The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is seeking information from vendors regarding a Request for Information (RFI) related to recruiting participants for research studies. The document addresses questions about the solicitation process, confidentiality of personal data, incentive amounts for participants, data security protocols, and the management of Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) requirements. BLS indicates that it may issue a solicitation for either a single or multiple vendor contracts and emphasizes the responsibility of vendors to maintain participants' confidentiality. Vendor flexibility in proposing participant incentives is acknowledged, yet they must comply with predefined limits set by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). BLS clarifies that any required NAICS codes must be provided by the vendors and discloses that this is a new requirement without an incumbent contractor. The information gathered from this RFI will guide BLS in formulating their budget and drafting the Performance Work Statement (PWS) for future solicitations. Overall, the document highlights BLS's commitment to ethical participant recruitment and strict adherence to regulatory compliance.
The Department of Labor's Office of Survey Methods Research (OSMR) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to gather solutions for recruiting participants for research studies conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This RFI seeks information, not proposals, as it aims to identify vendors who can effectively recruit individuals based on varied eligibility criteria, provide monetary compensation, and handle participant data in compliance with privacy standards. The OSMR's primary goal is to enhance survey quality and response rates while easing the burden of survey administration. The targeted participants typically include U.S. residents over 18, involved in specific job types or demographic groups. The document outlines the scope of services, the need for participant remuneration, and the nature of studies, which generally require 200-300 participants per year. Responses to the RFI will be evaluated for relevance, and relevant vendors may be invited to demonstrate their capabilities. The submission deadline for vendor responses is December 23, 2025. Overall, this initiative emphasizes the government's need for effective participant recruitment strategies in labor statistics research while ensuring ethical and systematic handling of participant information.