72001G24R00002-004_CO signed.pdf

Office of Inspector General

United States Agency for International

Development

Transcription, Translation, & Interpretation

Services

Solicitation No.: 72001G24R00002

Issue Date: December 22, 2023

(x)

72001G24R00002 x x

1 copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted ; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO BE

RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR

OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted , such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

x

N/A

Not Applicable

72001G

20523-1000

USAID OIG

02/23/20240004

13. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS. IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) is not extended.is extended, Items 8 and 15, and returning

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended , by one of the following methods: (a) By completing

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

FACILITY CODE CODE

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

CODE

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)

7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6)CODE 6. ISSUED BY

PAGE OF PAGES

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.3. EFFECTIVE DATE2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

02/09/2024

CHECK ONE A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority) appropriation data, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not is required to sign this document and return __________________ copies to the issuing office.

ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

The purpose of this amendment is to:

1. Update Attachment I - Statement of Work

2. Update Attachment II - Pricing Sheet (protected)

3. Provide the following reference documents: "REVISED Pre-solicitation...QnA...", "Solicitation...QnA...", & "72001G24R00002 Instructions to Offerors"

4. Remove the following language issued in the base version of the solicitation (shown immediately below):

Continued ...

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

15C. DATE SIGNED 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR 16C. DATE SIGNED

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

Kiaira Stallworth

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 11/2016)

Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

Previous edition unusable

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9 A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect .

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

2 2

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

72001G24R00002/0004

OFFERORS MAY SUBMIT PARTIAL BIDS FOR THE SERVICE

TYPE (TRANSCRIPTION, TRANSLATION, OR

INTERPRETATION) BUT BIDS MUST INCLUDE PRICING FOR

EVERY LANGUAGE LISTED IN THE SOW. WITH SUCH,

USAID OIG RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE MORE THAN

ONE AWARD TO PROCURE THE SERVICES REQUIRED OR NO

AWARD AT ALL, IF IT IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF

THE GOVERNMENT.

5. Replace the language issued in the base version of the solicitation with the following

(shown immediately below):

OFFERORS MUST SUBMIT A PROPOSAL ADDRESSING THEIR

CAPABILITY TO FULFILL ALL REQUIREMENTS, PROVIDE

ALL SERVICE TYPES (TRANSCRIPTION, TRANSLATION,

AND INTERPRETATION), AND SUPPORT ALL LANGUAGES

LISTED IN THE SOW. AS SUCH, USAID OIG ANTICIPATES

MAKING ONE AWARD AS A RESULT OF THE SOLICITATION

OR NO AWARD AT ALL, IF IT IS DETERMINED TO BE IN

THE BEST INTEREST OF THE GOVERNMENT.

SUBCONTRACTING IS PERMITTED TO ENSURE SERVICE

COVERAGE CAN BE PROVIDED. SUBCONTRACTING WITH

SMWOBS IS ENCOURAGED.

6. Remove the following language issued in the base version of the solicitation (shown immediately below):

Regarding the technical proposal, the USAID OIG requests that the offeror submit a document, which sets forth (1) its technical approach for fulfilling the requirements of the SOW in its entirety, (2) its capabilities to fulfill the requirements of the SOW in its entirety, and (3) at least two examples of past performance for similar requirements from within the last five years (examples using federal agencies of a similar size and scope are preferred).

7. Replace the language issued in the base version of the solicitation with the following

(shown immediately below):

Please see the Instructions to Offerors reference document in addition to provision 52.215-1

Instructions to Offerors—Competitive

Acquisition--Alternate I for proposal evaluation information and instructions.

NSN 7540-01-152-8067 OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

Sponsored by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.110

72001G24R00002

PART 1 – THE SCHEDULE

SECTION A

A.1 TITLE

Transcription, Translation, & Interpretation

A.2 CONTRACT TYPE

This is a firm-fixed price blanket purchase agreement.

(END OF SECTION A)

SECTION B – SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

Base Period: XX/XX/XX24 – XX/XX/XX25

CLIN DESCRIPTION

Base Year 1 - The supplier must provide transcription, translation, and interpretation services in accordance with the statement of work.

