Request For Information (RFI)- USDA Program Complaints Support Process
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 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (OASCR), through the Center for Civil Rights Enforcement (CCRE), is conducting a Request For Information (RFI) to identify contractors capable of providing services for processing program complaints, including intake, investigation, and adjudication. This is a market research tool to inform a potential future Request for Quote (RFQ) and acquisition strategy. Responses are due by May 29, 2026, 5 PM ET.
Scope of Work (Based on Draft RFQ SOW)
The anticipated scope of work involves providing analytical, research, drafting, technical writing, and administrative support for program complaints of discrimination. Key areas include:
- Intake Support: Advisory jurisdictional screening, issue identification, drafting acceptance/closure/referral letters, and requests for additional information.
- Investigation Support: Assisting with evidence organization, interview guides, document requests, and drafting impartial Reports of Investigation (ROIs). Investigations have defined timelines: Simple (90 days), Medium (100 days), Complex (115 days) from acceptance.
- Adjudication Support: Drafting proposed Final Agency Decisions (FADs), appeal responses, corrective action tracking memoranda, and reviewing ROIs for legal sufficiency.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research (for a potential Performance Based, Firm Fixed-Price Order)
- Anticipated Duration: One (1) 12-month base period and two (2) 12-month option periods.
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research to determine possibilities)
- Response Due: May 29, 2026, 5 PM ET
- Published: May 27, 2026
- Place of Performance: Remote work via Government-approved systems.
Qualifications & Requirements (Based on Draft RFQ SOW)
Contractors must demonstrate organizational capability, subject-matter expertise, and professional experience, including at least three years in federal civil rights matters, knowledge of relevant statutes and regulations, experience preparing legal determinations, strong analytical and technical writing skills, and an established quality control process. The contractor will not perform inherently governmental functions.
Additional Notes
This RFI is for informational and planning purposes only and does not constitute a request for quote or a commitment to award a contract. No reimbursement will be made for response costs. Responses are voluntary but may significantly influence the acquisition strategy. Communication outside the provided survey link will not be accepted. The survey can be found at: https://forms.office.com/g/sB5nFxjQKJ.