20250717 PWS - SFAB Honduras - Persistent Linguist Contract Final.docx

SFAB Honduras Persistent Linguist Contract

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

Interpretation and Translation Services

Part 1

General Information

1. GENERAL: This is a non-personal services contract under which the personnel rendering the services are not subject, either by the contract’s terms or by the manner of its administration, to the supervision and control usually prevailing in relationships between the Government and its employees. The United States (U.S.) Government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the Contractor’s employees performing the tasks herein. Such contract employees shall be accountable solely to the Contractor who, in turn shall be responsible to the U.S. Government.

1.1 Description of Services/Introduction: The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform interpretation and translation services as defined in this PWS except for those items specified as government furnished property (GFP) and government furnished services (GFS). The contractor shall perform to the standards in this contract.

1.2 Background: This is a non-personal services contract to provide interpretation and translation services for United States Army South (ARSOUTH), also referred to herein as “the Government”, in support of the Security Forces Assistance Brigade (SFAB) Honduras.

1.3 Objectives: The objective of this PWS is to obtain support to provide interpretation and translation from Spanish to English and English to Spanish for the Security Forces Assistance Exercise being held at various locations within Honduras.

1.4 Scope: The Contractor shall provide non-personal services to include on-site language interpretation from Spanish to English and English to Spanish to include simultaneous interpretation and consecutive interpretation. The contractor shall accomplish on-site translation and off-site translation, as needed.

1.5 Period of Performance:

Base Year: 1 September 2025 – 31 August 2026

1.6 General Information:

1.6.1 Quality Control Plan (QCP): The Contractor shall develop, implement, and maintain a QCP and program to ensure all work described in this contract is performed at or above the standard defined in the Performance Requirements Summary (PRS). The QCP is developed by the contractor for its internal use to ensure that it performs and delivers high-quality service. The contractor’s QCP is the means by which the contractor ensures all work complies with the requirements of the contract. The QCP identifies and corrects potential and actual problem areas throughout the entire scope of the contract.

1.6.1.1The contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. The QCP shall be submitted within thirty (30) days of contract award. After acceptance of the QCP, the contractor shall receive the contracting officer’s (KO) acceptance in writing of proposed changes to the QC procedures. The contractor shall submit QCP changes five (5) days prior to implementation to the KO and Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for review and approval.

1.6.1.2 The Quality Control Plan shall address as a minimum:

1.6.1.2.1 Inspection Program. Included shall be a quality control inspection program covering all general and specific tasks included in the contract scope of work. It shall specify tasks or areas to be inspected on a scheduled or unscheduled basis, the manner in which inspections are to be conducted, the titles of the individuals who will perform the inspections, and the percentage of the work that will be inspected on a recurring basis. In developing this inspection program, the Contractor shall identify the key activities and associated characteristics in each process that have a significant influence on specific services and provide for methods for evaluation of the selected characteristics.

1.6.1.2.2 Deficiency Identification. The QCP shall include a method of identifying deficiencies in the quality of services performed before the level of performance becomes unacceptable as defined in the PRS. This shall contain processes for corrective action without dependence upon Government direction.

1.6.1.2.3 Deficiency Correction. The program shall contain process control and process performance measurement procedures that shall include how the Contractor shall implement preventive corrective actions. The Contractor shall demonstrate that it has designed quality into the delivery of services thereby mitigating the risk(s) associated with delivery of deficient or nonconforming services.

1.6.1.2.4 Documentation and Enforcement. The QCP shall include a method of documenting and enforcing quality control operations of both prime contractor and subcontractor work, including inspection and testing.

1.6.1.2.5 Trend Analysis. The QCP shall include a method of performing trend analysis and assessments through the use of metrics.

1.6.1.2.6 Surveillance Methods. The QCP shall contain specific surveillance techniques for all contract services. The surveillance methods shall be comprehensive and adaptable to the reporting system of the plan.

1.6.1.2.7 Operations Security (OPSEC) SOP/Plan Requirements: Reserved

1.6.2 Quality Assurance (QA): The government shall evaluate the contractor’s performance under this contract in accordance with (IAW) the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan. This plan is primarily focused on what the Government must do to ensure that the contractor has performed IAW the performance standards and contract quality requirements are met. Contract quality requirements” means the technical requirements in the contract relating to the quality of the product or service and those contract clauses prescribing inspection, and other quality controls incumbent on the contractor, to ensure the product or service conforms to the contractual requirements. It defines how the performance standards will be applied, the frequency of surveillance, the performance threshold, and deductions, if applicable.