Option Period One (1): XX/XX/XX25 – XX/XX/XX26

CLIN DESCRIPTION

Option Year 1 - The supplier must provide transcription, translation, and interpretation

Option Period Two (2): XX/XX/XX26 – XX/XX/XX27

Option Year 2 - The supplier must provide transcription, translation, and interpretation

Option Period Three (3): XX/XX/XX27 – XX/XX/XX28

Option Year 3 - The supplier must provide transcription, translation, and interpretation

Option Period Four (4): XX/XX/XX28 – XX/XX/XX29

Option Year 4 - The supplier must provide transcription, translation, and interpretation

(END OF SECTION B)

SECTION C – DESCRIPTION/STATEMENT OF WORK SUMMARY

SEE “ATTACHMENT I – STATEMENT OF WORK” FOR THE ENTIRETY OF THE REQUIRMENTS.

BELOW IS A SYNOPSIS.

C.1 OBJECTIVE

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Office of Inspector General (OIG), Office of Investigations (IG/I) requires linguistic transcription, translation, and interpretation services to support ongoing investigations. The office is looking to obtain a qualified Supplier to perform language support services on an as-needed basis under a blanket purchase agreement (BPA).

C.2 BACKGROUND

IG/I is a federal law enforcement agency that conducts worldwide investigations into allegations of criminal, civil, and administrative violations relating to the USAID, Millennium Challenge Corporation, United States African Development Foundation, and the Inter-American Foundation.

USAID OIG’s mission is to safeguard and strengthen the integrity of U.S. foreign assistance through timely, unbiased, impactful criminal, civil, and administrative investigations and outreach to identify, investigate, prosecute, and mitigate significant crimes and misconduct impacting the programs, operations, and personnel, of the agencies we oversee.

C.3 SCOPE OF WORK

(a) Language support services are defined as follows:

i. Consecutive interpretation: listening to English or non-English language and orally converting to non-English or English, respectively.

1) In-person

2) Telephonic

3) Video remote

ii. Transcription: rendering non-English audio and video recordings into the same written non-English language and then translated into written English.

iii. Translation: replacing written, non-English text (i.e., highly technical contracts or legal documents) into equivalent written English documents (translation-transcription) or replacing written, English text (i.e., highly technical contracts or legal documents) into equivalent written non-English documents (translation-transcription).

iv. All interpreters, transcriptionists, and translators must be certified in accordance with the qualifications outlined under section 12 of this SOW to ensure that all spoken words and gestures of a proceeding are produced accurately.

(b) Please see the list below for the frequently common languages to anticipate. The list includes but is not limited to:

• Albanian

• Amharic

• Arabic (Northern and Southern Levantine, Iraqi, Egyptian, Sudanese, Yemeni)

• Bahasa

• Bengali

• Burmese

• Creole

• Dari

• Farsi

• French

• Hindi

• Khmer

• Laotian

• Malay

• Mongolian

• Nepali

• Pashto

• Portuguese

• Romanian

• Russian

• Serbian

• Sinhala

• Spanish (Latin American and European)

• Swahili

• Tagalog

• Tamil

• Thai

• Turkish

• Ukrainian

• Urdu

• Vietnamese

(c) Personnel must be able to analyze large amounts of information to and from English. The transcriber or translator will provide direct findings and translations clearly and concisely in formats specified by the USAID OIG office.

(d) Document translations, audio and video transcriptions, and linguistic support that are not real-time may be performed at the Supplier’s site or in the USAID OIG office in Washington, DC.

(e) The Supplier must provide professional, qualified, certified (as outlined in section 12) transcribers, translators and interpreters for any language requested. The transcribers, translators, and interpreters are also required to be fluent and highly proficient in English and at least one non-English language listed above in section 6b. The transcribers, translators, and interpreters must be familiar with both formal and casual modes of communication, including colloquialisms and slang expressions. Knowledge of legal and criminal justice system vocabulary is highly desired.

i. Personnel must be able to perform transcription, translation, and interpretation services that are factually accurate without omissions or additions. They must be able to interpret, translate, and transcribe case related source information from the languages listed in 6b into English. The source information may be contained in the following formats: typed and hand-written financial statements, documents, and receipts; emails; encrypted communication chat logs; videos; and audio recordings.

ii. United States citizens, by birth or by naturalization.

iii. Certified in one or more of the language certification programs listed in section 11.

(f) Interpreters might be required to provide on-site services in Washington, D.C., and other assigned locations. The travel expenses incurred while in performance of the contract will be reimbursed to the Supplier.

(g) The transcribers and/or translators may be required to assist Special Agents to communicate with confidential witnesses and confidential informants in languages listed in 6b via encrypted messaging applications for smartphone, telephone, or in person. The utmost discretion will be required.

