Research Participant Recruiting
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of Labor (DOL), on behalf of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for Research Participant Recruiting services. This RFI seeks to identify potential solutions for recruiting, verifying, scheduling, and remunerating participants for small-scale research studies conducted by the BLS Office of Survey Methods Research (OSMR) in Washington, DC. Responses are due by March 25, 2026.
Purpose & Objectives
This RFI aims to gather information on vendor capabilities to achieve several high-level objectives:
- Identify and verify eligible research study participants.
- Schedule participants for BLS/OSMR studies.
- Provide monetary incentives to participants upon study completion, ensuring proper remuneration and record-keeping.
- Handle participant information in strict accordance with BLS confidentiality and privacy policies.
- Provide real-time and periodic status updates and summary reports to BLS/OSMR.
Scope of Work / Key Requirements
Vendors should propose strategies and plans covering:
- Identifying and recruiting participants based on specific eligibility criteria.
- Screening and verifying participant eligibility.
- Scheduling appointments and sending reminders.
- Providing necessary study information and conducting technical checks for virtual appointments.
- Ensuring required participant numbers are met, including managing no-shows.
- Remunerating participants and maintaining records.
- Providing status updates and reports.
- Adhering to BLS privacy and confidentiality policies for participant data. BLS will define research objectives, set eligibility criteria, and conduct the research.
RFI Questionnaire & Submission Details
Respondents are requested to provide:
- Company description, capabilities, and approach.
- Historical experience with similar services.
- Business type and small business certifications.
- Confirmation of ability to provide the full scope of requirements.
- Identification of any requirements that unnecessarily increase costs.
- Suggested roles and responsibilities for both company and government.
- Potential risks and issues impacting performance or cost.
- Specific details on participant verification, fee structures, and sample pricing.
- Information on 2025 recruiting efforts, including participant numbers, study types, modes, and strategies for hard-to-reach groups. Questions are due by March 18, 2026, 12:00 PM EST. Responses are due by March 25, 2026, 12:00 PM EST, via email to the listed contacts.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Set-Aside: May be set-aside for small businesses or procured through full and open competition; multiple awards possible.
- Response Due: March 25, 2026, 12:00 PM EST
- Published: March 11, 2026
Additional Notes
This RFI is for planning purposes only and is not a solicitation for proposals. Information gathered will help DOL determine the best approach for a future acquisition. Offerors of "Relevant" responses may be requested to demonstrate their approach.