StatemnetofWorkAccreditation.doc

United States Secret Service - FSD

Statement of Work

Version 0.0

July 29, 2008

Submitted by:

Deborah A. Leben

Table of Contents

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND

1.2 SCOPE

1.3 OBJECTIVE

2.0 REQUIREMENTS

2.1 Accreditation Requirements

2.1.1 Accreditation Standards

2.1.2 Application for Accreditation

2.1.3 Accreditation Decision and Appeals

2.1.4 Training Requirements for Assessors

2.1.5 Proficiency Review Program

2.1.6 Educational Requirements

2.1.7 Accrediting Body Governance

2.1.8 Surveillance Visits

2.2 ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS

2.2.1 Assessment Areas

2.2.2 Prior Experience Assessing Large Laboratories

2.2.3 Prior Experience Assessing Federal Laboratories

2.3 ASSESSMENT TEAM REQUIREMENTS

2.3.1 Number of Assessors

2.3.2 Assessment Team Appointment

2.3.3 Assessment Team Member Qualifications

2.3.4 Assessment Team Travel

2.3.5 Maintenance of Accreditation

2.3.6 Assessment Team Non-Disclosure Statement

3.0 ASSESSMENT SCHEDULE

3.1 Notice to Commence Assessment

3.2 Assessment Dates

3.3 Length of Assessment

3.4 Number of Assessors

3.5 Assessment Itinerary

3.6 Re-Assessments to Ensure Requirements have been Implemented

4.0 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY AND SERVICES

4.1 Pre-Assessment Application

4.2 Application for Accreditation

4.3 Laboratory Orientation

4.4 Designated Assessment Team Areas

4.5 Escorts

5.0 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

5.1 Progress Report

5.2 Summation Conference

5.3 Final Assessment Report

6.0 ACCREDITATION

6.1 Right to Withdraw Application

6.2 Notice of Accreditation Decision

6.3 Certificate of Accreditation

6.4 Accreditation Ceremony

6.5 Accreditation Period

7.0 TECHNICAL QUOTATIONS

8.0 TECHNICAL EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

9.0 SECURITY, CONTROL AND RESTRICTIVE CONDITIONS

10.0 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE AND CONTACT

UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE

FORENSIC SERVICES DIVISON LABORATORY

ACCREDITATION AQUISITION

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.0.1 The United States Secret Service Forensic Services Division USSS FSD Laboratory is seeking to update their current accreditation of its forensic science laboratory from the legacy to international requirements. The USSS FSD Laboratory is currently accredited by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board under the auspices of its Legacy program.

1.0.2 The USSS FSD Laboratory requires that the accreditation of the USSS FSD Laboratory evaluate the Laboratory's operations and quality management system against the standards set forth in ISO/IEC 17025 - General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories and a supplemental forensic science standards document.

1.0.3 The purpose of this contract is to provide the USSS FSD Laboratory with the necessary means to participate in an internationally recognized forensic science laboratory accreditation program. Upon successful completion of the accreditation process the USSS FSD Laboratory requires the accrediting body to provide an internationally recognized certificate of accreditation. The certificate of accreditation will demonstrate that the USSS FSD Laboratory's management, policies, practices, procedures, operations, and personnel meet recognized standards established specifically for forensic laboratories within the law enforcement profession.

1.0.4 The process will also provide the USSS FSD Laboratory with the membership necessary to directly participate in reviewing and establishing crime laboratory standards for other laboratories in support of the USSS FSD Laboratory's mission in the international forensic science/criminal justice system.

1.1 BACKGROUND

1.1.1 The mission of the USSS FSD Laboratory is to apply scientific capabilities and technical services to the collection, processing, and exploitation of evidence for the USSS FSD and other duly constituted law enforcement agencies in support of investigative and intelligence priorities. In support of its mission the USSS FSD Laboratory examines evidence free-of-charge for federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. In addition to conducting scientific analysis of physical evidence submitted for examination, the USSS FSD Laboratory provides expert testimony in court as well as operational and technical support to USSS FSD investigations both domestically and internationally.

1.1.2 The USSS FSD Laboratory's accrediting body shall be an established and experienced forensic science laboratory accreditation body in the United States. The Contractor shall demonstrate substantial experience by having assessed and accredited a large number of forensic science laboratories on the federal, state, local and international levels. The accreditation program shall also include peer- and government-based recognition at the federal, state, local and international level. The accrediting body will be nationally and internationally recognized by the forensic science community as the primary accrediting body for crime laboratories.

