USDA/NAL - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Strategic Planning   2

The intent of this pre-solicitation notice is for informational purposes only. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Contracting Operations Branch (COB) intends to award a sole source Purchase Order to Strategic Diversity Initiatives, Inc. for follow-on DEI Strategic Planning support to include:

The library's Equity Diversity and Inclusion Council (the Council) will contract with a certified diversity and inclusion consultant to implement strategic planning based on the climate assessment (proprietary data) and to support additional growth. The mission of the Council is to enhance diversity and inclusion which promotes a knowledge discovery environment of excellence and service in support of the Agricultural Research Service mission. The Council supports the NAL Director and Leadership Team through action and advice on a variety of issues focused on achieving a diverse workforce and treating all employees with fairness and respect. The Council 1) facilitates recruitment, outreach, and communication to promote a diverse job applicant pool; 2) advances cultural transformation initiatives to create a workplace environment which promotes work-life quality and employee satisfaction; and 3) increases employee awareness of diversity, equal employment opportunity, and civil rights

NAL requires an experienced and certified diversity and inclusion professional with experience working in libraires and with library staff members. The professionals will guide a strategic planning process though planning, staff-wide workshops and creating a strategic plan by targeting the priorities revealed by the climate assessment.

The proposed contract will be awarded using a Sole Source Justification in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), "Contracting officers may solicit from one source if the contracting officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available (e.g., urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, proprietary data, brand-name or industrial mobilization)." Please see attached Sole Source Justification.

The synopsis does NOT constitute an Invitation for Bids (IFB), a Request for Proposals (RFP) or Request for Quotes (RFQ) nor does it restrict the Government as to its ultimate acquisition approach. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this notice, nor will it reimburse firms for any costs associated with preparing or submitting a response to this notice. However, all responsible sources, meeting all requirements of the statement of work, which, if received within 5 calendar days of publication of this notice shall be considered by the Government. All responses must be submitted to the Government primary point of contact at the contracting office address shown below. If no written responses are received after the publication of this notice the contract will be awarded without further notice. A determination by the Government not to open the requirement to competition based upon the responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.