1.6.3 Recognized Holidays: The Contractor does not perform services during local Honduran or US national holidays when the facility is closed.

Juneteenth Day

1.6.4 Hours of Operation: The contractor is responsible for conducting business on each duty day between the hours of 8:00AM to 6:00PM local time, Monday through Sunday, with 1.5 continuous hours dedicated for lunch. The contractor does not conduct business during non-duty days, which occurs when the Government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar Government-directed facility closings. For other than firm fixed price contracts, the contractor will not be reimbursed on non-duty days when the government facility is closed for the above reasons. The Contractor must always maintain an adequate workforce for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this PWS when the Government facility is not closed for the above reasons.

1.6.5 Place of Performance: The work to be performed under this contract will be performed at one or more locations specified in technical exhibit 1 of this PWS. Further disclosure on the specifics of locations, times, places, and duration of support activities provided to US, Partner Nation(s), and any other supporting agencies, if applicable, will be kept close hold and will only be shared for official business with personnel who have a need-to-know and with the pre-approval of COR/KO.

1.6.6 Type of Contract: The Government anticipates the award of a Firm-Fixed Price-type contract.

1.6.7 Access and General Protection Policy and Procedures:

1.6.7.1 FPCON: In addition to the changes otherwise authorized by the changes of clause of contract, should the US Government Force Protection Condition (FPCON) at any individual installation change, the Government may require changes in contractor security matters or process in accordance with DoDI 2000.16. During FPCONs Charlie and Delta, only contract services that have been deemed “mission essential” by the Government will continue. Contract services will resume when the FPCON is reduced to Bravo or lower.

1.6.7.2 Physical Security: The contractor will comply with Government-directed Physical Security requirements that safeguard U.S. Government property, facilities, and personnel against loss, theft, damage, espionage, or any other activities which threaten life, property, and continuation of military operations. Specific information shared with contractors pertaining to security measures, protocols and procedures associated to the protection of facilities and equipment is privileged information and will be closely safeguarded and only be shared with individuals who have a need to know. As part of security measures, contractors are required to report any suspicious activity or any attempts by unauthorized individuals attempting to obtain this information via social engineering or other unauthorized methods.

1.6.7.2.1 Installation Access: The Government has the right to remove any Contractor employee from the installation and to deny access to the installation by any Contractor employee who poses a potential threat to the health, safety, security, general wellbeing, or operational mission of the installation or its population.

1.6.7.2.2 Access Roster: The Contractor shall provide a roster of personnel expected to perform services under this contract to the COR, no later than ten (10) workdays prior to commencing work. This personnel roster shall include the employee's full name and position to be held. The Contractor shall update this roster within ten (10) calendar days if personnel changes occur during the duration of the contract.

1.6.7.2.3 Installation Access and Control: Government facilities may or may not be closed. Installations with access restrictions. The contractor will comply with installation access and control requirements. On closed installations, all vehicles and personnel are subject to search and seizure of contraband and/or unauthorized Government property. Contractor vehicles (Contractor-owned and personal), Contractor personnel, and their personal property shall be subject to inspections and searches upon entering or leaving the Installation as authorized in Army Regulation (AR) 190-5, Motor Vehicle Traffic Supervision. The Contractor may be subject to installation closure exercises that may have an impact on performance.

1.6.7.2.4 Government Building Access: Contractor's personnel shall not be permitted access to any Government buildings on non-duty days or during hours when no work is scheduled, except when prior arrangements have been made between the COR and Project Manager.

1.6.7.3 Escort: The Contractor and all associated sub-contractor employees performing services under this contract who have not been given badge access shall be escorted at all times by host nation security personnel or by an individual designated by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) while accessing U.S. facilities or activities. Uncleared contractors will allow escorts sufficient time to announce the presence of any uncleared visitors prior to entering any controlled facility to allow staff sufficient time to safeguard sensitive, classified, or critical information against inadvertent disclosure.)

1.6.7.4 Personnel Security Clearance Requirements: Reserved.

1.6.7.4.1 Operations Security (OPSEC) Orientation: The COR or designated representative will present to contractor personnel an initial OPSEC Awareness orientation briefing within 30 days after award that includes, but is not limited to information disclosure via letters, conversations, photographs, resumes, electronic mail (e-mail), social media/networking sites, dissemination of information and documents disposal. The OPSEC orientation shall fully comply with the provisions of AR 530-1, Operations Security.

