1145PC24Q0024 Fingerprinting RFQ.docx

1145PC24Q0024

FBI FINGERPRINTING CHANNELER

TEST

COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

Request for Quotation (RFQ) – Electronic Fingerprinting Channeler Services

GENERAL INFORMATION

Document Type: Combined Synopsis and Solicitation

North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS): 561611 – Investigation and Personal Background Check Services

Issuing Office:

CONTRACTING OFFICE ADDRESS

Peace Corps Headquarters Office of Acquisition and Contract Management 1275 First Street NE Washington, DC 20526

Agency Contact: Maria C. Coleman, Contracting Officer, E-mail: mcoleman@peacecorps.gov with a copy to: Clifton Gardner, E-mail: cgardner@peacecorps.gov

SECTION 1 – DESCRIPTION

1.1 OVERVIEW.

This RFQ is a combined synopsis and solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 13 Simplified Acquisition Procedures and FAR subpart 12.6 Streamlined Procedures for Evaluation and Solicitation for Commercial Items. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotations are being requested, and a separate written solicitation document will not be issued.

The solicitation incorporates clauses and provisions in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2024-04 effective 05/01/2024.

The Government is in no way obligated to make an award, nor to pay any costs incurred by the contractor in preparing and submitting its quote.

1.2 TERM.

The Peace Corps intends to award a base year and four (4) one-year options with an option to extend the period of performance under FAR 52.217-8 for up to an additional six (6) months.

1.3 CONTRACT TYPE.

The contract contemplated will be Firm Fixed Price (FFP).

1145PC24Q0024

ELECTRONIC FINGERPRINTING CHANNELER SERVICES

SECTION 2 – PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

2. INTRODUCTION

2.1. In accordance with (IAW) the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 22 §305.8, Legal Placement investigates each candidate to ensure that enrollment of the Candidates as a Volunteer is consistent with the national interest. This is done by securing a complete background investigation, adjudicating the results based on federal and agency standards, and awarding a favorable or non-favorable determination. The Peace Corps [The Agency] obtains an appropriate background investigation for all candidates who accept an invitation to serve, with an average legal clearance process timeline of two to four months. Annually, the background check requirement is expected to affect up to 6,000 candidates requiring fingerprints.

2.2. The Peace Corps is seeking a single Contractor who is a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)-approved Channeler to manage the channeling of fingerprint records. FBI-approved Channelers can be found at https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks/list-of-fbi-approved-channelers-for-departmental-order-submissions. All Contractors shall have an executed FBI-Channeler agreement to include any teaming arrangements (i.e., SubContractors), at the time of proposal submission, covering the period of performance anticipated by Peace Corps for this award.

3. OBJECTIVE

3.1. A key mission of Legal Placement is the execution of eligibility, suitability, and selection standards per CFR, 22 specifically, §305, including ensuring that the candidates’ enrollment as a Volunteer is consistent with the national interest. The successful accomplishment of this task necessitates efficient candidate data submission and the application of adjudicative standards.

3.2. To serve in the Peace Corps, all invited candidates must first submit a completed fingerprint card, which must then be sent to the Defense Counterintelligence Security Agency (DCSA) so that a proper FBI background check may be conducted. The invited candidates must independently locate a fingerprint service provider and pay for the services themselves. They must then mail the fingerprint card to the Peace Corps; after that, the Peace Corps forwards these cards to the DCSA for further processing.

3.3. The Peace Corps requires a nationwide fingerprint service provider to receive Peace Corps invited candidates and work with them to take their fingerprints. The Contractor shall fingerprint the candidates and send the completed fingerprint cards to DCSA directly. Finally, as a vast majority of invited candidates to the Peace Corps have no criminal history, the Peace Corps is looking to conduct its own adjudications based on the applicant’s background investigation; therefore, there is no need for additional adjudication services.

3.4. Each Applicant is required to be investigated to ensure that enrollment of the Applicant as a Volunteer is consistent with the national interest; therefore, the Peace Corps obtains an appropriate background investigation for all Applicants who are invited to serve.

3.5. To ensure efficient and effective compliance with governing regulations, fingerprint channeler services shall be provided by an FBI-approved Channeler. The list of FBI-approved channelers for departmental order submissions can be found at https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks. There is no incumbent FBI Channeler.

3.6. This Performance Work Statement (PWS) aims to obtain a contract to provide electronic fingerprinting services.

3.7. Expected benefits of electronic fingerprinting to the Government include:

3.7.1. Decrease in the overall legal clearance lifecycle.

3.7.2. Decrease in submission error rate by eliminating poor fingerprint capture.

3.7.3. Decrease in mail failures.

3.7.4. Decrease in classified records maintenance, retention, and future expansion of depository.

3.7.5. Decrease in postal and shipping expenditures.

3.7.6. Decrease in supply expenditures.

3.8. Expected benefits of electronic fingerprinting to the Candidates include:

3.8.1. Enhanced candidate experience.

3.8.2. Electronic fingerprinting services are provided at no cost to the candidates.

3.8.3. Increased accessibility and service availability.

3.8.4. Through the use of consistent technology, enhanced data submission quality.

4. SCOPE

4.1. The scope of this PWS to be provided by an FBI-approved Channeler includes but is not limited to:

4.1.1. The Contractor shall provide the services, personnel, materials, equipment, telecommunications, facilities, and security necessary to support the PWS, including capturing and transmitting demographic and biometric information to the Fingerprint Transaction System (FTS).

