Attachment_I_-_IDIQ_SOW.docx

ATTACHMENT I – IDIQ STATEMENT OF WORK

NONSUPERVISORY LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR GS 11 AND BELOW

NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC

1.0. BACKGROUND: The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), located in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, is one (1) of 27 research institutes and centers that comprise the National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The mission of NIEHS is to reduce the burden of human illness and dysfunction from environmental causes by understanding the interactive elements (environmental factors, individual susceptibility and age) and how they interrelate. The NIEHS achieves its mission through multidisciplinary biomedical research programs, prevention and intervention efforts, and communication strategies that encompass training, education, technology transfer and community outreach. The NIEHS specifically conducts, supports and coordinates research and scientific studies related to the effects on man of chemical, physical and biological substances and agents both present in or introduced into the environment. The purpose of these activities is to develop an understanding of the modes and mechanisms of action of such substances and agents to provide a scientific basis for evaluating the extent and severity of the problems created by these substances and agents, and to diagnose, define and develop methods for treating or preventing diseases and other adverse conditions resulting from these substances and agents.

Achievement of NIEHS goals is linked to its staff’s leadership ability to excel at scientific and non-scientific endeavors while operating within the rules and regulations of the federal government and a continuously evolving socio-political, scientific, and business dynamic. The ultimate objective of this newly adopted leadership program is to invest in the career development of the existing non-supervisory NIEHS workforce, and cultivate their skills, abilities, and leadership potential to enable career growth, progression, and professional enrichment that is mutually beneficial to both NIEHS and its most vital assets, its employees.

At NIEHS, Employee Services is an instrumental partner in its workforce recruitment, retention, and succession planning for leadership development at all levels for the NIEHS scientific and administrative communities. Employee Services already manages the mid-level development and senior/executive leadership programs. To build management capacity and foster the retention of potential future leaders within the agency, NIEHS seeks a vendor to provide a multi-faceted, lower-level Leadership Development Program to build a sustainable bridge between senior leadership and the people who execute the work of the agency.

2.0. OBJECTIVES: The basic service objective is to provide support for a high-quality targeted leadership development program for non-supervisory employees at the GS-11 grade level and below at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) in Fiscal Year 2019. The NIEHS has identified a need to develop current employees at these target grade levels and equip them with professional development resources and skillsets through training, coaching, shadowing, and IDP development to aid them in identifying areas for professional growth potential. The overall objectives of the program include, but are not limited to, the following primary developmental areas:

· Self-Awareness and the Leadership Function

· Emotional intelligence

· Leadership styles

· Personality types

· Transitioning into higher-level and supervisory roles

· Personal effectiveness - time management, continuous learning

· Understanding and Collaborating with Others

· Collaboration and coalition-building

· Negotiation and persuasion

· Delegation

· Motivation

· Conflict management

· Giving and receiving feedback (performance management)

· Diversity awareness, sensitivity, and valuation

· Communication (oral and written)

· Key Business Acumen

· Analysis and problem-solving

· Knowledge management

· Strategic thinking – encompassing creativity and risk assessment

· Innovation in the Federal Government and Managing change

3.0. SCOPE: This Statement of Work (SOW) will be used to obtain program development support services. The Contractor shall provide a faculty of qualified instructor personnel. Instructors shall be knowledgeable in various facets of leadership and have expertise in presenting and facilitating the program content. Additionally, instructors shall be knowledgeable with federal management issues and familiar with the business of science.

3.1. The Contractor shall identify, by name, personnel proposed for managing, designing and coordinating the program, in addition to staff utilized to deliver the course subject matter. Resumes for all involved in the coordination of the program shall be included in the proposal. Coaches should have a background in coaching lower-level, non-managerial personnel. NIEHS reserves the right to review all coaches and instructors prior to selection. Resumes should include: employee name, brief description of proposed duties/responsibilities/areas of expertise, education (degrees and certificates), recent experience specific to their proposed role including experience working with federal employees, and whether they are currently employed by the vendor; planning to join the organization (date must be given); or are a subcontractor.