1.2 SCOPE

1.2.1 The Contractor shall provide an on-site assessment, annual on-site surveillance assessments during the accreditation cycle, and annual proficiency test reviews to maintain the accreditation of the USSS FSD Laboratory. The accreditation cycle shall be five years. The accreditation shall include assessments of the following forensic testing disciplines/sub-disciplines:

· Latent Prints – latent print processing, latent print comparisons

· Questioned Documents – general document examination, document authentication, ink analysis and instrumental analysis.

Fees for follow-up surveillance visits, interim assessments, proficiency test reviews and other accrediting body functions are outside the scope of this contract.

1.3 OBJECTIVE

1.3.1 The objective of this contract is to provide the USSS FSD Laboratory with an accreditation which; a) assesses the level of conformance to established standards of performance, b) evaluates the quality management system to enhance mission specific requirements, and c) retains the Laboratory's nationally recognized accreditation standing.

1.3.2 The forensic science community has looked to the USSS FSD Laboratory as a leader in setting the standards for competency in the criminal justice system. This accreditation shall enable the USSS FSD Laboratory to maintain its position as a standard setting agency by participating in the accreditation program and maintaining its leadership role in the most well-recognized and credible forensic accreditation program available.

2.0 REQUIREMENTS

2.1 Accreditation Requirements

The USSS FSD Laboratory requires accreditation prior to the expiration of its current accreditation.

2.1.1 Accreditation Standards

Standards for accreditation shall include ISO 17025 and additional forensic science laboratory standards and the ASCLD/LAB 2005 Supplemental requirements for the accreditation of forensic science testing laboratories. The additional forensic science standards shall have been developed by practicing forensic science experts and established in the forensic science community to represent the consensus of the field. The additional forensic science standards shall be put forth in a the form of a requirements document.

2.1.2 Application for Accreditation

The Contractor shall provide the required application for accreditation. Because of the nature of the USSS FSD Laboratory mission, the accrediting body shall restrict review of all application material submitted on a need to know basis before, during and after the assessment.

2.1.3 Accreditation Decision and Appeals

The accrediting body shall have an established forensic laboratory accreditation program that includes a procedure for making the decision for granting accreditation and an established appeals process.

2.1.4 Training Requirements for Assessors

The Contractor shall have an established training program for training its assessors. To ensure competency in interpreting the standards used in the accreditation process, the assessors shall pass a written test at the completion of the training program. Assessor competency will be determined by objective evidence of completing training in the interpretation of ISO 17025 standards and additional forensic science standards and passing test scores. In addition, lead assessors shall be certified by the accrediting body. This will ensure that lead assessors are knowledgeable in interpreting the requirements of the accrediting body. Also, technical assessors shall be currently or previously employed by a laboratory or a laboratory system accredited by the accrediting body which will perform the USSS FSD Laboratory's accreditation. This will ensure that technical assessors are thoroughly knowledgeable in interpreting the requirements of the accrediting body.

2.1.5 Proficiency Review Program

The USSS FSD Laboratory utilizes external proficiency testing as an important component of its quality management system. Thus, the review of external proficiency test results is critical to maintaining the credibility of the USSS FSD Laboratory. The Contractor shall have an established proficiency review program. The proficiency review program shall be responsible for the independent referral and refereeing of discrepant analytical results in an external proficiency testing program. The proficiency review program shall include committees organized by the Contractor to review external proficiency testing requirements of the accrediting body. The committees shall consist of at least two accrediting body members per committee per discipline.

2.1.6 Educational Requirements

Well trained, educated scientists form the backbone of the USSS FSD Laboratory and education requirements add to the credibility of its forensic examiners. To objectively evaluate the education of(USSS FSD) Laboratory employees as part of the accreditation process, the Contractor shall have educational requirements for forensic scientists as part of the accreditation standards.

2.1.7 Accrediting Body Governance

All forensic science laboratories accredited by the accrediting body shall formally participate in the decision making processes of the accrediting body. By governing the accrediting body, these laboratories provide an internal system of checks and balances to ensure forensic science community acceptance of the accreditation process. The USSS FSD Laboratory shall have representation on the governing association of accredited laboratories of the accrediting body.

Proprietary supplemental requirements approved by the Delegate Assembly to include the accredited laboratories. Delegate Assembly input into program requirements and approval of substantive changes to supplemental requirements. Each accredited laboratory has a voice and a vote.

