DOL research study on unfair labor practices
STATE, DEPARTMENT OF.STATE, DEPARTMENT OF.US EMBASSY BOGOTA · Response deadline: Thu, 10 Dec 2026
What the government is buying
The Department of State, U.S. Embassy Bogota is soliciting proposals for a research study on unfair labor practices. This will be performed as research and development services in the social sciences and humanities, specifically falling under NAICS 541720 (Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities). The work is to be conducted in Bogota, Colombia at the embassy location; see the solicitation for full details on the scope, deliverables, and any specific research questions the Department of State wants addressed.
Key facts
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of State, U.S. Embassy Bogota |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | 19C02027Q0008 |
| NAICS | 541720 |
| Set-aside | No Set aside used |
| Response deadline | December 10, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET |
| Place of performance | Bogota, Colombia |
Who can bid
This solicitation is open competition with no set-aside, meaning any qualified business regardless of size or socioeconomic status may bid, including both large and small businesses. There is no preference for small business, 8(a), woman-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, HUBZone, or other SBA-certified firms beyond whatever evaluation factors the Department of State specifies in the solicitation.
Given the specialized NAICS code (541720), firms with substantive experience in social science research—particularly labor studies, international labor standards, Colombian labor market analysis, or related fields—will be most competitive. The overseas place of performance suggests bidders should confirm their ability to operate in Colombia and meet any local registration or security requirements; see the solicitation.
How to put together a competitive bid
For social science research contracts with overseas embassies, consider these practical steps:
Demonstrate subject-matter expertise. The evaluators will look for proven experience in labor research, especially related to unfair labor practices, worker rights, or comparable studies in Latin America. Include relevant past performance with similar methodologies.
Confirm local operational capacity. Bogota-based performance may require local staff, partnerships with Colombian research institutions, or established relationships with labor organizations. Clarify whether your team has existing presence or will need to subcontract local expertise.
Address data access and ethics. Research on labor practices involves sensitive human subjects considerations. Your proposal should detail how you will access reliable data, protect sources, comply with human subjects protections (if applicable), and navigate potential political sensitivities.
Study the evaluation factors. With no set-aside, price and technical merit will likely drive award. Ensure your cost proposal is competitive while fully supporting the proposed research design.
Check security and clearance requirements. Embassy contracts sometimes require facility access approvals or background checks for personnel; see the solicitation for specifics.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number 19C02027Q0008 to obtain the statement of work, evaluation criteria, and submission instructions. Note that proposals are due December 10, 2026 at 4:00 PM Eastern Time—allow adequate time for SAM.gov registration, any required representations and certifications, and proposal development given the specialized nature of this research requirement.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →