How to Win the AIMS RFI: A Guide for Government Contractors

Introduction

The Department of Commerce (DOC) Office of the Secretary (OS) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for Advisory and Integrated Management Solutions (AIMS) to support its strategic goals and objectives. The RFI is a market research tool to identify potential sources that can provide a range of services, such as strategic planning, performance management, data analytics, change management, and stakeholder engagement. The RFI is not a solicitation and does not guarantee the release of a future solicitation. However, it is an opportunity for interested vendors to showcase their capabilities and experience in this domain and influence the acquisition strategy of the DOC OS. The solicitation number is AIMSRFI2023 and the duration of the term is 5 years. The estimated value is TBD.

This article will provide an overview of the AIMS RFI, its historical background, its description, who should participate, and the challenges that vendors may face in responding to it. It will also offer some tips and best practices from GDI Consulting, a leading provider of capture and proposal services to government contractors.

Historical Background

The AIMS RFI is a follow-on to the previous contract that DOC OS awarded in 2018 for Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS). The A&AS contract was a multiple-award Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) against the GSA Federal Supply Schedules, with a ceiling value of $300 million and a period of performance of 5 years. The A&AS contract supported DOC OS in various areas, such as strategic planning and alignment, performance measurement and management, organizational assessment and design, business process improvement, data management and analytics, change management and communications, stakeholder engagement and facilitation, and program management support. The A&AS contract had 12 awardees, including 8 small businesses and 4 large businesses.

The AIMS RFI indicates that DOC OS intends to update and expand its requirements for advisory and integrated management solutions, as well as explore alternative acquisition approaches, such as an open market multiple-award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. The RFI also states that DOC OS anticipates robust participation from small businesses in response to the RFI to support assessment of potential opportunities for small business set-aside(s).

RFI Description

The AIMS RFI seeks information from vendors that can provide advisory and integrated management solutions to DOC OS in support of its mission to provide leadership, direction, and oversight to DOC bureaus and offices. The RFI outlines the following objectives for the AIMS requirement:

• To align DOC strategic goals and objectives with bureau and office priorities, plans, and initiatives
• To measure and manage DOC performance against established targets and indicators
• To assess and improve DOC organizational effectiveness and efficiency
• To enhance DOC data quality, availability, accessibility, and usability
• To facilitate DOC change management and stakeholder engagement
• To provide DOC program management support

The RFI requests vendors to submit capability statements that demonstrate their experience, qualifications, and past performance in providing similar services to DOC or other federal agencies. The capability statements should also include information on the vendor’s socio-economic status, GSA schedule number (if applicable), DUNS number, CAGE code, NAICS code(s), point of contact information, and any questions or comments on the draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) or the anticipated acquisition strategy.

Who Should Participate

The AIMS RFI is open to all vendors that can provide advisory and integrated management solutions to DOC OS. However, vendors should carefully assess their capabilities and experience before responding to the RFI. Vendors should also consider the following factors:

• The scope of work: The AIMS requirement covers a broad range of services that require expertise in various disciplines, such as strategic planning, performance management, data analytics, change management, stakeholder engagement, etc. Vendors should demonstrate their ability to provide comprehensive solutions that address all aspects of the requirement.
• The level of effort: The AIMS requirement involves supporting multiple DOC bureaus and offices across different functional areas and geographic locations. Vendors should demonstrate their capacity to handle complex and dynamic tasks that require coordination and collaboration with multiple stakeholders.
• The quality standards: The AIMS requirement demands high-quality deliverables that meet or exceed DOC expectations and requirements. Vendors should demonstrate their quality assurance processes and methodologies that ensure consistent and reliable results.
• The past performance: The AIMS requirement builds on the previous A&AS contract that was awarded in 2018. Vendors should highlight their relevant and recent experience in providing similar services to DOC or other federal agencies. Vendors should also provide references and testimonials that attest to their customer satisfaction and value-added outcomes.

The Challenges

Responding to the AIMS RFI may pose some challenges for vendors, such as:

• Understanding the customer: DOC OS is a complex and diverse organization that oversees and coordinates the activities of 12 bureaus and offices that have different missions, goals, and priorities. Vendors should research and analyze the customer’s needs, challenges, opportunities, and preferences to tailor their responses accordingly.
• Differentiating the solution: The AIMS RFI is likely to attract many vendors that offer similar services in the market. Vendors should differentiate their solutions by showcasing their unique value proposition, innovative approaches, best practices, lessons learned, and success stories that demonstrate their competitive edge.
• Complying with the instructions: The AIMS RFI provides specific instructions on how to submit capability statements, questions, and comments. Vendors should follow the instructions carefully and adhere to the format, content, length, and deadline requirements. Vendors should also avoid providing any proprietary information that could otherwise be disclosed through the solicitation process.

Conclusion

The AIMS RFI is a valuable opportunity for vendors to showcase their capabilities and experience in providing advisory and integrated management solutions to DOC OS. The RFI is also a chance for vendors to influence the acquisition strategy of the customer and prepare for a potential future solicitation. Vendors should respond to the RFI with high-quality capability statements that demonstrate their understanding of the customer’s needs, their differentiation of their solutions, and their compliance with the instructions.

If you are interested in learning more about how GDI Consulting can help you win the AIMS RFI or any other government contract opportunity, please visit our website at www.gdicwins.com, we look forward to hearing from you soon.