “How have systemic racism and racial disparities affected workers of color in state Workers’ Compensation Programs,” that will provide data needed to further this Administration’s goals of advancing racial equity for underserved communities (Executive Order 13985). OWCP requires the contractor to perform research on nationwide Workers’ Compensation programs and provide a report covering the following: Data from a diverse set of states and jurisdictions How state Workers’ Compensation programs affect workers, in particular workers of color. Insights resulting from analysis of demographics beyond race and ethnicity, potentially including gender, sexual orientation, preferred language, disability status, immigration status, and others. Data from the pilot projects developed by several states to improve their collection on racial disparities affecting workers of color and use of data to identify and address gaps in Workers’ Compensation protection. The period of performance shall be for one (1) Base Period of 12 months and one (1) Option Period of 12 months. The associated North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code is 541720 –Scientific Research and Development Services which has a size standard of $22 million. The statutory authority for this non-competitive action is Federal Acquisition Regulation FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) – “Contracting officers may solicit from one source if the contracting officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available (e.g., urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand-name or industrial mobilization).” This is a sole source notice published for informational purposes only and not a request for competitive proposals. Therefore, no solicitation document exists for this requirement. However, all responsible parties interested in responding to this notice are invited to submit a capability statement by 3:00 p.m. EDT, April 26, 2023, that provides sufficient details for consideration by the Government, via email to: [email protected] and [email protected] . The determination not to compete the contract based on the responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Phone calls will not be accepted in response to this notice. All information submitted should support the offeror's capability to provide the items required and shall be furnished at no cost or obligation to the Government. Responses must be in writing and must provide clear and concise documentation indicating an offeror's bona fide capability to provide these services. Verbal responses are not acceptable and will not be considered. The Government reserves the right to cancel this requirement.