(h) Transcriptions and translations must be performed by individuals certified in accordance with the qualifications outlined under section 12 of this SOW to provide transcripts of audio and video recordings of subject and witness interviews that may be used in a U.S. court of law including judicial and administrative proceedings. The lines of text on each page of transcription or translation must be numbered in a format approved by USAID OIG. The original recordings may be in the languages listed in 6b.

(i) Court appearances by transcribers and/or translators, testifying to the accuracy of the transcription and/or translation may also be required. The travel expenses incurred while in performance of the contract will be reimbursed to the Supplier. The hourly rate for court appearances is provided for in Attachment II – Pricing Sheet (protected).

(j) One year of experience transcribing and/or translating in a law enforcement or U.S. judicial environment is highly preferred. Knowledge of the protocol of U.S. court interpreting is highly desired.

C.4 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

Base Period: XX/XX/2024 to XX/XX/2025 (to be determined at time of award) Option Period One (1): XX/XX/2025 to XX/XX/2026 (to be determined at time of award) Option Period Two (2): XX/XX/2026 to XX/XX/2027 (to be determined at time of award) Option Period Three (3): XX/XX/2027 to XX/XX/2028 (to be determined at time of award) Option Period Four (4): XX/XX/2028 to XX/XX/2029 (to be determined at time of award)

C.5 NONDISCLOSURE AGREEMENTS

The contractor, within 10 business days after contract award for each current staff member or within 10 business days of hire for each new staff member, shall complete and deliver to the COR the standard nondisclosure agreement (NDA), included as Attachment 2. The nondisclosure agreement shall be signed and dated by each staff member assigned to work on this scope of work and a witness. Staff members may not commence work prior to completing and submitting their

NDA.

(END OF SECTION C)

SECTION D – PACKAGING AND MARKING

[RESERVED]

(END OF SECTION D)

SECTION E – INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

The Contracting Officer or Contracting Officer Representative (COR) can perform an inspection of services to ensure items are delivered in a timely and efficient manner.

(END OF SECTION E)

SECTION F – PERFORMANCE

F.1 PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

In accordance with FAR 42.1502 the contractor’s performance will be evaluated on a regular basis (at least annually). At the discretion of the Contracting Officer, your performance under this contract may be evaluated using the “Contractor Performance Report” (CPR) (AID 1420-66) or whatever form deemed necessary at least mid-way through performance of the contract (or more often) and after the completion performance of the contract.

You will be evaluated on such factors as: Quality of Work, Cost Control, Timeliness, and Customer Satisfaction. Such information will be provided to the USAID database manager and can be referenced by other USAID Contracting Officers and CORs for past performance reference checks on the contractor’s performance. In performing the CPR, the COR will consider solicited and unsolicited comments from USAID OIG end users regarding their assessments of services, and comments from them regarding their assessments of services they received. The COR and Technical Officer will examine logs and any other documentation that will indicate timeliness and contractor adherence to schedules.

Additionally, OIG staff using the CART services shall have the opportunity to contribute to the CPR and individual CART writer evaluations. Unscheduled evaluations may be made at any time to communicate their satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the services provided. The COR will recommend the replacement of any CART writer receiving unsatisfactory evaluations during a two-month period. Unresolved performance problems will be brought to the attention of the Contracting Officer.

(END OF SECTION F)

SECTION G – CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1 CONTRACTING OFFICER AUTHORITY

The Contracting Officer is the only person authorized to make or approve any changes in the requirements of this award and notwithstanding any provisions contained elsewhere in this award, the said authority remains solely with the Contracting Officer. In the event the contractor makes any changes at the direction of any person other than the Contracting Officer, the change shall be considered to have been made without authority and no adjustment shall be made in the award terms and conditions, including price.

The Administrative Contracting Officer is:

Scott Ferrante

Office of Inspector General

IG/M/AOO

1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW RRB, Room 8.07-015 Washington, DC 20523 Email: sferrante@usaid.gov

G.2 CONTRACTING OFFICER REPRESENTATIVE

1. The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) designated for this award, (to be determined at time of award), is authorized to act as an official representative of the Contracting Officer.

2. The COR is designated by the Contracting Officer and authorized to act within the limitations specified herein and written restrictions specifically imposed under the terms of this award and by the Contracting Officer. The authority might extend the following:

inspection, acceptance, or rejection of work.

3. This designation does not include authority to direct changes in scope, price, terms, or conditions of this award. The authority herein also does not include authority to execute modifications to the award, which requires the signature of the Contracting Officer, or to bind the Government by contract terms of a proposed contract change.