1.6.7.4.2 Operations Security Requirements: Contractor personnel shall adhere to facility security policies and restrictions. U.S. and Honduras government issued access badges shall not be worn outside designated facilities where visible to the general public. The Contractor shall immediately report suspicious activities to security personnel. Contractor will adhere to OPSEC measures meant to safeguard information highlighted as sensitive/critical to include, but not limited to, details of current/future operations, unit command and control, capabilities and limitations, threats to U.S./Partner Nations, details of physical security and access procedures, force protection plans, results of damage or incidents, personal sensitive information, or itineraries of VIP or distinguished visitor.

1.6.7.5 Background Checks: The Contractor shall ensure contractor employees and subcontractor employees performing services under this contract have passed a security check conducted by the Host Nation Police Department of their residence or the State Police Department of their U.S. residence. Security checks that have been completed as part of a personnel security clearance background investigation, or a previous background check that was a condition of employment, meet this requirement. Documentation of these checks will be made available to the KO or COR within 10 days of request. The Government retains the right to exclude any employee from performance of duties under this contract if a background security check reveals an employee is a security risk. The exclusion of an employee for security reasons will not relieve the Contractor from performance of services required under this contract. If the Government determines additional background checks are required, at a minimum, and upon request from the Government, the Contractor shall provide to the KO or COR, the following information on any contractor or subcontractor employees performing services under this contract:

· Full birth name

· Married name (if applicable)

· SSN or local equivalent (ID card number)

· Date of birth

· Place of birth (city, country)

1.6.7.5.1 RSO Background Checks: For those contract employees requiring access to US and/or Honduras government installations; the Contractor shall ensure that all employees and subcontractors undergo a U.S. Embassy Regional Security Office (RSO) background check and are cleared by the RSO. The contractor shall be responsible for providing all required documents to the RSO (i.e. name check forms, cedula/IDs, passport, chamber of commerce documents). Contractor shall ensure that all employees undergo a Honduran background check and submit required paperwork to have access to the Honduras Ministry of Defense and/or other Honduran Military Bases, if required in their jobs. The KO retains the right to exclude any employee/subcontractor from performance under this contract if any information exists that an employee is a security risk. The exclusion of an employee for security reasons will not relieve the Contractor from performance of services required under this contract. The Contractor shall not hire any person whose employment would result in a conflict interest.

1.6.7.5.2 Host Nation Criminal Checks: The contractor and, as applicable, subcontractor, shall not employ individuals for work on this contract if such individual is identified as a potential threat to the health, safety, security, or operational mission of the Government of Honduras the military installation and the country’s population, nor shall the contractor or subcontractor employ persons under this contract who have an outstanding criminal warrant as identified by the Government of Honduras or the US Embassy. Criminal checks will verify if a person is wanted by local or Honduran authorities or if that person or contractor is restricted from doing business with the Government of Honduras or the United States. All contractor and subcontractor personnel who do not consent to a background check will be denied access to Honduran Military or Government installations and will not be utilized by the SCO-HON. Information required to conduct a background check includes: full name, driver’s license number, and/or social security number, and date of birth of the person entering the installation and completion of a background check questionnaire. The contractor shall provide this information using the Honduras Government Forms and shall submit it in conjunction with the contractor’s request for either base or vehicle passes. Completion of a successful check does not invalidate the requirement for an escort when contractor or subcontractor personnel are working within controlled or restricted areas operated by the US Department of State or other areas within US Embassy controlled property.

1.6.7.5.3 Host Nation Credentials: Contractors shall ensure their employees and those of their subcontracts have the proper credentials and visas to work in Honduras. Persons found to be undocumented or illegal aliens will be remanded to the proper Honduras authorities.

1.6.7.5.4 Background Check Notification Requirements: If a background check on any employee or subcontractor employee performing services under this contract, whether the check was conducted as a condition of employment or as part of the contract with the Government, reveals any information from any source (including host country law enforcement) of criminal activity by Contractor employees, subcontractors, or subcontractor employees, the Contractor shall notify the KO and COR of that information within 24 hours. The Contractor shall make notification of:

(1) Traffic violations, other than parking, will be reported to the KO or COR only if the contract is for drivers for the Government.

(2) Any suspicious activity by Contractor employees, subcontractors, or subcontractor employees the Contractor believes may pose a risk to U.S. or host nation national security or imminent risk of deadly bodily harm to any person; and

(3) Any actions taken against Contractor employees, subcontractors, or subcontractor employees pursuant to this requirement.

1.6.7.5.5 Remedies. In addition to other remedies available to the Government, the Contractor’s failure to comply with the requirements of this paragraph may result in requiring the Contractor to remove a contractor employee or employees from the performance of the contract.

