American Sign Language PWS Final.docx

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP) requires American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting support services as a reasonable accommodation for CAP Deaf and Hard of Hearing employees. This support service provides the appropriate accommodations that will enable CAP’s employees to perform the essential functions of their job and make it possible for these employees to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment.

2.0 BACKGROUND

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, Title VI - Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities requires assisting employers to understand and meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). Under the provisions of the ADA, federal agencies are required to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities, barring undue hardship. In 1990, the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness established CAP as the centrally funded reasonable accommodations program for employees with disabilities in the DoD. 10 USC 1582 (2011) authorizes the Secretary of Defense to provide assistive technology, assistive technology devices, and assistive technology services to Department of Defense employees with disabilities.

3.0 SCOPE OF WORK / PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE (POP)

The Contractor shall provide the personnel, management, and materials necessary to provide American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting services to assist Deaf employee(s) in support of CAP during the performance period of September 30, 2025, through September 29, 2026, with option periods thereafter through October 31, 2027

4.0 REQUIREMENTS / PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

4.0.1 The descriptions of the services provided in this Performance Work Schedule (PWS) are included to provide the contractor the government’s tasks required to be performed by all contract employees. Services may take the form of demonstrated skills in providing American Sign Language (ASL) services for Deaf employees as described below. All interpreters must have the appropriate level of expertise in ASL to communicate with the employees. Sign language interpreters are required to assist Deaf employees with day-to-day interaction with co-workers and customers and provide sign language interpreting services for scheduled and ad hoc meetings and events. All interpreters must possess linguistic and cultural expertise in both ASL and English to provide fluent communication between the interpreter and employees. Provide onsite and/or remote scheduled and ad hoc ASL Interpreting Services in a variety of settings including large group, small group, individual, and platform interpreting and be able to provide consecutive and simultaneous interpretation in a variety of settings including the ability to keep pace with normal conversation at conferences and meetings, interpret nuances, voice inflections, idiosyncrasies, and mannerisms of participants to accurately convey the message.

4.0.2 Non-Disclosure: The receiving party agrees not to disclose confidential information to any third party without prior written consent. The contractor agrees to adhere to the Code of Professional Conduct (CPC) as provided by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID).

4.0.3 Hours of Operation: The contractor shall provide ASL interpreter services as needed between Monday and Friday on-site at Government facilities or remote via meeting platforms (MS Teams, ZoomGov, etc.) over the POP. The contractor shall provide these scheduled or ad hoc services typically between the hours of 8:00 AM EST and 5:00 PM EST, however, these hours are subject to the schedule of the government employees receiving services

4.1 INTERPRETING SERVICES

4.1.1 Provide the necessary number of interpreters (typically one (1) interpreter for assignments up to 60 minutes and two (2) interpreters for assignments 60 minutes or longer in duration. For each services requirement submitted with five (5) or more business days’ notice at the designated location stated in the ASL interpreting services request.

4.1.2 Interpreting service requests made by CAP shall be submitted either through the contract vendors’ electronic portal or via email. The contractor shall provide confirmation electronically, via system notification or email notification to CAP’s designated email address. Request confirmations must include all pertinent details of the event (date, time, location, etc.).

4.1.3 Requests may be submitted by CAP with less than five (5) business days’ notice, the contractor must attempt to fulfill these requests. Remote services may be accepted in lieu of onsite if the requirement can be met and there are no on-site interpreters available due to the short notice.

4.1.4 Complete registration requirements for visitor access and parking passes at least 48 hours prior to assignments for onsite assignments. If visitor requirements are not met by the contractor, then the contractor is responsible for all fees incurred to fulfill the mission requirements of being onsite for this contract. The government will not be responsible for parking fees, tolls, public transit fees, or other costs associated with arriving to and departing from the contract locations. Free parking will be available for 90% of assignments at the Mark Center. When not available, parking and/or public transit costs are the responsibility of the contractor.