4.1.1.1. The Contractor’s solution shall support the Peace Corps user environment for the life of this contract with full-time production and operational with customer service support availability five days per week (Monday through Friday) during regular business hours (excluding federal holidays) from 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM in all time zones.

4.1.1.2. The Contractor shall ensure the Peace Corps customer’s wait times are at most thirty (30) minutes. The customer service support shall be able to receive complaints, information, Contractor webpage challenges and resolution management for Peace Corps. All communication and actions should be recorded in the Contractor case management system. NOTE: The Contractor is responsible for notifying the provider of the rejection of the fingerprints by letter or email in this customer service function.

4.1.1.3. All system-scheduled maintenance shall be performed outside of regular business hours.

4.1.2. The Contractor shall provide a physical data center site that meets all FBI site security considerations, Peace Corps Acceptable Risk Standards (ARS) and Peace Corps Technical Reference Architecture (TRA) requirements for Federal Information Systems Management Act (FISMA)-moderate level applications. FISMA requires federal agencies to implement a mandatory set of processes and system controls to ensure system-related information's confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Each federal agency's processes and systems controls must follow established Federal Information Processing Standards, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards, and other legislative requirements about federal information systems, such as the Privacy Act of 1974. The data center must be FISMA certified.

4.1.3. Assurance that electronic fingerprinting hardware is certified as compliant with the FBI’s Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) Image Quality Specifications and is provided by one of the FBI’s approved vendors.

4.1.4. Testing of fingerprinting systems and equipment for compliance prior to initial submission.

4.1.4.1. The Peace Corps does not intend to permit an Authority to Operate (ATO) for the fingerprint channeling service. File Transfer Protocol Secure shall be used.

4.1.5. Contractor shall remain an FBI-approved Channeler while providing fingerprint channeler services for the Peace Corps.

4.1.5.1. The Contractor shall have an executed FBI-Channeler agreement at the time of proposal submission, covering the performance period for this award to include all teaming arrangements (i.e., SubContractors). This agreement shall be kept current for the duration of the contract period, and proof of the current agreement will be required prior to the exercise of any options.

4.1.6. Provision of the necessary training and functional support for (Contractor) personnel tasked with capturing and transmitting electronic fingerprint submissions.

4.1.7. The Peace Corps' anticipated annual volume of transactions per state has yet to be discovered.

4.1.8. Securing valid subject identification and ensuring that the correct releases and forms are executed and retained, and correct privacy statements (FBI’s Privacy Act Notice, Noncriminal Justice Candidates’ Privacy Rights and procedures for accessing and amending an FBI identification record) are presented to the subject before services are rendered.

4.1.9. Submit subject data using the IAFIS and DCSA-certified and tested hardware and software components.

4.1.10. Ensure that each fingerprint request is assigned the appropriate Defense Security Service (DSS) Submitting Office Number (SON), Security Office Identifier (SOI), and Intra-Governmental Payment and Collection (IPAC) codes.

4.1.10.1. The Peace Corps has been issued an Originating Agency Identifier (ORI) number from FBI Criminal Justice Information (CJI) to receive fingerprint-based background checks.

4.1.11. Work with Peace Corps personnel to reconcile data discrepancies.

4.1.12. A Channeler must maintain each Departmental Order (DO) Request Form with the original signature from each individual for three years or upon termination of the contract, whichever is shorter. The DO Request Forms may be maintained in digitized or hard copy format.

4.1.13. For legal/emergencies requiring the legal recall of previously captured prints, ensure a process is in place that would allow such.

4.1.14. All other expenses are required to deliver a safe and secure environment for electronic fingerprinting services.

4.1.15. The Contractor shall meet with the appropriate Peace Corps personnel during a kick-off meeting within five days of receipt of award (ARO) to ensure that the Contractor understands this contract's requirements and that various other work schedules and coordination with Peace Corps are established. The kick-off meeting with the Peace Corps shall be a face-to-face meeting. Within seven days after the kick-off meeting, the Contractor shall prepare and submit a detailed project work plan that will include the high-level functions of the project for the duration of the contract. The work plan shall be modified within ten days of identifying a major change to the project's requirements. A major change is defined as one that changes the focus of the project or changes the timing of the project by 30 days or more.

4.1.16. Government-furnished property, materials, facilities, and equipment will not be provided for this requirement.

4.1.16.1. The Government does not intend to host any portion of the technology on a server, nor will the Contractor be allowed to use Microsoft’s Azure Government Cloud hosting solution, for example.

4.2. Any contract resulting from this PWS may be modified at any time to accommodate increases or decreases in the number of candidates, fees, system requirements, and legislative changes that affect agency requirements.

5. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

5.1. The following are relevant legal, regulatory, policy, security, etc., documents to this PWS, but not all-inclusive:

5.1.1. Records Management Requirements

5.1.1.1. The Contractor shall comply with all applicable records management laws and regulations, as well as National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) records policies, including but not limited to the Presidential and Federal Records Act Amendments of 2014, as amended (44 U.S.C. Ch. 21, 29, 31, 33), NARA regulations at 36 CFR Chapter XII Subchapter B, and those policies associated with the safeguarding of records covered by the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), as amended. These policies include preserving all records, regardless of form or characteristics, mode of transmission, or state of completion.

5.1.2. FBI Council Compact Guidance and Policies: https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/compact-council

6. SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS

6.1. The Contractor shall collect fingerprints for Peace Corps personnel utilizing the Contractor’s online secure portal. The Contractor’s portal shall allow Peace Corps staff continued access and oversight of each candidate’s progress (from the initial fingerprint request to the successful transmission to the intended investigation agency). The Contractor must be able to collect and submit fingerprints directly to the FBI and/or DCSA and return the results to the Peace Corps. Unless otherwise noted, the Contractor shall have “reports” capability in Adobe or Excel format, allowing for the tracking and statistical analysis of all events within the system.

6.2. TASKS:

6.2.1. The Contractor shall provide electronic Nationwide Fingerprint Collection services through (but not limited to):

6.2.1.1. Contractor shall establish a Peace Corps account for unlimited Peace Corps Legal Placement Personnel.

6.2.1.2. Contractor shall provide initial setup and training to Peace Corps Legal Placement Personnel.

6.2.1.3. Contractor shall maintain the Peace Corps account and provide continued training and support to Peace Corps Legal Placement Personnel during the period of the performance of the contract.

6.2.1.4. Contractor shall collect fingerprints for persons identified by Peace Corps Legal Placement Personnel, enter them into the Contractor's request system and transmit them as indicated.

6.2.1.5. Contractor shall support Peace Corps candidates via web and/or toll-free number IAW the Contractor's established customer service hours.

6.2.1.6. Access to Contractor's online account shall be via Non-classified Internet Protocol.

6.2.1.7. Contractor shall ensure their system utilizes a multi-layered security process by:

6.2.1.7.1. Utilize usernames and passwords for both candidates and Peace Corps staff.

6.2.1.7.2. Purge all data immediately (including fingerprints and Personally Identifiable Information) after successfully transmitting fingerprints.

6.2.1.7.3. Comply with FBI CJIS Outsourcing Security Policy.

6.2.1.8. Contractor shall ensure their personnel receive re-occurring FBI Cyber Awareness Security training.

6.2.1.9. Contractor shall ensure their personnel receive re-occurring training on how to capture fingerprints.

6.2.1.10. Contractor shall ensure their personnel comply with the NIST and Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS).

6.2.1.11. The Contractor shall neither require nor provide any software/hardware to be installed on Peace Corps information technology (IT) systems and information resources.

6.2.1.12. Provide nationwide access to service locations and mobile sites to improve geographic coverage. The Contractor shall facilitate the collection of fingerprints nationwide, serving individuals in all U.S. states and territories (all 50 states and Washington DC, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Guam, and Northern Mariana Islands).

6.2.1.12.1. Acceptable fingerprint collection methods may include electronic, FD-258 card processing, mobile collection, permanent locations, or any combination of methods that result in user-friendly nationwide support to individuals subject to the Peace Corps requirements.

6.2.1.12.2. Electronic collection of information and fingerprints nationwide is preferred. If electronic collection is not possible for all orders, the Contractor shall provide an alternate and comparable process that maximizes convenience for the applicant. Maximizing convenience can include express shipping and tracking of paper card processing or affordable and coordinated mobile collections for multiple candidates.

6.2.1.12.3. The Contractor shall quantify the accessibility of its fingerprinting services, such as specifying the distance of fingerprinting collection centers from individual locations and whether fingerprint collection centers are accessible to individuals with disabilities and abide by the Americans with Disabilities Act, to the extent possible.

6.2.1.12.4. The Contractor shall supply all electronic capture equipment and/or all pre-printed fingerprint forms required to collect fingerprints for this contract. The Contractor’s fingerprint collection facilities must meet accessibility standards for handicapped candidates and comply with safety and security standards for public access.

6.2.1.12.5. The Peace Corps will not process individuals/candidates at our office locations.

6.2.1.13. Provide appointment scheduling and scheduling support.

6.2.1.13.1. The Contractor shall establish administrative procedures for submitting individuals’ information to the Peace Corps-approved sources and make its procedures available to Peace Corps users. This shall include, at a minimum, a website that provides information about the process, information required to obtain the checks, frequently asked questions, and help desk/support contact instructions.

6.2.1.14. Provide FBI-approved subject authentication.

6.2.1.15. Collecting demographic information and identity verification.

6.2.1.15.1. The Peace Corps' anticipated annual volume of transactions per state has yet to be discovered.

6.2.1.16. Provide image quality analysis and grading to ensure data quality and submission compliance with FBI standards.

