Revised SOW AG-6740-S-11-0006.docx

STATEMENT OF WORK

The Contractor shall furnish the necessary personnel to perform the Statement of Work (SOW) below.

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) requires the provision of Farm Bill administrative assistance in various Service Centers and Field Office(s) throughout South Dakota. The contractor must exhibit the ability to provide geographic flexibility in the provision of services allowing for growth or reduction of the workforce at the various locations listed below and the potential addition of other locations within South Dakota. Prices offered for option years should take into consideration the potential need for services at additional locations.

Services consist of assisting NRCS staff with Farm Bill program documentation and administration, including but not limited to preparing and processing documents and correspondence, checking documents for accuracy and completeness, gathering information, reconciling payment documents, recording data, establishing and maintaining files, and transmitting information. Services will require utilizing a variety of computer hardware and software applications and small office machines. Some interaction with the general public will be required in an office setting.

Work will be performed Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays and other days NRCS offices officially close. Daily schedules will be coordinated between the Supervisory District Conservationists and the contractor. Once work schedules have been set, there will be no deviations without prior written approval by the Contracting Officer. Contractor employees must identify themselves as “contractor(s)” during the designated hours of performance. NRCS South Dakota anticipates a requirement of between 38,000 and 40,000 labor hours during the base year.

The contractor must provide employees to perform services who meet the following qualifications:

· possess valid driving license;

· proficient in word processing;

· knowledgeable and experienced in utilizing a variety of computer hardware and software applications, such as Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, and Access;

· able to use e-mail and internet browsers;

· knowledgeable and experienced in operating small office machines, such as calculators, fax machines, and copy machines;

· knowledgeable and experienced in general office procedures, such as preparing reports, spreadsheets, and filing;

· skillful in working with the general public;

· capable of working independently; and

· possess basic telephone skills.

Although not required the following qualifications would be preferred:

· knowledge of Arc View;

· knowledge of general agricultural and conservation programs.

The Government’s recommended minimum occupation code from the list on the wage determination is a General Clerk II.

On an infrequent basis, the contractor’s employee may be required to perform work offsite. In these instances the use of a NRCS government vehicle will be authorized provided a “Authorization to Drive a Government Owned or Lease Vehicle” form has been completed and approved.

Work must be completed in accordance with NRCS South Dakota policies, procedures and the local Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG) requirements. Training may be required as determined and provided by the Government.

Security Requirements: The Contractor must conduct pre-screening of all persons proposed for work under this contract and ensure that employees who will provide services under the contract have submitted to the Government a completed Standard Form 85, Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions within 15 calendar days after hire. Due to the heightened concern for Homeland Security, all Standard Form 85s will be reviewed with NRCS. NRCS will concur with or decline the selection of Contractor employees. The costs relative to obtaining the security clearances and required fingerprinting shall be borne by the contractor.

Non-Disclosure: Work performance required by this SOW will involve access to potentially sensitive information about governmental and landowner issues. All Contractor personnel must comply with the terms of AGAR 452.224-70, Confidentiality of Information, as well as provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. 552a. Additionally, the Contractor’s employees shall comply with privacy of personal information relating to natural resources conservation programs in accordance with Section 1244 of Title II of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (P.L. 1078-171).

Civil Rights and Program Delivery: The Contractor will ensure that personnel prohibit discrimination in all aspects of programs and activities related to this Contract on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. The Contractor shall employ only persons able to speak, read, write, and understand English fluently for those positions interacting with Government personnel and customers in the performance of this contract, and where English is necessary to provide a service under this contract.

The employees of the contractor will be based at one of the Service Centers of the Management Unit and may be required to travel within 100 miles to other Service Centers as needed. Travel time between management units will be paid at the contracted hourly rate plus mileage in accordance with government rates.