030ADV23R0055 - Data Science Support.pdf

PAGE 1 OF1. REQUISITION NO.

2. CONTRACT NO. 3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE 4. ORDER NO. 5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

a. NAME b. TELEPHONE NO. (No Collect Calls) 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL

TIME

9. ISSUED BY CODE 10. THIS ACQUISITION IS UNRESTRICTED OR SET ASIDE: % FOR:

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

8(A)

NAICS:

SIZE STANDARD:

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ IFB RFP

15. DELIVER TO CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE

17a. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR CODE FACILITY CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

TELEPHONE NO. UEI: EFT:

PHONE: FAX:

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW IS CHECKED

SEE ADDENDUM

19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24.

ITEM NO. SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA 26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED.

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN _______________ 29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. ___________________________________ OFFER COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DATED ________________________________. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY (BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED SET FORTH HEREIN IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (TYPE OR PRINT) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (TYPE OR PRINT) 31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION (REV. NOV 2021)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

RQCRS20230031

See SCHEDULE

030ADV23R0055

6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

08/01/2023

McKinney, Delonte (202) 707-9533 08-18-2023

11:00 EDT

Contracts and Grants Directorate Library of Congress

101 Independence Ave. SE LA 325 Washington DC 20540-9411

X

N/A

X

DELIVERY

See Section F for delivery instructions.

Contracts & Grants Directorate Library of Congress

LA 325

101 Independence Av SE Washington DC 20540-9411

Submit Invoices through https://www.ipp.gov Washington DC 20540

See CONTINUATION Page

0.00 See CONTINUATION Page

X X

McKinney, Delonte

030ADV23R0055

Table of Contents

SECTION A

A.1 SF 1449 SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

B.2 LC52.212-2 SUPPLEMENTAL LICENSE AGREEMENTS (JUL 2017)

B.3 LC52.216-3 CONTRACT TYPE (JUN 2016)

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 LC52.215-5 PLACE AND PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE (JAN 2019)

SECTION G - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1 LC52.201-3 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION (AUG 2015)

G.2 LC52.204-5 IDENTIFICATION AND BUILDING PASSES (DEC 2014)

G.3 LC52.232-1 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS INVOICE INSTRUCTIONS (DEC 2022)

SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1 LC52.201-1 CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE (COR) APPOINTMENT AND AUTHORITY (JAN 2016)

H.2 LC52.203-1 CONTRACTOR PUBLICITY (OCT 2013)

H.3 LC52.204-1 COLLECTIONS SECURITY (DEC 2013)

H.4 LC52.204-2 CONDUCT ON LIBRARY PREMISES (JUL 2021)

H.5 LC52.204-3 INFORMATION SYSTEMS SECURITY (SEP 2018)

H.6 LC52.204-4 CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEE FITNESS (JAN 2022)

H.7 LC52.237-1 KEY PERSONNEL (AUG 2014)

H.8 LC52.237-2 CONDUCT OF WORK (MAY 2015)

H.9 LC52.239-1 INFORMATION SECURITY (APR 2021)

H.10 LC52.239-2 SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT LIFE CYCLE (SEP 2018)

H.11 LC52.239-3 ASSESSMENT AND AUTHORIZATION (JAN 2016)

H.12 LC52.239-3A ASSESSMENT AND AUTHORIZATION (ALT I) (JAN 2016)

H.13 LC52.239-4 SECTION 508 COMPLIANCE (JAN 2015)

H.14 LC52.239-5 SYSTEMS HOSTED BY EXTERNAL HOSTING PROVIDERS (SEP 2018)

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

030ADV23R0055

SECTION I - CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.1 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

I.2 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE

ORDERS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (JUN 2023)

I.3 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

I.4 LC52.204-6 SPEECH OR DEBATE CLAUSE PRIVILEGE NOTICE AND PROTECTION AGAINST DISCLOSURE (SEP 2017)

I.5 LC52.204-27 HANDLING OF FEDERAL RECORDS (JUL 2021)

I.6 LC52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS - COMMERCIAL ITEMS (DEV) (FEB 2016)

I.7 LC52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE

ORDERS - COMMERCIAL ITEMS (DEV) (MAY 2015)

I.8 LC52.227-1 ASSIGNMENT OF COPYRIGHT TO THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS (DEC 2001)

I.9 LC52.232-25 PROMPT PAYMENT (DEV) (JUL 2013)

I.10 LC52.233-1 52.233-1 (DEV) DISPUTES (MAY 2014)

PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

SECTION J - LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION K - REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

K.1 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

K.2 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (DEC 2022)

SECTION L - INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

L.1 LC52.233-2 PROTESTS TO THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS (DEC 2013)

SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

030ADV23R0055 Section B

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

ITEM

NUMBE

R

DESCRIPTION OF

SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

0001 1.00 LOT _________________

Model Development IAW SOW Section 4 Contract Period: Base Period of Performance: 09-29-2023 - 09-28-2024 COMMODITY NAME: Data Science Support This CLIN's FFP aligns with the Attachment Jl - Data Science Models Pricing Sheet total for this itemized work.