6.2.1.17. Provide data processing and secure data storage and transmission via FBI-certified scanners.

6.2.1.18. Verify data compliance.

6.2.1.19. Offer hard card scanning, conversion, and submission.

6.2.1.20. Provide detailed activity tracking and transaction reports.

6.2.1.21. At any point during award, the Peace Corps reserves the right to alter the type of information collected.

6.2.1.22. The Contractor shall develop and update a Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) that:

6.2.1.22.1. Maintains documentation supporting compliance with all steps in this section for audit purposes.

6.2.1.22.2. Describes the ongoing process to verify which individuals are eligible to order FBI fingerprint checks.

6.3. SCHEDULING FINGERPRINTS

6.3.1. The Contractor shall provide a standard language script for the scheduling process to the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) within 15 days ARO. The COR will be identified by a separate designation letter. The script shall be approved by the Contracting Officer (CO) prior to use.

6.3.1.1. The standard script language shall instruct the Peace Corps candidate on the necessary items for the fingerprint process.

6.3.1.2. The Contractor shall make the information and process available to individuals who are not technology literate, have limited access to technology, and/or have some other self-identified hardship that prevents them from using an electronic system.

6.3.2. The Contractor shall be notified by Peace Corps Legal Placement Personnel daily via the vendor-provided online secure portal or electronic exchange/web services regarding the fingerprint requests to be scheduled. The Peace Corps shall provide the following data:

6.3.2.1. Peace Corps candidate name, contact information (including up to three phone numbers and one email address), and current address for scheduling location purposes.

6.3.2.2. Peace Corps fingerprint identification numbers, candidate identification numbers (including Peace Corps-specific candidate ID number and/or social security number), and position/job title.

6.3.2.3. Peace Corps candidate address changes and/or changes to contact information.

6.3.2.4. Peace Corps candidates that need to be removed from the scheduling process because they are no longer with the Peace Corps or are no longer being considered for the position.

6.3.3. Within one business day of receiving the fingerprint request, the Contractor shall identify the potential facility where the Peace Corps candidate's fingerprints can be captured and make the first contact attempt to schedule the process.

6.3.4. The Contractor shall provide the Peace Corps candidate with an appointment confirmation that contains a unique identifier such as a barcode, appointment number, or equal identifier approved by the US Trustee Program.

6.3.5. The Contractor shall provide the Peace Corps candidate with an appointment confirmation that states they are expected to bring the appointment confirmation along with two forms of Government-issued identification.

6.3.6. The Contractor shall use telephone/voicemail, email, and Short Message (or Messaging) Service (SMS) text messaging to attempt to schedule the fingerprint appointment.

6.3.7. Within three business days of the initial request, the Contractor shall schedule the fingerprinting appointment with the Peace Corps candidate and the facility where the fingerprinting shall be administered as follows:

6.3.7.1. The Contractor shall offer fingerprint appointments per Section 4.1.1.1.

6.3.7.2. Fingerprinting shall be administered within ten business days of the request from the Peace Corps.

6.3.7.2.1. FEDERAL HOLIDAYS - The following legal holidays are observed:

· New Year's Day (January 1).

· Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. (Third Monday in January).

· Washington's Birthday (Third Monday in February).

· Memorial Day (Last Monday in May).

· Juneteenth National Independence Day (June 19).

· Independence Day (July 4).

· Labor Day (First Monday in September).

· Columbus Day (Second Monday in October).

· Veterans Day (November 11).

· Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November).

· Christmas Day (December 25).

6.3.7.3. If the Contractor cannot schedule an appointment within the required timeline, the Contractor shall notify the COR within 24 hours of determining the Contractor’s web-based portal. The reasons for failure to schedule a service shall be clearly documented. Examples include refusal to schedule: Peace Corps candidate cannot complete fingerprinting within the specified time frame; the candidate is “Hard to Reach”; the candidate is no longer interested in the position, is on leave, or is on “temporary duty.” “Hard to reach” Peace Corps candidates are individuals whom the Contractor has been unable to reach after a minimum of three documented attempts on three separate days, using all available telephone numbers and email addresses. The Contractor shall not close requests for at least two business days following the third attempt to contact the candidate.

6.3.7.3.1. Follow the same process for scheduled appointments for failed fingerprint submissions to manage the FBI name check process after two failed fingerprint submissions.

6.3.7.3.2. If a candidate fails to complete the reprint process by submitting a second set of prints, the Contractor may charge the Peace Corps for the original fingerprint processed.

6.3.7.4. Within 24 hours of scheduling the appointment, the Contractor shall send the Peace Corps candidate an appointment confirmation email providing the appointment information, facility location, and any items the candidate must complete and bring to the appointment.

6.3.7.5. One business day prior to the appointment date, the Contractor shall send the Peace Corps candidate a reminder email and SMS text message providing, at a minimum, the scheduled appointment information, facility location, and a reminder to complete and bring the required documents to the appointment. The email language/text message shall be provided to the COR during the transition and approved by the CO before use.

