Attachment 1_DA_PWS Final_revised.pdf

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

Senior Document Analysts

Part 1

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. INTRODUCTION: The United States Secret Service Forensic Services Division provides the highest quality, technically proficient forensic analysis in a timely manner and unbiased expert witness testimony for the criminal justice system in support of the USSS Protective and Investigative missions. The Questioned Document Branch (QDB) provides support to the Forensic Services Division (FSD) This is a non-personal services contract/task order to acquire Senior Document Analyst/Examiner support to supplement existing staff efforts in handling casework (backlog) within the QDB mission area. The Government will not exercise any supervision or control over the contract service providers performing the services herein. Such contract service providers shall be accountable solely to the contractor who, in turn is responsible to the Government.

1.1 Scope: Senior Document Analyst Contractor Support. This is an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, with an overall ceiling value of $1.49M. The USSS will order investigative casework through issuance of task orders IAW the ordering procedures contained within the contract. The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, tools, materials, supervision, and non-personal services necessary to conduct scientific examinations of handwriting, signatures, and alterations.

1.1.1 The contract CLIN structure is as follows: CLIN 0001, Document Analyst Services (Labor Hour) and CLIN 0002, Travel Expenses (Time and Material). Labor Rates shall be evaluated and approved at time of contract award and are as follows in the table below.

Description Quantity (Hours) Type Approved Hourly

Labor Rate

Total Value

Document Analyst Services (ordering period, year 1, Sep 2023-Sep 2024)

Negotiated per task order

Labor Hours

$TBD (Negotiated Hours) X (Approved

Hourly Labor Rate)

Document Analyst Services (ordering period, year 2, Sep 2024-Sep 2025)

Negotiated per task order

Labor Hours

$TBD (Negotiated Hours) X (Approved

Hourly Labor Rate)

Document Analyst Services (ordering period, year 3, Sep 2025-Sep 2026)

Negotiated per task order

Labor Hours

$TBD (Negotiated Hours) X (Approved

Hourly Labor Rate)

Travel Expenses (Not to Exceed) (Sep 2023

– Sep 2026

1 USD $30,000

1.1.2 All task orders shall be placed through contractor review of case work being procured; negotiation of labor hours required to conduct the case work contained within the task order.

1.1.3 The total value of each task order shall be calculated by multiplying the negotiated hours against the approved labor rate.

1.1.4 This ordering process shall take no more than 15-30 days to complete.

1.1.5 The total of all the orders placed on CLIN 0001 shall not exceed $1.399M during the life of the contract (this is the maximum value the government may order). The total of the CLIN 0002, NTE T&M CLIN, shall not exceed $100,000 during the life of the contract. CLIN 0001 maximum total may be decreased in order to increase the total maximum on CLIN 0002 and vice versa, so long as the total contract value does not exceed $1.499M during the life of the contract.

Note: The guaranteed minimum, will be procured through task order at time of the initial IDIQ award. Due to fiscal year end time constraints and law enforcement sensitivity, the government will place this initial task order by dividing the available funding of $157,051.18 by the approved labor rate to determine the labor hours available for the first task order. Once the Senior Document Analyst and contractor key personnel have an approved clearance, the government will provide the available case work to the contractor to negotiate what amount of workload can be accomplished within the number of hours available on the first task order.

1.2. Specific Tasks:

1.2.1. Basic Services

1.2.1.1 The contractor shall complete requested document examinations under the USSS Forensic Services Division’s ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) ISO 17025 forensic accreditation, subject to independent audits, and ensure their services conform to the FSD Laboratory’s requirements. The Contractor shall:

• Complete requested document examinations

• Ensure services performed conform to the USSS/FSD lab’s requirements

1.2.1.2 As a senior analyst and recognized expert in the field, the document analyst/examiner shall have a high degree of responsibility to independently plan and organize the details of the work and set priorities. The document analyst/examiner shall independently apply and adapt accepted approaches to technical problems and determine which of several alternatives is most appropriate.

1.2.1.3 The document analyst/examiner shall exercise a high degree of independence and judgment when applying theories and principles in the interpretation of information and data.