1.6.7.5.6 Security, Counterintelligence, and Force Protection Screening (OCONUS): All contractors and subcontractors providing linguist/interpreter support under this contract will:

(1) Provide a completed and signed ARSOUTH Biographical Screening Sheet for OCONUS Missions to ARSOUTH at least twenty-five (25) working days prior to performance of duties for Records Check. ARSOUTH G2 will approve all exceptions to the 25-day document submission requirement. Contractors and/or subcontractors will forward the document to ARSOUTH via Email to usarmy.jbsa.arsouth.list.security-and-ci-vetting@army.mil.

(2) Pending favorable Record Checks, undergo biometrics check and a four (4) hour CI focused Security and Force Protection Screening at least twelve (12) working days prior to performance of duties. Contractors and/or subcontractors must bring their passports to the screening interview if they possess one. If ARSOUTH deems the individual contractor or subcontractor to be a security, counterintelligence, or force protection risk, his or her participation in the contract will be terminated and no appeal is possible. Vendors must provide linguists who are not considered a risk and are able to pass the screening. Examples of Security, Counterintelligence, or Force Protection risks include, but are not limited to:

· Pending criminal charges.

· Felony arrest record.

· Involvement in Human Trafficking.

· Illegal entry attempts to U.S. or deportation from the United States.

1.6.7.5.7 Subcontracts. The Contractor shall include the substance of this paragraph and the preceding paragraph in all subcontracts.

1.6.7.6. Uncleared Contractor Common Access Card (CAC) Credentialing and Access Procedures

1.6.7.6.1 Contractor Common Access Card (CAC) Eligible Requirements: Reserved

1.6.7.6.1.1 Federal Installation/Facility Access: Contractor and all associated sub-contractor employees shall comply with applicable installation, facility and area commander installation/facility access and local security policies and procedures (provided by government representative). The employees performing services under this contract shall also provide all information required for background checks to meet installation access requirements to be accomplished by installation Provost Marshal Office, Director of Emergency Services, Security Office or the host nation equivalent.

1.6.7.6.2. Contractor Non-CAC Eligible Requirements for DOD Facility and Installation Access: Contractor and all associated subcontractor employees shall comply with adjudication standards and procedures using the National Crime Information Center Interstate Identification Index (NCIC-III) and Terrorist Screening Database (TSDB) (Army Directive 2014-05/AR 190-13), applicable installation, facility and area commander installation/facility access and local security policies and procedures (provided by government representative), or, at OCONUS locations, in accordance with status of forces agreements and other theater regulations. The employee performing services under this contract shall provide all information required for background checks to meet installation access requirements to the installation Provost Marshal Office, Director of Emergency Services, or Security Office.

1.6.7.7 Employment Eligibility: The Contractor shall ensure that all Contractor employees and sub-contractor employees performing services under this contract in the U.S. or its territories have been pre-screened for employment eligibility using the E-Verify Program on the Department of Homeland Security website http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify. Personnel that have not met the employment eligibility requirement on this website are not authorized to perform services under this contract. Verification of the eligibility check will be made available to the KO or COR 10 days upon request. This requirement is not in lieu of and does not relieve the Contractor from the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Forms for employment of personnel.

1.6.7.8 Access to Government Information Systems: Reserved

1.6.7.9 Key Control N/A.

1.6.7.10 Lock Combinations N/A.

1.6.8 Post Award Conference/Contract Periodic Progress Meetings: The Contractor shall attend the post award conference convened by the contracting activity or contract administration office IAW Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 42.5. The KO, COR, with other Government personnel, as appropriate, may meet periodically with the Contractor to review the Contractor's performance. At these meetings the KO will apprise the contractor of how the government views the Contractor's performance and the Contractor will apprise the Government of problems, if any, being experienced. Appropriate action shall be taken to resolve outstanding issues. Items that impact the unit’s ability to conduct its mission or support operations, as well as measures taken to resolve these shortcomings, will be kept close hold, and not be disseminated or publicly posted outside of official channels or without a review. These meetings shall be at no additional cost to the government.

1.6.9 Contracting Officer Representative (COR): The COR will be identified by separate letter. The COR monitors all technical aspects of the contract and assists in contract administration. The COR is authorized to perform the following functions: ensure the Contractor performs the technical requirements of the contract; perform inspections necessary in connection with contract performance; maintain written and oral communications with the Contractor concerning technical aspects of the contract; issue written interpretations of technical requirements, including Government drawings, designs, specifications; monitor Contractor's performance and notifies both the KO and Contractor of any deficiencies; coordinate availability of government furnished property; and provide site entry of Contractor personnel. A letter of designation issued to the COR, a copy of which is sent to the Contractor, states the responsibilities and limitations of the COR, especially regarding changes in cost or price, estimates, or changes in delivery dates. The COR is not authorized to change any of the terms and conditions of the resulting order.