0002 1.00 LOT _________________

Model Development Support IAW SOW 3.1, 3.2, 3.3; 3.4; 3.5; 3.6;

3.7, 4.2, and 4.4 Contract Period: Base Period of Performance: 09-29-2023 - 09-28-2024 COMMODITY NAME: Data Science Support This CLIN's FFP aligns with the Attachment Jl - Data Science Models Pricing Sheet total for this itemized work.

0003 1.00 LOT _________________

Optional Model Hosting IAW SOW Section 4.3 Contract Period: Option Period Period of Performance: 10-Months After Effective Award Date of the Option COMMODITY NAME: Data Science Support This CLIN's FFP aligns with the Attachment Jl - Data Science Models Pricing Sheet total for this itemized work.

0004 1.00 LOT _________________

030ADV23R0055 Section B

Optional Transition from External to Internal Hosting IAW SOW Section 5 Contract Period: Option Period Period of Performance: 6-Months After Effective Award Date of the Option COMMODITY NAME: Data Science Support This CLIN's FFP aligns with the Attachment Jl - Data Science Models Pricing Sheet total for this itemized work.

GRAND TOTAL ________________

B.2 LC52.212-2 SUPPLEMENTAL LICENSE AGREEMENTS (JUL 2017)

The Library does not agree to licensing agreements or any other provisions that attempt to: (1) replace an order as the governing contract; (2) establish new or supplemental payment terms; or, (3) affect the legal relationships of the parties.

Notwithstanding any clauses in this contract or order, or the contractual vehicles against which the order is placed, that establish order of precedence, the rights and obligations provided by this contract or order take precedence over the rights and obligations set forth in any licensing agreements provided to the Library.

The Library’s incorporation of a licensing agreement into this contract or order excludes all terms of the licensing agreement that contravene, modify or conflict with the terms of 36 C.F.R. 701.7 available at: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=87a865ce2bd109313a951a3d477895d8&mc=true&node=se36.3.701_17&rgn=div8.

(End of Clause)

B.3 LC52.216-3 CONTRACT TYPE (JUN 2016)

This is a Firm-Fixed-Price contract.

(End of Clause)

030ADV23R0055 Section C

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

CRS Data Science Support

1. OVERVIEW/ BACKGROUND. As a service unit of the Library of Congress (Library), the Congressional Research Service {CRS) works exclusively for Congress to perform research, analysis, consultations, and a wide range of services that inform Members of the House and Senate on legislative issues. In recent years, Congress has taken an interest in CRS performing more data driven analysis including analysis utilizing large data sets and improving the timeliness and efficiency of the analysis.

CRS is looking to enhance its existing data analytic capabilities to include consideration of artificial intelligence, machine learning, or other data science (DS) methods. A principal function of the Congressional Research Service is to provide Congress with accurate, authoritative information and with nonpartisan, objective analyses.

As an initial step, CRS identified the following objectives for a data analysis program.

Objective 1: Interpret and assess analytic methods. Enhancements should enable CRS analysts to recognize, evaluate, and interpret studies in their field, especially those that use artificial intelligence, machine learning, or other data science (DS) methods.

Objective 2: Identify, apply and use quantitative methods: Enhancements should enable CRS analysts to apply quantitative methods in their work responding to Congressional requests. This would include identifying available data and methods, running code developed by others, and developing new models and tools specifically tailored for CRS needs. These models and tools may require application of both traditional and new data science quantitative approaches.

Objective 3: Maintain existing services. Ensure enhancements to capabilities do not interfere with the ability to efficiently respond to congressional requests in a timely manner and maintain a standard of authoritative and objective analysis.

CRS's research structure is divided into five topical Divisions and one support group:

• American Law Division

• Domestic Social Policy Division

• Foreign Affairs, Defense and Trade Division

• Government and Finance Division

• Resources, Science, and Industry Division

• Knowledge Services Group

Each organization has a different focus and would benefit from data analysis in different ways. It is anticipated that during the course of the contract, models will be developed to assist each of the offices.

CRS's core values must be considered in any tools developed under this contract:

• Confidentiality

• Objectivity

• Non-partisanship

• Authoritativeness

• Timeliness

2. SCOPE The contractor shall analyze capabilities, explore and recommend possible solutions and spearhead the development of permanent, scalable, and modifiable cloud based or laptop tools and models to support the quantitative analytical requirements of CRS.

3. REQUIREMENTS The contractor shall support enhancements and a greater application of data science tools to analyze data sets, including big data sets, and also leverage those tools to improve responsiveness and efficiency.