G.3 PAYMENT AND INVOICES

Monthly invoices or invoices per deliverable (to be specified at award) will be required for the services rendered. Payment terms are NET30. An original of each invoice in PDF format shall be submitted on an SF-1034 Public Voucher for Purchases and Services Other Than Personal to the Office of Financial Management. Submit invoice to the Office of Chief Financial Officer via email at ei@usaid.gov. One (1) copy of vouchers and invoices shall also be submitted to the COR. The SF- 1034 must be signed, and it must be submitted along with the invoice and any other documentation in PDF format.

G.4 ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

TBD prior to award.

(END OF SECTION G)

PART 2 – CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION I

I.1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The following provisions are applicable to this requirement:

NUMBER TITLE DATE

52.204-7 System for Award Management OCT 2018

52.204-8 Annual Representations and Certifications (c)(1) The following representations or certifications in SAM are applicable to this solicitation as indicated:

(v) 52.204-5 Women-Owned Business (Other Than Small Business)

(vi) 52.204-26 Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services—Representation

(vii) 52.209-2 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations—Representation

(viii) 52.209-5 Certification Regarding Responsibility Matters

(ix) 52.209-11 Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction under any Federal Law

(xii) 52.219-1 Small Business Program Representations

(xiv) 52.222-22 Previous Contracts and Compliance Reports

(xv) 52.222-25 Affirmative Action Compliance

(xvi) 52.222-38 Compliance with Veterans’ Employment Reporting Requirements

(xxiii) 52.225-20 Prohibition on Conducting Restricted Business Operations in Sudan—Certification

(xxiv) 52.225-25 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities Engaging in Certain Activities or Transactions Relating to Iran— Representation and Certifications

(c)(2) The following representations or certifications in SAM are applicable to this solicitation as indicated by the Contracting Officer:

[X] (i) 52.204-17 Ownership or Control of Offeror [X] (ii) 52.204-20 Predecessor of Offeror

DEC 2022

52.204-16 Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting AUG 2020 52.204-22 Alternative Line Item Proposal JAN 2017 52.204-29 Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act Orders—

Representation and Disclosures

DEC 2023

52.207-1 Notice of Standard Competition MAY 2006 52.209-13 Violation of Arms Control Treaties or Agreements—Certification NOV 2021 52.215-1 Instructions to Offerors—Competitive Acquisition--Alternate I NOV 2021 52.215-16 Facilities Capital Cost of Money JUN 2003 52.216-1 Type of Contract

Firm-fixed price blanket purchase agreement

APR 1984

52.217-5 Evaluation of Options JUL 1990 52.229-11 Tax on Certain Foreign Procurements—Notice and Representation JUN 2020 52.233-2 Service of Protest SEP 2006

I.2 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS IN FULL TEXT

FAR 52.204-24 – Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (Nov 2021)

The Offeror shall not complete the representation at paragraph (d)(1) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it "does not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services as a part of its offered products or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract, or other contractual instrument" in paragraph (c)(1) in the provision at 52.204-26, Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services—Representation, or in paragraph (v)(2)(i) of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Products or Commercial Services. The Offeror shall not complete the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it "does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services" in paragraph (c)(2) of the provision at 52.204-26, or in paragraph (v)(2)(ii) of the provision at 52.212-3.

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision—

Backhaul, covered telecommunications equipment or services, critical technology, interconnection arrangements, reasonable inquiry, roaming, and substantial or essential component have the meanings provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

(b) Prohibition. (1) Section 889(a)(1)(A) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2019, from procuring or obtaining, or extending or renewing a contract to procure or obtain, any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to—

(i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

(ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

(2) Section 889(a)(1)(B) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2020, from entering into a contract or extending or renewing a contract with an entity that uses any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. This prohibition applies to the use of covered telecommunications equipment or services, regardless of whether that use is in performance of work under a Federal contract. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to—

(i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

(ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

(c) Procedures. The Offeror shall review the list of excluded parties in the System for Award Management (SAM) (https://www.sam.gov) for entities excluded from receiving federal awards for "covered telecommunications equipment or services".

(d) Representation. The Offeror represents that—

(1) It □ will, □ will not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract or other contractual instrument resulting from this solicitation. The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(1) of this section if the Offeror responds "will" in paragraph (d)(1) of this section; and

(2) After conducting a reasonable inquiry, for purposes of this representation, the Offeror represents that—

It □ does, □ does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or use any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services.

