This is a REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI). This is not a request for proposals and in no way obligates the Government to award any purchase order or contract. The Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is seeking to identify sources capable of providing an automated position classification system for the USDA, Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP). A description of the system is as follows: An automated position classification system for the USDA, Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP.) MRP is responsible for classifying over 14,000 positions in three agencies: the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS); the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS); and the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA). These agencies consist of a wide variety of scientific, professional, technical, and administrative positions that support MRP's mission to "facilitate the domestic and international marketing of U.S. agricultural product and ensure the health and care of animals and plants while improving competitiveness and the economy for the overall benefit of both consumers and American agriculture." The current MRP classification function is staffed by 15 employees located in headquarters in the Washington, D.C., area and an operations office in Minneapolis, MN. In an average year, the MRP classification staff processes approximately 7,000 classification actions through a manual process. This synopsis is for information and planning purposes ONLY, and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. Companies capable of providing the defined services are encouraged to respond by providing their company names, points of contact, both phone number and email address and a brief statement of capabilities and relevant corporate background and business size. Submit email responses to Margie Thorson at
[email protected] or fax to Area code (612) 370-2106. It is requested that all responses be submitted via email or fax within 3-5 days of this announcement.