1.6.10 Key Personnel: The following contractor personnel are considered key personnel by the government: Contract Manager and Lead Interpreter/Translator. The Contractor shall provide a contract manager who shall be responsible for the performance of the work. The name of this person and an alternate, who shall act for the Contractor when the manager is absent, shall be designated in writing to the Contracting Officer seven (7) days prior to contract start date. The Contract Manager and Lead Interpreter/Translator shall have full authority to act for the Contractor on all contract matters relating to the daily operation of this contract and shall be always available throughout the duration of the Contract while performing services for the Government.

1.6.11 Special Qualifications or Certifications:

1.6.11.1 Simultaneous/Consecutive Interpretation Services. Services shall be performed by professional and experienced interpreters with native level ability to speak the target language with sufficient structural accuracy and vocabulary, to participate effectively in most formal and informal conversations on practical, social, and professional topics (at a minimum). The Contractor shall provide interpreters per required language and shall provide additional personnel if needed. It is preferred that the Interpreters have previous experience working with US Army South, US Southern Command or another US military agency and must possess thorough knowledge of military terminology. However, this is not a limiting factor.

1.6.11.2 Document Translation Services. Service providers shall be technically qualified and experienced native-speaking language specialists, to proof-read, edit, and provide the final product layout and output, in the required media format (i.e., hardcopy or electronic). It is preferred that the Translators have previous experience working with US Army South, US Southern Command or another US military agency and must possess thorough knowledge of military terminology. However, this is not a limiting factor.

1.6.11.3 IA/IT Training Certification. All Contractor employees and subcontractor employees supporting IA/IT functions must be certified upon contract award as directed in DoD 8570.01-M, DFARS 252.239.7001, and AR 25-2. Baseline certification as stipulated in DoD 8570.01-M must be completed upon contract award. Verification of the certificate shall be made available to the COR or KO within 72 hrs upon request.

1.6.11.4 Qualifications. Service providers shall be qualified and experienced native-speaking language specialists, with at least three years of experience proof-reading, editing, and providing the final product layout and output, in the required media format (i.e., hardcopy or electronic). The Contractor shall be able to read, speak, and write English at a minimum level II proficiency IAW https://www.govtilr.org/Skills/ILRscale2.htm The COR or KO may ask for verification of English proficiency levels if the contractor employees demonstrate a lack of sufficient fluency in English while performing translation or interpretation duties. The contractor shall present verification of English fluency within five (5) days of request.

1.6.12 Identification of Contractor Employees: Contractor employees shall identify themselves as Contractor personnel and shall avoid representing themselves as Government employees. This identification includes meeting attendance, answering Government telephones, email communications, and working in other situations where Contractor status is not obvious. Contractor personnel identification shall be easily identifiable through the display of badges, name tags, lanyards, etc.

1.6.12.1 Badging of Contractor Employees: If required by the Government, contract personnel and all associated subcontractor’s employees accessing U.S. facilities or activities, shall present a valid picture ID provided by the Government while accessing Government owned or contracted facilities and shall adhere to facility security policies and restrictions. If applicable, Government issued access badges will not be worn outside designated facility where visible to the public. Contractor personnel shall return all U.S. Government issued identification to appropriate U.S. Government authorities within 5 days of the end of their contractual duties. Contractor employees will protect and account for these credentials and immediately notify COR/KO if badges are lost, compromised or unaccounted for. The copying and/or reproduction of access badges by unauthorized personnel is not allowed including the posting of images on publicly viewable/accessible forums, online or social media. The use of access badges/credentials is for the sole exclusive use of the individual issued such credentials and will not be shared, loaned, or provided to any other individual whether directly or indirectly supporting the contract,

1.6.12.2 Uniform: The Contractor shall provide a standard uniform for all Contractor and subcontractor employees performing services under this contract, and ensure they wear the uniform during appointed duty hours. The uniform may consist of the same type and color shirt and slacks for all workers. The company logo is optional.

1.6.13 Contractor Travel:

1.6.13.1 Contractor Travel OCONUS: If the performance of this contract is OCONUS, the contractor shall be required to travel to various locations within the designated host nation to attend meetings, conferences, and training. The Contractor may be required to travel to off-site training locations and to ship training aids to these host nation locations in support of this PWS.