The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(2) of this section if the Offeror responds "does" in paragraph (d)(2) of this section.

(e) Disclosures. (1) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision.

If the Offeror has responded "will" in the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

(i) For covered equipment—

(A) The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or a distributor, if known);

(B) A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

(C) Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.

(ii) For covered services—

(A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained: Brand;

model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

(B) If not associated with maintenance, the Product Service Code (PSC) of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.

(2) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded "does" in the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

(i) For covered equipment—

(A) The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the OEM or a distributor, if known);

(B) A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

(C) Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision.

(ii) For covered services—

(A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained:

Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

(B) If not associated with maintenance, the PSC of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision.

(End of provision)

FAR 52.252-1 – Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998)

This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

http://acquisition.gov/far/

(End of provision)

I.3 CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The following clauses are applicable to this requirement:

NUMBER TITLE DATE

52.202-1 Definitions JAN 2020 52.203-3 Gratuities APR 1984 52.203-5 Covenant Against Contingent Fees MAY 2014 52.203-6 Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government JUN 2020 52.203-7 Anti-Kickback Procedures JUN 2020 52.203-8 Cancellation, Rescission, and Recovery of Funds for Illegal or

Improper Activity

MAY 2014

52.203-10 Price or Fee Adjustment for Illegal or Improper Activity MAY 2014 52.203-12 Limitation on Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions JUN 2020 52.203-17 Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights JUN 2020 52.203-19 Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality

Agreements or Statements

JAN 2017

52.204-4 Printed or Copied Double-Sided on Postconsumer Fiber Content Paper

MAY 2011

52.204-10 Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards

JUN 2020

52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance OCT 2018 52.204-18 Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance AUG 2020 52.204-19 Incorporation by Reference of Representations and Certifications DEC 2014 52.204-21 Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems NOV 2021 52.204-23 Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services

Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities

NOV 2021

52.204-25 Prohibition of Contracting for Certain Telecomunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment

NOV 2021

52.204-27 Prohibition on a ByteDance Covered Application JUN 2023 52.209-6 Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with

Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment

NOV 2021

52.209-10 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations NOV 2015 52.215-2 Audit and Records—Negotiation JUN 2020 52.215-8 Order of Precedence—Uniform Contract Format OCT 1997 52.219-8 Utilization of Small Business Concerns OCT 2022 52.219-28 Post-Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation MAR 2023 52.222-3 Convict Labor JUN 2003 52.222-26 Equal Opportunity SEP 2016 52.222-35 Equal Opportunity for Veterans JUN 2020 52.222-36 Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities JUN 2020 52.222-37 Employment Reports on Veterans JUN 2020 52.222-40 Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations

Act

DEC 2010

52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons NOV 2021

52.222-54 Employment Eligibility Verification MAY 2022 52.223-6 Drug-Free Workplace MAY 2001 52.223-18 Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While

Driving

JUN 2020

52.227-1 Authorization and Consent JUN 2020 52.232-1 Payments APR 1984 52.232-39 Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations JUN 2013 52.233-1 Disputes MAY 2014 52.233-3 Protect After Award AUG 1996 52.233-4 Applicable Law of Breach of Contract Claim OCT 2004 52.243-1 Changes – Fixed-Price (AUG 1987) – Alternate I APR 1984 52.244-6 Subcontracts for Commercial Products and Commercial Services OCT 2022 52.246-4 Inspection of Services – Fixed Price AUG 1996 52.249-1 Termination for Convenience of the Government (Fixed Price)

(Short Form)

APR 1984

I.2 CONTRACT CLAUSES IN FULL TEXT

52.217-8 – Option to Extend Services (NOV 1999)

The Government may require continued performance of any services within the limits and at the rates specified in the contract. These rates may be adjusted only as a result of revisions to prevailing labor rates provided by the Secretary of Labor. The option provision may be exercised more than once, but the total extension of performance hereunder shall not exceed 6 months. The

Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor within 30 days of the end of the award.

(end of clause)

52.217-9 – Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (MAR 2000)

a) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor within 30 days; provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 60 days before the contract expires. The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension.

b) If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this option clause.

c) The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed 5 years.

(end of clause)

FAR 52.252-2 – Clauses Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available.

Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address (es):

http://acquisition.gov/far/

(end of clause)

(END OF SECTION I)

PART 3 – LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

SECTION J – LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

Attachment Number Title I Statement of Work (as amended) II Pricing Sheet (protected) (as amended)

III

Non-disclosure & Conflicts of Interest

Agreement

(END OF SECTION J)

PART 4 – REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION K – REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

The following solicitation provisions require representations, certification, or the submission of other information by offerors:

• FAR 52.204-8 – Annual Representations and Certifications

• FAR 52.204-5 Women-Owned Business (Other Than Small Business)

• FAR 52.204-17 Ownership or Control of Offeror

• FAR 52.204-20 Predecessor of Offeror

• FAR 52.204-24 – Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video

Surveillance Services or Equipment (Nov 2021)

• FAR 52.204-26 Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services—Representation

• FAR 52.209-2 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations—

Representation

• FAR 52.209-5 Certification Regarding Responsibility Matters

• FAR 52.209-11 Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony

Conviction under any Federal Law

• FAR 52.209-13 – Violation of Arms Control Treaties or Agreements—Certification

• FAR 52.219-1 Small Business Program Representations

• FAR 52.222-22 Previous Contracts and Compliance Reports

• FAR 52.222-25 Affirmative Action Compliance

• FAR 52.222-38 Compliance with Veterans’ Employment Reporting Requirements

• FAR 52.225-20 Prohibition on Conducting Restricted Business Operations in Sudan—

Certification

• FAR 52.225-25 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities Engaging in Certain Activities or

Transactions Relating to Iran—Representation and Certifications

• FAR 52.229-11 – Tax on Certain Foreign Procurements—Notice and Representation

(END OF SECTION K)

SECTION L – INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS OR RESPONDENTS

The following reference documents are a part of the solicitation; however, they will not be incorporated into the contract. These documents are provided to assist offerors in preparing proposals.

• REVISED Pre-solicitation 72001G24R00002 QnA Reference Document

• Solicitation 72001G24R00002 QnA Reference Document

• Instructions to Offerors – Proposal Submission (72001G24R00002)

(END OF SECTION L)

SECTION M –EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

Full details and explanations of the evaluation factors is described in the Instructions to Offerors reference document, below is a synopsis.

For this purchase, the USAID OIG will award one (1) contract in the form of a blanket purchase agreement (BPA) for transcription, translation, and interpretation services based on “best value”.

Best value is determined by comparing the differences in value provided by technical features to the differences in total price. In determining which proposal provides the best value to the government, non-price (technical) evaluation factors, when combined, are significantly more important than evaluated price. However, the USAID OIG will not pay a premium for only incrementally superior technical offerings. The CO may engage in further negotiations with all, some, or none of the offerors at any point prior to making an award decision in order to obtain the best possible value for the organization.

To assess the best value for USAID OIG, the technical evaluation team will conduct a formal technical evaluation. Each member of the technical evaluation team will perform an independent evaluation of the proposals.

The team members will then meet to discuss each proposal and develop a team consensus as to the qualification of each offeror based on the following five factors, which are listed in the order of importance:

Operations Supplier Capability Past Performance Data Security

The first evaluation factor will hold the most weight of importance. The second evaluation factor will hold slightly less weight of importance than the first. The third factor will hold slightly less weight of importance than the second. The last evaluation factor will hold the least weight of importance. In addition, evaluators will also be considering the risk factors of the offeror proposal(s) when performing their evaluation.

Pricing information provided by offerors will be evaluated separately from the technical proposal.

A pricing evaluation team will review the offerors’ price proposals (Attachment II – Price Sheet (protected)) and conduct a pricing analysis to compare offerors’ unit and total rates for each service and language. USAID OIG is not required to engage offerors in further discussions and/or negotiations following the receipt of the proposals. The proposed pricing will be evaluated but not scored.

(END OF SECTION M)

TRANSCRIPTION, TRANSLATION, & INTERPRETATION

STATEMENT OF WORK

1. SUMMARY

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Office of Inspector General (OIG), Office of Investigations (IG/I) requires linguistic transcription, translation, and interpretation services to support ongoing investigations. The office is looking to obtain a qualified Supplier to perform language support services on an as-needed basis under a blanket purchase agreement

(BPA).

2. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance includes a one-year base period and four, one-year, priced, option periods to be exercised unilaterally at the USAID OIG's sole discretion given greater than 60 calendar days' written notice to the Supplier. Any order off the BPA must take place during the period of performance. USAID OIG may cancel the BPA at any time. USAID OIG may notify the Supplier at least 60 days in advance when cancelling the BPA. Additionally, BPA cancellation does not release the Supplier from the duty to continue performance for orders in process. Thus, ongoing orders must continue even if the BPA is cancelled.