1.2.1.4 The document analyst/examiner shall collaborate with applicable stakeholders as required and keep the government supervisor assigned to the investigative case and Contracting Officer Representative (COR) informed of progress as well as any potentially controversial matters should they arise.

1.2.1.5 Completed work is reviewed only from an overall standpoint in terms of feasibility, compatibility with other work, or effectiveness in meeting requirements or expected results in meeting the operational needs and mission of the agency.

1.2.2 Primary duties and services for Forensic Examination of Questioned Documents shall include:

1.2.2.1 Handwriting/Hand Printing/Signature Examinations: The comparative examination of handwriting (which also includes hand printing) is based on the principle that after an individual has developed their handwriting skills, a number of factors combine that make that person's handwriting individual. Handwriting characteristics may develop which are distinctive or individual to a person's handwriting and the document analyst/examiner shall be trained and able to recognize and place value on the significance of the various characteristics observed in the writing. The Document Analyst/Examiner shall assess individualizing characteristics of handwriting and signatures to compare characteristics with known and unknown specimens.

Additionally, the Analyst shall perform comparisons, and analyses of documents to establish genuineness, expose forgery, or to reveal alterations, additions, or deletions. To identify handwriting, there shall be agreement or similarity in all the important details of the writing and no significant differences.

1.2.2.2 Document Analyst/Examiner shall utilize the USSS electronic Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for evidence tracking.

1.2.2.3 Document Analyst/Examiner shall stay informed of current research, trends, innovations, products and forensic document journal articles, books, manuscripts, and papers presented at conferences and professional meetings, court testimonies and legal decisions.

1.2.2.4 Document Analyst/Examiner shall serve as an expert witness in federal, state, and local courts regarding the scientific and technical examination conducted, providing opinion testimony regarding case findings. Guides preparation of photographic charts used to illustrate opinion testimony. Testifies in court under direct and cross-examination as requested.

1.2.2.5 Document Analyst/Examiner shall collaborate with stakeholders on trial preparation for criminal cases by educating the legal profession (defense, prosecution, and other forensic experts) on the scientific findings of the examination conducted, theories and methods used in the examination process, and current legal issues involving questioned document analysis that may arise during the judicial process.

1.2.3 Case dependent, the document analyst/examiner may be required to perform the following duties:

1.2.3.1 Handwriting Database: Utilize USSS Handwriting Databases to digitally measure handwriting characteristics on incoming threat letters and comparing that data with previously submitted handwritten threats to associate letters, cases, and known subjects.

1.2.3.2 Alterations/Obliterations/Erasures: These examinations may include, but are not limited to:

o Creating a digital image, photograph, or scan of the alteration(s).

o Examine the area of the suspected alteration with a microscope and note any discrepancies in the text(s). Microscopic observations may be photographed, if desired, for documentation or demonstration purposes.

o Examine the area of interest with the Video Spectral Comparator (VSC), laser and/or alternate light source. Pay particular attention to the response of the suspect area in the infrared region under both infrared reflectance (IRR) and infrared luminescence (IRL).

o If necessary, examine the area of interest with EDD.

o If necessary, ink analysis using TLC of the suspected alterations can be conducted. The decision as to whether to conduct ink analysis will be made based on the examiner’s discretion.

1.2.3.3 Indented Writing: Indented impressions can occur when two or more papers are stacked or padded together and writing or typing occurs on the top sheet, which leaves impressions or indentations on the sheet(s) below it. Document analyst may be required to examine the sheet immediately below the written or typed sheet which can contain a clear imprint of the impressions.

Impressions may also be deciphered on subsequent pages below the first.

1.2.3.4 Document Authentication: The authenticity of a document is often determined through a variety of forensic examinations. While not all methods of examination are necessary in every case, the determination of printing process(es) and the presence/absence of security features are important in the examination and comparison of a suspected counterfeit(s) with genuine standards or in the determination of the method used to alter the document(s). The contractor shall utilize these techniques to determine authenticity of questioned credit cards, driver's licenses, birth certificates, passports, identity documents, traveler’s checks, bank checks and other identification and financial documents.