3.2. This is a non-personal services contract. 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. The Contractor, in turn, shall be accountable to the Government for contractor personnel, subcontractors, or contract service providers.

4.0 TASKS: The Contractor shall provide the following services:

4.1. Program Development Services: The Contractor shall develop a program with a structure and cohort framework consisting of 3 components entailing a combination of:

1) Classroom training and collaborative cross-institutional dialogue with other cohort participants

2) Development projects and other individualized activities

3) Individualized coaching and self-assessment toolsA sample outline with possible session topics is referenced in Appendix A. The length for the cohort with program completion shall be 4 – 6 months for participants.

4.1.1. Classroom Training and Collaborative Dialogue

The classroom and collaborative component shall be spread over the course of a minimum of 4 months to no more than 6 months and shall include a 1-day orientation and (5) 2-day training sessions of classroom-based instruction time. Additionally, there will be a final 1-day session for out briefing and program wrap-up. The orientation and training sessions will convene onsite at NIEHS facilities. Locations include 530 Davis Drive Morrisville, NC and/or 111 T.W. Alexander Drive, Durham, NC.

4.1.1. The Contractor shall incorporate a variety of instructional approaches utilized within a blended learning environment, such as:

· Experiential Learning

· Segmented classroom sessions, building upon individual assessments

· Interactive Discussions

4.2. Development Projects and Other Activities: The Contractor shall provide instructional learning of key principles and models presented in the leadership training components, as well as applying the learning to enhance participant knowledge. It shall be spread over the 4-6 months. The Contractor is expected to offer any of the following and make recommendations on timing and frequency:

· Action learning assignments

· Reinforcement of content already learned

4.2.1. Participants will be required to complete a Capstone Project at the end of the program to apply principles learned and skills developed. The project will entail participants identifying a business/operational deficiency or challenge at NIEHS, a concise explanation of the issue, evaluation of possible solutions and/or improvement options, and recommendations via a business case presentation.

4.3. Individualized Coaching Session(s) and Coaching Tools: The Contractor is expected to provide a debrief of Assessment Data to ensure that:

· Participants understand self-assessment results, along with survey feedback from peers and supervisor(s).

· Individualized coaching sessions will focus on discussing strengths and areas for improvement of skills and abilities based on survey feedback and self-assessment results. Note: The Contractor should provide NIEHS with a selection of available assessments. NIEHS will select the assessment to be used in the program.

· Additional assessments that increase self-awareness and awareness of differences in personality/leadership styles are recommended.

· Any pre-course reading material should be provided to participants no less than three weeks in advance and discussed by faculty and participants during program.

4.4. Program Participation Support Services: Participation in this program shall be administered much like other previously established leadership programs at NIEHS, via an application and evaluation committee process. Employees wishing to participate in the program will submit an application to their supervisor for recommendation and approval. If approved, the application will be forwarded to the program evaluation committee for consideration and final selection by the NIEHS Director.

4.5. Program Logistics Support Services: The Contractor, upon request, shall manage aspects of program logistics. This shall include sending email correspondence, informing participants of cancellations, updating program materials, and other duties as assigned by the NIEHS Program Manager. Program modifications may be needed to enhance the program and or adjust to the needs of the federal government and NIEHS.

4.5.1. All records, files, documents, and work papers associated with this program shall be the property of the Federal government. In addition, all materials customized to meet the NIEHS requirements shall be the property of the Federal government. The NIEHS will be authorized to make copies of non-commercial, non-copyrighted material for use, without notification to the vendor. At the time of record disposition or contract transition, the vendor shall box, label, and deliver all records, files, documents, materials and work papers to the NIEHS or a location identified by the NIEHS.

4.5.2. The Contractor shall ensure that all plans, materials, logistical arrangements are reviewed by the COR.

4.5.3. The Contractor shall provide support with coordinating the schedule and location of the program. An orientation day shall be included in the first session of the leadership learning phase. The orientation should include an overview of leadership concepts and assessment instruments that will be used in the program. In addition, five (5) cohort program sessions would be held throughout the duration of the program components, along with a final day for program wrap-up.

