DRAFT

Procurement Sensitive Unclassified

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE (IRS)

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION (CI)

PEER-2-PEER & CRITICAL INCIDENT RESPONSE

SC#5000230195

1.0 INTRODUCTION

IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Special Agents (SAs) are sworn federal law enforcement officers with accounting expertise and specialized skills used to investigate complex financial crimes. Their role requires the ability to work long hours and operate effectively in high-stress, dangerous, and potentially violent situations. SAs investigate and support the prosecution of individuals and/or entities involved in tax and other financial crimes, including domestic and international terrorism, money laundering, Bank Secrecy Act violations, drug trafficking, human trafficking, organized crime, and general fraud.

IRS-CI Professional Staff employees encompass a wide range of administrative, investigative, and technical roles. They help overcome traditional challenges by exploring new ideas and innovative approaches, while delivering tools, training, and resources to support employees in the field. Professional Staff are encouraged to think creatively and go above and beyond to provide cutting-edge support for field operations.

Psychological support, critical stress debriefing, and comprehensive assessments are integral components of a robust mental health and wellness program, specifically designed to prioritize and safeguard the safety, well-being, and emotional resilience of all employees following a critical incident. This program offers essential support to help IRS-CI employees navigate the challenges that arise in the aftermath of such events, ensuring they have the resources needed to recover and thrive.

2.0 OBJECTIVE

IRS-CI is seeking a Contracted Psychologist (Contractor) to deliver Critical Incident Stress Debriefing, Peer-to-Peer Training, Program Colaboration, and Continuing Professional Education for all employees, ensuring comprehensive support and development across the workforce. IRS-CI currently employs approximately 3,000 dedicated professionals.

The Contractor, a highly skilled and experienced professional holding a Ph.D. Psychology, will deliver specialized psychological services designed to meet the unique needs of IRS-CI. With extensive expertise in federal law enforcement and/or military environments, the psychologist will provide tailored, effective support, ensuring that all services are aligned with the specific challenges faced by IRS-CI personnel. This dedicated approach will foster a supportive environment, enhancing the well-being and resilience of the workforce.

3.0 SCOPE

CRITICAL INCIDENT STRESS DEBRIEFING

The Contractor will play a crucial role in supporting the well-being of all IRS-CI employees by providing comprehensive critical incident stress debriefing counseling. This includes conducting thorough stress assessments, offering effective stress management strategies, and delivering specialized stress management training. Additionally, the Contractor will facilitate debriefing sessions for IRS-CI employees after a critical incident, ensuring ongoing support and guidance.

In the aftermath of critical or traumatic incidents, the Contractor will offer essential incident and trauma intervention counseling to Special Agents and personnel, providing the support needed to help them process and recover from these challenging experiences. To ensure timely assistance, it is preferred that responses be provided within 24 to 48 hours, fostering a prompt and effective recovery process.

The Contractor must have the capability to deploy teams nationwide, including providing critical incident care to employees in remote Post of Duties (PODs), and, on rare occasions, extend support internationally, ensuring comprehensive coverage wherever needed to address the needs of the program.

Psychological testing and evaluation services will be provided at the Contractor’s office or at locations designated by IRS-CI. In emergency situations, the Contractor may be required to travel to the location of the critical incident to address the immediate needs of those involved.

Travel will be in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulations. The stress-debriefing results are confidential and psychological in nature, and as such, IRS-CI will not receive any written records of the communication between the Contractor and the employee. These debriefings serve as a supportive tool for the well-being of the employee.

The Contractor will not make a fitness-for-duty determination regarding Temporary Restricted Duty for any employee. If the Contractor identifies that an employee is experiencing stress that may impact their ability to work, this will be communicated to IRS-CI personnel. IRS-CI personnel will then consult with the appropriate IRS-CI senior officials to determine the next steps.

APPOINTMENTS

Whenever feasible, the Contractor will initiate contact with affected employees within a few hours of the incident, ensuring prompt support in the immediate aftermath. However, in no case will contact be delayed beyond 24 to 48 hours, prioritizing timely and compassionate assistance to help employees begin their recovery as swiftly as possible.

