030ADV24R0053.pdf

PAGE 1 OF1. REQUISITION NO.

2. CONTRACT NO. 3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE 4. ORDER NO. 5. SOLICITATION NUMBER 6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

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

See SCHEDULE

030ADV24R0053 07-12-2024

Fekete, Loren (202) 961-5312 08-02-2024

10:00 EDT

Contracts and Grants Directorate Library of Congress

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

X

N/A

X

DELIVERY

See Sections D&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

Fekete, Loren

030ADV24R0053

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 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)

G.4 LC52.232-2 SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS (JUN 2015)

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 (AUG 2023)

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

H.12 LC52.239-5 SYSTEMS HOSTED BY EXTERNAL HOSTING PROVIDERS (SEP 2018)

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION I - CONTRACT CLAUSES

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

030ADV24R0053

I.2 LC52.204-6 SPEECH OR DEBATE CLAUSE PRIVILEGE NOTICE AND PROTECTION AGAINST DISCLOSURE (SEP 2017)

I.3 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE

ORDERS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (MAY 2024)

I.4 52.217-7 OPTION FOR INCREASED QUANTITY—SEPARATELY PRICED LINE ITEM (MAR 1989)

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 (MAY 2024)

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

030ADV24R0053 Section B

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

ITEM

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF

SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

0001 1.00 LOT _______________

Data analysis model development in accordance with Section C.

Payment under this CLIN shall be based on acceptance of deliverables identified in the payment schedule in section G.

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 09-16-2024 POP End: 09-15-2025

0002 10.00 MO _______________

Separately Priced Option for hosting services in accordance with Section C.3.10. Payment under this CLIN shall be based on acceptance of deliverables identified in the payment schedule in section G.

Note: This option may be exercised unilaterally pursuant to FAR Clause 52.217-7 as incorporated in this contract. The Period of Performance may be adjusted at the time of option exercise to reflect actual 10-month period of performance.

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 11-16-2024 POP End: 09-15-2025

0003 5.00 EA _______________

Separately Priced Option for transition from external hosting to CRS designated hosting environment in accordance with Section C.3.11.

Payment under this CLIN shall be based on acceptance of deliverables identified in the payment schedule in section G.

Note: This option may be exercised unilaterally pursuant to FAR Clause 52.217-7 as incorporated in this contract. The Period of Performance may be adjusted at the time of option exercise to reflect actual 10-month period of performance.

Contract Period: Option 1

030ADV24R0053 Section B

POP Begin: 11-16-2024 POP End: 09-15-2025

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)

030ADV24R0053 Section C

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

1. OVERVIEW/ BACKGROUND.

As a service unit of the Library of Congress, 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 shall be developed to assist many of the offices.

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

• Confidentiality

• Objectivity

• Non-partisanship

• Authoritativeness

• Timeliness

In FY 2023, CRS initiated a pilot to develop 5 web-based data models as a proof of concept. These models primarily support the Domestic Social Policy Division, Foreign Affairs, Defense and Trade Division and administrative activities.

2. SCOPE

The contractor shall 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. Additionally, the contractor shall provide educational tools for informing and teaching staff about advances in data technology in the market.

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

There is to be no release or publication of work or dissemination of any information relating to or materials or products developed under the terms of this Contract without prior written authorization of the Director of CRS. The requests received by the Congressional Research Service from congressional offices and materials received in response to such requests are confidential and are not to be disseminated without prior authorization of the Director either during or after the period covered by this Contract.

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 TRAINING SESSIONS

The contractor shall provide periodic trainings and workshops to approximately 25-50 CRS-designated attendees. Trainings shall be approximately 4 hours each and may be recorded. Sessions may be recorded to be used as a resource for CRS staff via an intranet. Recordings made as part of this contract shall become property of the Library of Congress and contractor shall not provide them to other entities without prior written approval by the Library. Training shall be in a hybrid format: an on-site component with remote capability for virtual attendance. Trainings and workshops shall occur on a frequency of no less than monthly after a 30-day phase-in period. Training sessions shall 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. Training topics shall be proposed by the contractor to the steering committee and the steering committee will review and accept, reject, or request changes to the topic within 10 business days.

3.5 CRS-WIDE QUARTERLY FORUMS/SEMINARS

The contractor shall enhance internal communication and collaboration by delivering and facilitating quarterly CRS-wide seminars with contractor employees that may be internal or external experts to share quantitative policy analysis methods and findings. Each forum shall be approximately 2 hours each and attendance will be capped at 150 participants. Forums may be recorded to be used as a resource for CRS staff via an intranet.

Recordings made as part of this contract shall become property of the Library of Congress and contractor shall not provide them to other entities without prior written approval by the Library. The contractor shall propose two or more forum topics in writing as part of their proposal, and no less than 6 weeks before the other anticipated quarterly forum dates. Topic proposals shall be submitted to the COR. The Government will review and approve/reject topics within 10 days of submission. Topics shall be solidified with the steering committee a month before presentation.

3.6 REPORTING ON EXTERNAL DATA ADVANCES

The contractor shall monitor quantitative analysis trends 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 shared with the steering committee at least twice a year. Contractor shall present findings and recommendations verbally in meetings and documented in email form.