4.5.4. Programs shall be scheduled when dates are determined. The target deployment date to begin delivering the first program is no later than April 30, 2019. The Contractor shall be evaluated based on their performance during the first program. If the performance of the Contractor during the first program is found to be satisfactory by NIEHS, an additional option-year program may be requested.

4.5.5. Day-long programs shall be hosted at NIEHS facilities from 8:30am until 4:30pm and should include appropriate time and meals for breaks and lunch. The Contractor shall be responsible for laying out participant material and preparing instructional equipment and aids - unless otherwise specified by NIEHS policies and procedures. An NIEHS coordinator will be on site or available for each session to ensure seamless coordination of people and activities.

4.6. Other Support Requirements: The Contractor shall develop a leadership program that includes the content, topics, and format listed in this Statement of Work (SOW) in the initial contract year. Contractor performance during the first program in the initial contract year will determine if additional programs will convene. Work closely with the NIEHS, and other parties as identified, during program development phase to ensure content meets developmental needs and expectations. This includes emails, phone calls and occasional meetings as required.

4.6.1. Meet with NIEHS program staff to review the plan for implementation. Meetings will convene either face to face or via phone, with sufficient time (at least 60 days prior to program launch) to review the plan for implementation.

4.6.2. The Contractor shall provide a program binder of course materials for each program participant. The Contractor shall submit a draft copy of the program binder and materials at least 60 working days prior to the first day of the program. The materials will be reviewed and returned to the Contractor, with appropriate comments, within 15 working days. The contractor shall make any changes that are required and incorporate into the materials within five (5) working days. All written work will adhere to the plain language guidelines available for review at https://www.nih.gov/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/clear-communication/plain-language. Except when proprietary or copyrighted, all developed materials will be the final property of the NIEHS.

4.6.3. Pursuant to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794d), as amended by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, all electronic and information technology (EIT) products and services developed, acquired, maintained, and/or used under this contract/order must comply with the "Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Provisions" set forth by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (also referred to as the "Access Board") in 36 CFR part 1194. Information about Section 508 provisions is available at http://www.section508.gov/. The complete text of Section 508 Final provisions can be accessed at https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-section-508-standards/section-508-standards.

4.6.3.1. The Section 508 standards applicable to this contract/order are identified in the Statement of Work. The Contractor must provide a written Section 508 conformance certification due at the end of each order/contract exceeding $100,000 when the order/contract duration is one year or less. If it is determined by the Government that EIT products and services provided by the Contractor do not conform to the described accessibility in the Product Assessment Template, remediation of the products and/or services to the level of conformance specified in the vendor's Product Assessment Template will be the responsibility of the Contractor at its own expense.

4.6.3.2. In the event of a modification(s) to the contract/order, which adds new EIT products and services or revised the type of, or specifications for, products and services the Contractor is to provide, including EIT deliverables such as electronic documents and reports, the Contracting Officer may require that the Contractor submit a completed HHS Section 508 Product Assessment Template to assist the Government in determining that the EIT products and services support Section 508 accessibility requirements. Instructions for documenting accessibility via the HHS Section 508 Product Assessment Template may be found at http://508.hhs.gov.

4.6.4. The Contractor's staff and all products and activities related to the contract shall clearly identify NIEHS as the sponsor of this program. In addition, the text and other materials such as handouts, PowerPoint presentations, slides, overheads and other instructional material shall also be identified by the NIEHS and/or NIH logos and program title.

4.6.5. The Contractor shall prepare three (3) core evaluations. The first shall be an evaluation of each daily session of the classroom training component. The second evaluation shall be an evaluation of each session in the individualized coaching component. The third shall be an evaluation of the overall program. These evaluations shall be directed toward soliciting participant’s comments as to the value of the material taught, relevance to job, changes and additions recommended, and the quality of the instructor(s), and shall be administered within 48 hours of segment completion.

4.6.6. The evaluation design shall be emailed to NIEHS at least 15 working days prior to the first day of each program. They will be reviewed and returned to the Contractor, with appropriate comments, within 10 working days. Any changes that are required by the review shall be accomplished by the Contractor within five (5) working days.