Base Period: XX/XX/2024 to XX/XX/2025 (to be determined at time of award)

Option Period One (1): XX/XX/2025 to XX/XX/2026 (to be determined at time of award)

Option Period Two (2): XX/XX/2026 to XX/XX/2027 (to be determined at time of award)

Option Period Three (3): XX/XX/2027 to XX/XX/2028 (to be determined at time of award)

Option Period Four (4): XX/XX/2028 to XX/XX/2029 (to be determined at time of award)

3. BPA TYPE

The USAID OIG anticipates awarding a BPA to a Supplier for the fulfillment of the requirements included in this SOW. If funding is available, the Contracting Officer's

Representative (COR) may direct the Supplier to complete a task through the placement of an order without involvement from the Contracting Officer (CO), using a form provided by USAID

OIG. This form will be the only form completed by USAID OIG in placing an order, meaning the USAID OIG will NOT use or complete any Supplier-provided form(s) in the placement of an order; any intake/request forms required by the Supplier are the burden of the supplier to complete. In response, the Supplier will propose an appropriate level of effort for fulfilling the order in accordance with the contract fixed unit rates. The COR may then approve the level of effort for the order and direct the Supplier to begin work. The total value of each order may not exceed $10,000, including any cost-reimbursable travel expenses. The COR and the Supplier must collaborate to accurately track the total amount of any orders placed to ensure adequate funding is available for future orders.

4. BACKGROUND

IG/I is a federal law enforcement agency that conducts worldwide investigations into allegations of criminal, civil, and administrative violations relating to the USAID, Millennium Challenge

Corporation, United States African Development Foundation, and the Inter-American

Foundation. USAID OIG’s mission is to safeguard and strengthen the integrity of U.S. foreign assistance through timely, unbiased, impactful criminal, civil, and administrative investigations and outreach to identify, investigate, prosecute, and mitigate significant crimes and misconduct impacting the programs, operations, and personnel, of the agencies we oversee.

5. OBJECTIVE

The objective of this BPA is to provide transcription, translation, and interpretation services for initiated and ongoing investigations.

6. SCOPE OF WORK

(a) Language support services are defined as follows:

i. Consecutive interpretation: listening to English or non-English language and orally converting to non-English or English, respectively.

1) In-person

2) Telephonic

3) Video remote

ii. Transcription: rendering non-English audio and video recordings into the same written non-English language and then translated into written English.

iii. Translation: replacing written, non-English text (i.e., highly technical contracts or legal documents) into equivalent written English documents (translation-transcription) or replacing written, English text (i.e., highly technical contracts or legal documents) into equivalent written non-English documents (translation-transcription).

iv. All interpreters, transcriptionists, and translators must be certified in accordance with the qualifications outlined under section 12 of this SOW to ensure that all spoken words and gestures of a proceeding are produced accurately.

(b) Please see the list below for the frequently common languages to anticipate. The list includes but is not limited to:

• Albanian

• Amharic

• Arabic (Northern and Southern Levantine, Iraqi, Egyptian, Sudanese, Yemeni)

• Bahasa

• Bengali

• Burmese

• Creole

• Dari

• Farsi

• French

• Hindi

• Khmer

• Laotian

• Malay

• Mongolian

• Nepali

• Pashto

• Portuguese

• Romanian

• Russian

• Serbian

• Sinhala

• Spanish (Latin American and European)

• Swahili

• Tagalog

• Tamil

• Thai

• Turkish

• Ukrainian

• Urdu

• Vietnamese

(c) Personnel must be able to analyze large amounts of information to and from English. The transcriber or translator will provide direct findings and translations clearly and concisely in formats specified by the USAID OIG office.

(d) Document translations, audio and video transcriptions, and linguistic support that are not real-time may be performed at the Supplier’s site or in the USAID OIG office in

Washington, DC.

(e) The Supplier must provide professional, qualified, certified (as outlined in section 12) transcribers, translators and interpreters for any language requested. The transcribers, translators, and interpreters are also required to be fluent and highly proficient in English and at least one non-English language listed above in section 6b. The transcribers, translators, and interpreters must be familiar with both formal and casual modes of communication, including colloquialisms and slang expressions. Knowledge of legal and criminal justice system vocabulary is highly desired.

i. Personnel must be able to perform transcription, translation, and interpretation services that are factually accurate without omissions or additions. They must be able to interpret, translate, and transcribe case related source information from the languages listed in 6b into English. The source information may be contained in the following formats: typed and hand-written financial statements, documents, and receipts; emails; encrypted communication chat logs; videos; and audio recordings.

ii. United States citizens, by birth or by naturalization.

iii. Certified in one or more of the language certification programs listed in section

12.