All work for which the Library takes responsibility shall therefore be free of advocacy, unbiased, accurate, and utilize objective citing, as appropriate. All work shall present the assumptions and arguments for all sides of an issue, including their strengths and weaknesses. Throughout the work all statements of fact must be documented, all data must be attributed, and all opinions and conclusions must be so indicated.

Requests received by the CRS from congressional offices and materials provided in support of and in response to such requests are confidential, are subject to speech and debate privileges, and cannot be disseminated by the contractor without advance written approval from the Director of CRS. Accordingly, the Library retains all rights in such information and contractor shall not release or publish any information relating to such information developed under the terms of this contract without Library approval, including source code and output relating to inquiries and data modeling. As provided in the SOW and described in LC52.239-6, the Library may provide contractor with access to existing tools for the work performed under this contract, which may include Library-developed products and commercial products. For the sake of clarity, the Library will own all data produced and enhancements made to Library-developed products.

3.1 KICK-OFF MEETING

Kick-off Meeting shall be held to introduce the contractor and project team members. The meeting shall be used to disseminate key information in order to understand the project background, what success looks like, and the requirements for success. The Kick-off Meeting shall be held within 5 days of contract award.

3.2 PROJECT PLAN

The contractor shall provide a project plan to include scope, assumptions, constraints, dependencies, project deliverables and project milestones. The project plan shall include all necessary requirements and a proposed architecture to create and implement quantitative tools and modeling in both on site and cloud-based format.

3.3 MONTHLY STATUS REPORTING

The contractor shall provide a written monthly status report to the COR and CRS Data Steering Committee, including updated schedules, accomplishments, expected work during the upcoming month, risks/issues, as well as proposed solution(s) to be addressed by the Library COR.

3.4 ANALYSIS OF CRS'S CURRENT CAPABILITIES AND TOOLS

The contractor shall examine and determine the current capability within CRS. This would include studying the CRS work model, products and data requirements in many topic areas. As part of the analysis, the contractor shall identify ways CRS can better utilize its existing tools. Recommendations may address topics to include:

Quantitative analysis and data science knowledge;

Using under-utilized features in software such as Excel; and Recommendations of software that needs to be replaced, and recommendations on additional training that might benefit staff.

3.5TRAINING SESSIONS

The contractor shall provide 9 periodic trainings and workshops to produce savvy data science consumers. The training shall be 1-day a month, for approximately 4 hours. Number of attendees will be approximately 25 – 50. Training shall be in a hybrid format: an on-site component with remote capability for virtual attendance. Trainings and workshops shall occur monthly after the 90-day phase-in.

Training sessions will be targeted to different levels of user experience and skill. Continuing education shall be provided to retain and continuously develop quantitative analysis skills, including both conventional and newer analytical methods, with a focus on representative applications of these tools to CRS's analytical work for our clients.

3.6 CRS-WIDE QUARTERLY FORUMS/SEMINARS

The contractor will enhance internal communication and collaboration by delivering and facilitating quarterly CRS-wide seminars with internal and external experts to share quantitative policy analysis methods and findings. The contractor shall propose four or more forum topics in writing as part of their proposal. The forum/seminar shall be in a webinar format and shall be conducted every 3-months (quarterly), for approximately 2-hours. Number of attendees shall not exceed 150 personnel.

3.7 REPORTING ON EXTERNAL DATA ADVANCES

The contractor shall monitor current work outside of CRS on quantitative analysis related to policy issues, and using applicable new methods, including machine learning/artificial intelligence. This shall include periodically scanning analytic products and analysis from policy research organizations and other public and or private entities. Findings and recommendations based on these activities shall be in accordance with Section 6.1 Schedule of Events/Deliverables Contractor shall present findings and recommendations verbally in meetings and documented in email form.

4. CREATION OF DATA MODELING TOOLS

4.1 CREATION OF DATA MODELING TOOLS

The contractor shall use the topics below to identify, develop, and put into production models and/or tools of varying levels of complexity. The contractor shall work with an identified CRS project lead in the CRS division.

The contractor shall consider CRS's currently available data, tools and architecture, as well as, what is available in the broader marketplace to support quantitative analysis and modeling for policy analysis. The contractor shall include optimal and alternative approaches. The contractor shall provide for the equivalent of one-hour weekly meetings with users and other stakeholders to receive input on the development process for use by the contractor and the project lead. Tools that allow linking across data sets or analysis to a more granular level, such as the Congressional district or demographic characteristic, are of interest to CRS and shall be considered. The models/tools shall be capable of producing tables and visualizations that can be distributed to Congressional clients.

Tools shall be functional in a production environment by within the period of performance of the contract.

Deployment of models may be staggered, but all models shall be developed within 9 months of contract award to allow for staff to work with contractor to fully understand the tool.

