70RSAT24RFI000024 REDOPS SOW (20240605).doc

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

FOR

Research, Assessment, and Development of Counter-IED Technologies

1.0 GENERAL

1.1 Background

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is committed to using cutting-edge technologies and scientific talent in its quest to make America safer. The DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is tasked with researching and organizing the scientific, engineering, and technological resources of the United States and leveraging these existing resources into technological tools to help protect the homeland.

Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) are generally easy to develop, difficult to combat, and cause damage to life and/or property. To address the evolving threats the Response and Defeat Operations Support (REDOPS) program has established a systems analysis approach involving explosives countermeasures experts from all levels of government and conducts Research, Development, Testing & Evaluation (RDT&E) of technologies needed by state and local bomb squads (SLBS). The new capabilities developed - as well as the Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) help protect and save the lives of State and Local Bomb Techs and the public. Outputs associated with this project provide SLBS the confidence and authority to perform activities associated with response and defeat operations.

1.2 Scope

The Homeland Security Act of 2002 established the DHS S&T to support basic and applied homeland security research to promote revolutionary changes in technologies; advance the development, testing and evaluation, and deployment of critical homeland security technologies; and accelerate the prototyping of technologies that would address homeland security vulnerabilities.

To achieve this mission, DHS S&T requires technical analysis, test and evaluation, installation, and field support for technologies identified and/or developed in support of multi-domain (air, space, land, and maritime) operational research and development (R&D) requirements provided by DHS operational components.

DHS S&T requests CONTRACTOR to facilitate test and evaluations of REDOPS approved projects by providing services necessary during project execution and collaboration on knowledge products to be utilized by first responders across the United States.

1.3 OBJECTIVE

The Research, Assessment, and Development of Counter-IED Technologies program will bridge the critical gaps between our Nation’s public safety bomb squads and the technology developers that support them. In addition, this program will assess the adequacy and interoperability of tools as well as tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) of domestic bomb squads and other special operations for the nation’s counterterrorism mission and other critical incident response. Through this effort, DHS S&T will assess capabilities relating to all phases of a bomb squad/SWAT response, including notification and pre-arrival, arrival, reconnaissance, access, diagnostics, render-safe/neutralization, and post-render-safe forensic operations.

2.0 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS/TASKS

2.1 TASK ONE. Technology Foraging

Assist DHS S&T in maintaining an understanding and innovative utilization capability of advanced technologies by acquiring facts and information. Activities include supporting DHS S&T by coordinating meetings with other government agencies, CONTRACTORs, and educational institutions, as well as any other source of information or technology deemed useful. These meetings will provide a primary source of information concerning both technologies and requirements. In addition, DHS S&T requires an inclusive relationship with all stakeholders and shall be informed on present status, as well as providing forecasts of future events, through briefings, monthly status reports and other suitable means, as required.

2.2 TASK TWO. Studies and Analysis / Capability Assessments & Gap Analysis Unerstanding the national capability to respond to an IED is critical in prioritizing technology requirements and developing technologies. CONTRACTOR shall conduct fair and unbiased operational testing and evaluation of technologies and capabilities of public safety bomb squads to assess comparative functionality and interoperability. CONTRACTOR shall conduct four (4) assessments per year based on the capability gaps identified and prioritized by the First Responder Resource Group (FRRG), first responder community, and/or by the DHS S&T COR.

Each assessment shall result in a draft test plan, draft test procedure, and draft test report as well as a final test plan, final test procedure, and final test report which shall be made available to the DHS S&T COR and the DHS S&T Technical Point of Contact. The CONTRACTOR shall perform the following steps to accomplish each subtask.

2.2.1 Assessment Planning: CONTRACTOR shall develop a draft plan for each assessment that includes a summary of the goals and objectives of the test. The plan shall detail the technologies to be assessed based on tech foraging and market research, the operational scenarios and test articles they shall be tested against, the recommended test bed site(s), any material purchases needed, and the methods and metrics that will be used to validate system performance against project requirements. CONTRACTOR shall facilitate communications with industry participants, users, observers, and test bed hosts via conference calls, direct email communications, and site visits.

Upon approval of the draft assessment plan by the COR, CONTRACTOR shall develop the final assessment plan with detailed test procedures and costs for approval prior to the assessment date. Further, CONTRACTOR shall arrange all logistical activities to include manpower, material, test site location, etc, for a smooth and well-organized event.

2.2.2 Assessment: CONTRACTOR shall conduct testing of the equipment and capabilities, evaluating the performance, interoperability, practicality, and functionality of each test subject. CONTRACTOR shall observe and document all observations by taking written notes and photographs/video of each test station to ensure the results are correctly and completely captured.

2.2.3 Assessment Documentation: CONTRACTOR shall produce and deliver a Draft Assessment Report and a Final Assessment Report in accordance with the Section 9 “Deliverables” in this SOW. The Final Report shall include both an executive summary and detailed narrative that thoroughly describes the test series. The Final Assessment Report shall include results of the data collection, analysis, and findings, and include sufficient graphs, charts, and photographic images to thoroughly detail the test series.

