Online Legal and Business Research

The Maryland Department of Labor, specifically for Baltimore City, is conducting a Purchase Order Request for Proposals (PORFP) for online legal and business research services through a Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) Software Master Contract. The solicitation focuses on procuring two primary Equifax software services: Equifax Social Service Verification (1,200 units for 6 full months per customer per record) and The Work Number Account Service Fee (12-month commitment). These services are intended to support the Protect Our Federal Workers Act of 2025, with specific emphasis on the Federal Worker Emergency Loan Program and Federal Shutdown Loan Program. The procurement is designed to verify and check workers affected by government shutdowns. Proposals must be submitted electronically through the state's eMMA e-Procurement system with specific password protection requirements. Key dates include a question submission deadline of October 5, 2025, a proposal due date of October 10, 2025, and an anticipated delivery date of October 15, 2025. Evaluation criteria will focus on conformance to the scope of work, delivery schedule, and the most advantageous offer considering price and other evaluation factors.

The contract is not designated as a small business reserve and is limited to Master Contractors previously awarded under the Commercial Off-the-Shelf Software (COTS 2012) contract. This restriction means that only pre-qualified vendors with existing master contract status can participate in the solicitation. Invoicing will be processed through the Maryland Labor accounts payable email, with detailed invoice requirements specified in the documentation. While specific award values are not explicitly stated, the procurement involves 1,200 units of social service verification and 12 units of account service fees. The solicitation appears to be part of a broader effort to provide financial support and verification services for federal workers during potential government shutdowns. Vendors will need to demonstrate capability in providing comprehensive social service verification and account management services, with a focus on supporting government workers during periods of economic uncertainty.