Topics:

1. Department of Defense (DOD) Budget Justifications

The contractor shall create a data tool to extract text linked to specific relevant lines of spending. DOD and the military services release annual budget justification documents as PDFs and spreadsheets. The data format makes it labor intensive to locate the desired information or to apply quantitative analysis. The contractor shall create a data tool that extracts text linked to the relevant line of spending which shall be queried to put together spending over time and across accounts, services, or other dimensions. The tool shall allow for rapid extracts related by keywords and equivalence classes. Variations of such a tool shall also be applied to trade and appropriations data.

2. Historic Appropriations - Department of State and Foreign Operations (SFOPS):

The contractor shall develop tools to create a large database that tracks SFOPS appropriations by account and legislative vehicle over at least 20 years period of time. The current appendix currently tracks only a few years at a time due to the limitations of excel spreadsheets. Improved capacity and the ability to work within this large data set would enable CRS to do analysis that is timely and efficient. Functionality shall include the ability for CRS to create an extended timeseries version of the appendix that now appears in our annual SFOPS report. Database shall have the ability to link account names and bill structures that may have changed over time and across legislation. Once applied to SFOPS, this shall be applied across all appropriations analysis.

3. Workforce Information Systems

The contractor shall modernize the existing Workforce Information Management system. The existing workforce information system requires modernization. The system imports data from Empower personnel records and combines it with CRS specific information (such as CRS job titles) to populate records used in the Consolidated Database for products. The current database resides in SAS architecture that is no longer supported. The contractor shall build a new, cloud-based database that could return queries in a number of formats (e.g., excel .csv and data visualization)

4. Student Loan Calculator Project

The contractor shall streamline and enhance coding for an existing student loan repayment plan calculator.

Improvement is needed to more efficiently model case simulations of key outcome measures (e.g., dollars paid, dollars forgiven) for user-inputted borrower scenarios under various existing and proposed repayment plan options. Tool shall model a highly complex set of policies and procedures, develop procedures for efficiently compiling student loan and borrower data for the creation of borrower cases, and train CRS staff on how to use the enhanced calculator to produce tables and visualizations that can be distributed to congressional clients.

5. Health Insurance Pricing Project

The contractor shall compile and make available for analysis, data from a pubic web site, containing in-network rates for covered items and services. Federal law requires most group health plans and insurers of group or individual health insurance coverage to disclose on a public website. This is known as health plan price transparency. This is a large amount of data and it will require expertise with techniques for extracting information from such large data sets. The contractor shall provide CRS staff with the needed information and the technical infrastructure to support storing and processing large amounts of data.

4.2 GUIDES, INSTRUCTION AND COACHING ON USING TOOLS

The contractor shall provide expert support to research divisions to provide user assistance for quantitative analytical tools and models, including tools deployed on site and cloud based. Once tools are deployed, the contractor shall conduct a training on using the tool and create documentation that can be accessed by staff to understand the usage of the tool. The contractor shall expect to provide tailored, personal user support for CRS personnel utilizing deployed tools over the duration of the contract.

Interactions with employees would be expected on a daily basis.

4.3 HOSTING TOOLS--OPTION

The contractor shall be prepared to provide hosting for their solution. CRS employees shall have web-based access to the tools and datasets. Hosted sites shall provide security that meets the Library's security standards.

The contractor shall be FEDRAMP certified or able to document FEDRAMP compliance: Moderate Level.

Hosting Services Service Level Agreements

Hosting Services shall be available 99.5% of the time outside of planned outages and scheduled maintenance windows. Outages caused by external factors outside of the vendors control are also excluded from the calculations.

Incident response to include notification and resolution Operating Level Agreement (OLA) and Service Level Agreement (SLA) for each incident prioritization level will meet the targets in the following table.

Incident Response Operating Level and Service Level Agreements

Priority Acknowledgement

Response Operating Level

Agreement (OLA)

Update Status Frequency Service Level Agreement (SLA)

Target Resolution SLA

% Incidents Resolved within SLA

High 30 minutes 30 minutes 2 hours 90%

Medium 1 hour 1 hour 4 hours 90%

Low 2 hours 2 hours 8 hours 90%

This option may be exercised one time during the contract and when exercised, will continue for 10-months from the date of contract modification.

4.4 SUGGESTION OF FUTURE MODELS

Six (6) months before the end of the contract, the contractor shall deliver to the steering committee a list of new tools or enhancements of an equivalent level of effort to those describe in 4.1 that CRS may want to pursue next.

The contractor shall tailor subsequent recommendations and deliverables to accommodate the largest tranche of users, while maintaining scalability to maximize different user abilities. These may include dashboard development and interactive graphics. No less than six (6) proposals shall be offered. Examples of possible analysis requiring new or improved tools include:

4.4.1 Analysis of student loan data: The Department of Education has detailed information about student loan borrowers.

4.4.2 Modeling of commodity, energy, or other markets: CRS is routinely asked to analyze the effects of different policy actions on commodity supply, prices, trade, etc. In the energy/environment space, this includes modeling the expected effects on emissions of greenhouse gases or other pollutants. In the agricultural space, this may include grain and/or milk supplies, prices, and trade.