2.1.8 Surveillance Visits

Monitoring conformance throughout the accreditation cycle is necessary to ensure that the USSS FSD Laboratory continues to meet the accreditation requirements. The USSS FSD Laboratory desires annual on-site surveillance visits to monitor its conformance. The accrediting body must have an established program for conducting annual on-site surveillance visits.

2.2 ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS

2.2.1 Assessment Areas

The Contractor shall be responsible for assessing the following functions of the USSS FSD Laboratory during the accreditation process:

a.

Management.

b.

Technical operations.

c.

Quality assurance system.

d.

Personnel qualifications for the management, technical and support staff.

2.2.2 Prior Experience Assessing Large Laboratories

The USSS FSD Laboratory is a large single site forensic laboratory that has a number of proficiency tested positions. The Contractor shall have experience in assessing large (80 or more proficiency tested positions) laboratories.

2.2.3 Prior Experience Assessing Federal Laboratories

Federal forensic laboratories provide a different set of circumstances than are usually encountered in a state or local forensic laboratory. Differences include the diversity and specialization of examinations conducted as well as the presence of material related to National Security. Thus, the Contractor shall have experience in assessing federal laboratories.

2.3 ASSESSMENT TEAM REQUIREMENTS

2.3.1 Number of Assessors

The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officers Technical Representative (COTR) of the number of assessors, per discipline, necessary to assess the USSS FSD Laboratory.

2.3.2 Assessment Team Appointment

The Contractor shall be responsible for selecting and appointing members of the assessment team. The Contractor shall provide the COTR with a list of the assessment team members to include each individual's name, DOB, address, social security number, position and resume no later than 30 days prior to start of the assessment. Assessment team members will be required to undergo a limited background investigation. The USSS FSD Laboratory shall have the right to reject any proposed member of the assessment team. If a member is rejected by the USSS FSD Laboratory, the contractor will provide a replacement.

2.3.3 Assessment Team Member Qualifications

The Contractor shall provide only assessors who are knowledgeable and experienced in the types of work performed by the USSS FSD Laboratory and are graduates from the Contractor's assessor training program. The assessment team shall consist of members selected from the law enforcement community. The assessors may be individuals who have retired honorably from federal, state, or local law enforcement oriented forensic science laboratories. The USSS FSD Laboratory will consider non-law enforcement community assessors on a case-by-case basis.

Assessor competency will be determined by participation in a formal training program dealing with the interpretation of ISO 17025 Requirements for Testing and Calibration Laboratories and additional standards which meet or exceed the ASCLD/LAB Supplemental Requirements for Testing and Calibration Laboratories.

The assessors must be familiar with assessment criteria of the accrediting body and must meet the following requirements:

· Lead Assessors must be currently or previously employed by a laboratory or a laboratory system accredited by the parent organization which will perform the laboratory accreditation. This will ensure that the Lead Assessors are knowledgeable in interpreting the requirements of the accrediting organization.

· Lead Assessors must have successfully completed at least 35 hours of on-site training in the interpretation of ISO 17025 requirements for Testing and Calibration Laboratories and organization requirements. This must include passing a test which ensures an understanding of all standard used in the accreditation process.

· Technical Assessors must be currently or previously employed by a laboratory or a laboratory system accredited by the parent organization which will perform the laboratory accreditation. This will ensure that Technical Assessors are knowledgeable in interpreting the requirements of the accrediting organization.

· Technical Assessors must have successfully completed at least 35 hours of on-site training in the interpretation of ISO 17025 requirements for Testing and Calibration Laboratories and organization requirements. This must include passing a test which ensures an understanding of all standard used in the accreditation process.

· The on-site inspections must be performed by thoroughly trained and recognized subject matter experts in one or more of the following forensic disciplines: Latent prints, latent comparisons, and questions documents: ink analysis, document authentication and handwriting analysis.

2.3.4 Assessment Team Travel

The Contractor shall be responsible for all accrediting body personnel's necessary transportation, hotel, and other direct and indirect expenses required in support of the assessment.

2.3.5 Maintenance of Accreditation

Maintenance of accreditation must include a committee organized by the accrediting body to review external proficiency testing requirements of the accrediting body. The proficiency review program will be responsible for the independent referral and refereeing of discrepant analytical results in an external proficiency test program. This reviewing program must consist of at least two members per committee per discipline.

2.3.6 Assessment Team Non-Disclosure Statement

Each assessment team member must sign and date a non-disclosure statement. The signed non-disclosure statements must be submitted to the COTR prior to approval of the candidate and prior to the assessment.

