RFI_DOIEFBO260003_1.pdf

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI): DOIEFBO260003

Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) Ohmsett National Oil Spill Response Research & Renewable Energy Test Facility Marketing, Outreach, and Market Assessment Support Services

Anticipated NAICS:

• 541613 – Marketing Consulting Services

Small Business Focus: This RFI is issued to identify small business concerns, with particular interest in firms located in New Jersey and nearby areas (e.g., NJ, NY, PA, CT, DE, MD). Responses from other geographic areas may be considered for market research purposes.

This RFI is issued in accordance with FAR 10.001(a)(2) for market research purposes only.

Responses are voluntary and will be used for planning purposes only. The Government will not provide reimbursement for any costs incurred in responding to this RFI or for any costs associated with participation in industry days, meetings, demonstrations, or other market research activities related to this notice. Interested parties can choose to submit a whole or partial response, but at a minimum please respond with a least the information listed in section 6 Item A “Company Information” to william.rilee@bsee.gov.

1. Purpose

This Request for Information (RFI) is issued solely for market research purposes in accordance with FAR Part 10. The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) seeks information from qualified small businesses capable of providing marketing, outreach, and market assessment support for the Ohmsett facility in order to:

• Increase awareness of Ohmsett’s mission and capabilities;

• Attract additional domestic and international clients for testing events, demonstrations, and facility use; and

• Improve engagement with relevant industry, government, academic, and technology-development stakeholders.

In addition, BSEE is specifically seeking industry input on whether an initial market assessment, case study, or research effort should be conducted prior to implementing a full marketing strategy, and whether a phased acquisition approach (e.g., study first, followed by optional implementation) would be advisable.

2. Background – Ohmsett Overview

Ohmsett is a national test facility supporting oil spill response research, development, testing, training, and technology evaluation in a controlled outdoor environment. The facility supports government, industry, and international partners conducting oil spill response-related testing and demonstrations.

BSEE seeks to better position Ohmsett’s capabilities to appropriate audiences, increase utilization of the facility, and strengthen awareness of its mission through effective, data-driven marketing and outreach.

3. Anticipated Scope (Draft – For Market Research Only)

The Government is considering marketing and outreach services that may include, but are not limited to, the following areas. Respondents should identify which elements they can support and recommend alternatives or refinements.

A. Strategy & Planning

• Marketing and outreach strategy aligned with Ohmsett’s mission and services

• Target audience identification and segmentation

• Messaging framework and value-proposition development

• Branding and communications alignment recommendations

B. Digital Marketing & Content Support (Non-IT)

• Website content recommendations and optimization (SEO, messaging, user journeys)

• Email campaigns and newsletters (content calendars, segmentation, templates)

• Social media strategy and content development (as applicable and approved)

• Analytics, dashboards, and performance reporting

C. Event & Client Outreach

• Promotion of test events, demonstrations, and training opportunities

• Development of marketing collateral (fact sheets, one-pagers, slide decks, case studies)

• Media and stakeholder outreach support

• Tradeshow and conference outreach recommendations

D. Content Development

• Case studies and success stories (as approved)

• Photo/video planning support (storyboards, scripts, coordination)

• Updates to mission, capability, and outreach materials

E. Measurement & Continuous Improvement

• Key performance indicators (KPIs) tied to awareness, engagement, and utilization

• Periodic performance reviews and strategy adjustments

4. Phased Approach Consideration – Market Study vs. Implementation

BSEE is considering whether marketing support for Ohmsett should be structured using a phased approach, such as:

Phase 1 – Market Assessment / Case Study / Research

Potential activities may include:

• Assessment of current awareness, perception, and utilization of Ohmsett

• Identification of industry segments and stakeholders most likely to use Ohmsett services

• Review of comparable government or research test facilities and their marketing approaches

• Identification of barriers to industry engagement

• Recommendations for messaging, channels, timing, and performance metrics

• Development of a data-driven marketing roadmap

Phase 2 – Marketing Strategy Implementation

Potential activities may include:

• Execution of approved marketing and outreach strategies

• Campaign management and content development

• Event promotion and stakeholder engagement

• Ongoing analytics, reporting, and optimization

Respondents are requested to provide input on:

• Whether a standalone market assessment or case study should precede implementation;

• Risks and benefits of a phased approach versus immediate execution;

• Recommended scope, duration, and deliverables for Phase 1;

• Whether Phases 1 and 2 should be structured as:

o Separate acquisitions, o A single contract with optional phases, or o Another approach recommended by the respondent.

5. Place of Performance

Performance is anticipated to be primarily remote, with occasional on-site support at the Ohmsett facility in New Jersey as needed for planning, content development, or event support.

6. Requested Information From Respondents

Responses should be concise (recommended 5 pages, excluding attachments) and address the following:

A. Company Information

1. Company name, address, and point(s) of contact

2. Small business status (e.g., Small Business, WOSB/EDWOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone, 8(a))

3. Primary office location and ability to support work in New Jersey and nearby areas

4. NAICS code(s) you believe best fit this effort

5. Existing contract vehicles that may support this work (optional)

B. Capabilities & Recommended Approach

6. Experience providing marketing or outreach services for:

o Government agencies, research facilities, laboratories, or technical organizations (preferred) o Energy, maritime, environmental response, or emergency management sectors

7. Recommended approach for:

o Increasing awareness of Ohmsett’s mission and services o Generating qualified leads for test events and facility usage o Converting interest into scheduled engagements

8. Capabilities related to content development, digital outreach, event promotion, and analytics

9. Professional recommendation on whether BSEE should conduct a market assessment or case study prior to implementation, including:

o Key analyses to prioritize o How Phase 1 findings would inform Phase 2

C. Staffing

10. Proposed labor roles and functional capabilities

E. Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) – Non-Binding

11. Provide separate ROM estimates, if feasible, for:

o Phase 1: Market assessment / case study o Phase 2: Marketing strategy implementation Include assumptions regarding level of effort, duration, travel, and tools.

F. Risks, Dependencies, and Recommendations

12. Key risks, assumptions, or Government-furnished inputs needed

13. Recommendations to improve effectiveness and proposed KPIs

7. Response Instructions

• Format: PDF or Word

• Email Subject Line: RFI Response – Ohmsett Marketing Services – [Company Name] to william.rilee@bsee.gov

Proprietary information must be clearly marked.

8. Government Disclaimer

This RFI is issued for planning and market research purposes only and shall not be construed as a solicitation or a commitment by the Government.

The Government may contact respondents to this RFI or other vendors that have been identified through other market research methods for the purpose of clarifying submitted information or to obtain additional market research input; however, such communications shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or award a contract.