4.4.3 Health insurance pricing information. This project will have developing "big data" capabilities -web scraping, very large data sets, need for new techniques, and the need for really major computing power.

4.4.4 Text analysis of laws, regulations, and judicial proceedings: CRS regularly analyzes legislative text and would benefit from additional tools to automate and expand that capability.

5 TRANSITION FROM EXTERNAL HOSTING TO LIBRARY HOSTING – OPTION

5.1 To the extent that the contractor has created tools hosted external to the Library, the contractor shall assist the Library in transitioning the tools to the Library's infrastructure or cloud environment. This option may be exercised one time during the contract and when exercised, will continue for 6-months from the date of contract modification. This option will transfer all models/tools currently in use, up to a maximum number of five (5) tools deployed over the course of the contract. Upon exercise of this option and the completion of the transfer, hosting with the contractor shall cease, all hosting will shall be managed by the Library.

6. CONTRACT PERFORMANCE

6.1 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS/DELIVERABLES

Paragraph reference Description of Event/Deliverable

Due date

3.2 Draft Project Plan Due with Proposal

3.1 Kick-off meeting- Review

Project Plan

5 days after contract award

3.2 Update Project Plan Within 2 weeks of contract

award

3.3 Deliver project status reports to

the COR

By the 5th of each month in the base and any exercised option period

3.4 Analysis of CRS current

capabilities and tools

Within 60 days of contract award

3.5 Training and workshops for staff No less than monthly beginning 90 days after award

3.6 Quarterly Forums 90 Days After award and then

Quarterly, submitted by the 10th of the month following the quarter reported.

3.7 Report on activities of other

organizations in the field of data science.

Twice yearly. 90 and 270 days after contract award

4.1 Data Models Within 330 days after contract

award

4.2 Support for using tools Initiated upon deployment of

models until end of contract

4.3--OPTION Hosting of Models Available when creation of data models begins

4.4 Present future tools/models to

the COR

6 months after contract award

5--OPTION Transition from external to internal hosting

May be exercised by the end of the contract.

6.2 QUALITY CONTROL

The contractor shall develop and maintain an effective quality control program (QCP) to ensure services are performed in accordance with this contract. The contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. The contractor's quality control program is the means by which it assures itself that its work complies with the requirement of the contract.

The QCP shall provide assurance that the models and tools developed or used by CRS shall first be shown to provide reproducible, accurate and verifiable results by the use of test data, known test cases and other validation. The contractor shall be responsible for demonstrating and ensuring the accuracy, authoritativeness, and objectivity of provided and recommended tools and models.

The QCP shall be delivered to the steering committee within 30 days of the start of the contract. After acceptance of the quality control plan the contractor shall receive the contracting officer's acceptance in writing of any proposed change to its QCP.

7 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

7.1 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE. Work will primarily be performed at the contractor's facility but contractor personnel may be required by the COR to come to work on-site at the Library's facility. On-site work will be performed at the James Madison Building of the Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington DC 20540.

7.2 Government furnished property includes workstations, laptops, access to existing software and development environment.

8 SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS. All contractors shall be US citizens. All contractors shall pass a background check. All contractors shall have the specialized knowledge, skills, abilities and educational background to successfully accomplish the tasks required by their position within the scope of this contract.

8.1 KEY PERSONNEL. The following positions are considered key personnel:

CRS has estimated that it will require one project team at the beginning of the contract for analysis with additional teams coming on board once model creation starts. It is estimated that eventually three separate project teams of three individuals each (total of nine personnel) may be needed for the modeling phase. It is also anticipated that CRS will require one lead project manager to support the requirements herein (10 total).

Program Manager The contractor shall provide a program manager who shall be responsible for the performance of the work. The name of this person and an alternate who shall act for the contractor when the manager is absent shall be designated in writing to the contracting officer. The program manager or alternate shall have full authority to act for the contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The program manager or alternate shall be available between 8am and 430pm Monday thru Friday except Federal holidays or when the government facility is closed for administrative reasons.

The Program Manager shall have an advanced degree in Data Science, or equivalent work experience, and have the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to manage and direct the activities of three data teams in support of the requirements of this contract, including:

Master's degree or higher in Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Computer Science, or related fields

5+ years of professional experience Proficient with one or more programming languages (Java, C++, Python, R, etc.)