1.2.3.5 Capturing examination quality digital images: The captured image must contain a scale, the case number, item number, the latent number (if applicable), the initials of the person who captured the image, and the date captured. The scale and/or photo tag used must contain a ruler with a discernable unit of measurement. The unit of measurement must be easily discernable via the presence of tick marks and number gradations. Information, other than a scale, that was inadvertently not captured in the original image may be added or corrected digitally per branch specific requirements.

1.2.3.6 Capturing object shots: Object shots or overall photos may be needed for case documentation purposes. Photographers and/or examiners may utilize non SLR cameras for object shots and overall photos. Object shots are taken of the evidence prior to or during examinations.

Overall photos are taken to show the relative position of a particular feature, such as a latent print, in relationship to the overall item. The captured image must contain a scale, the case number, item number, the initials of the person who captured the image and the date captured. The scale and/or photo tag used must contain a ruler with a discernable unit of measurement. The unit of measurement must be easily discernable via the presence of tick marks and number gradations.

1.2.4 Document Analyst/Examiner Qualifications and Required Knowledge. The Document Analyst/Examiner shall meet the following qualifications and knowledge requirements prior to performing work within this contract effort:

1.2.4.1 The USSS (Branch Chief and Lab Director), through issuance of a task order signed by the Contracting Officer, will direct forensic examination requirements for the contractor to fulfill.

Prior to issuance of the task order the USSS will review, evaluate, and confirm contractor personnel to perform the work hold the required competencies in the requested test area for the work contained within the task order. Confirmation of competency shall be accomplished by either reviewing the analysts resume or offering the analyst the USSS competency test.

1.2.4.2 Prior to performing work within this contract effort, Document Analyst/Examiners shall have completed a training program that meets or exceeds ISO 17025 standards, have 10 years’ experience providing expert witness testimony in court, shall possess one or more of the following credentials:

(a) worked within an ISO 17025 Accredited laboratory,

(b) completed the 2022 Collaborative Testing Services Handwriting Examination Test,

(c) board certified or qualified to be board certified by the American Board of Forensic Document Examiners (ABFDE) or

(d) regular membership within the American Society of Questioned Document Examiners

(ASQDE).

Examiners shall also complete a competency test administered by USSS FSD to demonstrate competency in Handwriting/Hand Printing/Signature Examinations prior to performing work.

Competency examinations will be evaluated in accordance with policies as established in the FSD Laboratory Operation Manual, Questioned Document Standard Operating Procedures (QD-001), and the Quality Assurance Manual. The contractor will be provided the necessary Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Examinations shall be completed within 30 days of contract award or within 30 days of being selected to serve.

1.2.4.3 Document Analyst/Examiner shall be capable of serving as a Senior Document Analyst and shall possess the skills and judgement in performing various types of analysis, including but not limited to, instrumental analysis, document authentication and document examination. The analyst/examiner shall be capable of conducting analytical examinations and physical tests of evidence to include financial documents, identity documents, and threatening letters to USSS stakeholders and other external stakeholders.

1.2.4.4 Document Analyst/Examiner shall possess a mastery knowledge of the theories, principles, techniques and processes in document analysis and examination sufficient to apply industry standards and best practices; develop innovative approaches, methods, techniques, and procedures;

and provide qualitative results.

1.2.4.5 Document Analyst/Examiner shall possess a mastery knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices of forensic document examination sufficient to serve as a technical authority in the area of forensic document examination to include, but not limited to comparative analysis, typewriting, mechanical impressions, computer assisted handwriting recognition, identification documents and credit cards.

1.2.4.6 Document analyst/Examiner shall have experience identifying or eliminating persons as the source of handwriting or relative evidence, writing reports, and giving testimony to aid the users of the examiner’s services in understanding the examiner’s findings.

1.2.4.7 Document Analyst/Examiner shall be well versed in current laws, policies, precedents and regulations, and courtroom proceedings in state, federal, and military judicial systems as they apply to handling of evidence to avoid destruction of evidence or a break in the chain of custody necessary for maintaining integrity of evidence and material.