PEER-TO-PEER TRAINING

IRS-CI conducts one-week Peer-to-Peer (P2P) training classes, designed to prepare individuals for their roles as future Peer Supporters. This class offers an opportunity to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to provide emotional and psychological support to their peers. The course materials will be provided by the Contractor and will focus on practical tools for fostering mental health and wellness within the workplace.

The Contractor's role will include leading and facilitating key portions of the training, ensuring that participants are well-prepared for their future responsibilities. The training will cover foundational aspects of peer support, stress management, and mental health awareness.

During the one-week orientation, the Contractor will perform the following tasks:

• Conduct wellness and stress assessments to help participants recognize signs of stress or emotional distress.

• Lead discussions on mental health awareness, focusing on signs of burnout, anxiety, and stress in the workplace.

• Provide a stress management workshop designed to equip future Peer Supporters with tools for handling high-pressure situations.

• Facilitate role-playing exercises to help trainees practice active listening, offering emotional support, and engaging in P2P communication.

• Observe and provide constructive feedback on participants' engagement and understanding of wellness concepts.

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

IRS-CI is committed to providing ongoing professional education and training opportunities for all employees, with a particular focus on enhancing the knowledge and skills of current and future Peer Supporters. These educational sessions aim to support employees in managing stress, maintaining mental wellness, and strengthening peer support networks. The Contractor will provide the necessary course materials, which will include content on mental health awareness, stress management, and emotional well-being. These topics are subject to change based on the evolving needs of IRS-CI.

A representative from IRS-CI will provide the Contractor with the schedule for continuing professional education and Peer Supporter training sessions.

CONTRACTOR POINT OF CONTACT AND PROGRAM COLLABORATION

The Contractor must designate a dedicated, highly accessible point of contact (POC) who will work closely with IRS CI to consult on program policies, guidelines, and any emerging needs.

This direct, ongoing relationship will ensure seamless communication and enable the POC to provide tailored support, helping to ensure that services are aligned with the unique and evolving needs of our workforce. This collaborative partnership is essential to the success and continuous improvement of the program, fostering a supportive and responsive environment for all employees.

The Contractor must have the flexibility and capacity to scale the program up or down, adapting to the ever-evolving needs of IRS-CI and ensuring that services remain responsive and effective in meeting emerging demands.

4.0 KEY PERSONNEL

The Contractor shall provide the key personnel outlined in its proposal to carry out the tasks specified under this contract. In the event that any key personnel become unavailable, the Contractor shall provide qualified substitutes with equal or superior skills. These substitutions must be approved by IRS-CI prior to their deployment.

Any request for substitution must be accompanied by a detailed explanation of the circumstances that require the change, a complete resume for the proposed substitute, and any additional information requested by IRS-CI. The qualifications of the proposed substitute must meet or exceed those of the personnel being replaced. IRS-CI personnel will evaluate the request and notify the Contractor of approval or disapproval within thirty (30) business days.

The IRS-CI Program Manager will be responsible for the overall management of the contract, ensuring seamless execution and oversight. The Program Manager will work closely with the appropriate IRS-CI personnel to accomplish the tasks outlined in the contract, including hiring, dismissing, or making special arrangements as necessary to ensure the success of the program.

All key personnel involved in the delivery of mental health and wellness services will hold advanced qualifications, including a Ph.D. or equivalent credentials in psychology, mental health. These highly qualified professionals bring specialized expertise in treating law enforcment personsel to provide the highest level of care and support to IRS-CI employees, ensuring that all services meet the rigorous standards required for employee well-being and mental health.

5.0 CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION AND RECORDS

The Contractor shall ensure the program is administered with the utmost efficiency and organization, maintaining appropriate and adequately equipped facilities, sufficient space, and skilled personnel to handle all aspects of central administration, promoting seamless operations and service delivery.