Demonstrated experience applying data science methods to real-world data problems Experience utilizing visualization tools to take advantage of the growing volume of available information

Data Scientist

Degree in data science, applied mathematics, computer science or related fields Knowledge of relevant quantitative analysis software ( SAS, Stata, R, Python) Experience with use of large cross-sectional and time series data Advanced analytical knowledge of data Experience conducting big data analysis Knowledge of data conditioning Programming and advanced computing Developing algorithms, software and data models Building and executing predictive analytics

Software Engineer

Bachelor's and/or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related technical discipline

3+ years of professional software development experience Application architecture and design patterns Experience serving as technical lead throughout the full software development lifecycle, from conception, architecture definition, detailed design, scoping, planning, implementation, testing to documentation, delivery and maintenance is preferred

Knowledge of professional software engineering and best practices for the full software development life cycle, including coding standards, code reviews, source control management, build processes, testing, and operations

Expertise in cloud-based applications, how to use web services efficiently.

Experience with Microsoft 365 office and productivity tools Experience with Microsoft cloud-based data tools Proficiency in object-oriented design Analyzing information General programming skills Experience in Software design, debugging, documentation, testing, & problem solving

Digital Interface/Data visualization specialist

Degree in digital graphic design or data visualization (or equivalent experience) Expertise in beginner friendly software such as Tableau as well as more customizable software such as D3.

Expertise in graphic design and multimedia support Experience in developing digital interface products such as dashboards, interactive graphic tools, and interactive user interface

Expertise in development of optimal user experience design products.

Demonstrated ability to critically analyze technical advantages and limitations of various formats, styles, media, and methods of information reproduction.

9. OTHER REQUIREMENTS

9.1 CONTRACTOR TRAVEL. Contractor staff are not expected to travel to locations other than the Library's Capitol Hill campus. The Library will not separately reimburse contractor travel expenses.

9.2 Subcontracts / Material Performance under this contract may require the contractor, upon written direction by the Contracting Officer, to advise on the purchase of material or engagement of subcontracts.

The Library will make the final determination on what, if any, materials or subcontracts to procure.

9.3 PHASE IN /PHASE OUT PERIOD. To minimize any decreases in productivity and to prevent possible negative impacts on additional services, the contractor shall have personnel on board, during the 30-day phase in/ phase out periods. During the phase in period, the contractor shall become familiar with performance requirements in order to commence full performance of services on the contract start date.

(End of Statement of Work)

030ADV23R0055 Section E

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

Inspection and acceptance under this contract will be in accordance with paragraph (a) Inspection and Acceptance of FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Items (DEC 2022).

030ADV23R0055 Section F

SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 LC52.215-5 PLACE AND PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE (JAN 2019)

Place of Performance: Work will primarily take place at the contractor's facility. On-site work shall be at the direction of the COR.

The overall period of performance shall be as stated in section B.

The contractor is responsible for determining its hours of operation in fulfilling the requirements of this contract. The Library’s standard operating hours are from 8:30 AM through 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays. The contractor shall coordinate with the COR for any work to be conducted at Library facilities.

030ADV23R0055 Section G

SECTION G - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1 LC52.201-3 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION (AUG 2015)

This contract will be administered by:

Library Contracting Officer: McKinney, Delonte

Phone:

Email: dmckinney@loc.gov

Library Contract Specialist: Hanson, Julia

Phone:

Email: juhan@loc.gov

Library Contracting Officer Representative: TBD

Phone:

Email:

Contractor Contract Administrator: Provided at time of award

Phone:

Email:

G.2 LC52.204-5 IDENTIFICATION AND BUILDING PASSES (DEC 2014)

(a) The Contractor shall schedule with the COR time for contractor staff to be available to receive Library-issued photo identification badges prior to starting work.

(b) The Contractor shall provide instruction and ensure that each employee performing work under this contract displays their photo-identification badges at all times they are present on-duty in the building. Refusal or repeated neglect to display the photo-identification may result in an unsuitability determination.

(c) Upon termination, resignation or other event leading to a contract employee leaving duty under this contract, the Contractor is responsible for returning all Government identification, building passes, keys, and other Government property issued to that employee. Failure on the part of the Contractor may result in the Contractor’s liability for all costs associated with correcting the resultant breach in building security.

(d) The requirements of this clause are applicable to and shall be observed by all subcontractors who perform work at all Library of Congress facilities.

030ADV23R0055 Section G

(e) The Contractor shall ensure that all employees, both directly employed and subcontracted, contractor’s and sub-contractors, obtain Library ID badges. Badges shall be visibly displayed at all times while in Library premises. The Library will issue badges without charge. Contractor shall accurately maintain a list of employee badge number on the Employee Roster and provide updates to the COR upon request. An employee’s badge shall be returned within 5 days from the termination of that employee’s employment. All badges shall be returned at the completion/termination of the contract.

(End of Clause)

G.3 LC52.232-1 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS INVOICE INSTRUCTIONS (DEC 2022)

The Contractor must prepare and submit invoices electronically to: https://www.ipp.gov. The Contractor may submit payment requests using other than electronic means only when alternate procedures are authorized by the contracting officer in writing. Assistance is available via the IPP Help Desk via email at: ippcustomersupport@fiscal.treasury.gov or by commercial telephone at (866) 973-3131. Invoices shall contain the information required in FAR 52.212-4, paragraph (g).