4.6.7. Summary reports of program sessions, which includes compiled data from the first two evaluations accompanied by copies of original questionnaire and findings for the evaluations. Delivery shall be made within 15 working days after each program component.

4.6.8. Summary report for the third evaluation shall be made no later than 1 month after the last day of the program.

4.6.9. The Contractor shall arrange for and/or deliver all course materials to the training site(s) and provide copies to the NIEHS program manager.

4.6.10. The Contractor shall furnish all materials necessary for the program requirements as outlined in this SOW.

4.6.11. The Contractor will communicate, via email, with program participants about necessary logistical information as appropriate.

4.6.12. Two (2) NIEHS staff shall be permitted to observe all program sessions.

4.6.13. Payment for Emergency Closure - During an emergency closure of the government and/or NIEHS taken for the public good, the institute will issue either written or oral orders to stop work to the Contractor. Contractor shall provide the NIEHS Contracting Officer or COR with verifiable documentation of expenses incurred which will be reviewed for equitable adjustment in the program delivery schedule, contract price, or both.

5.0. COMPLIANCE: The contractor shall comply with NIEHS guidelines for websites and other communications materials (see Attachments). See Section 508 accessibility guidelines as defined by the federal government. Please see the following URLs for details:

· Section 508 Information: http://www.section508.gov/

· Guide to the Section 508 Standards: https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-section-508-standards/guide-to-the-section-508-standards

· Making Files Accessible: http://www.hhs.gov/web/section-508/making-files-accessible/index.html

5.1. The following Section 508 accessibility standards apply to the tasks identified in this SOW:

· 36 CFR Part 1194-Subpart B—“Technical Standards”

· 1194.21—Software Applications and Operating Systems

· 1194.22—Web-based Intranet and Internet Information & Applications

· 1194.24—Video and Multimedia Products

· 36 CFR Part 1194-Subpart C—“Functional Performance Criteria”

· 1194.31 --- Functional Performance Criteria are intended to ensure that the individual accessible components work together to create an accessible product.

· 36 CFR Part 1194-Subpart D—“Information, Documentation, and Support”

· 1194.41 --- In order for EIT to be fully usable by people with disabilities, the information about the EIT and EIT support services shall also be usable by people with disabilities.

· Other Requirements

· The anticipated information content deliverable may include topics that address EIT products or EIT-related services. Delivered information content shall include data and/or knowledge appropriate and responsive to the functional performance criteria detailed in 36 CFR part 1194 Subpart C, as well as any technical provisions of 36 CFR part 1194 Subpart B applicable to the specific type of EIT addressed in the delivered information content.

· The anticipated information content deliverable is intended to be posted a website. Delivered information content shall consider the specific Section 508 accessibility requirements detailed in 36 CFR part 1194.22 and the functional performance criteria detailed in 36 CFR 1194 Subpart C.

· The anticipated information content deliverable is intended to be made available in a multimedia format. Delivered information content shall consider the specific Section 508 accessibility requirements detailed in 36 CFR part 1194.24 and the functional performance criteria detailed in 36 CFR 1194 Subpart C.

· The work outlined in the SOW is expected to involve tasks that relate to or require the use of EIT. Delivered effort shall include knowledge and capabilities in the functional performance criteria detailed in 36 CFR part 1194 Subpart C, as well as any technical provisions of 36 CFR part 1194 Subpart B applicable to the specific type of EIT involved in the expected tasks.

NOTE: If the deliverable includes features and functions in addition to those identified as requirements, these features and functions also need to conform to relevant Section 508 technical provisions, functional performance criteria, and information, documentation and support.

6.0. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

· Restriction on contractor’s use of or dissemination of databases: Mailing lists either furnished to the contractor by the COR or prepared by the contractor as part of its continuing efforts to support the journal are protected by the Privacy Act, and shall not be used by the contractor or any other third party for any purposes other than for the expressed purpose of this contract. Mailing lists provided as part of this contract shall not be disseminated to other persons or entities, except the COR, and shall not be used by the contractor, its subcontractors, or any other organization of persons for any purpose other than the services specifically described by the SOW and contract document. The contractor shall ensure that all subcontracts and consultant agreements in support of this contract include this restriction.