1.6.14 Other Direct Costs (ODC): Reserved

1.6.15 Data Rights: The Government has unlimited rights to all documents/material produced under this contract. All documents and materials, to include the source codes of any software, produced under this contract shall be Government owned and are the property of the Government 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 Contracting Officer. 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.

1.6.16. Non-Disclosure Requirements: Performance under this contract may require the Contractor to access data and information proprietary to a government agency, another Government Contractor, or of such nature that its dissemination or use other than as specified in this work statement would be averse to the interests of the Government or others. Neither the Contractor, nor Contractor personnel, shall divulge, nor release data or information developed, or obtained under performance of this work statement, except to authorize Government personnel or upon written approval of the KO. The Contractor shall not use, disclose, or reproduce proprietary data, which bears a restrictive legend, other than as specified in this PWS. All documentation showing individual names or other personal information shall apply and shall be controlled and protected under the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974, Public Law 93-579, 5 United States Code (U.S.C.) Section 552a.

1.6.16.1 Non-Disclosure Statements: The Contractor shall provide signed non-disclosure agreements to the Government 24hrs prior to commencement of work under the contract. Disclosure of information by Contractor personnel may result in Contractor personnel removal from performance of duties under this contract.

1.6.16.2 Advertisement and Social Media: The Contractor shall NOT post information to public websites or social media locations, personal or professional, that in any way disclose names, locations, hotel data, participants, discussions, pictures, etc. before, during or after the contract period of performance without the express consent of the Government. The use of propaganda violates DOD Commercial Use of Imagery Guidelines stated at (www.dimoc.mil/resourcess/limitations/). The Contractor shall not cite any information (e.g., contract information, pictures, locations, etc.) obtained through this contract on any marketing tools to include its company website, tv/radio broadcasts, online forums and social media including content posted to accounts of family, friends or associates.

1.6.16.3 INFORMATION ASSURANCE: At no time will the Contractor or associated sub-contractor employees transmit government documents or information using methods that do not meet the security requirements specified in the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication (SP) 800-171, "Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information in Nonfederal Information Systems and Organizations" such as personal electronic mail accounts, public digital data storage sites (cloud storage), social media platforms or instant messaging. Approved government sites such as U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research Development and Engineering Center (ARMDEC) Safe Exchange at https://safe.amrdec.army.mil/SAFE/About.aspx, or All Partners Access Network (APAN) at https://community.apan.org/, or other transmission means determined by the government must be used. As per Office of Management and Budget guidance M-23-13 (27 Feb 2023) the “No TikTok on Government Devices Act” requires ceasing the use and installation removal of the application, and any subsequent product released by ByteDance that has substantially the same functionality and purpose of TikTok, on devices and systems used to process and store DoD related information due to the risks presented by the app to sensitive government data.

1.6.17 Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) Contractor and subcontractor personnel performing work under this contract may receive, have access to, or participate in the development of proprietary or source selection information (e.g., cost or pricing information, budget information or analyses, specifications or work statements, etc.) or perform evaluation services which may create a current or subsequent Organizational Conflict of Interests (OCI) as defined in FAR Subpart 9.5. The Contractor shall notify the KO immediately whenever it becomes aware that such access or participation may result in any actual or potential OCI and shall promptly submit a plan to the KO to avoid or mitigate any such OCI. The Contractor’s mitigation plan will be determined to be acceptable solely at the discretion of the KO and in the event the KO unilaterally determines that any such OCI cannot be satisfactorily avoided or mitigated, the KO may affect other remedies as he or she deems necessary, including prohibiting the Contractor from participation in subsequent contracted requirements which may be affected by the OCI.

1.6.18 Phase-in/Phase-Out (PIPO) Period: Reserved

1.6.19 General Training Requirements: Reserved

1.6.19.1 Anti-Terrorism (AT) Level I Training: Reserved

1.6.19.2 OPSEC Awareness: If the Contractor, or a subcontractor, or employees disclose any information that disrupts or harms the Government's operations or activities, then the Government retains the right to exclude any employee from performance of duties under this contract. The exclusion of an employee for security reasons will not relieve the Contractor from performance of services required under this contract. By way of example, personnel shall not sketch or take photos of government facilities or activities, unless related to service to be provided. All government paper products and removable digital storage material that is received, generated, or stored during the contract will be destroyed completely when no longer needed to preclude recognition of information. Approved methods of destruction may include, when feasible and allowed, cross-cut shredding, burning, pulping pulverizing and degaussing. The contractor shall report to the COR within 5 days any incidents of anyone attempting to obtain sensitive or proprietary information by unauthorized individual(s) and remain alert to such attempts via social engineering, phishing, or online communication. A prepublication review is required by the COR/KO prior to releasing any information related to the activities, plans and operations associated with this support. Specific details and knowledge of the location, time and place of support activities associated with this US/Partner Nation(s) effort will be kept close hold and will only be shared with personnel who have a need-to-know.

