Q_A final 1.docx

Can the government clarify whether the requirement is limited to providing a social media management platform (SaaS), or if it also includes ongoing services such as content creation, editorial support, graphic design, and campaign execution? This is limited to Social Media Management Platform. It does not include the additional ongoing services listed.

If content development is required, what level of effort is anticipated (e.g., post drafting, graphic design, video production, multilingual content)? None

Will this platform be used exclusively for BLS or expanded across multiple DOL sub-agencies? Exclusively for BLS

Is the requirement strictly limited to five seats, or should vendors propose scalable enterprise licensing models? If expansion is anticipated, what is the projected user growth over time? Limited to five (5) seats based on pricing we received, but ideally 7-8 seats.

Are there required integrations with existing DOL systems (e.g., analytics platforms, Content Management Systems, Customer Relationship Management)? No. The social media management system must have built in metrics available that are derived from the social media platforms themselves (the management system will pull data from X and other platforms and provide metrics).

Are there any federal security systems (e.g., login.gov, single-sign-on, FedRAMP) that must be supported? No

Can the government provide insight into the anticipated contract structure (e.g., IDIQ, BPA, firm-fixed-price)? Firm-fixed-price

Is there a contractor currently performing this work or a portion of this work? If so, will the government please provide the contract details (i.e., contract number, contractor name, total contract value)? DOL is using “Sprout” social media services, but BLS does not have a current contract in place for these services.

Can the government provide an anticipated acquisition timeline, including expected milestones such as draft RFP release (if applicable), final RFP release, evaluation period, and anticipated award date? ASAP, but no specific dates.

When will this contract come out? No specific date (ASAP)

Are there any restrictions or requirements (certifications) for this contract? No

Based on the way the RFI is written, does the government expect to do its own content development (copy, graphics, etc.) while the contractor is only responsible for providing the platform and analytics, including media monitoring? Yes

Does the contractor’s social media system need to align with DOL OPA’s current social media management platform? No

Will OPA also need access to the platform for approvals, and will that affect the number of seats needed? No

Does the Government require the web-based platform to be FedRAMP authorized, or is a lower-level security certification acceptable for this social media management requirement? Lower-level security certification is acceptable

Does the requirement for Enterprise Account Grouping include integration with DOL's Single Sign-On (SSO) or PIV card authentication for the five required seats? DOL SSO or PIV card authentication is not required for the 5 seats.

The RFI states the Division of New Media will work more closely with all DOL agencies. Will the contractor be responsible for managing the advanced approval workflows across different sub-agencies, or is this limited to BLS internal staff? Limited to BLS internal staff

Does the Government require dedicated onboarding training for users of the selected platform? Yes.

Is the intent to evaluate publishing, analytics, and listening as a single integrated platform, or as separate capabilities? Social listening is a separate capability we would consider.

Who are the primary users and stakeholders of the platform, and how should roles, permissions, and approval workflows be structured across teams and agencies? BLS internal staff only within the Div. of New Media. All 5 seats should have the same access/capabilities.

Under "Scope" what kind of mobile applications is "- iOS & Android mobile applications" referring to? Refers to the ability to access a dashboard(s) on IOS & Android devices.

Can you clarify the primary outcome the Department is seeking to achieve through this effort (e.g., operational efficiency, improved audience engagement, or centralized governance)? Operational efficiency, improved audience engagement through improved analytics.

Among the listed capabilities (e.g., analytics, approval workflows, monitoring/listening, scalability), which are considered mission-critical versus optional? Listening is optional. Analytics, approval workflows, monitoring, and scalability are mission critical.

What specific challenges or limitations are you currently experiencing with existing social media tools or processes? Slow workflow and approval process. Graphic coordination among platforms.

What evaluation criteria will be used to determine whether a response is considered “relevant,” and what success metrics are most important (e.g., scalability, usability, security, cost efficiency, or innovation)? A response will be deemed “relevant” when requirements in scope are able to be met. The success metrics we are most interested in are Scalability, usability, security, and cost efficiency.

What are the security and compliance requirements for the platform (e.g., FedRAMP authorization level, data residency, records retention, Section 508 accessibility)? We would like this to be section 508 compliant.

Are there existing systems or platforms that the social media solution must integrate with (e.g., CMS, analytics platforms, identity management systems, or data warehouses)? No

What are the expected performance and scalability requirements (e.g., number of users, volume of social accounts, posting frequency, and real-time monitoring expectations)? 5 users, less than 10 social accounts, daily posting. Real-time monitoring would be ideal

Are there specific requirements for auditability and workflow tracking (e.g., version control, approval history, content archiving for compliance or FOIA requests)? No

Will the Government consider proposals from vendors offering a custom-built platform developed specifically to meet DOL requirements, in addition to or instead of off-the-shelf solutions? Possibly, but probably prefer off the shelf for easier troubleshooting and training. It may make more sense to go with off the shelf to begin with while we learn what it is we want and don’t want through using the system.

Are there specific FedRAMP authorization requirements for the platform, or will the Government consider platforms in the process of pursuing FedRAMP compliance? No

What is the anticipated contract period of performance and will options for additional platform development or customization be included in the final solicitation? Period of performance (P.O.P). is 1 year from date of award with three possible option years. Contract will not have the options for development/customization during this time.

Will the Government consider phased delivery, where core platform functionality is delivered at contract start with additional network integrations delivered on an agreed upon roadmap? No.

Is there a small business set aside anticipated for this requirement, and will Small Disadvantaged Business status be a factor in evaluation? No.

Are you looking for ongoing social media services from an agency team that can provide: Strategy, community management, content creation, scheduling, publishing, social listening, and qualitative analysis/reporting (based on the data in the dashboards) - or is this contract to provide a technology platform and setup and then your internal personnel will provide the ongoing administration and support? We need the contractor to provide the platform so we can create and review and schedule on all our social media accounts. We also want training, as well as troubleshooting and assistance as needed.

Is there an estimated timeline for this contract and historical or projected budget information including agency service fees available for reference? The anticipated timeline is projected for the current fiscal year. The period of performance would potentially be for 1 year with possible option periods. There is no historical pricing for this requirement.