Description
This Request for Information (RFI) is being used as a market research tool to identify companies interested in being considered to fulfill future anticipated needs, with the capabilities appropriate to meet the specified need. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes. It does not constitute a Request for Quote/Proposal (RFQ/RFP) or a promise to issue one in the future. This RFI does not commit the Government to contract for any supply/service. This notice is not to be construed as a commitment on the part of the Government to award a contract, nor does the Government intend to pay for any information submitted as a result of this request. The Government does not reimburse respondents for any costs associated with submission of the information being requested or reimburse expenses incurred for responses to this RFI. The information provided may be used by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) in developing its procurement strategy and establishing and/or further defining a Performance Work Statement (PWS). Interested parties are responsible for adequately marking proprietary, restricted, or competition sensitive information contained in their response. Failure to respond to this RFI does not preclude participants in any future RFQ/RFP, if any is issued. The information provided in this RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. The purpose of this RFI is to gather information about potential solutions to achieve the following high-level objectives: Support the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) to create inclusive technology policies and practices that make workplaces accessible for people with disabilities. Manage ODEP’s Partnership on Employment and Accessible Technology (PEAT) initiative and website (www.PEATworks.org) to provide guidance on inclusive technology issues. Develop robust policies and practices to build disability inclusion and accessibility into current and emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital accessibility, broadband access, digital equity, hybrid work, autonomous vehicles, emerging technology, and other areas. Develop policies and practices and disseminate resources to advance federal agency compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Host Think Tank events to gather input on inclusive technology policies by strengthening existing partnerships and building new connections with employers, civil society groups, technology developers, job seekers, workers, researchers, and policymakers. Facilitate strategic communications by tracking relevant public content and publishing articles, webinars, podcasts, and other media. Conduct educational events and conference presentations to encourage adoption of inclusive technology policies and practices. Develop issue briefs and other products and resources to disseminate promising practices around the adoption of inclusive workplace technology practices. Develop resources and provide technical assistance to build inclusive pipelines for job seekers with disabilities in technology and other related fields using pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships, internships, or other workforce pathways. Responses to this RFI will be reviewed by DOL for their applicability to the Government’s need and determined to be “Relevant” or “Irrelevant” to the above problem. Offerors of “Relevant” responses may be requested to demonstrate their approach and/or product to a Government panel of Subject Matter Experts to help DOL determine the best approach. If your company can provide the services outlined in the attached document, please respond to this RFI by answering all questions identified in the “RFI Questionnaire” section of the document, a Capability Statement, and estimated pricing for market research purposes. See the attached document for more information.