1.6.19.3 Information Assurance (IA) Training: Reserved

1.6.19.4 Information Assurance (IA)/Information Technology (IT) Training: Reserved

1.6.19.5 Threat Awareness Reporting Program (TARP Training Reserved

1.6.19.6 iWATCH Training: Reserved

1.6.19.7 OPSEC Training: Reserved

1.6.20 Overseas Training Requirements: Reserved

1.6.20.1 Antiterrorism (AT) Awareness Training for Contractor Personnel Traveling: Upon award of the contract, or within 30 days of employment of new personnel performing services under this contract, the Contractor will coordinate with the supporting DoD Agency AT Officer through the COR or KO, for AOR specific AT awareness training for U.S. based Contractor employees and associated subcontractor employees. This training will be updated as required by the supporting installation AT policies. Verification of the training will be made available to the COR or KO within 72 hrs upon request.

1.6.20.2 SERE Training: Reserved

1.6.21 Foreign (OCONUS) Requirements: All U.S. citizen or resident, and TCN contractor personnel not normally residing in the USSOUTHCOM AOR, must comply with the training requirements listed in the Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG). Verification of the training shall be made available to the COR or KO within 72 hrs upon request. Additionally, they must receive personal security training that includes at a minimum:

1.6.21.1 Theater and Country Clearance Requirements Contractor shall ensure all U.S. citizen or U.S. resident Contractor employees and sub-contractor employees performing services under this who are traveling in the USSOUTHCOM AOR follow the requirements identified in the electronic Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG) at https://www.fcg.pentagon.mil/fcg.cfm and must have all necessary passports, visas, and other documents required to enter, exit, or work in the USSOUTHCOM AOR; must have the appropriate DOD identity credential(s); must have the appropriate special area, country, and theater clearance as required in DOD Directive 4500.54E.

1.6.21.2 Vetting: The Contractor company and all associated sub-contractor companies must have been vetted by the US Embassy in the country which the contract will be performed. For the purposes of this contract, the company is considered vetted if the company is located in the country which the contract will be performed unless the company has been previously barred from performing services for the Government. If during a previous vetting process the company was barred from performing service for the Government, then that is grounds for termination of the contract. If the company is located outside of the country which the contract will be performed, the company must be vetted by the US Embassy in the country of performance. Vetting will coordinate through the US Embassy's DOD Security Cooperation Office (SCO) in the country of performance. If during any previous vetting process in other countries, the company is found to be barred from performing services for the Government; this finding is grounds for termination of the contract.

1.6.21.3 Installation Access to DOD Facility or Host Nation Installation: Contractor and all subcontractor employees performing services under this contract shall comply with adjudication standards and procedures using the National Crime Information Center Interstate Identification Index (NCIC-III) (U.S. citizen and residents only), and Terrorist Screening Database (TSDB) (Army Directive 2014-05/AR 190-13), applicable installation, facility and areas commander installation/facility access and local security policies and procedures (provided by the COR or KO), and status of forces agreements or other diplomatic agreements. The employees performing services under this contract shall provide all information required for background checks to meet installation access requirements to the installation Provost Marshal Office, Director of Emergency Services, Security Office, or host nation equivalent.

1.6.21.4 Host Nation Installation Access with No DOD Facility: Contractor and all associated subcontractor employees shall comply with applicable installation, facility and area commander installation/facility access and local security policies and procedures. The employees performing services under this contract shall also provide all information required for background checks to meet installation access requirements to be accomplished by installation Provost Marshal Office, Director of Emergency Services, Security Office, or host nation equivalent.

1.6.21.5 Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Samples: Reserved

1.6.21.6 Medical Travel Requirement: Contractor shall ensure that all Contractor employees and subcontractor employees are medically, dentally, and psychologically fit for performance of their duties. All U.S. citizen and third country national (TCN) Contractor and subcontractor personnel must meet the medical screening requirements established by the USSOUTHCOM Commander in the Medical Suitability Screening Regulation (SC Reg 40-501), as well as the requirements identified in FORCE HEALTH PROTECTION (FHP) GUIDANCE FOR DEPLOYMENT in the USSOUTHCOM AOR or their successors and follow immunization and health protection guidelines outlined therein. All immunizations must be obtained prior to traveling to the USSOUTHCOM AOR. U.S. citizen and TCN Contractor and subcontractor personnel traveling from a country outside of the USSOUTHCOM AOR must travel into the USSOUTHCOM AOR with a current copy of the Public Health Service Form 791, “International Certificate of Vaccination”. In addition, U.S. citizen and TCN Contractor and subcontractor personnel traveling to the USSOUTHCOM AOR are required to be beneficiaries of a medical evacuation plan and service through an insurance plan provided by their employer or paid for individually.