4.1.5 Interpreters must arrive 30 minutes prior to the scheduled assignment and, upon arrival, contact the designated POC for escort for onsite requirements. Interpreters who do not have a CAC must always have an escort within DoD facilities. Virtual assignments require the interpreters to log into the meeting 15 minutes before the meeting start time. The contractor is required to ensure that all personnel have a dedicated network connection for video and audio transmission preventing interference from other network traffic. Service providers must meet the minimum bandwidth that supports a strong and secure connection as they are ultimately responsible for the stability and performance of their connection. The government will not be billed for service not fully rendered due to the inability of the contractor to connect to the meeting link provided. Interpreters must be flexible to transition between onsite needs and remote/virtual needs. In the event that an interpreter is unable to attend a meeting or event, that was originally scheduled for onsite, due to an issue such as transportation, inclement weather, power outage, etc., and virtual access to the meeting is an option, interpreting service must be available for the alternative meeting method and the government shall not incur any fees for this type of transition.

4.1.6 In the event that the audio video transmission system capabilities must be tested prior to meetings or conferences in which remote services are provided, interpreters must be available to participate in such testing. Interpreters must follow the testing instructions utilizing the technology devices that will be used for the assignment. Testing dates and times are typically the day before the event. The specific date and time may be provided with less than 48-hours’ notice.

4.1.7 When meeting materials are provided in advance of assignments, interpreters must review these to familiarize themselves with the relevant content and acronyms.

4.1.8 Equipment and software needed for remote services will be provided by the Contractor. Microsoft Teams and ZoomGov are the virtual platforms most often used.

4.2 QUALIFICATIONS

4.2.1 Certified American Sign Language Interpreters. Interpreters must have and maintain one of the following certifications:

· National Interpreter Certification (NIC) at any level (NIC, NIC Advanced or NIC Master)

· Certificate of Interpreting (CI)

· Certificate of Transliterating (CT)

· Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI)

· National Association of the Deaf (NAD) Level III (Generalist), Level IV (Advanced), or Level V (Master)

· Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) Certification Program

4.2.2 Key Personnel: The on-site and/or remote Interpreter(s) is/are considered essential by the Government. The Contractor shall provide On-Site and/or remote Interpreter(s) who shall be responsible for the performance of work as described in the PWS Specific Tasks. The name of this person(s) shall be designated in writing to the Contracting Officer. Qualifications for all key personnel are listed below:

4.2.3 Certified American Sign Language Interpreters shall have the ability to determine the most effective means of sign language communication as they pertain to individual Deaf/hard of hearing person's needs and be able to provide consecutive and simultaneous interpretation in a variety of modalities (ASL, Manually Coded English, Pidgeon Signed English, Spoken English, etc.) and settings including the ability to keep pace with normal conversation at conferences and meetings, to interpret nuances, voice inflections, idiosyncrasies, and mannerisms of participants to accurately convey an equivalent message.

4.2.4 Certified American Sign Language Interpreters must have an above average understanding of Department of Defense vernacular and prepare for assignments and have familiarity with commonly used acronyms and jargon of the requesting agency.

4.2.5 Certified American Sign Language Interpreters must have specialized training and/or experience in the use of gestures, classifiers, and other tools to enhance communication.

4.2.6 Certified American Sign Language Interpreters shall have a general understanding of the reasonable accommodations process, disability categories and associated accommodations in the workplace and shall possess the knowledge and ability of guiding employees and supervisors through the interactive process for the provision of a reasonable accommodation, including the review of supporting documentation and medical terminology.

4.3 Participate in a Post-Award Conference.

This meeting shall provide an introduction between the Contractor personnel and Government personnel who will be involved with the contract. The meeting shall provide the opportunity to discuss technical, management and security issues. The Post Award Conference will aid both the Government and Contractor in achieving a clear and mutual understanding of all requirements and identify and resolve any potential issues. The Contractor shall be prepared to discuss any items requiring clarification and gather information as necessary to support each deliverable.

5.0 DELIVERABLES:

The Contractor shall provide deliverable(s) in a format mutually agreed upon by the Government and the Contractor. All deliverables will be reviewed for timeliness, accuracy and format. If a deliverable due date falls on a weekend or holiday, the Contractor shall submit the deliverable on the last workday prior to the due date. In fulfillment of this effort, the Contractor shall provide the following deliverables to the COR.

6.0 CONTRACTOR TRAVEL

6.0.1 Local travel is anticipated under this task order and is limited to the National Capital Region (NCR). Local travel to attend meetings within the NCR vicinity shall be considered a cost of doing business and shall not be separately reimbursed. Contractor travel for task order related meetings or performance reviews is considered a cost of doing business and will not be reimbursed.