In accordance with the Internal Revenue Manual (IRM) 10.5.1.6.1, Protecting and Safeguarding SBU Data, the Contractor shall employ secure and cutting-edge technology for the storage and transmission of electronic charts, files, and records, ensuring compliance with IRS data management and security protocols.

The Contractor must fully comply with the provisions of Title 26 U.S.C. 6103(e), Confidentiality and Disclosure of Returns and Return I nformation, safeguarding sensitive taxpayer information with the utmost care and ensuring strict adherence to all confidentiality and privacy regulations as mandated by law. This commitment to compliance will uphold the integrity of the program and reinforce the trust placed in our services by both employees and IRS-CI.

The Contractor commits to maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality, safeguarding the integrity and privacy of all medical records generated under this contract, and ensuring no unauthorized access or breach occurs.

All original examination forms shall be securely stored in compliance with federal medical record requirements, with the Contractor ensuring that all records are properly protected and easily retrievable when needed.

The Contractor shall fully comply with the IRM 10.5, Privacy and Information Protection, particularly regarding Privacy, Information Protection & Data Security (PIPDS), adhering to the best practices for safeguarding sensitive data as outlined at http://www.irs.gov/irm/.

Any correspondence sent to incumbents or applicants containing Personally Identifiable Information (PII), including Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and other sensitive information, must be meticulously packaged in accordance with federal requirements. This includes a two-layer security process: the information must be sealed within an envelope and then placed inside a UPS carrier package, ensuring secure and confidential handling throughout the delivery process. These practices align with federal regulations for the protection of sensitive data during transit.

Monthly invoices submitted by the Contractor must provide a detailed, transparent breakdown of services rendered, clearly itemizing the specific activities and support provided, allowing for easy verification and ensuring accountability for all billed services.

6.0 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The base period of performance shall be from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027.

Three one-year option periods will be included in the contract.

Option Period 1: October 1, 2027 – September 30, 2028 Option Period 2: October 1, 2028 – September 30, 2029 Option Period 3: October 1, 2029 – September 30, 2030 http://www.irs.gov/irm/

7.0 TRAVEL AND PER DIEM

The Government will assume responsibility for the reimbursement of travel costs, provided that such travel has been pre-approved by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR). All travel authorized by the COR will be reimbursed on a cost basis, ensuring that the Contractor is reimbursed for necessary travel expenses incurred while performing contract duties.

Costs related to lodging, meals, and incidental expenses incurred by contracted personnel during official business travel will be allowable, in accordance with FAR 31.205-46, Travel Costs.

These expenses will be considered reasonable and reimbursable as long as they do not exceed the maximum per diem rates established at the time of travel, as outlined in the Federal Travel Regulations available at http://www.policyworks.gov/.

To ensure proper reimbursement, the Contractor must provide adequate supporting documentation for all claimed travel expenses, including copies of paid bills for lodging and receipts for airline tickets. All forms of travel (air, land, and sea), along with per diem costs, required to fulfill the services under this contract, will be reimbursed at direct cost to the Contractor, subject to the terms and conditions outlined herein. This process ensures both transparency and accountability for travel expenditures related to contract performance.

8.0 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

The Contracting Officer for this requirement is:

Internal Revenue Service Office of Procurement

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) Point of Contact is:

The COR Point of Contact for this order is:

Name:

Address:

Telephone:

Email:

The alternate COR for this order is:

The COR will serve as the designated representative of the Contracting Officer, overseeing the technical aspects and ensuring the smooth administration of all details within the scope of this task order. The COR is entrusted with the critical responsibility of conducting final inspections and formally accepting all reports, along with other duties as specified in the task order.

However, the COR is not authorized to make any representations, commitments, or decisions on behalf of the Contracting Officer or the government. The COR also does not possess the http://www.policyworks.gov/ authority to modify the Contractor’s obligations, alter the specifications, change the price, or amend any terms or conditions of the order. In the event that technical discussions indicate a need to revise the order obligations or statement of work, such changes will only be made through a formal written amendment, signed by the Contracting Officer.

Additionally, the government reserves the right to change the COR assignment for this task order at any time, without prior notice. The Contractor will be promptly informed of any such change, ensuring continued clarity and alignment in the administration of the contract.