6.3.7.6. If the Peace Corps candidate does not attend the scheduled appointment without prior notification to the Contractor, the candidate is deemed a “No Show.” At the time, the Contractor documents the No Show in the Contractor’s automated system and shall notify the COR via email.

6.3.7.6.1. Follow the same process for scheduled appointments for failed fingerprint submissions to manage the FBI name check process after two failed fingerprint submissions.

6.3.7.6.2. If a candidate fails to complete the reprint process by submitting a second set of prints, the Contractor may charge the Peace Corps for the original fingerprint processed.

6.4. KEY PERSONNEL

6.4.1. The Contractor shall organize operations around these key personnel. These personnel shall be solely dedicated to the fingerprint channeling tasks where they are assigned. Each person shall be considered one Full Time Equivalent (FTE) employee. Key personnel may be assigned multiple functional tasks, but their time may not exceed one FTE.

6.4.2. Key personnel are defined as personnel critical to ensuring that operations are successful, performance metrics are met, and customer service standards are adhered to. The Contractor shall identify additional key personnel as necessary to fulfill the requirements of this contract.

6.4.3. All Key Personnel shall notify the Contracting Officer whenever they believe they receive direction that deviates from the contract terms. The Contractor shall maintain a training tracker for all staff assigned to the provider enrollment area. The tracker shall be used to verify that all staff receive proper training.

6.4.4. Key personnel are defined as personnel critical to ensuring that operations are successful, performance metrics are met, and customer service standards are adhered to. The Contractor shall identify additional key personnel as necessary to fulfill the requirements of this contract.

6.4.5. All Key Personnel shall notify the Contracting Officer whenever they believe they receive direction that deviates from the contract terms. The Contractor shall maintain a training tracker for all staff assigned to the provider enrollment area. The tracker shall be used to verify that all staff receive proper training.

6.4.6. The COR must be notified when key personnel are out of the office for an extended period (more than two days). In these instances, the backup's name and contact information, including telephone number and email address, must be provided to the COR prior to the key personnel's absence.

6.4.7. The Contractor’s Key Personnel, or their similarly qualified designee, shall be available during business hours to coordinate with the Government’s COR, IT or other representatives to address the Peace Corps questions and customer service and to conduct follow-up in all areas of operations under the contract. The Key Personnel or their qualified designee shall be available and accessible six days a week to address critical operational issues with the COR. Contractor personnel shall have the necessary skills, experience, and access to handle all verbal and written communications clearly, accurately, and in plain language to respond to the Peace Corps and the Peace Corps customers promptly, efficiently, and professionally.

6.4.7.1. The Contractor shall provide a Project Manager (PM) responsible for oversight, supervision of work, and managing and implementing contract requirements. The PM shall organize, direct, coordinate planning, and implement all project support activities. They shall interact with the Peace Corps program officials regarding issues and status of the project, coordinate financial and staffing resources, procurement and record-keeping, administer security safeguards, and manage the activities of any SubContractors. They shall conduct special analyses, reports and presentations of budgets, performance and forecasts as required. The PM or alternate shall be available between 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST/ET Monday through Friday except on Federal holidays.

6.4.7.2. The PM shall also be responsible for compliance, legal requirements, and overall business objectives. They shall analyze workflow and assignments to ensure efficient and cost-effective operations, develop and implement processes, programs, or service improvements to meet such needs, interpret data and advise management, and serve as a primary contact for problem resolution and data gathering.

6.4.7.3. The PM shall possess ten or more years of professional experience with at least five years of managerial or supervisory performing relevant actions specific to tasks outlined within the PWS Section 6, including three (3) years managing a team on a federal or commercial contract of similar size and scope. In addition, the PM shall possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or substitution of ten additional years of related work experience in lieu of the bachelor’s degree.

6.4.7.3.1. Qualifications

6.4.7.3.1.1. Demonstrated expertise in Federal Government contract management over programs relevant to biometrics.

6.4.7.3.1.2. Ability to prepare management, business, technical, and personnel reports, reviews, and documents for internal and external use.

6.4.7.3.1.3. Knowledge and expertise in personnel management.

6.4.7.3.1.4. Excellent oral and written communication skills.

6.4.7.3.1.5. Superior organizational skills and work ethic.

6.4.7.3.1.6. Demonstrated ability to manage teams in the field of expertise required by this contract.

6.4.7.4. The Contractor shall provide a Certified Live Scan Technician who shall be responsible for conducting fingerprinting. The Certified Livescan Technician shall possess (at a minimum) a high school diploma and three years of experience in taking and processing fingerprints electronically and via the FBI Fingerprint Cards Form FD-258.

6.4.7.4.1. Qualifications

6.4.7.4.1.1. Ability to record and process fingerprints (both digitally as well as via FD-258 cards).

6.4.7.4.1.2. Ability to check prints against databases and records.

6.4.7.4.1.3. Ability to operate biometric scanning systems.

6.4.7.4.1.4. Staying up to date with legal procedures regarding fingerprints.

6.4.7.4.1.5. Ability to analyze fingerprint patterns.

6.4.7.4.1.6. Ability to enter data into the system.

6.4.7.5. The Contractor shall provide Administrative Support and be responsible for conducting administrative functions, such as drafting SOPs, Monthly Reports, and Final Reports. The Administrative Support shall have, at a minimum qualification, an associate degree, three years of experience and demonstrated ability in Administrative Support functions. The duties conducted by this individual shall include directly supporting all other functional areas by maintaining files, writing SOPs, preparing correspondence, scheduling meetings, and performing other general administrative tasks.