3.7 CREATION OF DATA MODELING TOOLS

Contractor shall identify, develop, and put into production 5 models and/or tools of varying levels of complexity, as described in the following paragraphs. 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.

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 should be considered. The models/tools to be developed and the optimal tools to support them, shall be presented to the steering committee for approval no later than 4 months after contract award and work shall begin immediately after approval.

Tools shall be functional in an AWS production environment by the end of 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.

Any tools created as part of this contract shall become property of the Library of Congress and contractor shall not provide them to other entities without approval by the Library.

Model 1—Text Analysis of Public Comments on Regulations.gov

Regulations.gov is a site where the US Federal government posts and collects information about proposed Federal regulations and other related documents. The contractor shall create a model that shall provide information on overall user sentiment, analysis of key words, and provide a way to represent large amounts of data in a compressed, but understandable fashion. The intended output is one that would allow CRS to show Congress how the commenters are responding to the proposed items found on the site.

Model 2—Individual Income Tax Calculator

The Policy Simulation Library has a Tax-Calculator. The contractor shall use that tool (or a similar creation) and customized it to allow for the other aspects of the model to be modifiable to allow analysis of a greater number of impact analyses on different tax proposals. This additional flexibility would allow CRS to provide Congressional stakeholders with more information on changes to the tax code.

Model 3—Health Insurance Pricing Analysis and Dashboarding

Health insurers are required by law to disseminate information to provide the public with transparency in coverage, including the rates insurers pay doctors, hospitals, and other providers for services. CRS has developed a system to ingest, store, and query health insurance pricing information. The contractor shall provide CRS with the tools and support necessary to conduct analysis of the data and extend the model functionality. This includes automating the refreshing of data as health insurers publish new information and automating unnesting of data into a tabular format. The contractor shall provide technical advice regarding conducting statistical analysis in the AWS environment such as choosing and installing statistical tools such as Python and R and their packages in the AWS environment and configuring the tools to efficiently conduct analysis on the big data stored in the data base.

The contractor shall also assist with creating tools to visualize the data. The contractor shall connect the data residing in the system with data visualization tools, such as Tableau. The contractor shall also construct web-based dashboards using health insurance pricing data, showing price variation in medical services for individual insurers and across health insurers. The dashboards shall also show trends in health insurance pricing and price variation. The contractor shall provide CRS with training to maintain, modify, and extend these dashboards.

Model 4—Student Loan Calculator Analysis and Dashboarding

CRS has a model that utilizes Python to simulate outputs based on key outcome measures (e.g., dollars paid, dollars forgiven) for user-inputted borrower scenarios under various existing and proposed repayment plan options. CRS is looking to expand the model to include the ability to adjust all parameters within and across income driven repayment plans.

The contractor shall provide technical advice regarding conducting statistical analysis in the AWS environment to include suggestions of other tools or configurations that would improve the tools usefulness.

The contractor shall also assist with creating tools to visualize the data. The contractor shall connect the data residing in the system with data visualization tools, such as Tableau. The contractor shall also construct web-based dashboards. The dashboards shall show trends in the data and how different inputs change outcomes.

Model 5—DOD Budget Justifications Q&A Portal

CRS has a model that pulls together input from many DOD budget. CRS would like the contractor to expand upon the functionality of this model. Specifically, the contractor shall use technology to create an interface that allows users to ask questions about various aspects of the data, such as military branch specifics and fiscal year specifics, and the model shall return answers/data to answer the initial questions.

3.7.1 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. Interactions with employees would be expected on a daily basis.

3.8 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 3.7 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 could include dashboard development and interactive graphics. No less than six (6) proposals shall be offered and shall include relative levels of effort, size of data storage, and impact levels.

3.9 COACHING AND SUPPORT ON 5 EXISTING DATA MODELS

During FY 2023-2024, 5 data models were created under contract LCCRS23P0004. The incumbent contractor will be onsite to support the models created under the aforementioned contract until late January 2025. The awardee resulting from solicitation 030ADV24R0053 must provide a transition plan to take over support of the previously created models by the end of January. The tools that require ongoing support from LCCRS23P0004 are described in text below—

1. Department of Defense (DOD) Budget Justifications

Data tool extracts text linked to specific relevant lines of spending in DOD and military services released annual budget justification documents (PDFs and spreadsheets). The data tool extracts text linked to the relevant line of spending to allow for queries to put together spending over time and across accounts, services, or other dimensions. The tool allows for rapid extracts related by keywords and equivalence classes.

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

Tools create a large database that tracks SFOPS appropriations by account and legislative vehicle over a significant period of time. Tool functionality includes the ability for CRS to create an extended timeseries version of the appendix. Database has the ability to link account names and bill structures that may have changed over time and across legislation.

3. Workforce Information Systems

Data tool 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 tool is a cloud-based database that returns queries in a number of formats (e.g., excel .csv and data visualization).

4. Student Loan Calculator Project

Tool is coded to 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 models a highly complex set of policies and procedures and produces tables and visualizations that can be distributed to congressional clients.