1.2.4.8 Document Analyst/Examiner shall be qualified to write reports for use by the judiciary, administrative and executive officers, law enforcement agencies, boards, commissions, lawyers, and other individuals as defined in this PWS except for those items specified as Government Furnished Property (GFP) and services.

1.2.4.9 Document Analyst/Examiner shall possess the professional knowledge and technical skill to appear in court as an expert witness in complex cases sufficient to stand up to vigorous cross-examination under adversarial conditions.

1.2.4.10 Document Analyst Examiner shall possess expert knowledge of scientific instruments and equipment, and mechanical and chemical processes sufficient to apply skill in the preparation of document analysis and examination and the utilization and application of computer systems/equipment to derive at logical and conclusive findings.

1.2.4.11 Document Analyst/Examiner shall be capable of researching, extending, and adapting existing approaches and precedents sufficient to develop and plan projects that investigate critical or obscure problems in the questioned document professional field.

1.2.4.12 Document Analyst/Examiner shall be skilled in analyzing evaluating, consolidating, and concluding findings of examinations conducted sufficient to recommend modifications of procedures to solve problems encountered and/or to enhance quality of results.

1.2.4.13 Document Analyst/Examiner shall possess expert knowledge of laboratory safety and quality control/quality assurance practices sufficient to carry out duties in a safe and accurate manner.

1.2.4.14 Document Analyst/Examiner shall possess the ability to communicate orally and in writing sufficient to prepare clear, concise, and accurate forensic laboratory reports of analysis;

research papers and instructional guides; Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and other applicable materials for internal and external stakeholders.

1.2.4.15 Document Analyst/Examiner shall possess knowledge of a variety of advanced laboratory instruments and techniques, including, but not limited to Electrostatic Detection Apparatus (ESDA), microscopy, infrared and ultraviolet lighting techniques, VSC, and handwriting databases to analyze evidence of indented writing, obliterations, eradications, alterations, watermarks, typewriting, or other evidence, which may disclose criminal activities.

1.2.4.16 Document Analyst/Examiner shall possess knowledge in the areas of computer assisted examinations and the physical examinations of documents including, but not limited to handwriting identification and analysis; typewriter identification; and other areas requiring the use of physical tests.

1.2.4.17 Document Analyst/Examiner shall be capable of establishing and maintaining working relationships with stakeholders, including, but not limited to USSS personnel, other government agencies, state and local law enforcement officials, individuals and groups from the scientific and legal communities, and foreign contacts in the document examination field, to support program operations and objectives.

1.2.4.18 Personnel Turnover: Should the contractor experience personnel turnover, the contractor shall identify a suitable replacement within 30 days of the vacancy.

1.2.5 Monitoring

1.2.5.1 Services performed shall adhere to the USSS Laboratory Operations Manual, Quality Assurance Manual, ISO 17025 standards, and ANAB supplemental requirements (AR3125).

1.2.5.2 The government will evaluate services using the policies and procedures established in the FSD Laboratory Operation Manual, Questioned Document Standard Operating Procedures (QD- 001), and the Quality Assurance Manual. The government will provide the contractor with the SOPs.

1.3 Period of Performance: The period of performance will be for a 3-year ordering period starting at time of award (Sept 2023) through September 2026. The ordering period shall not exceed 36 months.

1.4 General Information

1.4.1 Quality Control Plan (QCP): The contractor shall develop and maintain an effective quality control program to ensure services are performed in accordance with this PWS. The contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. The contractor’s QCP is how he assures himself that his work complies with the requirement of the contract.

The contractor will deliver within 30 days after contract award or with the contractor’s proposal if it is an evaluation factor, three copies of a comprehensive written QCP shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer and COR within 5 working days when changes are made thereafter. After acceptance of the QCP the contractor shall receive the contracting officer’s acceptance in writing of any proposed change to the contractor QCP and QC system.

1.4.2 Quality Assurance: The Government shall evaluate the contractor’s performance under this contract in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). This plan is primarily focused on what the Government must do to ensure that the contractor has performed in accordance with the performance standards. It defines how the performance standards will be applied, the frequency of surveillance, and the minimum acceptable defect rate(s).