6.4.7.5.1. Qualifications

6.4.7.5.1.1. Ability to use logic when evaluating and synthesizing multiple sources of information.

6.4.7.5.1.2. Capacity to produce timely, logical, concise reports, documents, assessments, studies, and/or briefing materials in formats including Microsoft Office tools, electronic/soft copy matrices, and/or web-enabled formats.

6.4.7.5.1.3. Ability to communicate complex issues clearly, concisely, and organized, both verbally and nonverbally, with strong grammar skills.

6.4.8. Personnel Standards & Conduct

6.4.8.1. Contractor’s employees shall comply with all applicable Government regulations, policies, and procedures. The Contractor shall ensure that Contractor employees always present a professional appearance and that their conduct shall not reflect discredit on the United States or the Agency, including during course delivery. The Project Manager shall ensure Contractor employees understand and abide by Agency established rules, regulations and policies concerning safety and security.

6.4.8.2. All personnel shall adhere to common positive and proactive standards of conduct generally found in successful private businesses and the Government. Contractor management is responsible for quickly resolving all issues regarding Contractor employees, especially programmatic performance. The Contractor will maintain continuity and expertise to ensure tasks and fingerprints are transmitted on time. The Contractor shall ensure all Contractor employees conduct themselves professionally and show proper tact and diplomacy while providing service to the candidate(s).

7. DELIVERABLES

7.1. Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)

7.1.1. The Contractor shall develop Standard Operating Procedures that the Peace Corps will use for auditing purposes. SOP drafts are due 30 days ARO, with final drafts due 45 days ARO (with updates as needed). SOPs shall include turnaround times for activities and shall cover the following:

7.1.1.1.1. How to collect and securely store Peace Corps candidates Personally Identifiable Information (PII),

7.1.1.1.2. How Peace Corps candidates should be contacted once directed by the Peace Corps and

7.1.1.1.3. The process for taking Peace Corps candidates' fingerprints and then sending them to DCSA so that the results are sent to the Peace Corps directly.

7.2. Quality Control Plan (QCP)

7.2.1. The Offeror shall provide a draft Quality Control Plan demonstrating how quality (performance standards) will be met within 30 days ARO). In addition, the Offeror is to provide performance measures that are meaningful, measurable, challenging and show the Offeror’s ability to meet the objectives of this requirement. This also demonstrates a clear understanding, including any barriers and solutions consistent with the scope of work. The Contractor shall provide the final QCP for approval within 45 days ARO to the COR and the Contracting Officer.

7.2.2. The Contractor’s QCP shall include the following or have incorporated into during the performance of the contract, at a minimum:

7.2.2.1. On-site records identifying the character, physical capabilities, certifications, and ongoing training of each employee performing services under this contract.

7.2.2.2. The methods for identifying and preventing deficiencies in the quality of service performed before the level of performance becomes unacceptable, and organizational functions noting intermediate supervisory responsibilities and overall management responsibilities for ensuring total acceptable performance.

7.2.2.3. On-site records of any complaints or problems, with procedures taken to allow for corrections and/or elimination before effects caused interruption of performance of the contract.

7.3. The Contractor shall provide the following Contract Reports:

7.3.1. Meeting Minutes: Meeting minutes shall be prepared and submitted for all meetings attended by the Contractor and submitted to the COR within five business days after the conclusion of the meeting.

7.3.2. Monthly Reports: Reports shall be submitted to the COR on the third business day of the month to track the ongoing status of all Peace Corps candidates sent for fingerprinting and when those prints are sent to DCSA. These monthly reports shall be done in a format compatible with Peace Corps candidate systems. The COR and CO will use the monthly reports to measure performance, as specified in the Performance Requirements Summary (QASP). The Monthly Report shall include and cover the following subjects, but not limited to:

7.3.2.1. System uptime: Percentage of scheduled uptime in which the client account system was systematically unavailable to Peace Corps candidates for any reason during the reporting period.

7.3.2.2. Customer support: The number of instances of wait times over 30 minutes for invited candidates to receive service following initial customer service contact with the Contractor during the reporting period for phone and messenger inquiries, in addition to the number of instances of wait times over three business days for new candidates to receive service following initial customer service contact with Contractor during the reporting period for email inquiries.

7.3.2.3. Wait time to schedule appointment: The number of instances (and associated fingerprint collection location and candidates) unable to schedule fingerprinting services because appointments were unavailable for more than five consecutive business days.

7.3.2.4. Wait time to provide fingerprints: The number of instances, associated fingerprint collection location, candidates, and how long the individual waited more than 30 minutes for scheduled appointments.

7.3.2.5. Classifiably rate for fingerprints: The classifiable rate for all fingerprints taken during the reporting period.

