Agricultural Wage Survey

The Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) is seeking a contractor to conduct an annual wage survey of non-H-2A workers hand harvesting apples, cherries, pears, and blueberries in 47 counties and 35 census-designated places across the state. The contractor must gather data on wage rates, unemployment insurance claims, demographic information, and employment on farms with H-2A workers. The contractor must have the capacity to conduct interviews and collect data in at least English and Spanish, and meet stringent data security requirements. Bids are due by November 11, 2024, and the awarded contractor may be used for future similar surveys without additional competition. ESD's proposed budget for this engagement is $648,000, and bidders are encouraged to provide the most cost-effective solution.

The RFP does not specify any set-aside designations or restrictions on the types of organizations that can respond. It also does not identify any incumbent vendors or current contractors. The RFP emphasizes the importance of meeting federal data security requirements, Washington state standards, and specific system and procedural standards outlined in the sample contract, but does not provide details on existing infrastructure or technology that requires integration.