7.0 RECORDS MANAGEMENT

7.0.1 Contractor shall comply with all applicable records management laws and regulations, as well as National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) records policies, including but not limited to the Federal Records Act (44 U.S.C. chs. 21, 29, 31, 33), NARA regulations at 36 CFR Chapter XII Subchapter B, and those policies associated with the safeguarding of records covered by the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a). These policies include the preservation of all records, regardless of form or characteristics, mode of transmission, or state of completion.

7.0.2 In accordance with 36 CFR 1222.32, all data created for Government use and delivered to, or falling under the legal control of, the Government are Federal records subject to the provisions of 44 U.S.C. chapters 21, 29, 31, and 33, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), as amended, and the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), as amended and must be managed and scheduled for disposition only as permitted by statute or regulation.

7.0.3 In accordance with 36 CFR 1222.32, Contractor shall maintain all records created for Government use or created in the course of performing the contract and/or delivered to, or under the legal control of the Government and must be managed in accordance with Federal law. Electronic records and associated metadata must be accompanied by sufficient technical documentation to permit understanding and use of the records and data.

7.0.4 Defense Human Resources Activity and its contractors are responsible for preventing the alienation or unauthorized destruction of records, including all forms of mutilation. Records may not be removed from the legal custody of Defense Human Resources Activity or destroyed except for in accordance with the provisions of the agency records schedules and with the written concurrence of the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Willful and unlawful destruction, damage or alienation of Federal records is subject to the fines and penalties imposed by 18 U.S.C. 2701. In the event of any unlawful or accidental removal, defacing, alteration, or destruction of records, Contractor must report to the COR and the Defense Human Resources Activity Component Records Management Officer at dodhra.mc-alex.dhra-hq.mbx.records@mail.mil so DHRA may report promptly to NARA in accordance with 36 CFR 1230.

7.0.5 The Contractor shall immediately notify the COR upon discovery of any inadvertent or unauthorized disclosures of information, data, documentary materials, records or equipment. Disclosure of non-public information is limited to authorized personnel with a need-to-know in accordance with all applicable privacy, security, and information protection policies. The Contractor shall ensure that the appropriate personnel, administrative, technical, and physical safeguards are established to ensure the security and confidentiality of this information, data, documentary material, records and/or equipment is properly protected. The Contractor shall not remove material from Government facilities or systems, or facilities or systems operated or maintained on the Government’s behalf, without the express written permission of the COR. When information, data, documentary material, records and/or equipment is no longer required, it shall be returned to DHRA control, or the Contractor must hold it until otherwise directed. Items returned to the Government shall be hand carried, mailed, emailed, or securely electronically transmitted to the COR. Destruction of records is EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED unless in accordance with Paragraph (7.4).

7.0.6 The Contractor is required to obtain the Contracting Officer's approval prior to engaging in any contractual relationship (sub-contractor) in support of this contract requiring the disclosure of information, documentary material and/or records generated under, or relating to, contracts. The Contractor (and any sub-contractor) is required to abide by Government and Defense Human Resources Activity guidance for protecting sensitive, proprietary information, classified, and controlled unclassified information.

7.0.7 The Contractor shall only use Government IT equipment for purposes specifically tied to or authorized by the contract and in accordance with Defense Human Resources Activity policy.

7.0.8 The Contractor shall not create or maintain any records containing any non-public Defense Human Resources Activity information that are not specifically tied to or authorized by the contract.

7.0.9 The Contractor shall not retain, use, sell, or disseminate copies of any deliverable that contains information covered by the Privacy Act of 1974 or that which is generally protected from public disclosure by an exemption to the Freedom of Information Act.

7.0.10 The Defense Human Resources Activity owns the rights to all data and records produced as part of this contract. The contractor shall not include any contractor markings on deliverables created under the contract. All deliverables under the contract are the property of the U.S. Government for which Defense Human Resources Activity shall have unlimited rights to use, dispose of, or disclose such data contained therein as it determines to be in the public interest. The contractor shall not use or disclose any data or deliverables under this contract for any purposes other than performing the contract, unless expressly approved by the Government.