7.3.2.6. Alternative Processes: The number of individuals per associated organization who use the alternative process or services for the reporting period and year-to-date and the number of instances (and associated applicant) where the alternative process deviated more than 50% of the proposed task schedule.

7.3.3. Final Report: A final report shall be submitted to the COR and Contracting Officer within 30 calendar days prior to the completion of each option period, if exercised, and each modification. The final report shall include appropriate information to document the work and other pertinent information. It shall also include annual totals and a summary of the period’s work, challenges, and improvements. The final report shall be in a format compatible with the Peace Corps systems.

7.3.4. The Contractor shall provide the COR with a monthly report containing the number of fingerprint services provided for the month. The monthly report shall be attached to the consolidated invoices.

7.4. Incident Response Plan

7.4.1. The Contractor shall provide an Incident Response Plan that guides the appropriate procedures and responses that shall be taken in an incident. The Incident Response Plan shall address the Contractor’s capability to handle an incident and minimize impacts on the Peace Corps’ operations successfully, efficiently, and effectively. The Incident Response Plan shall be provided within 30 days ARO to the COR and Contracting Officer.

7.4.2. The Contractor shall establish, implement, and maintain a safety program during operations.

8. PERFORMANCE OF SERVICE DELIVERY SUMMARY

8.1. The purpose of this Service Delivery Summary is to:

8.1.1. List the contract requirements considered most critical to acceptable contract performance.

8.1.2. Show, where applicable, the maximum allowable degree of deviation from perfect performance for each requirement that shall be allowed by the Government before contract performance is considered unsatisfactory.

8.1.3. Define the procedure the Government will use to reduce the Contractor's monthly payment if satisfactory performance is not rendered.

8.2. The Government's quality assurance procedures are based on the actual performance of the contract, and all areas will be reviewed periodically (e.g., weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually).

8.3. The criteria for acceptable and unacceptable performance are as follows:

8.3.1. Contract requirements. The criteria for requirements are the level of performance deemed acceptable to the Government.

8.3.2. If the quality of work does not comply with the contract requirements, the COR will initiate, and the Contractor shall be required to complete a Contract Discrepancy Report (CDR).

8.3.3. The CDR will require the Contractor to explain in writing why performance was unacceptable, how performance will be returned to an acceptable level, and how the recurrence of the problem will be prevented in the future. The Contractor will not be paid for services not rendered in accordance with the standards outlined in this contract.

8.3.4. If the level of performance is deemed unacceptable to the Government concurrent with two unsatisfactory ratings, the monthly payment will be reduced for unsatisfactory performance by the percentage as shown in the chart below:

9. PRIVACY ACT

9.1. Data collected as a part of this PWS may require that personnel have access to Privacy Information. Personnel shall adhere to the Privacy Act, Title 5 of the U.S. Code, Section 552a and applicable agency rules and regulations.

9.2. All information collected, transferred, and stored under this contract contains PII protected under the Privacy Act of 1974.

10. OPTION SECTION

10.1. Beyond the base year, at the Peace Corps discretion, channeling requests may increase to over 6,000 each subsequent year, as in Schedule B.

10.2. The Optional Fingerprint is an optional separately priced tasks that can be incorporated into each option year and will be used at the Peace Corps’ discretion, per Schedule B.

11. TRAVEL

11.1. Travel is not required under this contract.

12. DATA RIGHTS

12.1. The Government has unlimited rights to all documents/material produced under this task order. All documents and materials, including the source code of any software produced under this contract, shall be Government-owned and the Government's property with all rights and privileges of ownership/copyright belonging exclusively to the Government. These documents and materials may not be used or sold by the Contractor without written permission from the CO. All materials supplied to the Government shall be the sole property of the Government and may not be used for any other purpose. This right does not abrogate any other Government rights.

13. SECTION 508 ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS

13.1. The Peace Corps is committed to making its information and communication technologies accessible to individuals with disabilities by meeting or exceeding the requirements of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. Section 508 is a Federal law that requires agencies to provide individuals with disabilities access to electronic and information technology and data comparable to those who do not have disabilities unless an undue burden would be imposed on the agency. To meet this commitment, our web templates have been designed to meet or exceed the Section 508 standards and to conform to the W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0, Level AA.

13.2. The Section 508 standards are the technical requirements and criteria used to measure conformance with the law. More information on Section 508 and the technical standards can be found in Section 508.gov.

TECHNICAL EXHIBIT 1

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY

The contractor service requirements are summarized into performance objectives that relate directly to mission essential items. The performance threshold briefly describes the minimum acceptable levels of service required for each requirement. These thresholds are critical to mission success.

TECHNICAL EXHIBIT 2

DELIVERABLES SCHEDULE

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION:

CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

Contracting Officer Maria C. Coleman 1275 First Street NE Washington, DC 20526 Email: mcoleman@peacecorps.gov

Contracting Officer Representative (COR) Entered at award.