1.4.3 Recognized Holidays: The Contractor is not required to provide services on nationally recognized Federal Holidays.

New Year’s Day Labor Day Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday Columbus Day President’s Day Veteran’s Day Memorial Day Thanksgiving Day Juneteenth Christmas Day Independence Day

1.4.4 Hours of Operation: The contractor is responsible for conducting business, between the hours of 0700 and 1700 (US Eastern time zone), Monday thru Friday except Federal holidays or when the Government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar Government directed facility closings. The contractor will not be reimbursed when the Government facility is closed for the above reasons. The contractor must maintain an adequate workforce for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this PWS and ordered within each task order, hen the Government facility is not closed for the above reasons. When hiring personnel, the contractor shall keep in mind that the stability and continuity of the workforce to complete each task order is essential.

1.4.5 Place of Performance: The work to be performed under this contract/order can be performed remotely or within the Contractors Facility. To assist with court proceedings that may occur, contractor personnel may be directed to perform wok at USSS Headquarters, USSS Field Offices, or at court houses.

Travel to USSS facilities or court houses will be directed and approved by the COR prior to travel taking place. Upon direction by the COR, Contractor personnel shall travel to their nearest TSA and USSS Field Office to obtain the appropriate badges and laptop to perform work. The contractor and COR shall ensure sufficient funds are on contract prior to any travel taking place.

1.4.6 Type of Contract: The Government will award an IDIQ contract with a 3-year ordering period and a maximum ceiling value of $1.499M. The CLIN structure will include a labor hour CLIN for the analysts and a time and material NTE CLIN for travel. There will be an approved labor rate table (see paragraph 1.1 of this document) contained within the IDIQ at time of award.

1.4.7 Security Requirements: Contractor personnel performing work under this contract/order must either have a Public Trust Tier 4 clearance at time of selection or proposal submission, or be able to attain a Public Trust Tier 4 clearance within 30 days of award, and must maintain the level of security required for the life of the contract/order.

1.4.7.1 Controlled Access Facilities / Information Systems Security: The contractor and his/her employees and sub-contractors shall be citizens of the United States.

• The USSS Contracting Officer Representative (COR) or their USSS designee is responsible for determining the contract employee’s position description level as being either Escort Access, Low Risk, or High Risk. The COR or their designee will also make the determination when contract employees require access to USSS controlled Information Technology systems, unless otherwise stipulated within this PWS.

• Contract employees shall undergo a Suitability Assessment as determined by the US Secret

Service’s Security Management Division’s, Contractor Support Branch (SMD-CSB) prior to performing any work within US Secret Services controlled access facilities or on US Secret Service’s information technology systems. Additional Continuous Suitability Reviews will be required for continued work requirements as determined by SMD-CSB, but no less than once every two years.

• All contractors shall ensure that their employees are precleared prior to the start of any USSS contract. Contractor employees for High Risk shall possess a current Tier 4 investigation and a Public Trust prior to performing any work within USSS controlled access facilities or on USSS information technology systems. The COR or their designee is responsible for ensuring that all employees supporting USSS contracts are compliant with USSS security requirements.

Additional Continuous Suitability Reviews shall be required for continued work requirements as determined by Security Management Division (SMD).

• At a minimum, within 7 days of contract award, the contractor shall submit to the COR the following completed documentation for each High Risk contract employee requiring access to US Secret Services controlled access facilities, in order to satisfy initial and/or recurring (as requested by the COR) Continuous Suitability Reviews:

• DHS-11000-25: Form Contractor Fitness/Security Screens Request Form

• SSF 4024: US Secret Service Non-disclosure Agreement

• SSF 3230A: Disclosure and Authorization Pertaining To Consumer Reports Pursuant To the Fair Credit Report Act

• Form 14767: Consent to Disclose Tax Compliance Check (IRS Tax Form)

• When work performance requirements exceed Non-Sensitive standards, additional Continuous

Suitability Reviews reviews will be required prior to access being granted, specifically:

• Contract employees are serving in High Risk positions and must have undergone a minimum of a Tier 4 Public Trust or higher level favorable background investigation within the last 5 years or shall complete the SF85P (Questionnaire for Public Trust Positions) and complete a personnel security interview with USSS/SMD prior to starting work on this contract.