8.0 SECURITY

8.1 Personnel Security. Overarching security requirements are UNCLASSIFIED. Contractor and subcontractor personnel providing a service under this contract will access DoD information not releasable to the public, such as Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and will need to be vetted according to DoD vetting standards. Contractor and subcontractor personnel providing in-person services shall adhere to and be prepared to meet facility’s physical security requirements and procedures for visitors.

8.1.1 Contractor personnel will not require access to DoD network(s), Information Technology (IT) systems, Government Furnished Equipment (GFE), or DoD credentials, (also known as the Common Access Card (CAC)) for physical and logical access to federally controlled facilities or DoD Information Systems (IS).

8.1.2 The contractor/subcontractor personnel on this contract will be designated performing in non-sensitive position, for low-risk roles. Personnel assigned to this contract are required to obtain and maintain a Tier 1 background investigation (BI) and adjudication or suitability determination for unclassified access. This designation aligns with investigative requirements outlined by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), and is in accordance with the DoD Personnel Security Program, DoDI 5200.02, DoDM 5200.02, and 32 C.F.R. Part 156.

8.1.3 No employee may be eligible to obtain access to DoD information under this contract unless they have either completed a Tier 1 (T1) or higher background investigation that meets the requirement or are in the process of a Personnel Security Investigation (PSI) and have been granted at minimum interim eligibility.

8.2 Staffing. The personnel assigned to and supporting this contract who require access to DoD information must be citizens of the United States. The citizenship requirement also applies to personnel assigned to or working on the contract at any remote sites.

8.3 Onboarding. Prior to requesting access to DoD sponsored resources and information (CUI), the contractor must provide an official request via DHRA’s onboarding system(s)/encrypted email/DoD SAFE accompanied by a complete Defense Logistics Agency Headquarters (DLAH) Form 1728 - Request for HQC Contractor Badge and/or Information Technology (IT) Access. The DHRA Security and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Personnel Security (PERSEC) office will validate the contractor meets the DoD vetting requirements.

8.4 Listing of employees & Clearance Documentation. The Contractor shall maintain a current listing of employees. Within 10 calendar days of contract award, the Contractor shall provide the COR a list of all company employees assigned to this effort. The employee list should include the following information: Contract number, employee information (full legal names), DHRA center/office, location of performance, clearance level needed (e.g., Top Secret/SCI, Top Secret, Secret or None (Position of Trust for unclassified access)), IT access level needed (e.g., privilege, authorize or other). The list shall be validated by the company and DHRA Personnel Security (PERSEC). The Contractor shall provide the COR with an updated listing when any employee’s status or information changes.

8.5 Access to Sensitive Information. To the extent that the work under this contract requires the Contractor to have access to DoD sensitive information the Contractor shall after receipt thereof, treat such information as sensitive and safeguard such information from unauthorized use and disclosure. The Contractor shall not appropriate such information for its own use or disclose such information to third parties unless specifically authorized by the Government in writing.

8.5.1 The Contractor shall allow access only to those employees who need the sensitive information to perform services under this contract and who have acknowledged that sensitive information shall be used solely for the purpose of performing services under this contract. The Contractor shall prevent its employees from discussing, divulging, or disclosing any such information to any person or entity except those persons within the Contractor’s organization directly performing the contract.

8.6 Controlled Unclassified Information Requirements for DoD Contractors. The following procedures will be used to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) documents and materials:

8.6.1 HANDLING: Access to CUI material shall be limited to those employees needing the material to perform their duties. The CUI marking is assigned to documents and material created by a DoD User Agency. CUI is not a classification but requires extra precautions to ensure it is properly safeguarded and disseminated and is not released to the public without government authorization.

8.6.2 MARKING: The Contractor shall mark unclassified documents containing CUI as follows: “CUI" at the top and bottom of each page, include the CUI warning box, and the CUI Designation Indicator Block as required in DoDI 5200.48.

8.6.2.1 Mark other records such as computer print outs, photographs, films, tapes, or slides in accordance with DoDI 5200.48 so the receiver or viewer knows that it contains CUI material.

8.6.2.2 Mark a message containing material in accordance with DoDI 5200.48. Unclassified messages containing CUI material must show the abbreviation (CUI) before the text begins.