CONTRACTING OFFICER’S AUTHORITY

The Contracting Officer (CO) is the only person authorized to make or approve any changes to any of the requirements of this contract, and, notwithstanding any provisions contained elsewhere in this contract, the said authority remains solely with the Contracting Officer. In the event the Contractor makes any changes at the direction of any person other than the Contracting Officer, the change will be considered to have been made without authority and no adjustment will be made in the contract terms and conditions, including price.

CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

a) Performance of the work under this purchase order shall be subject to the technical direction of the Peace Corps Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) as delegated by the Contracting Officer. The term "technical direction" is defined to include, without limitation:

(1) Providing direction to the Contractor that redirects efforts, shifts work emphasis between work areas or tasks, requires pursuit of certain lines of inquiry, fills in details, or otherwise serves to accomplish the contractual performance work statement.

(2) Providing written information to the Contractor that assists in interpreting drawings, specifications, or technical portions of the work description.

(3) Reviewing and, where required by the Task Order, approving technical reports, drawings, specifications, and technical information to be delivered by the Contractor to the Government.

(4) The Contractor will receive a copy of the written COR designation from the contracting officer. It will specify the extent of the COR's authority to act on behalf of the Contracting Officer. The Contractor shall follow only the technical direction from the COR or the Contracting Officer.

(b) Technical direction must be within the scope of work stated in the Task Order. The COR does not have the authority to, and may not, issue any technical direction that:

(1) Constitutes an assignment of additional work outside the Performance Work Statement;

(2) Constitutes a change as defined in the FAR 52.212-4(c);

(3) In any manner causes an increase or decrease in the total estimated Task Order, the fee (if any), or the time required for Task Order performance;

(4) Changes any of the expressed terms, conditions or specifications of the Task Order.

(5) Interferes with the Contractor's right to perform the terms and conditions of the Task Order.

(c) All technical direction from the COR shall be issued in writing or, if issued orally, he/she will confirm such direction in writing within five (5) calendar days after oral issuance. The COR may issue such guidance via telephone, facsimile, or electronic mail. Electronic mail shall serve as a method of written guidance.

(d) The Contractor must proceed promptly with the performance of technical direction duly issued by the COR in the manner prescribed by this clause and within its authority under the provisions of this clause. If, in the opinion of the Contractor, any instruction or direction by the COR falls within one of the categories defined in (c)(1) through (c)(5) of this clause, the Contractor must not proceed and must notify the Contracting Officer in writing within five (5) calendar days after receipt of any such instruction or direction. Upon receiving the notification from the Contractor, the Contracting Officer must:

(1) Advise the Contractor in writing within thirty (30) calendar days after receipt of the Contractor's notification that the technical direction is within the scope of the Task Order effort and does not constitute a change under FAR 52.212-4(c);

(2) Advise the Contractor in writing within five (5) calendar days that the Government will issue a written change order/modification; or

(3) Advise the Contractor in writing within five (5) calendar days not to proceed with the instruction or direction of the COR.

(e) A failure of the Contractor and Contracting Officer either to agree that the technical direction is within the scope of the Task Order or to agree upon the Task Order action to be taken with respect to the technical direction will be subject to the provisions of the clause entitled "Disputes.

INTERPRETATIONS OF MODIFICATIONS

No oral or written statement of any person and no written statement of anyone other than the CO shall modify or otherwise affect the terms and conditions of this contract. Requests for interpretations, modifications or changes must be made in writing to the CO. The technical point of contact can only respond to technical matters that do not result in a change of scope to this contract.

PAYMENT AND INVOICING

INVOICE INSTRUCTIONS (APR 2021)

Minimum requirements for a PROPER INVOICE:

· Complete contract number, including task/delivery/call order number (if applicable);

· Name and address of the Contractor;

· Invoice date and invoice number;

· Description of supplies/products/services provided;

· Quantity of services/supplies provide;

· Period of performance covered by the invoice;

· Unit of issue, as specified in the Contract Line Item Number (CLIN), and/or Schedule of services;

· Unit price and extended total, for each CLIN;

· Invoice total;

· Shipping and payment terms, (as applicable);

· Electronic funds transfer (EFT) account/payment information;

· Signature of the Contractor's authorized representative;

· Contractor's Tax Identification Number (TIN); and

· Any other contract-directed requirements.

In the event that an invoice is “improperly” submitted (e.g. incorrect contract/order number, invoice amount, labor categories, contract rates, CLINs, etc.) it will be rejected as an improper invoice and returned to the contractor. Also, an invoice is considered improper if it is received before the product or service is received, inspected and accepted by the COR.

Invoice delivery and formatting

· Invoices shall be in PDF format and forwarded via email to GAPdomesticinvoice@peacecorps.gov with a copy to the COR and/or TPOC;

· A separate attachment for each invoice is required;

· The invoice size should be standard 8.5’x11’;

· The representative signing the invoice must also print his/her name, direct phone number and email address on the invoice;

· Bill only for one delivery order per invoice;

· Bill for only one option period per invoice;

· Never bill in excess of the contract obligated amount ; and

· Do not bill for state and local taxes unless authorized by law, policy or the CO.

Invoice Certification Upon receipt of the invoices, the COR and/or TPOC will evaluate the invoices for correctness…