1.4.7.2 Secret Facility Clearance (If applicable): N/A

1.4.7.3 Privacy Act: Personnel who have access to Privacy Information shall adhere to the Privacy Act, Title 5 of the U.S. Code, Section 552a and applicable agency rules and regulations.

1.4.7.4 Physical Security: The contractor shall be responsible for safeguarding all Government equipment, information and property provided for contractor use. At the close of each work period, Government facilities, equipment, and materials shall be secured.

1.4.7.5 Badge/Key Control: The contractor shall establish and implement methods of making sure all badges, keys, and/or key cards issued to the contractor by the Government are not lost or misplaced and are not used by unauthorized persons. No keys issued to the contractor by the Government shall be duplicated. The contractor shall develop procedures covering badge/key control that shall be included in the Quality Control Plan. Such procedures shall include turn-in of any issued keys by personnel who no longer require access to locked areas. The contractor shall immediately report any occurrences of lost badges, lost or duplicate keys/key cards to the Contracting Officer.

1.4.7.5.1. In the event keys, are lost or duplicated, the Government can bill the contractor the total cost of re-keying or the replacement of the lock or locks. In the event a master key is lost or duplicated, all locks and keys for that system shall be replaced by the Government and the total cost deducted from the monthly payment due the contractor.

1.4.7.5.2. The contractor shall prohibit the use of Government issued badges, keys, and/or key cards by any persons other than the contractor’s employees. The contractor shall prohibit the opening of locked areas by contractor employees to permit entrance of persons other than contractor employees engaged in the performance of assigned work in those areas, or personnel authorized entrance by the Contracting Officer.

1.4.7 Special Qualifications:

1.4.8 Post Award Conference/Periodic Progress Meetings: A post award conference shall be held within thirty days of contract award. The contractor agrees to attend any post award conference convened by the contracting activity or contract administration office in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 42.5. The contracting officer, COR, and other Government personnel, as appropriate, may meet periodically with the contractor to review the contractor's performance. At these meetings the contracting officer 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. These meetings shall be held at no additional cost to the Government.

1.4.9 Contracting Officer Representative (COR): The COR will be identified by an appointment letter.

The COR monitors all technical aspects of the contract and assists in contract administration The COR is authorized to perform the following functions: assure that the contractor performs the technical requirements of the contract/order: perform inspections necessary in connection with contract performance:

maintain written and oral communications with the contractor concerning technical aspects of the contract/order: issue written interpretations of technical requirements, including Government drawings, designs, specifications: monitor contractor's performance and notifies both the Contracting Officer and contractor of any deficiencies; coordinate availability of GFP, and provide site entry of contractor personnel. A letter of appointment issued to the COR, a copy of which is sent to the contractor, states the responsibilities and limitations of the COR, especially with regard to 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.

1.4.10 Key Personnel: The following personnel are considered key personnel by the Government:

Program Manager and Document Analyst/Examiner(s). The contractor shall provide a program/contracts manager who shall be responsible for the performance of the work and all contractual matters. 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. The contract manager or alternate shall have full authority to act for the contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The program manager or alternate shall be available between the core hours of 0900 to 1600, Monday thru Friday except Federal holidays or when the Government facility is closed for administrative reasons.

1.4.11 Contractor Travel: The Contractor may be required to travel for equipment issue, equipment turn-in, evidence pick-up and/or return, and court testimony. The Contractor may be required to travel CONUS during the performance of this contract to attend meetings, conferences, and training. The contractor may be required to travel to field offices and to ship materials to and from these locations in support of this PWS. The Contractor will be authorized travel expenses consistent with FAR 31.205-46, the substantive provisions of the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR), and the limitation of funds specified in this contract.

All travel requires Government approval/authorization and notification to the COR.

1.4.12 Other Direct Costs: This category includes travel (outlined in 1.4.11), reproduction, and shipping expenses associated with case work.

1.4.13 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.