8.6.2.3 Ensure documents transmitting CUI material call attention to any attachments containing CUI.

8.6.2.4 CUI material released to a contractor by a DoD user agency must have the following statement on the front page or cover:

THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS CUI MATERIAL AND MUST BE REVIEWED BY A GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE UNDER THE REQUIREMENTS OF DODI 5200.48, DODI 5230.09, and DODI 5230.29.

8.6.3 STORAGE: The Contractor shall, place CUI material in an out-of-sight location during normal work hours, if the work area is accessible to persons who do not have an authorized government purpose for access to the material. After normal duty hours, the Contractor shall store CUI material to prevent unauthorized access by filing it with other unclassified records in unlocked files or desks when internal building security is provided, and the file is marked as CUI. When there is no internal security, locked buildings or rooms usually provide adequate after-hours protection. For additional protection, store CUI material in locked containers such as file cabinets, desks, or bookcases.

8.6.4 TRANSMISSION: CUI documents and materials may be transmitted via first class mail, parcel post or, for bulky shipments, -fourth class mail. Within the CONUS discussion of CUI material on the telephone is authorized if necessary for the performance of the contract and no alternative is available. Electronic transmission of CUI (voice, data, or facsimile) should be by using approved and secure communications systems whenever practical. If there is a fax transmission, the sender must ensure the intended receiver is available to receive it or a cover sheet will be used to allow carrying it to the final recipient to avoid unauthorized disclosure of the CUI.

8.6.5 RELEASE: CUI material shall not be released outside of the contractor’s facility except to the representative of DoD or DHRA.

8.6.6 DESTRUCTION: When the CUI material no longer meets the threshold for safeguarding and dissemination, the Contractor shall immediately decontrol it, process it through the records management process, and destroyed by the approved methods identified in DoDI 5200.48 to preclude its disclosure to unauthorized individuals by rendering it unreadable, indecipherable, and irrecoverable.

8.7 Position of Trust (POT) Requirements. DCSA and OPM offers the Tier background investigations, Tier 1 (T1) – Tier 5 (T5) for Position of Trust determination. The T5 being the most stringent investigation and T1 being the least stringent.

8.7.1 The Government is responsible for the cost of POT or sponsor a DoD-determined equivalent background check for unclassified access.

8.7.2 The Position of Trust BI process requires the DoD Government Security Office to review each request and establish the BI sponsorship. Submit a request and list of personnel for security investigation to the DHRA Security Office point of contact(s) to be provided by the COR- NLT five (5) business days after contract award.

8.7.3 Per DCSA Tier 1 (T1) investigation meets the requirement for a Non-Sensitive position. A new application for a DoD T1 BI for a Position of Trust determination requires an FBI fingerprints check, proof of US Citizenship, and a Personnel Security Questionnaire (PSQ) on the Standard Form (SF) 85 using the National Background Investigation Services – electronic Application (NBIS/eApp). Contractor employees shall provide all requested information pursuant to the Privacy Act of 1974 when requested by the Government. The Government Security Office will provide instructions according to the individual case and Tier BI to access the eApp system. For information visit NBIS at https://www.dcsa.mil/is/nbis/

8.7.4 Reciprocity. The DHRA and DLA PERSEC will use reciprocity to the extent possible and if necessary, will request re-adjudication by DCSA Adjudication and Vetting Services (AVS) to support the DoD standards per Executive Order E.O 13488.

8.7.4.1 A BI equivalency will be according to the investigative alignments offered by the OPM and the DCSA here, https://www.dcsa.mil/Portals/91/Documents/pv/GovHRSec/Position_Designation_Investigation_Type_Chart_Sept_2017.pdf

8.7.4.2 Reciprocity consideration includes verifying break in service longer than 24 months as a US Military, US Civilian or US Contractor from the last favorable investigation.

8.7.5 A new Position of Trust applicant under this contract must obtain at a minimum interim eligibility from DLA Security prior to the assignment and performance of their duties in support of the Government in this contract.

8.7.6 DHRA’s interim Position of Trust eligibility is sponsored by DHRA Security and approved by DLA PERSEC.

8.7.7 Eligible interim Position of Trust personnel expectations include, but are not limited to:

8.10.7.1 Comply with all personnel security requirements as specified by DHRA and DLA PERSEC;

8.7.7.2 Attain and maintain favorable FBI fingerprint results.

8.7.7.3 Comply with all investigative and adjudicative requirements, which includes responsiveness to time-sensitive requests (e.g., interview(s), additional information or clarification) from the DLA PERSEC, DCSA investigator or the adjudicative agency.