· Privacy Act Notice: This SOW requires the Parties to do one or more of the following: design, develop, or operate a system of records on individuals to accomplish an agency function in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, Public Law 93-579, December 31, 1974 (5 USC 552a) and applicable agency regulations. Violation of the Act may involve the imposition of criminal penalties. The Privacy Act System of Records applicable to this project is Number 09-90-0024.

· Public Affairs Clearances: Any printing product produced under this contract for public distribution shall be submitted by the COR to the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (ASPA) office for clearance using form HHS-615 (to be completed by contractor).

7.0. CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL: The Contractor(s)’ personnel shall perform in a professional and courteous manner and shall abide by applicable NIEHS policies, rules, and procedures while on site.

7.1. KEY PERSONNEL: Qualified personnel shall be provided by the Contractor for performance of work listed herein to assure that requests for services are responded to in a prompt and safe manner. The following will be considered key personnel by the Government:

7.1.1. Project Manager: The Contractor shall provide a Project Manager who shall be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the work including under the contract and task orders.

· Qualifications: The Project Manager shall have a Bachelor’s degree at minimum. This individual shall have a minimum of 5 years of work related experience in project management and leadership development.

7.1.2. Leadership Coaches/Instructors/Facilitators/Consultants: The Contractor shall provide Leadership Coaches/Instructors/ Facilitators/Consultants who shall be responsible for coaching and training identified NIEHS junior staff under the contract and task orders.

· Qualifications: The Instructor/Coaches shall have a Bachelor’s degree at a minimum in any business related field and a minimum of 5 years of work related experience in leadership training and leadership development.

8.0. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, AND SERVICES: This section identifies those items such as property, information and/or services that will be provided for the contractor’s use (without cost to the contractor):

8.1. Equipment: This equipment is only provided while the contractor is on-site:

· Shared printers, faxmachines, copiers, document scanners, and other typical office equipment;

· Workspace with desk and chair when onsite work is being performed.

8.2. Access: Only if necessary and based on required prior approval

· Account on a Citrix Server (if needed per required approval)

· Virtual Private Network (VPN) client software (if needed per required approval)

· NIH or NIHEXT computer accounts (if needed per required approval)

· NIH email accounts (if needed per required approval)

· Other High-speed access to the Internet

· Secure computing environment

· Information technology support

· Office supplies (if needed)

· Access to shared meeting space

· Specialized equipment and software needed to perform specific tasks such as projectors for presentations (as needed)

8.3. Facilities: The government will supply space on the government facilities for the duration of this task order.

9.0. CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The Contractor shall furnish all supplies, equipment, and services required to perform work under this contract that are not listed under section 9 of this SOW.

9.1. Software: Assessment Tools

10.0. HOURS OF OPERATION: Normal business hours are Monday-Friday, excluding Federal holidays. Core hours at NIEHS typically fall between: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

10.1. The National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences observes the following holidays:

11.0. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Physical locations include 530 Davis Drive Morrisville, NC and/or 111 T.W. Alexander Drive, Durham, NC and at times may be via WebEx, teleconference, and/or skype.

12.0. TRAVEL AND OTHER DIRECT COSTS (ODCs): Travel and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) ARE NOT reimbursable under this contract; they should not be directly billed under task orders. They should be incorporated in the Contractors total price.

13.0. ORDERING PERIOD: The requirement has a 3 year ordering period. Individual task orders issued cannot exceed a 12-month period from the date of award.

APPENDIX A - SAMPLE COHORT TOPICS OUTLINE

Topic # Topic

Orientation/Introduction to Leadership Concepts

Self-Leadership Using Assessment Tools (e.g. Kilman Conflict Indicator, Myers – Briggs, DiSC, etc.)

Time Management & Efficiency Training and Implementation

Introduction to Emotional Intelligence

Customer Service Excellence and Managing Stakeholders

Building Effective Teams/Leading Without Authority

Big Picture: Change Management for Employees

High Impact Communication & Presentations

Breaking Down Silos Across Large Organizations

Implementing Change Through Developing a Business Case