1.4.14 Organizational Conflict of Interest: 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 Contracting Officer 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 Contracting Officer to avoid or mitigate any such OCI. The contractor’s mitigation plan will be determined to be acceptable solely at the discretion of the Contracting Officer and in the event the Contracting Officer unilaterally determines that any such OCI cannot be satisfactorily avoided or mitigated, the Contracting Officer 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.

1.4.15 Phase In /Phase Out Period: N/A

PART 2

DEFINITIONS & ACRONYMS

2. DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS:

2.1. DEFINITIONS:

2.1.1. CONTRACTOR. A supplier or vendor awarded a contract to provide specific supplies or service to the Government. The term used in this procurement refers to the prime contractor.

2.1.2. CONTRACTING OFFICER (C.O.). A person with authority to enter into, administer, and or terminate contracts/orders, and make related determinations and findings on behalf of the Government.

Note: The only individual who can legally bind the Government.

2.1.3. CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE (COR). An employee of the U.S. Government appointed by the contracting officer to administer the contract/order. Such appointment shall be in writing and shall state the scope of authority and limitations. This individual has authority to provide technical direction to the contractor as long as that direction is within the scope of the contract/order, does not constitute a change, and has no funding implications. This individual does NOT have authority to change the terms and conditions of the contract/order.

2.1.4. DEFECTIVE SERVICE. A service output that does not meet the standard of performance associated with the Performance Work Statement.

2.1.5. DELIVERABLE. Anything that can be physically delivered, but may include non-manufactured items such as meeting minutes or reports.

2.1.6. 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/order 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.

2.1.7. PHYSICAL SECURITY. Actions that prevent the loss or damage of Government property.

2.1.8. QUALITY ASSURANCE (QA). The Government procedures to verify that services being performed by the contractor are performed according to acceptable standards.

2.1.9. QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP). An organized written document specifying the surveillance methodology to be used for surveillance of contractor performance.

2.1.10. QUALITY CONTROL. All necessary measures taken by the contractor to assure that the quality of an end product or service shall meet contract/order requirements.

2.1.11. SUBCONTRACTOR. One that enters into a contract with a prime contractor. The Government does not have privity of contract with the subcontractor.

2.1.12. WORK DAY. The number of hours per day the contractor provides services in accordance with the contract/order.

2.1.12. WORK WEEK. Monday through Friday, unless specified otherwise.

2.2. ACRONYMS:

ANAB ANSI National Accreditation Board CO Contracting Officer CONUS Continental United States (excludes Alaska and Hawaii) COR Contracting Officer Representative FAR Federal Acquisition Regulation FFP Firm Fixed Price FSD Forensic Services Division GFP Government Furnished Property HSAR Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation LH Labor Hour LIMS Laboratory Information Management System NCR National Capital Region OCI Organizational Conflict of Interest ODC Other Direct Costs POC Point of Contact PM Program Manager PWS Performance Work Statement QA Quality Assurance QAP Quality Assurance Program QASP Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan QC Quality Control QCP Quality Control Program QDB Questioned Document Branch TE Technical Exhibit T&M Time and Material TPOC Technical Point of Contact

PART 3

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, AND SERVICES

3. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES:

3.1. Services: The Government will provide training and familiarization with FSD LIMS, as required. The government will provide Proficiency Tests or Competency Tests, as required, for authorization under ANAB ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.

3.2 Facilities: The Government will provide workspace when contractor is in a Field Office or USSS Headquarters. The position allows for full time remote work and permanent desk space will be contingent on time spent in USSS facilities. More than 60% in-office attendance is required for permanent desk space.

3.3 Utilities: All utilities in the government facility will be available for the contractor’s use in performance of tasks outlined in this PWS. If utilities are furnished, the following is required: The contractor shall instruct employees in utilities conservation practices. The contractor shall be responsible for operating under conditions that preclude the waste of utilities.

3.4 Equipment: The Government will provide a laptop and Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card.

When in the government facility, contractors and subcontractors will have access to scanners. fax machines, printers, shipping materials, crates, microscopes, the VSC 8000, and the Electrostatic Detection Device. Travel to nearest TSA and local USSS field office to obtain PIV and laptop may be reimbursed via the travel CLIN within the IDIQ Contract.