8.7.7.4 Attain and maintain favorable eligibility to the designated BI.

8.8 Controlled/Restricted Areas. The Contractor shall comply with local procedures for entry to DoD/DHRA controlled/restricted areas where Contractor personnel will work.

8.9 Pass and Identification Items. The Contractor shall ensure the pass and identification items required for contract performance are obtained for employees and non-government owned vehicles.

8.10 Retrieving Identification Media. The Contractor shall retrieve all identification media, including vehicle passes from employees, including those who depart for any reason before the contract expires, e.g. terminated for cause, retirement, etc.

8.11 Key Control/Access Badge Control. The Contractor shall establish and implement methods of making sure all keys/badges issued to the Contractor by the Government are not lost or misplaced and are not used by unauthorized persons. The Contractor shall not duplicate any keys issued by the Government.

8.11.1 Prohibited Use. The Contractor shall prohibit the use of keys, issued by the Government, by any persons other than the Contractor’s employees and the opening of locked areas by Contractor employees to permit entrance of persons other than Contractor employees engaged in performance of contract work requirements in those areas.

8.12 Conduct while on Government Installation. The Contractor shall not assign work or direct its employees to access government information, systems, or installations unless the employees have and maintain the required background investigation, clearances, and authorizations.

8.13 Weapons, Firearms, and Ammunition. Contractor employees are prohibited from possessing weapons, firearms, or ammunition, on themselves or within their contractor-owned vehicle or privately-owned vehicle while on all government installations.

8.13 Reporting Requirements. Contractor personnel shall report to an appropriate authority any information or circumstance of which they are aware that may pose a threat to the security of government or contractor personnel, resources, or information.

8.14 Offboarding. Upon completion of the contract, an employee’s relocation or termination of an employee, or upon request from the COR in accordance with DHRA centers or offices security policies coordinate the employee’s removal from work under this contract with the COR.

8.14.1 If any Contractor personnel supporting this contract are unable to obtain or maintain the required security clearance or eligibility, the Contractor shall immediately notify the COR. The Contractor shall remove the individual from roles performed under this contract and replace them with a qualified individual possessing the necessary background investigation knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) to perform the services.

8.14.2 As the contractor replaces employees, the contractor shall submit the outgoing employee’s installation access and return all CACs/badge(s)/identification card(s) immediately to the COR, who will turn it into the local Installation Access Control Office or Government Security Office.

8.14.3 Submit an Off-boarding notification to the COR and the DHRA PERSEC as soon as the contractor knows an employee is leaving the contract.

8.14.4 When personnel change, provide updated personnel security list to the COR within three business days of a change.

9.0 Cybersecurity

9.1 Cyber Incident Reporting. In addition to DFARS 252.204-7012, the Contractor shall notify the DMDC Incident Response (IR) team by emailing an initial cyber incident report to dodhra.dodc-mb.dmdc.list.ir-team@mail.mil, the Contracting Officer, and the COR within one hour of discovering any cyber incident. The Contractor shall follow up with a supplemental report every 24 hours until the incident is closed.

9.2 Information System Security. The Contractor shall implement IS security protections that are appropriate for the confidentiality, integrity, and availability needs of the contract. The protections must include the administrative, technical, and physical safeguards necessary to protect all nonpublic Government data.

10.0 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY/EQUIPMENT/INFORMATION (GFP/GFE/GFI)

There will be no GFP or GFE provided under this contract. GFI includes meeting agendas and assignment details to facilitate the services provided during assignment.

11.0 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The Government shall provide contractor personnel with Government facilities and the following resources to perform on-site tasks required herein: use of office space and utilities, office furniture, consumable office supplies, phones, copiers, and shredders. In addition, computer hardware and software that may allow access to unclassified Government networks, printers, and scanners shall be provided to employees having access authorization.

All services are to be performed at local venues in the National Capital Region (NCR), to include the Mark Center, Alexandria, VA and the Pentagon, Arlington, VA.