Project Manager (Subject Matter Expert) The IRS-CI Project Manager/Subject Matter Expert for this contract is:

Name:

Address:

Telephone:

Email:

Name:

Address:

Telephone:

Email:

The Contractor shall designate a highly skilled and qualified Project Manager who will hold authority to make critical decisions related to cost, technical matters, hiring and dismissal of personnel, and any special arrangements deemed necessary to ensure the success of the project.

The Project Manager will be responsible for the overall management, coordination, and execution of this contract, serving as the primary point of contact between the contractor and the government. The Project Manager will consult with IRS-CI personnel before making any decisions that may affect the operations of the program, ensuring that all actions align with the program’s goals and requirements.

The Project Manager will have comprehensive authority to represent the Contractor in all aspects of service delivery, ensuring the contract's objectives are met with the highest level of efficiency and quality. The Project Manager, or an appointed representative, will maintain open lines of communication with the COR, promptly addressing any issues or challenges that may arise.

In the event of a challenge, the Project Manager or designated representative will respond within 24 to 48 hours of notification, demonstrating a commitment to timely resolution.

9.0 GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED INFORMATION

Access to Government information and the cybersecurity of medical data are paramount. The Contractor shall adhere to IRM 10.5, Privacy and Information Protection, which governs Privacy, Information Protection & Data Security (PIPDS), as outlined at http://www.irs.gov/irm/part10. This policy applies to all IRS-CI employees. All mail containing Personally Identifiable Information (PII)—such as dates of birth, Social Security numbers, etc., sent to IRS-CI personnel or prospective personnel must be double-packaged.

"Double-packaged" is defined as the information being sealed within an envelope and then placed inside a UPS carrier package, ensuring the highest level of security and confidentiality during delivery. These practices align with federal regulations for the protection of sensitive data during transit.

10.0 EVALUTION OF CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE

Interim and final evaluations of contractor performance will be conducted in accordance with FAR Subpart 42.15, overseen by the government COR. A final performance evaluation will be completed upon the successful completion of the work. In addition to the final evaluation, interim evaluations will be conducted annually, coinciding with the contract anniversary date.

Both interim and final evaluations will be shared with the contractor as promptly as possible after completion. The Contractor will be granted thirty (30) days to review the evaluation and provide any additional information or a rebuttal statement. In the event of a disagreement between the parties regarding the evaluation, the matter will be escalated to an individual one level above the Contracting Officer, whose decision will be final. Copies of the evaluations, contractor responses, and any review comments will be retained in the contract file and may be used to inform future award decisions.

Electronic Access to Contractor Performance Evaluations

Contractors will have the ability to access their performance evaluations through a secure website for review and comment. To do so, contractors must complete the registration form, available at http://ocm.od.nih.gov/cdmp/cps_contractor.htm. The registration process will require the Contractor to designate a primary contact person, who will be authorized to access the evaluation and provide feedback. In addition, the Contractor must designate an alternate contact who will be responsible for notifying the Contracting Official if the primary contact is unavailable to process the evaluation within the required thirty (30) day period. This process ensures timely and transparent access to performance evaluations, facilitating efficient communication and response.

11.0 RELEASE OF INFORMATION

ADVERTISING OF AWARD

The Contractor shall refrain from referencing this contract award in any commercial advertising in a manner that suggests, implies, or conveys that the products or services provided are endorsed, favored, or considered superior by the Federal Government. Such references must not create the impression that the government has a preference for the Contractor’s offerings over those of other providers. This ensures that all advertising remains compliant with the principles of fairness and impartiality, maintaining the integrity of the government’s relationship with its contractors.

NEWS RELEASE

The Contractor shall seek and obtain explicit, written approval from the Contracting Officer prior to making any reference to the products or services provided under this contract in any news release, press statement, commercial advertising, or any other public communication. This ensures that any such references are fully aligned with the terms and conditions of the contract and are authorized by the appropriate government representatives before being shared with the public or media.