IAH001_TSA_PWS_7.12.18.doc

TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (TSA)

GEORGE BUSH INTERCONTINENTAL AIRPORT, HOUSTON, TX (IAH)

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

FOR

PEER SUPPORT TRAINERS

1.0 GENERAL

1.1 Background

The Transportation Security Administration protects the nation's transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce. Over 60,000 federal employees are found working at locations around the world.

In order to accomplish its mission, the TSA workforce must maintain a high level of psychological wellness. An effective strategy to assist in the mental readiness and psychological wellness of an agency is the presence and deployment of a peer support program. A peer support program, composed of specially trained TSA employees, can provide a support response model capable of delivering timely, private, and personal assistance to employees and is a source of preventive maintenance. A peer support program will strengthen the capacity for coping, increase workplace productivity of TSA, and contribute to a trusting workplace climate with robust social capital. Trained volunteers will ensure a qualified cadre of volunteers to assist TSA in enhancing and maintaining a productive and healthy workforce focused on its mission. This function does not replace, but augments existing crisis response capabilities of the TSA EAP.

1.2 Scope

The scope of this PWS encompasses peer support training services for TSA employees. Training services include teaching basic peer support classes to employees and teaching train-the-trainer classes to prepare future peer support trainers. The Contractor shall furnish the necessary personnel, equipment, and materials to do all things necessary for the performance of work set forth in the PWS.

1.3 OBJECTIVE

To conduct five basic peer support training classes and two train-the-trainer classes over a twelve month base period of performance. One twelve month option period will include an additional five basic peer support training classes and two train-the-trainer classes.

1.4 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS

Minimum basic peer support topic areas to be addressed in peer support training are found in Attachment One.

1.5 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY

This contract includes a Performance Requirements Summary (PRS) at 10.0. The PRS plays an integral role in the administration of the contract. In addition to any applicable inspection clauses or other related terms and conditions contained in the contract, the PRS shall serve as a primary tool for inspection and acceptance of services as facilitated by the TSA program manager and Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Evaluation of the Contractor’s overall performance shall be in accordance with the performance standards set forth in the PRS, and will be conducted by the COR. The PRS constitutes a material aspect of the contract and will not be changed or otherwise modified without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer.

2.0 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS/TASKS

The contractor shall provide a basic peer support curriculum and a train-the-trainer curriculum. The basic peer support curriculum must include, at a minimum, the topic areas listed in attachment one and a minimum of twenty different scenarios for role plays. In collaboration with the TSA program manager, the contractor may be asked to merge parts of the contractor’s curriculum with the existing peer support curricula from other DHS components.

The train-the-trainer curriculum shall include the basics on adult learning, class presentation styles, and teaching techniques and should mirror the basic peer support curriculum that participants will eventually be teaching.

All curricula and training material shall be cleared by the program manager prior to instruction and it remains the property of the Government for future DHS use.

2.1 Five basic peer support classes and two train-the-trainer classes shall be held during the Period of Performance (POP). Classes will be held in the continental U.S. Tentative location: Houston, TX. Travel to class location is to be included in the firm-fixed price. Travel expenses will not be invoiced separately.

2.2 Classes shall run for 5 days. Total training hours are expected to be no less than 32 hours.

2.3 There shall be at least one instructor per class. A clinical mental health professional shall teach or be present during basic peer support class instruction. Class size shall not exceed 25 participants.

2.4 The contractor shall provide student notebooks containing material covered in class. Content of notebook shall be cleared by the program manager prior to instruction.

2.5 The class is knowledge and skill based. The contractor shall provide and administer both “knowledge-based” [closed-book], pre/post class written tests and end-of-class practical test. Test content and practical test scenarios shall be cleared by the program manager prior to class start date.

3.0 CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL

3.1 Qualified Personnel

The Contractor shall provide qualified personnel to perform all requirements specified in this PWS. The basic peer support trainer must have a Master’s degree and experience in training peer support, psychological first aid, organizational behavior, and building psychological and social capital. A clinical mental health professional must be present in all basic peer support training classes. The mental health professional may also be the trainer. Instructor resumes are required in response to this solicitation.

3.2 Employee Identification

Contractor employees working on-site at Government facilities shall wear a temporary Government issued identification badge. All Contractor employees shall identify themselves as Contractors when their status is not readily apparent (in meetings, when answering Government telephones, in e-mail messages, etc.) and display the Government issued badge in plain view above the waist at all times.

3.3 Employee Conduct

Contractor’s employees shall comply with all applicable Government regulations, policies and procedures (e.g., fire, safety, sanitation, environmental protection, security, “off limits” areas, wearing of parts of DHS uniforms, and possession of weapons) when visiting or working at Government facilities. The Contractor shall ensure Contractor employees present a professional appearance at all times and that their conduct shall not reflect discredit on the United States or the Department of Homeland Security. The program manager shall ensure Contractor employees understand and abide by Department of Homeland Security established rules, regulations and policies concerning safety and security. Contract employees shall utilize the TSA program manager for any future contact with students. Contractors do not collect email information with participants.

3.4 Removing Employees for Misconduct or Security Reasons

The Government may, at its sole discretion (via the Contracting Officer), direct the Contractor to remove any Contractor employee from DHS facilities for misconduct or security reasons. Removal does not relieve the Contractor of the responsibility to continue providing the services required under the contract. The Contracting Officer will provide the Contractor with a written explanation to support any request to remove an employee.

4.0 OTHER APPLICABLE CONDITIONS

4.1 SECURITY

Contractor access to classified information is not currently required under this PWS.

4.2 Period of Performance

The period of performance for this contract is twelve months from the date of award. There is one option period for this contract.