3.0 ASSESSMENT SCHEDULE

3.1 Notice to Commence Assessment

The Contractor shall be responsible for notifying the COTR that the pre-application review is complete and providing the laboratory-specific information required for scheduling the assessment.

3.2 Assessment Dates

The Contractor shall coordinate the assessment schedule with the COTR.

3.3 Length of Assessment

The Contractor shall be responsible for notifying the COTR of the length of assessment scheduled for the USSS FSD Laboratory assessment. The on-site assessment of the USSS FSD Laboratory shall occur within one calendar week (Sunday-Saturday). Assessment activities may occur on Sunday or Saturday but not on both Sunday and Saturday.

3.4 Number of Assessors

The Contractor shall be responsible for notifying the COTR of the number of assessors scheduled for the laboratory-specific assessment to include individual’s name, position, and resume.

3.5 Assessment Itinerary

The Contractor will be responsible for all contractor personnel’s necessary transportation, hotel, and other direct and indirect expenses required to support the assessment.

3.6 Re-Assessments to Ensure Requirements have been Implemented

If a follow-up re-assessments are required, the Contractor will be responsible for all contractor personnel’s necessary transportation, hotel, and other direct and indirect expenses in the re-assessment to ensure mandatory changes have been implemented.

4.0 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY AND SERVICES

4.1 Pre-Assessment Application

The COTR will be responsible for providing the Contractor with the pre-assessment application laboratory packages to the Lead Assessor.

4.2 Application for Accreditation

The COTR will be responsible for providing the Contractor and each assessment team member with the USSS FSD Laboratory's application package as required by the accreditation program.

4.3 Laboratory Orientation

The USSS FSD Laboratory Director, or an appointed representative, will be responsible for conducting a brief orientation for the assessment team on the first morning of the scheduled assessment. This orientation will consist of an introduction to the laboratory management staff and a brief walking tour of the Laboratory. USSS FSD Laboratory staff will be made available for individual meetings with the assessment team upon request.

4.4 Designated Assessment Team Areas

The USSS FSD Laboratory Director, or an appointed representative, will be responsible for designating areas for the assessment team to conduct interviews with staff and review documents in the performance of their assessment.

4.5 Escorts

The USSS FSD Laboratory Director, or an appointed representative, will provide security escorts for the assessment team at the USSS FSD Laboratory as necessary to perform the assessment.

5.0 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor shall produce the following assessment reports or conduct meetings with the USSS FSD Laboratory Director as required by the COTR.

5.1 Progress Report

The Contractor shall be responsible for conducting periodic progress reports through meetings with the USSS FSD Laboratory Director and designated staff throughout the assessment upon the USSS FSD Laboratory's request.

5.2 Summation Conference

The Contractor shall be responsible for conducting a summation conference at the conclusion of the assessment. The assessment team shall meet with the USSS FSD Laboratory Director and designated staff, to review the assessment team findings.

5.3 Final Assessment Report

The Contractor shall provide the COTR with a written final assessment report detailing the assessment team's findings. This report shall include any non-conformance issues and the projected date for which any follow-up assessment maybe scheduled.

6.0 ACCREDITATION

6.1 Right to Withdraw Application

The USSS FSD Laboratory reserves the right to withdraw the application for accreditation at any time during the accreditation process without prejudice. In such an occurrence the Contractor shall neither grant nor deny accreditation. All documentation relating to the application or supporting records submitted to the accrediting body will be returned to the COTR.

6.2 Notice of Accreditation Decision

The Contractor shall provide a written notice of the accreditation decision to the COTR and the Director of the USSS FSD Laboratory.

6.3 Certificate of Accreditation

The Contractor shall furnish the COTR a Certificate of Accreditation for the USSS FSD Laboratory signifying that it has successfully completed the accreditation process.

6.4 Accreditation Ceremony

If the USSS FSD Laboratory chooses to mark the occasion of achieving accreditation with a ceremony, the Contractor shall provide a representative to formally present the accreditation certificate. The Contractor shall be responsible for coordinating the accreditation ceremony with the COTR. Funding for the attendance of the accrediting body's representative at the ceremony shall be invoiced separately from the assessment fee and is not included in this contract.

6.5 Accreditation Period

The Contractor shall provide accreditation for a period of five (5) years from date of approval. Accreditation during this five year period may be subject to annual surveillance visits sponsored by the accrediting body.