2.2.4 Optional assessments: Additional assessments may be executed based on availability of funds and/or emerging threats. In addition, the technologies to be assessed may be modified at the direction of DHS S&T COR.

2.3 TASK THREE. Tool Development

State and local bomb technicians maintain a very specialized skill set and frequently do not possess the required tools to render safe improvised explosive devices. As a result, bomb technicians sometimes fabricate tools in order to do their duties safer and more effectively. The CONTRACTOR shalll support DHS by querying state and local bomb technicians to inventory “locally fabricated” tools and perform testing and evaluation on those applications that deserve merit. In addition, the CONTRACTOR shall support the development of technical documentation and “easy to follow instructions” for distribution to bomb techs.

2.3.1 Busines Case Development: CONTRACTOR shall conduct an initial review of all tool candidates identified for operational utility, ease and cost of manufacture, safety and policy considerations, and other issues as appropriate. CONTRACTOR shall submit tool recommendations, along with supporting documentation, to the First Responders Resource Group (FRRG) and/or the National Bomb Squad Commanders Advisory Board (NBSCAB) on an annual basis as directed by the COR.

2.3.2 Initial Tool Development / Build: For any tools selected for development, CONTRACTOR shall identify all the components, establish a set procedure for building the tool in the most efficient and cost-effective manner, and provide a draft document outlining the necessary components, equipment and procedures to conduct the build.

2.3.3 Tool Development / Build: Once candidate tools have been identified, CONTRACTOR shall evaluate the materials list, tools required, and fabrication procedures, paying special attention to minimizing costs and material purchases. CONTRACTOR shall perform the full build in cooperation with a local bomb squad to ensure manufacturing tools, materials, and techniques are common to the squad.

2.3.4 Draft Bulletins / Build Instructions: Once a recommended final configuration is identified, CONTRACTOR shall develop draft instructions for the manufacture and use of the tool. The instructions will be either an FBI STB or micro-Note as required. The instructions shall demonstrate the procedures for using the tool, list all the materials and equipment required to manufacture the tool, and include step-by-step build instructions.

2.3.5 Build Validation: CONTRACTOR shall solicit interest from bomb technicians around the country to participate in the validation of the tool and provide feedback on the tool utility, ease of manufacture, and the quality of the instructions as provided. CONTRACTOR shall develop a list of recommended participants for COR consideration, taking into account diversity of opinion. Once participants are selected, CONTRACTOR shall provide each participant with the build instructions and the necessary funds to build the tool. CONTRACTOR shall collect feedback from participating technicians.

2.3.6 Final Bulletins / Build Instructions: CONTRACTOR shall incorporate any pertinent information and feedback received during the Build Validation phase into final build instructions and shall publish them in the approved manner.

3.0 CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL

3.1 QUALIFIED PERSONNEL

The CONTRACTOR shall provide qualified personnel to perform all requirements specified in this SOW.

3.2 CONTINUITY OF SUPPORT

The CONTRACTOR shall ensure that the contractually required level of support for this requirement is maintained at all times. The CONTRACTOR shall ensure that all contract support personnel are present for all hours of the workday. If for any reason the CONTRACTOR staffing levels are not maintained due to vacation, leave, appointments, etc., and replacement personnel will not be provided, the CONTRACTOR shall provide e-mail notification to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) prior to employee absence. Otherwise, the CONTRACTOR shall provide a fully qualified replacement.

4.0 OTHER APPLICABLE CONDITIONS

4.1 SECURITY

All work performed under this SOW is unclassified unless otherwise noted below:

If provided DHS “sensitive” information (e.g., items marked with FOUO or other appropriate marking), Sensitive But Unclassified (SBU), or personally identifiable information (to include sensitive personally identifiable information), the performer agrees it shall safeguard such information by not providing access of this marked information to any non-federal personnel unless advance approval is obtained from the DHS/S&T Technical Representative. In turn, the DHS/S&T Technical Representative must ensure any applicable DHS security and/or suitability requirements are satisfied by its servicing DHS Security office and that a DHS NDA Form 11000-6s are signed by the non-federal personnel before access to DHS “sensitive” information is given to them. The DHS/S&T Technical Representative must further obtain copies of the executed, signed DHS Form 11000-6s, to be provided to the DHS Contracting Officer Representative (for inclusion in the official file). The DHS/S&T Technical Representative must ensure that an adequate level of education and awareness is established and maintained that serves to emphasize safeguarding and prevent unauthorized disclosure of SBU, FOUO, and personally identifiable (including sensitive personally identifiable) information. In further compliance with directive DHS MD 11042.1, the performer shall collect, create, maintain, secure, transfer, and destroy/return all data in conformity with all pertinent DHS directives, policy memoranda, handbooks, guidance and instructions. When unattended, FOUO materials will be, at a minimum, stored in a locked file cabinet, locked desk drawer, a locked overhead storage compartment such as a systems furniture credenza, or similar locked compartment. FOUO information transmitted via email needs to be password protected, with the password sent in a separate email. FOUO “hard copy” material collected at the end of the period of performance of the contract shall be destroyed by shredding, or burning then disposed of with normal waste and electronic storage media shall be sanitized appropriately in accordance with DHS Management Directive 11042.1.

