HOW15044 09/26/2019 11:50

The South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) seeking comprehensive research services to analyze and identify individuals not currently participating in the labor force. The primary objective of this procurement is to conduct an in-depth study examining approximately 10% of the state's non-engaged workforce population, with a focus on understanding their demographics, work experience, skills, certifications, and employment barriers. Respondents must develop a methodology to collect both aggregate-level and individual-level data, delivering detailed insights into potential workforce re-engagement opportunities. Key deliverables include identifying geographic areas of study, describing final research outputs, establishing a project timeline, and proposing additional resource requirements. The evaluation criteria are strategically weighted, with 40% allocated to understanding project requirements, 30% for deliverable detail and value, 20% for previous comparable project experience, and 10% for cost considerations. Critical procurement dates include a November 14, 2019 deadline for submitting questions, a November 25, 2019 proposal submission deadline at 2:30 p.m., and an anticipated award announcement on December 13, 2019. Proposals must be submitted as one original and three additional hard copies to the DEW Procurement Office in Columbia, South Carolina.

While no specific set-aside designations are explicitly mentioned, the solicitation indicates a commitment to standard South Carolina procurement regulations, including requirements for debarment certification, independent price determination, drug-free workplace certification, and ethics compliance. The agency has not specified a precise contract ceiling amount but has expressed commitment to providing necessary resources for project completion. Travel costs are allowable and must be incorporated into the total price proposal. The selected vendor may potentially gain access to in-house data sources, including the SCWS database, subject to executing memoranda of understanding and non-disclosure agreements. This represents a new initiative with no incumbent vendor, and the contract timeline will be negotiated with the selected provider, with the agency anticipating a contract award in January 2020. The research will leverage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, focusing on the approximately 41.5% of the population currently not participating in the labor force. Sample size and specific research parameters will be collaboratively determined between the agency and the selected vendor to ensure statistically significant findings, with the DEW prepared to facilitate connections with local agencies across counties to support the comprehensive study.