(f) Interpreters might be required to provide on-site services in Washington, D.C., and other assigned locations. The travel expenses incurred while in performance of the contract will be reimbursed to the Supplier.

(g) The transcribers and/or translators may be required to assist Special Agents to communicate with confidential witnesses and confidential informants in languages listed in 6b via encrypted messaging applications for smartphone, telephone, or in person. The utmost discretion will be required.

(h) Transcriptions and translations must be performed by individuals certified in accordance with the qualifications outlined under section 12 of this SOW to provide transcripts of audio and video recordings of subject and witness interviews that may be used in a U.S.

court of law including judicial and administrative proceedings. The lines of text on each page of transcription or translation must be numbered in a format approved by USAID

OIG. The original recordings may be in the languages listed in 6b.

(i) Court appearances by transcribers and/or translators, testifying to the accuracy of the transcription and/or translation may also be required. The travel expenses incurred while in performance of the contract will be reimbursed to the Supplier. The hourly rate for court appearances is provided for in Attachment II – Pricing Sheet (protected).

(j) One year of experience transcribing and/or translating in a law enforcement or U.S.

judicial environment is highly preferred. Knowledge of the protocol of U.S. court interpreting is highly desired.

7. TRAVEL

Travel within the continental Unites States (CONUS) may be required during the term of the contract. Outside the continental United States (OCONUS) travel is not anticipated. All travel must be made in accordance with all federal travel guidelines and regulations. It is the

Supplier's responsibility to ensure all travel is made in accordance with all federal travel guidelines and regulations.

The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) will notify the supplier of the need to travel at least ten (10) business days from the departure date. Within three (3) business days of receipt of the notice, the supplier must submit a written estimate of the travel expenses to the

COR. The COR will provide approval of the trip expenses in writing back to the supplier within two (2) business days. Within 10 business days after the supplier returns from travel, all supporting documentation must be provided to the COR for review, approval, and payment.

8. OBSERVANCE OF LEGAL HOLIDAYS AND ADMINSTRATIVE LEAVE

USAID OIG recognizes and observes all federal U.S. holidays listed on OPM.gov’s federal holiday webpage.

USAID OIG employees overseas may also be entitled to local holidays not listed on the

OPM website. Any local holidays will be considered a non-business day under this contract.

Services will not be required on any of the observed U.S. holidays or any local holidays abroad.

9. SPECIFIC TASKS

The duties under this BPA include:

(a) The Supplier must seek a court reporter to certify all transcripts.

(b) The Supplier must securely receive recorded interviews from USAID OIG, including via email, hand delivery, and/or messenger service.

(c) The Supplier must supply transcripts to USAID OIG either via email or through a printed format. Transcripts sent via email should be encrypted with a password for the protection of personally identifiable information and sensitive details within. Note that printed transcripts can be used in legal proceedings and all printed transcripts should be acceptable to use in legal proceedings.

(d) USAID OIG requires a standard, ten business days turnaround time for each transcription and translation deliverable, starting when the material is sent to the supplier, unless the turnaround time is otherwise specified as expedited (two to three business days turnaround) on the order form provided by USAID OIG. Pricing must reflect the amount of time it takes to complete the transcription and translation service.

10. MARKING

The Supplier must reference the contract number and the name of the contract when contacting

USAID OIG.

11. INSPECTION OF SERVICES

The Contracting Officer or Contracting Officer Representative (COR) can perform an inspection of services to ensure items are delivered in a timely and efficient manner.

12. LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY QUALIFICATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Language certifications in the foreign language(s) and English are required for all transcribers, translators, and interpreters in the four basic communications skills (listening, reading, writing, and speaking). The transcribers, translators, and interpreters must be capable of accurately translating, transcribing, and interpreting highly complex technical conversations and documents, including discussions of contracts and other legal issues. Proof of any of the qualifications listed below will be required.

A list of acceptable language certifications include:

(a) Transcribers and translators who have taken examinations certified by the U.S.

Government, such as: Defense Language Institute (Department of Defense); Foreign

Service Institute (Department of State); Department of Justice; Federal Bureau of

Investigation; and who can provide…