7.0 TECHNICAL QUOTATIONS

7.1 Contractors shall provide a technical quote in response to this RFQ. The Government anticipates awarding a contract to the offeror whose quote provides the “best value” to the Government, price and other factors considered. Technical Quote shall address the requirements of the contract and the evaluation factors in Section 8 in a straightforward, complete, and concise manner.

7.2 The offeror shall demonstrate its ability to comply with each requirement and explain how such compliance is achieved. Statements such as, "the offeror understands," or "the offeror will comply" and statements that paraphrase the Statement of Work or other contract requirements are inadequate.

7.3 The technical quote shall not refer to cost. However, resource information such as data concerning labor hours and category, materials sub-contracts etc., shall be included in the technical quotes so that the Government can evaluate the offeror's understanding of the scope of the required work.

7.4 The technical quote shall be divided into the following sections:

· Technical Approach

· Management Approach

· Past Performance

· Key Personnel

8.0 TECHNICAL EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

Quotes will be evaluated on factors (1) through (4) described below. Factor 1 and 2 are of equal importance, factor 3 is more important than factor 4. Factor 1 is more import important than factors 3 and 4 combined, factor 2 is more important than 3 and 4 combined.

1) Proposed technical approach

2) Proposed management approach and an appeals process to review the assessment findings.

3) Past performance of the offeror 4) Qualifications of key personnel

9.0 SECURITY, CONTROL AND RESTRICTIVE CONDITIONS

9.1 Security Conditions

The Government reserves the right to limit the Contractor’s Assessment Team’s review or use of private, sensitive or other information.

9.2 Control Conditions

The Contractor’s Assessment Team will have limited access to laboratory case files and procedural manuals and will only interview laboratory personnel at the discretion of the Laboratory Director or designee. The Government reserves the right to limit the Contractor’s Assessment Team’s removal of documents from the laboratory.

Since, Contractor personnel working on-site the contractor must submit the following documents and others as required for each respective person immediately prior to award or when new contractor replacement personnel are needed before starting any work under any tasking:

· Disclosure and Authorization Pertaining to Consumer Reports Pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

· SSF 3237 - Contractor Personnel Access Application (see Attachment 1)

· SSF 4024 - Conditional Access to Sensitive But Unclassified Information Nondisclosure Agreement (see Attachment 2)

· Provide evidence of the required security clearance for proposed personnel and for new replacements before being allowed access to Secret Service facilities and systems or to begin work on any task.

All non-classified United States Secret Service (USSS) information is considered law enforcement sensitive and must be protected as such. The USSS information SHALL NOT be taken off-site. Duplication or disclosure of the data and other information to which the contractor shall have access as a result of this contract is prohibited outside of normal performance of duties. The contractor and his subcontractor(s) (if any) agree to not disclose said data, any interpretations and/or translations thereof, or data derivative there from, to unauthorized parties in contravention of these provisions, without the prior written approval of the Contracting Officer or the party in which title thereto is wholly vested. Subcontractors are subject to the same stipulations and may be held responsible for any violations of confidentiality.

Work on this project may require that personnel have access to Privacy Information and shall adhere to the Privacy Act, Title 5 of the U.S. Code, Section 552a and applicable agency rules and regulations.

10.0 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE AND CONTACT

Period of performance: 09/08/2008 – 12/31/2008 Option Years: 4+ years service fees: $6,000 in Option Year 1: 01/01/09 – 12/31/09

$6,000 in Option Year 2: 01/01/10 – 12/31/10

$6,000 in Option Year 3: 01/01/11- 12/31/11

$6,000 in Option Year 4: 01/01/12 – 12/31/12

COTR will be provided upon award of contract:

USSS 3052.204-90

UNAUTHORIZED USE OF THE U.S. SECRET SERVICE NAME

In accordance with 18 U.S.C. 709, any contractor, except with the written permission of the Director of the U.S. Secret Service, who knowingly uses the words "Secret Service", "Secret Service Uniformed Division", "U.S.S.S.", "U.D." or any colorable imitation or such words or initials, in connection with or as a part of any advertisement, circular, book, pamphlet or other publication, play, motion picture, broadcast, telecast, other production, product or item, in a manner reasonably calculated to convey the impression that such advertisement, circular, book, pamphlet or other publication, product, or item, is approved, endorsed, or authorized by or by associated in any manner with, the U.S. Secret Service or the U.S. Secret Service Uniformed Division shall be punishable as follows: a corporation, partnership, business trust, association, or other business entity, by a fine under this title; an officer or member thereof participating or knowingly acquiescing in such violation or any individual violating this section, by a fine under this title or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both.