1.6.22 Synchronized Pre-deployment and Operational Tracker (SPOT): Reserved

PART 2

DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS

2. DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS:

2.1. Definitions:

2.1.1 Area of Responsibility (OCONUS). The U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) and US Army South (ARSOUTH) area of responsibility includes the geographic areas of Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Curacao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Falkland Islands, French Guiana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Mayotte, Montserrat, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Martin, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Maarten, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

2.1.2 AOR USSOUTHCOM and ARSOUTH (CONUS). The USSOUTHCOM CONUS location consists of areas that make up the Miami metropolitan area to include Miami-Dade County, Broward, and Palm Beach counties in southeast Florida. The ARSOUTH Conus location consists of areas that make up the San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX Metropolitan area to include Bexar, Medina, Bandera, Kendall, Comal, Guadalupe, Wilson, and Atascosa counties.

2.1.3. Contractor. The total contractor organization or a separate entity of it, such as an affiliate, division, or plant that performs its own purchasing.

2.1.4. Contracting officer (KO). A person with the authority to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings.

2.1.5. Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). An individual designated and authorized in writing by the contracting officer to perform specific technical or administrative functions.

2.1.6. Defective Service. A service output that does not meet the standard of performance associated with the Performance Work Statement.

2.1.7. Deliverable. Anything that can be physically delivered but may include non-manufactured things such as meeting minutes or reports.

2.1.8. Foreign National. A foreign national is not a U.S. citizen. Green card holders are also identified as foreign nationals. A foreign national is further categorized as either a third country national or a local national based on the person’s citizenship and location of performance of duty.

2.1.9 Host Nation. A country in the USSOUTHCOM/ARSOUTH AOR where US Department of Defense personnel conduct missions, operations, engagements, and exercises.

2.1.10. Key Personnel. Contractor personnel that are evaluated in a source selection process and that may be required to be used in the performance of a contract by the Key Personnel listed in the PWS. When key personnel are used as an evaluation factor in best value procurement, an offer can be rejected if it does not have a firm commitment from the persons that are listed in the proposal.

2.1.11. Local National. Local nationals are foreign nationals who are citizens of the country where the performance of duty will occur.

2.1.12. Native Speaker. The individual acquired the language in early childhood and maintains the use of the language. The individual has intuitive knowledge of the language. The individual is able to produce fluent, spontaneous discourse.

2.1.13 Operation Security (OPSEC). A security program involving primarily the protection of unclassified sensitive information and the implementation of measures to preclude unauthorized disclosures.

2.1.14. Performance Work Statement (PWS). A statement of work for performance-based acquisitions that describes the required results in clear, specific, and objective terms with measurable outcomes.

2.1.15. Physical Security. Protection of the perimeter area, government property, and assets that prevent the loss or damage of Government property.

2.1.16. Quality Assurance. The various functions, including inspection, performed by the government to determine whether a Contractor has fulfilled the contract obligations pertaining to quality and quantity.

2.1.17. Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). A plan describing how the agency will survey, observe, test, sample, evaluate and document the Contractor’s performance in meeting critical performance standards identified in the contract.

2.1.18. Quality Control (QC). Tasks performed by the Contractor to improve the quality of the organization’s output.

2.1.19. Shall. An imperative command: has a duty to or is required to. Denotes that a regulation must be followed unless the contracting officer has obtained a deviation.

2.1.20. Subcontractor. Any supplier, distributor, vendor, or firm that furnishes supplies or services to or for a prime contractor or another subcontractor.

2.121 Target Language. Languages spoken within the countries of the USSOUTHCOM and ARSOUTH AOR, not limited to Spanish (QB), Portuguese Brazilian (PQ), Haitian-Creole (HC), French (FR), Italian (JT), Quechua, Guarani, Talian, Hunsrik, Japanese, Wayuu, Pomeranian, Mapudungun, and Dutch.

2.1.22. Third Country National. Third country nationals are foreign nationals who are not citizens of the country where the performance of duty will occur.

2.1.23. Workday. The number of hours per day the Contractor provides services in accordance with the contract.

2.1.24. Work Week. Monday through Friday, unless specified otherwise.

2.2 Acronyms: