RFI - Social Media Services

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides clarifications and answers to vendor questions regarding the Social Media Management Platform requirement for the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

• Scope: The requirement is strictly for a Social Media Management Platform (SaaS) and does not include ongoing services such as content creation, editorial support, graphic design, or campaign execution. Content development is not required.
• User Seats: The platform is limited to five (5) seats, though the government ideally seeks 7-8 seats. Scalable enterprise licensing models are not the primary focus.
• Integrations: No integrations with existing DOL systems (e.g., analytics, CMS, CRM) are required. The platform must have built-in metrics derived from social media platforms. Login.gov, single-sign-on, or FedRAMP authorization are not required; a lower-level security certification is acceptable.
• Contract Structure: The anticipated contract structure is firm-fixed-price.
• Current Services: DOL uses "Sprout" social media services, but BLS does not have a current contract for these services.
• Acquisition Timeline: The government aims for an "ASAP" award, but no specific dates for RFP release or award are provided.
• Security & Compliance: The platform must be Section 508 compliant. A lower-level security certification is acceptable.
• Training: Dedicated onboarding training for users is required.
• Key Capabilities: Analytics, approval workflows, monitoring, and scalability are mission-critical. Social listening is optional.
• Primary Outcome: The government seeks operational efficiency and improved audience engagement through better analytics.
• Evaluation: A response will be deemed relevant if it meets the requirements in scope. Success metrics of interest are scalability, usability, security, and cost efficiency.
• Platform Preference: The government prefers off-the-shelf solutions over custom-built platforms for easier troubleshooting and training.
• Period of Performance: The contract will be for 1 year from the date of award, with three possible option years. No options for development/customization are included.

These clarifications refine the scope to focus solely on the platform, confirm user seat limitations, specify integration and security requirements, and indicate a preference for off-the-shelf solutions. The acquisition timeline remains undefined beyond "ASAP."

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI seeks information on potential solutions for social media services for the Department of Labor (DOL), specifically the Division of New Media within the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The goal is to streamline publishing, governance, and reporting across official BLS social media channels, enhance social media presence, collaborate with DOL agencies on content, set performance standards, manage customer feedback, and utilize data for content improvement.

The contractor is expected to provide access to a web-based social media management platform with advanced features including:

• Approval workflows and real-time content editing
• Advanced analytics and reporting (shareable with non-users)
• Advanced monitoring and listening capabilities
• Benchmark/comparison data
• Custom rules for inbox management (shareable via email)
• Enterprise account grouping and permission management
• Social content calendar, unlimited publishing, and scheduling
• Campaign planning
• Unlimited social profiles across various networks (X, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, YouTube, Bluesky, Pinterest, TikTok)
• iOS & Android mobile applications
• Services for five (5) seats on the account
• Reporting and analytics with the ability to create unlimited, shareable reports
• In-depth social media monitoring around events and keywords

Respondents are asked to provide:

• Company description, capabilities, and approach
• Historical information on service provision and NAICS codes
• Business type (small, large, etc.) and size standard
• Confirmation of capability to provide the full scope of requirements
• Suggestions for scope improvement
• Potential risks (performance, technical, cost)
• Issues with the scope that may limit performance or increase cost

Responses should include a cover letter with contact information and be submitted in Microsoft Word format, not exceeding 30 pages. Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) pricing information is also requested for planning purposes.

• Questions due: April 6, 2026, by 12:00 PM EST

• Responses due: April 13, 2026, by 12:00 PM EST

• Contact for questions and submissions: Daniel Garza (Garza.Daniel@dol.gov)

• Contracting Officer: Rachael Vargas (Vargas.Rachael.N@dol.gov)

• This is a Request for Information (RFI) only, not a Request for Proposals (RFP).

• The government is not obligated to pay for information received or to award a contract based on this RFI.

• Responses will be used for market research and planning purposes.

• The requirement may be set-aside for small businesses or procured through full and open competition.