DOL RFI - PPI Construction Model.docx

Department of Labor - OSPE Request for Information (RFI) BLS PPI Construction Model

SPECIAL NOTICE: SOURCES SOUGHT & REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI). THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTES OR PROPOSALS. This notice does not represent a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or award a contract. The Government is not obligated to and will not pay for information received as a result of this announcement. No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this announcement and any follow-up information requests to include an invite to further explain/demonstrate aspects of their proposed approach. Requests for a solicitation will not receive a response. Information provided in response to this RFI is submitted voluntarily and is not being requested as part of a solicitation for actual pricing.

PURPOSE OF RFI:

The purpose of this RFI is to determine if there are any contractors who can perform the services needed in the below Performance Work Statement (PWS). If your company can provide Price and Price Index (PPI) Office Building Construction Model, please respond to this RFI with a rough order of magnitude for market research purposes.

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS):

I. Background:

The Producer Price Index (PPI) Program has been funded to purchase one additional year’s worth of quarterly cost updates for the existing office building models. This is necessary to continue producing an accurate output-based price index for New Office Building Construction (236223). The current contract for quarterly cost updates (1625DC-19-P-0027) expires 05/31/2024 with the delivery of the last quarterly cost update.

The vendor that originally developed the current cost models for “New Office Building Construction” has provided updated cost information on a quarterly basis for the past several years. Thus, the current vendor is the only company with the ability to provide BLS with updated cost information. These models are unique to RS Means because they were created by them specifically for BLS using RS Means “in house” components. Since the components are “in house” there is no other vendor that is able to update the costs in the models (which is what we are purchasing).

BLS needs an additional year’s (four quarters) worth of “cost updates” to ensure the continuous calculation of the Producer Price Indexes (PPIs) for “New Office Building” construction until the next multi-year contract goes into effect. Without this purchase, the calculation and release of this industry index (which is mission critical) would lapse. Thus, market research yields no other viable source for providing cost update.

II. Description:

The PPI program requires services and data to aid in the continuous publication of the existing office building models. These services and data are not available from public sector sources. It is the intention of the Bureau of Labor Statistics to procure these services and data from an appropriate private sector vendor.

II. Scope:

The services and data covered by this statement of work include:

1. Delivery of cost updates for each of the four regional office building models due on a quarterly basis. The updates should be delivered in the months of June 2024, September 2024, December 2024, and March 2025.

2. Provide assistance to BLS on an ‘as needed’ basis to understand the make-up of the models, to evaluate model cost changes, and to evaluate any future updates to the models due to significant changes in ‘typical’ construction materials and/or practices.

IV. Goal:

To procure the cost updates necessary for the continuous publication of the current office building index.

V. Approach:

1. The vendor will independently survey all relevant sources of cost data for the model on a regular basis in order to update the model cost information on a quarterly basis.

2. The BLS will combine overhead and profit mark-up data obtained from initiated survey respondents along with material and installation cost data provided by the vendor to estimate output price trends for office building construction activity.

VI. Deliverables:

1. One year of quarterly cost updates for the four office building models.

a. Performance Measure: Cost updates for each of the office building models are delivered by the 10th of June 2024, September 2024, December 2024, and March 2025 unless an extension is granted by BLS. The quarterly cost updates will reflect actual changes in costs for material, installation, and fuel observable in the marketplace since the previous cost update for each particular region.

2. Explanation of quarterly cost changes for the regional models and any quality adjustment information required by BLS due to changes in the regional models. Along with the delivery of the quarterly cost updates the vendor provides reasoning for any significant model cost changes. BLS may also request additional information for cost changes that it deems noteworthy or for cost information to make adjustments when the models or cost update process change.

a. Performance Measure: The vendor provides written explanations of significant cost changes along with the model updates. Any additional information requested by BLS concerning price changes or changes in the model or cost update process is provided in writing within five business days.

VII. Period of Performance:

The period of performance is one twelve-month base period from June 1, 2024 – May 31, 2025.

VIII. Inspection and Acceptance:

Designated staff of the Producer Price Index Program will make final inspection and acceptance of the specified deliverables.

IX. Location of Performance

All work will be performed at the Contractor’s site.

X. Submission of Invoices:

· Invoices are required for each deliverable stated in Section VI. Each invoice must contain the following information:

1. Name of Contractor

2. Contract Number

3. Invoice date

4. Contractor contact name and phone number

· Contractor invoices will be submitted to the address specified for the BLS office. Invoices shall consist of an original and at least one copy.

RESPONSES TO RFI

RFI responses shall conform to the format below and provide the following information:

1. Cover Letter – The cover letter must include the following information:

· Company name

· Company point of contact, telephone number and email address

· Date submitted

2. Offerors shall respond to each of the general questions in “RFI Attachment 1 - Market Research Questionnaire” and provide a price quote.

3. If the offeror chooses not to respond to a question, indicate “no response.”

4. Submit a capabilities package that include the above considerations that demonstrate capabilities and expertise related to the information outlined.

5. Marketing and/or reference materials, if included, shall be placed at the end of the response, in an appendix.

6. Responses shall not exceed 30 pages, and should be submitted in Microsoft Word .doc or .docx formats, Times New Roman 11-point or 12-point font, with 1-inch margins minimum all around.

RFI SCHEDULE

Responses to this RFI shall be submitted via email to the contract specialist, Jasmine Lee at lee.jasmine.4@dol.gov, by Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 2:00 PM EST.