4.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The primary place of performance is projected to be a facility located in the Houston, TX area. The Government will be responsible for securing the classrooms for training.

4.4 HOURS OF OPERATION

Contractor employees shall generally perform all work between the hours of 8am and 5pm CST, Monday through Friday (except Federal holidays). However, there may be occasions when Contractor employees shall be required to work other than normal business hours, including weekends and holidays, to fulfill requirements.

4.5 Travel

Contractor travel shall be required to support this requirement. All travel related expense are included in the firm-fixed price.

4.6 POST AWARD CONFERENCE

The Contractor shall attend a Post Award Conference with the Contracting Officer, COR, and program manager no later than 5 business days after the date of award. The purpose of the Post Award Conference, which will be chaired by the Contracting Officer, is to discuss technical and contracting objectives of this contract and review the Contractor's draft project plan. The Post Award Conference will be held at IAH or via teleconference.

4.7 PROGRESS REPORTS

The Contractor shall provide a written report within one-week following each class to the TSA program manager. This report shall include a summary of the Contractor work performed during the class and any highlights or issues identified by students, and a compilation of student feedback. Pre/post tests and a compilation of scores should be included in the progress report.

4.8 PROGRESS MEETINGS

The Trainer(s) shall be available to meet with the program manager upon request to present class curriculum and materials, exchange information, resolve emergent issues, or make small adjustments in class material or presentation. These meetings may take place telephonically. The trainer and program manager will meet two weeks before each class to review material and any pertinent class issues.

4.9 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).

4.10 PROTECTION OF INFORMATION

The contractor may hear information protected under the Privacy Act in the course of classroom discussion. Contractor employees shall safeguard this information against unauthorized disclosure or dissemination in accordance with the law and Government policy and regulation.

5.0 GOVERNMENT ACRONYMS

5.1 CO – Contracting Officer

5.2 COR - Contracting Officer’s Representative

5.3 DHS - Department of Homeland Security

5.4 PM – Program Manager

5.4 PSP – Peer Support Program

5.4 TSA IAH – Transportation Security Administration / Intercontinental Airport Houston

6.0 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED RESOURCES

The Government will furnish the classroom facility to the Contractor in support of this contract. The program manager identifies class attendees and ensures all are screened prior to class start date.

7.0 CONTRACTOR FURNISHED PROPERTY

The Contractor shall furnish all materials, equipment and services necessary to fulfill the requirements of this contract. Curriculum and all training material shall be provided to the Government for future DHS use. Training material includes electronic and hard copies of the curriculum, student notebooks, handouts, videos, instructor guides and audio/visual materials, including presentation.

8.0 GOVERNMENT ACCEPTANCE PERIOD

The program manager 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 program manager will send an e-mail to the Contractor notifying it that the deliverable has been accepted.

8.1 The COR or program manager 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 or program manager 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 and program manager will have 3 business days to review deliverables and make comments. The Contractor shall have 3 business days to make corrections and redeliver.

9.0 DELIVERABLES

Class Dates / Locations

TSA PM will deliver

Two train-the-trainer classes during the POP

TSA PM

10.0 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY (PRS).

The PRS establishes key elements of Contractor performance that represent “mission essential” service requirements, which are identified in the table below in the “Service Output” column. The “Performance Objective” column represents the standard against which Contractor performance will be measured in relation to accomplishment of the corresponding service output. The performance objective or “standard” describes the minimum acceptable level of service by the Contractor for satisfactory performance. The “Acceptable Quality Level (AQL)” column displays the maximum allowable deviation from the performance objective, which, if exceeded, evokes the negative incentive specified in the table below.

Trainer’s end of class evaluation form completed by students is acceptable. Class average evaluation of trainer should not be below 85%

11. POINTS OF CONTACTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following describe the roles and responsibility of individuals who will be the primary points of contact for the government on matters regarding task order administration as well as other administrative information. The government reserves the right to unilaterally change any of these individual assignments at any time.

Contracting Officer (CO)

Kevin Newton 202-631--3110 Kevin.Newton@tsa.dhs.gov Contracting Officer Representative (COR) Shannon E. Klimple

(281)-443-5330 Shannon.Klimple@tsa.dhs.gov The CO within its authority may designate in writing one or more government employees, by name and position title, to take action for the contracting officer under this task order. Each designee shall be identified as a COR.

The COR will represent the CO in the administration of technical details within the scope of the task order. The COR is also responsible for the final inspection and acceptance of all task order deliverables and reports, and such other responsibilities as may be specified in the task order. The COR is not otherwise authorized to make any representations or commitments of any kind on behalf of the CO or the government. The COR does not have authority to alter the contractor’s obligations or to change the task order specifications, price, terms, or conditions. If, as a result of technical discussions, it is desirable to modify task order obligations or the specification, changes will be issued in writing and signed by the CO. The COR will be assigned in writing by issuing a formal appointment letter from the CO.

ATTACHMENT ONE

PEER SUPPORT TOPIC AREAS (MINIMUM)

· Key peer support terms and basic concepts

· Roles and functions of peer responders

· Active listening (in-person & telephonic)

· Stress reactions / stress response

· Suicide assessment / referral

· Death notification

· Grief and loss

· Basics concerning stress and critical incidents

· Recognizing and referring for substance abuse

· Demonstration of assessment and application of intervention(s) with peers experiencing distress

· Ethical principles and standards of practice that maintain integrity of a peer support program

· PS contribution to TSA social capital

· Referrals and resources

Social capital is a form of cultural capital in which social networks and bonding between people are central. The core guiding principle is that a peer supporter’s goodwill towards others is a valuable resource. This relationship is marked by trust. Social capital is fundamentally about how people interact with each other.

Training should address how peer support can contribute to a trusting work environment.