030ADV23R0055 Section H

SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1 LC52.201-1 CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE (COR) APPOINTMENT AND

AUTHORITY (JAN 2016)

(a) Performance of work under this contract is subject to the technical direction of the COR. The term “technical direction” includes, without limitation, direction to the contractor that directs or redirects the labor effort, shifts the work between work areas or locations, and/or fills in details and otherwise serves to ensure that tasks outlined in the contract are accomplished satisfactorily.

(b) Technical direction must be within the scope of the contract specification(s)/work statement. The COR does not have authority to issue technical direction that:

(1) Constitutes additional work outside the contract specification(s)/work statement;

(2) Constitutes a change as defined in the “Changes” clause of this contract;

(3) Causes an increase or decrease in the contract price, or the time required for contract performance;

(4) Changes any of the terms, conditions, or specification(s)/work statement of the contract;

(5) Interferes with the contractor's right to perform under the terms and conditions of the contract; or

(6) Directs, supervises or otherwise controls the actions of the contractor's employees.

(c) Technical direction may be oral or in writing. The COR must confirm oral direction in writing within five workdays, with a copy to the Contracting Officer.

(d) The Contractor shall proceed promptly with performance resulting from the technical direction issued by the COR.

If, in the opinion of the contractor, any direction of the COR or the designated representative falls within the limitations of (b) above, the contractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer no later than the beginning of the next Government work day.

(e) Failure of the Contractor and the Contracting Officer to agree that technical direction is within the scope of the contract shall be subject to the terms of the “Disputes” clause of this contract.

(End of Clause)

H.2 LC52.203-1 CONTRACTOR PUBLICITY (OCT 2013)

The Contractor, or any entity or representative acting on behalf of the Contractor, may not refer to the equipment or services furnished pursuant to the provisions of this contract in any news release or commercial advertising, or in connection with any news release or commercial advertising, without first obtaining explicit written consent to do so from the Contracting Officer. Should any reference to such equipment or services appear in any news release or commercial advertising issued by or on behalf of the Contractor without the required consent, the Government will consider institution of all remedies available under applicable law.

H.3 LC52.204-1 COLLECTIONS SECURITY (DEC 2013)

(1) The Library is a public institution responsible for making its resources (collections and staff) available to the Congress and the American people. To achieve a balance between access and security, the Library requires everyone (staff, visitors, interns, contractors, etc.), to always use due diligence and protect its assets during use.

(2) Physical access to Library collections is limited to staff and/or determined by the host office. In addition, established requesting processes in the various readings rooms must be followed.

(3) Loan Privileges. Contractor employees may obtain loans of Library property for internal use and Library work-related purposes.

i. Loan of Library Property. All loans of Library property must be approved and documented by the host Library Services office. Contractor staff shall obtain a Library “General Pass” (Form LW 12/54 (rev2/88)) for each loan.

ii. Liability – Loss or Damage of Library Property. Use or loan of all Library property and signature on this contract means that the contractor acknowledges and agrees to:

(a) ensure the return all Library property issued in the same condition as borrowed;

(b) accept responsibility and liability for the negligent loss or damage of issued or borrowed Library property; and

(c) ensure that the loaned property is used for Library purposes and not loaned to any other person.

(End of Clause)

H.4 LC52.204-2 CONDUCT ON LIBRARY PREMISES (JUL 2021)

1. Access to Library buildings and grounds is governed by 36 C.F.R. part 702 - Conduct on Library Premises. Contractor staff must comply with these requirements and restrictions and related Library of Congress Regulations and Directives.

2. The Library is committed to preventing and addressing all forms of discriminatory harassment and to ensuring that Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) principles are fundamental to Library culture. Everyone — employees, interns, volunteers, contractors, researchers, and visitors — is expected to help make the Library a respectful environment free from offensive behavior.

a. Library of Congress employees, contractors, interns, volunteers, researchers, patrons, and other visitors have a right to Library facilities that are free from discrimination based on their race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age (40 and over), disability, genetic information, union affiliation, political affiliation, or marital status.

b. The Library does not tolerate discrimination – including sexual harassment, other forms of harassment, or a hostile work environment – based on these factors. The Library does not tolerate retaliation against anyone who engages in any form of protected EEO activity.

c. Contractor (including subcontractor) staff alleged to have engaged in discrimination or retaliation in the performance of this contract may be prohibited from entering Library facilities to perform work under their contracts.