3.5 Materials: The Government will provide the FSD Laboratory Operations Manual, the Quality Assurance Manual, the Questioned Document Standard Operating Procedures.

PART 4

DELIVERABLES SCHEDULE

Deliverable Frequency # of Copies Medium/

Format Submit To Weekly case status update to include what examination activity has been completed, what examination activity remains, and a projected completion date for the case notes and laboratory report

Weekly; When case work has been assigned (task order number shall be contained within the header of the report).

Emailed to the Branch Chief and COR by 12 pm (EST) on Friday of each week.

MS Word Branch Chief and COR

Technical records including case examination notes/worksheets, images, observations, and final report for internal authorization test on the technical aspect(s) of the examination request and use of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)

Once, Completed within 30 days of contract award.

During course of contract, as required, within 15 days after government issuance of internal authorization test

Emailed to the Branch Chief and COR

LIMS Branch Chief and COR

Resumé, certificate of completion for the Collaborative Testing Services 2022 Handwriting Examination Test.

Required prior to analyst(s) performing work on the contract.

Required prior to award (proposal), or within 30 days of vacancy, as vacancies occur or as new analysts are added to execute task orders.

Task Order Proposal Requests will require identification of analyst(s), proof of competency test, and negotiation of hours required to perform the identified casework. The proposals will be sent directly to the Contract Specialist.

Emailed to the Branch Chief, COR, and contract specialist

MS Word Emailed to the Branch Chief, COR and contract specialist

Clearance documents Required prior to analyst(s) performing work on the contract. Within 15 days of contract award or within 30 days of vacancy. when a vacancy is filled or an analyst is added.

Emailed to the Branch Chief and COR

See PWS Paragraph

1.4.7 for required forms to submit.

Emailed to the Branch Chief and COR

PART 5

Performance Requirements Summary (PRS)

The contractor service requirements are summarized into performance objectives that relate directly to mission essential items. The performance threshold briefly describes the minimum acceptable levels of service required for each requirement. These thresholds are critical to mission success. (Note: see next page for table, below is the header for the table).

Performance Objective (The Service required—usually a shall statement)

Performance Standard

Acceptable Quality Level (This is the maximum error rate. It could possibly be “Zero deviation from standard”)

Method of Surveillance

Technical records including case examination notes/ worksheets, images, observations, and final report shall be submitted for technical and administrative reviews to ensure:

• Conformance with proper technical procedures and applicable lab policies and procedures.

• All results and conclusions are reported and are accurate and consistent with the data obtained from the tests and examinations.

• Original observations, data and calculations were recorded at the time they were made.

• Sufficient supporting documentation is present to support the conclusions.

• All methods are properly listed in the test report.

• Any associations are properly qualified in the test report.

• The case record documentation possesses the necessary quality control information to validate conclusions.

• The report is clear, accurate, and complete.

• A Request for Examination or letter of request is documented in the case file.

• The report and case notes are grammatically correct and free from misspellings or typographical errors.

• Original notes, charts and graphs are included in the case file.

• The laboratory case number, examiners or lab staff initials/name, and date is present on all pages of the case notes.

• The chain of custody is accurate and complete

• All abbreviations are defined in the applicable abbreviation SOP or case notes.

Technically and administratively accurate final reports and supporting case documentation.

a. No more than one round of corrections during technical review

b. No more than two nonconformities that results in a Nonconformity Request (NCR).

Nonconformities may include, but are not limited to:

i. A quality program deficiency

ii. Internal or external audit finding

iii. Deviation from procedures not previously approved

iv. Instrumentation issues

v. Inappropriate application of technical procedures to casework

vi. Inappropriate interpretation of technical results for casework

vii. Proficiency test issues

viii. Documentation errors that affect case understanding

ix. Customer complaints.

c. Zero significant or systemic nonconformities that results in a Corrective Action Request

(CAR)

100% inspection:

FSD will provide Administrative and Technical reviews for each case completed by the contractor.