5. Health Insurance Pricing Project

The model compiles and makes available for analysis, data from a pubic web site, containing in network rates for covered items and services, which insurers are required to populate by Federal law. The data sets are large and frequently updated.

Contractor shall become familiar with the preceding models, keep the models in working order, and help CRS with ingestion of new data sets if that becomes necessary.

3.10 HOSTING TOOLS--OPTION

The contractor must be prepared to provide hosting for their solution. CRS employees must have web-based access to the tools and datasets. Hosted sites must provide security that meets the Library's security standards as identified in this contract at LC52.204-3 and LC52.239-1 through LC52.239-5.

Contractor shall be prepared to host model until the end of the contract period or when LOC makes the decision that the internally hosted models are ready to be deployed into production.

Hosting must be FEDRAMP certified: Moderate level.

3.10.1 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 OLA's and SLA's for each incident prioritization level shall 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%

3.11 TRANSITION FROM EXTERNAL HOSTING TO LIBRARY HOSTING-OPTION

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. This option shall transfer all models/tools currently in use, up to a maximum number of five (5) tools deployed over the course of the contract. Contractor shall be prepared to help set up the LOC mirrored environment and participate in testing to ensure that the new environments are secure and fully functional.

Upon completion of the transfer based on the LOC timeline, hosting with the contractor shall cease, all hosting shall be managed by the Library for the remainder of the contract. The contractor shall provide pricing for this option so that it can be exercised within 60 days prior to the end of the contract.

3.12 TRANSITION

The Library shall require a transition period to occur at the beginning and end of the contract from the incumbent contractor to the newly awarded contractor. The Library plans to provide four weeks overlap between contractors to review any applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) or training guides.

The incumbent contractor will provide support until the new contractor has access to Library systems and has conducted an initial meeting with Library personnel. After that point, the newly awarded contractor shall perform required support and the incumbent contractor will perform contract closeout activities under their respective contract, including returning any government furnished property and information to the Library. The project manager for the incumbent contractor will be available for questions until the end of its period of performance.

4. CONTRACT PERFORMANCE

4.1 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 draft

project plan

5 days after contract award

3.2 Final Project Plan/Update Project

Plan

Within 2 weeks of POP start date

3.3 Deliver monthly status reports

to the steering committee

By the 5th of each month

3.4 Training and workshops for staff Monthly

3.5 Quarterly Forums Quarterly

3.6 Report on activities of other

organizations in the field of data science.

Twice yearly. 90 and 270 days after POP start date

3.7 Present tools/models to be

developed to steering committee for approval

4 months after POP start date

3.7 5 Data Models Within 270 days of POP start date

3.7.1 Support for using tools Initiated upon deployment of at least one new model until end of contract

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

3.8 Present future tools/models to

the steering committee

6 months after POP start date

3.9 Coaching and support on 5

existing data models

Beginning at the onset of the contract and use the first 3 months to understand the models.

4.2 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 is 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 QC system.

4.3 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.

4.4 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

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

5. SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

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

5.1 KEY PERSONNEL

The following positions are considered key personnel:

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 but not limited to:

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

• 5-7 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.

030ADV24R0053 Section F

SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

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

Place of Performance: See section C.4.3.

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.

030ADV24R0053 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: Fekete, Loren

Address: Contracts & Grants Directorate

Library of Congress

LA 325

Washington DC 20540-9411

Phone: (202) 961-5312

Email: lfekete@loc.gov

Library Contract Specialist: Davis, Austin

Address: Contracts & Grants Directorate

Library of Congress

LA 325

Washington DC 20540-9411

Phone: (202) 707-1050

Email: audavis@loc.gov

Library Contracting Officer Representative: TBD

Contractor Contract Administrator: Provided at time of award

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.

(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).

(End of Clause)

G.4 LC52.232-2 SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS (JUN 2015)

The contractor must submit invoices for payment upon delivery of the items or successful performance of the events identified below pursuant to the standards and acceptance criteria defined in this contract.

SOW

Reference

Deliverable Quantity Unit Firm Fixed Price Per Unit

Total

3.2 Finalized Project Plan 1 EA $

3.3 Project status reports 12 EA $

3.4 Training and workshops for staff 9 EA $

3.5 Quarterly Forums 4 EA $

3.6 Report on activities of other

organizations in the field of data science.

2 EA $

3.7 Data Models 5 EA $

3.7.1 Support for using tools 9 MO $

3.8 Present future tools/models to

the steering committee

1 LOT $

3.10 Option--Hosting of Models 10 MO $

3.11 Option--(Transition from

External to Internal Hosting

EA = 1 model/tool)

5 EA $

Total Firm Fixed Price $

030ADV24R0053 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 (AUG 2023)

“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, Library information technology systems, or non-public Library information will require completion and successful vetting of a security application request (release forms, fingerprints, and, if applicable, a full background investigation). 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.

(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 National Background Investigation Services (NBIS)’s eAPP https://www.dcsa.mil/Systems-Applications/NBIS-eApp- NBIS-Agency/) as provided by the Personnel Security Division. 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…