Contractors are required to promptly respond to all Library inquiries into allegations of discrimination, and must, in good faith, cooperate with Library investigations. Good faith cooperation includes, but is not limited to, making contractor staff available for:

1. Formal and informal interviews by Library agents investigating allegations of discrimination;

2. Reviewing and signing appropriate affidavits or declarations summarizing statements provided by such contractor staff during the course of an investigation;

3. Producing documents requested by the Library agents conducting the investigation; and

4. Preparing for and providing testimony in depositions or in administrative hearings.

(End of Clause)

H.5 LC52.204-3 INFORMATION SYSTEMS SECURITY (SEP 2018)

(1) Computer Security Policy. The Library requires anyone using or accessing its digital assets (including networks, servers, workstations, systems, data, web pages, and email) to protect them and use them only for official business, and only in accordance with Library regulations and applicable Library bargaining agreements. Unauthorized or inappropriate use may be grounds for termination or other contractual remedy.

(2) Privacy Policy. No one has the right to privacy while using any Library computer system, including internet or email services. Usage may be monitored.

(3) Level of Access. The Host Office will determine the level of access to the Library’s IT equipment, staff and software needed to successfully perform under this Contract. Access may include, for example, email, word processing, internet, and intranet.

(4) Mandatory IT Security Training. Contractor personnel must successfully complete mandatory information systems security training prior to use of or access to any of the Library’s digital assets. The required training is available online at http://www.loc.gov/extranet/cld/. Contractor staff with access to Library digital assets shall complete the information systems security training annually. The training is available on the Library intranet at: http://www.loc.gov/staff/cld/.

(End of Clause)

H.6 LC52.204-4 CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEE FITNESS (JAN 2022)

“Contractor employee fitness” means fitness based on character and conduct for work for or on behalf of the Government as a contractor employee.

Work under this contract is unclassified. However, the Library of Congress has a contractor employee fitness program, which includes background investigations of contractor personnel who will have 1) regular, ongoing, unescorted access to the Library’s buildings, grounds, or collections, 2) access to Library information technology systems, and/or 3) access to Library information not available to the public including information determined to be Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) to ensure they meet basic standards of honesty and trustworthiness pursuant to Library regulations.

(1) Any access to non-public Library facilities and information technology systems will require completion and successful vetting of a security application request (release forms, fingerprints, and, if applicable, E-QIP background investigation). Contracts should anticipate a minimum of two weeks for the process, provided no adverse or incomplete information is received.

(2) The Library does not determine the fitness of employees to work for the contractor firm that hires them. The Library’s interest is in determining whether contractor personnel should be granted greater access than the general public to Library facilities, Library information technology systems and/or non-public Library information.

(3) To facilitate the fitness determination, contractors shall submit complete and accurate information as identified on the e-qip site at: www.opm.gov/e-qip. Contractors should anticipate a minimum of two weeks for the process, provided all requested information is timely, accurate and complete and that no adverse information is received.

(4) The contractor will ensure the Library’s Personnel Security Division is notified of all changes to personnel performing work on this contract. The Personnel Security Division can be notified at the following email address:

PSD@loc.gov and contacted via phone at: (202) 707-5618.

(5) The fact that the Library may conduct background investigations on assigned contractor personnel does not relieve the contractor of the responsibility to provide qualified, reliable personnel of sound character and conduct.

(6) The Library may require removal of contractor staff from Library facilities and revocation of access to Library information technology systems and non-public Library information if investigative results raise concerns regarding a contractor employee’s fitness. In such cases, the Contracting Officer or Contracting Officer Representative (COR) will notify the contractor of the unfit determination and need for the contractor employee to return all government equipment such as badges, keys and network tokens if issued. Contractor management staff may be required to escort the contractor employee from the premises.

(End of Clause)

H.7 LC52.237-1 KEY PERSONNEL (AUG 2014)

The personnel designated as key personnel in this contract are considered to be essential to the work being performed hereunder. At least 30 days prior to diverting any of the specified individuals to other programs or contracts or as soon as possible if an individual must be replaced, for example, as a result of leaving the employ of the contractor, the contractor shall notify the contracting officer and identify proposed substitutions. No diversion or substitution shall be made by the contractor without written consent of the contracting officer.

The following personnel have been identified as Key Personnel in the performance of this contract:

Position/Labor Category Name

Program Manager TBD

Alternate Program Manager TBD

Software Engineer TBD

Digital Interface/Data visualization specialist TBD

Data Scientist TBD

(End of Clause)

H.8 LC52.237-2 CONDUCT OF WORK (MAY 2015)

The personnel employed by the Contractor shall be capable employees qualified in this type of work. The Contractor shall be responsible for all damage to Library property by the activities of his employees resulting from these operations.

The Contracting Officer may require removal from work on this contract any employee(s) that may be deemed incompetent, careless, insubordinate, unsuitable, or otherwise objectionable, or whose continued employment is deemed contrary to the public interest or inconsistent with the best interest of or the security of the Library.

(End of Clause)

H.9 LC52.239-1 INFORMATION SECURITY (APR 2021)

The work to be conducted is considered Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) pursuant to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication (SP) 800-53 (rev 4) or current version. The Contractor shall ensure that all non-public Library information processed under this contract shall be protected from unauthorized use and mishandling by the Contractor.