The performer shall adhere to all applicable government laws, regulations, orders, guides, and directives pertaining to DHS provided classified, SBU, FOUO, or personally identifiable information (including sensitive personally identifiable information) accessed, used, provided, or stored by it. The performer shall safeguard such SBU, FOUO, and personally identifiable information in accordance with DHS Management Directive 11042.1 and DHS Instruction 121-01-011, and in compliance with HSAR Class Deviation 15-01 Safeguarding of Sensitive Information.

4.2 Period of Performance

The period of performance for this contract is a one-year base period with four one-year option periods as follows:

Base Period

PoP will start upon award of contract for one year.

Option Period One

TBD

Option Period Two

TBD

Option Period Three

TBD

Option Period Four

TBD

4.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Performer will perform the work under this SOW primarily at CONTRACTOR’s designated work place.

4.4 Travel

CONTRACTOR travel shall be required to support this requirement. All travel required by the Government outside the local commuting area(s) will be reimbursed to the CONTRACTOR in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulations. The CONTRACTOR shall be responsible for obtaining COR approval (electronic mail is acceptable) for all reimbursable travel in advance of each travel event.

4.5 PROGRESS REPORTS

The CONTRACTOR shall provide a monthly progress report to the Contracting Officer and COR via electronic mail by the 15th day of each month. This report shall include a summary of all CONTRACTOR work performed, including a breakdown of labor hours by labor category, all direct costs by line item, an assessment of technical progress, schedule status, any travel conducted and any CONTRACTOR concerns or recommendations for the previous reporting period.

In addressing the work, timeline, and any problems encountered, the CONTRACTOR shall also include the steps taken to resolve the problem(s), recommendations for resolution of problem(s) not yet solved, and the real or estimated impact on the timeline as originally approved.

4.6 PROGRESS MEETINGS

The CONTRACTOR shall be available to meet with the COR upon request to present deliverables, discuss progress, exchange information and resolve emergent technical problems and issues. These meetings shall take place via teleconference.

4.7 GENERAL REPORT REQUIREMENTS

The CONTRACTOR shall provide all written reports in electronic format with read/write capability using applications that are compatible with DHS workstations (Windows XP and Microsoft Office Applications).

5.0 GOVERNMENT TERMS & DEFINITIONS

5.1 COR – Contracting Officer’s Representative

5.2 DHS ( Department of Homeland Security

5.3 DHS S&T ( Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate

5.4 REDOPS ( Response and Defeat Operations Support

5.5 FRRG ( First Responders Resource Group

5.6 NBSCAB ( National Bomb Squad Commanders Advisory Board

5.7 SOW ( Statement of Work

5.8 IED ( Improvised Explosive Devices

5.9 RDT&E ( Research, Development, Testing & Evaluation

5.10 SLBS ( State and Local Bomb Squads

5.11 TTPs ( Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures

5.12 COR ( Contracting Officer’s Representative

6.0 DHS FURNISHED RESOURCES

DHS will provide DHS information, materials, and forms unique to DHS to the performer to support certain tasks under this SOW as necessary. The DHS S&T Technical Representative identified in this SOW will be the point of contact (POC) for identification of any required information to be supplied by DHS.

7.0 CONTRACTOR FURNISHED PROPERTY

The CONTRACTOR shall furnish all facilities, materials, equipment and services necessary to fulfill the requirements of this contract, except for the Government Furnished Resources specified in SOW 2.0 and SOW 6.0.

8.0 GOVERNMENT ACCEPTANCE PERIOD

The COR will review deliverables prior to acceptance and provide the CONTRACTOR with an e-mail that provides documented reasons for non-acceptance. If the deliverable is acceptable, the COR will send an e-mail to the CONTRACTOR notifying it that the deliverable has been accepted.

8.1 The COR will have the right to reject or require correction of any deficiencies found in the deliverables that are contrary to the information contained in the CONTRACTOR’s accepted proposal. In the event of a rejected deliverable, the CONTRACTOR will be notified in writing by the COR of the specific reasons for rejection. The CONTRACTOR may have an opportunity to correct the rejected deliverable and return it per delivery instructions.

8.2 The COR will have 45 business days to review deliverables and make comments. The CONTRACTOR shall have 60 business days to make corrections and redeliver.

8.3 If the COR does not provide feedback on the draft deliverable within 60 days, the CONTRACTOR may send a finalized version of the deliverable for approval to publish.

8.4 All other review times and schedules for deliverables shall be agreed upon by the parties based on the final approved Project Plan. The CONTRACTOR shall be responsible for timely delivery to Government personnel in the agreed upon review chain, at each stage of the review. The CONTRACTOR shall work with personnel reviewing the deliverables to assure that the established schedule is maintained.

9.0 DELIVERABLES

The CONTRACTOR shall consider items in BOLD as having mandatory due dates. Items in italics are deliverables or events that must be reviewed and/or approved by the COR prior to proceeding to next deliverable or event in this SOW.

10.0 POINTS OF CONTACT

DHS S&T Technical Representative:

TBD

DHS S&T Contracting Officer:

TBD

Updated 3/28/24