12.0 QUALITY CONTROL

The contractor shall implement and maintain a Quality Control Plan (QCP) to ensure work performed conforms to the scope of work and meets the requirements under this PWS. The QCP shall, at a minimum provide a method for performing inspections; identifying, correcting and preventing problems/defective service; addressing customer complaints, and improving the quality of services over the life of the contract. Contractor shall provide a draft QCP to the COR 30 days after contract award and the final shall be delivered within 90 days of the contract award.

13.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE

13.1. The Government reserves the right to perform inspections and surveillance to evaluate the Contractor’s compliance to the contract terms and performance of the requirements in the PWS. The Government will make every effort to ensure that the surveillance methods described below are conducted in an objective, fair, and consistent manner.

13.2 Periodic Surveillance. This action occurs when the COR or other Government official observes a deficiency. Examples include evidence from accidents, incidents, or delays. Regardless of where in the line-of- duty the COR observes contractual procedures not being followed, he/she has an obligation to document and report the deficiency to the Contracting Officer.

13.3 Customer Complaint Surveillance. This action is instituted when the COR receives a complaint from a stakeholder regarding contractor service. The COR will obtain the complaint in writing and then investigate to determine its validity. If the complaint is deemed valid, the COR will immediately notify the contracting Officer for action. The COR will notify both the Contract Manager and the complainant of the Government’s response to their complaint.

13.4. Contract Discrepancy Report (CDR). In the event of unsatisfactory contractor performance, the COR or CO will issue a CDR that will explain the circumstances and findings concerning the incomplete or unsatisfactory service. The contractor shall acknowledge receipt of the CDR and respond in writing as to how he/she shall correct the unacceptable performance and avoid a recurrence. The Government will review the contractor's corrective action response to determine acceptability and will use any completed CDR as part of an overall evaluation of Contractor performance when determining present or future contractual actions.

14.0 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

The Contractor acknowledges that it is familiar with FAR Subpart 9.5, Organizational and Consultant Conflicts of Interest, and agrees to avoid, neutralize or mitigate such conflicts of interest in accordance with the principles set forth in the FAR. If the performance requires the Contractor (to include subcontractors) to supply technical support related to systems or projects with which the Contractor is already directly concerned, either by prime or subcontract, the Contractor shall immediately inform the Contracting Officer. The PWS may be withdrawn if a conflict is found. The Contractor shall not undertake performance of any PWS requirements which requires it to supply technical support regarding such systems until the notice is given, and written consent to proceed is issued by the Contracting Officer.

15.0 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

DoD Directive 5200.2-R Personnel Security Program.

https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/520002p.pdf?ver=2018-05-11-100552-223

16.0 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT SUMMARY (PRS)

16.1 Purpose. The PRS lists performance objectives for the required services the Government will surveil. The absence of any contract requirement from the PRS shall not detract from its enforceability nor limit the rights or remedies of the Government under any other provision of the contract including the clauses entitled “Inspection of Services” or “Inspection” or “Default” in the contract.

16.2 Components. The PRS states the performance objective (required service), and threshold (performance standard, accept and reject points (if applicable)) in either a qualitative or quantitative fashion for each critical success factor.

Performance Objective

PWS Reference

Performance Standard/Acceptable Quality Level

16.3 Staffing. The contractor must always maintain an adequate work force for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this PWS when the Government facility is not closed.

17.0 Mandatory Training Requirements:

Contractor employees performing under this contract shall complete the following mandatory trainings within 30 calendar days upon performance start and annually thereafter when applicable.

1. OPSEC Awareness for Military Members, DoD Employees and Contractors IAW DoDM 5205.02, “DoD Operations Security (OPSEC) Program Manual”, dated October 29, 2020. The training is currently available at: https://securityawareness.usalearning.gov/opsec/index.htm

1. DoD Mandatory Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Training, Executive Order 13556, Controlled Unclassified Information and DoDI 5200.48, “Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)”, dated March 6, 2020. The training is currently available at: https://securityawareness.usalearning.gov/cui/index.html

1. Insider Threat Awareness IAW DoDD 5205.16, “The DoD Insider Threat Program”, dated August 28, 2017. The Training is currently available at: https://securityawareness.usalearning.gov/itawareness/index.htm

The Contractor shall provide a copy of its employee(s)’ training certificates to the COR to meet the mandatory training requirements.

2 Ver: APR 2025