Attachment 1 - Performance Work Statement (PWS).pdf

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

For

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) On-Call Sign Language Interpreting (SLI) Services

PART 1

GENERAL INFORMATION

This PWS is in support of a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) to provide American Sign Language interpreting services to Deaf and Hard of Hearing employees. The U.S.

Government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the contract service providers performing the services described herein. As employees of the Contractor, such contract service providers shall be accountable solely to the Contractor who, in turn shall be responsible to the U.S. Government.

Period of Performance: The Period of Performance (PoP) shall be a five (5) year Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA), consisting of up to five (5) 12-month ordering periods. FAR Clause 52.217-8 "Option to Extend Services" will be included in the contract and evaluated as part of the Request for Proposal (RFP). Requirements will be assigned on an individual basis. The ordering periods for the BPA are as follows:

Ordering Period 1: 28 April 2025 – 27 April 2026 Ordering Period 2: 28 April 2026 – 27 April 2027 Ordering Period 3: 28 April 2027 – 27 April 2028 Ordering Period 4: 28 April 2028 – 27 April 2029 Ordering Period 5: 28 April 2029 – 27 April 2030 FAR 52.217-8: 28 April 2030 – 27 October 2030

Each Order will include the requested dates for SLI services.

1.1 Description of Services/Introduction: The Contractor(s) shall provide all personnel necessary to perform Sign Language Interpreting (SLI); In-Person, Platform, Televised, Computer Assisted Real Time Captioning (CART), and Video Remote Interpreting (VRI).

The services as defined in this Performance Work Statement (PWS) are in support of Headquarters, Department of the Army (HQDA), Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army (OAA), Resources and Programs Agency, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). The Contractor(s) shall perform in accordance with this

PWS.

The Contractor(s) shall:

1.1.1 Interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially, both receptively and expressively, using any necessary specialized vocabulary.

1.1.2 Utilize interpreting services to translate speeches, presentations, and conversations.

1.1.3 Translate messages from Sign language to English and vice versa to allow for the understanding and communication of messages within the Deaf Community.

1.1.4 Have active listening skills and the ability to understand the spoken words and their meanings. They should be able to pick up every word being said and interpret them correctly and effectively into another language.

1.2 Background: The EEO has the responsibility to ensure HQDA agencies comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act as well as Sections 501, 504, and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Army Regulation (AR) 690-12 Equal Opportunity and Affirmative action by providing civilian personnel (federal) reasonable accommodations to include SLI and CART Service.

The EEO has a need for contract SLI services on an ‘as needed’ basis. Supervisors have the responsibility to ensure employees under their supervision are accommodated.

Supervisors are responsible for ensuring sign language interpreting services are provided to all Deaf/hard of hearing employees under their supervision. Supervisors serve as a requesting agency’s Point of Contact (POC), hereinafter known as requesting agency POC, and will provide all assignment related information to the Contractor(s).

1.3 Objective: The objective of this contract is to provide as needed SLI services for work-related activities commensurate with the rights and privileges of employment or government activities determined to be within the scope of the HQDA mission.

1.4 Scope: The Contractor(s) shall provide quality SLI services in a wide variety of employment settings, including but not limited to staff and technical meetings, town hall meetings, trainings, career counseling, professional development/training, performance evaluations, job interviews, and ceremonies. Interpretation will be primarily between spoken English and the following language preferences: American Sign Language (ASL), Pidgin Signed English (PSE).

All interpreters must meet the qualification requirements stipulated in this PWS; the U.S.

Government has the right to evaluate interpreters provided under this contract. If the interpreter does not meet the standards outlined in this PWS, the COR may contact the Contractor assigned to a specific call order to provide a remedy for sub-standard performance.

1.4.1 Service Assignments may occur in-person, virtually, or both; however, the need may fluctuate from week to week, and/or day to day (e.g., conferences, public events, etc.). The actual duration of each assignment will depend on the actual need. In accordance with industry standards, a two-hour minimum will be assessed if the actual hours worked are less than two hours. If an interpreting assignment is canceled or finishes early, only the COR or POC with authorization assigned by the COR may authorize early dismissal of the interpreters. For billing purposes, please refer to paragraph 5.4 Rates Definitions.

1.4.2 In-person interpreting services: HQDA Employees may keep a schedule where they report to work at an Army facility and/or government facility to conduct Army business. The Contractor(s) must keep a cadre of sign language interpreters willing to report to an Army facility and/or Government facility in which the consumer is conducting Army business.

Security requirements may vary depending on the installation/ location where services will be provided. The COR will communicate with contractor on the security requirements as necessary. The interpreter shall arrive one (1) hour prior to the start of an in-person assignment and 30 minutes prior to the start of a virtual assignment to ensure timely clearance through security and arrival at the specific assignment location unless otherwise instructed by the requesting agency POC. Please refer to paragraph

1.7 for additional information.

1.4.3 Virtual interpreting services: It is anticipated that most interpreting services will require in-person support. HQDA employees may have the option to work remotely on a limited basis. In these instances, the Contractor(s) shall provide remote interpreting services as requested by the COR and OAA EEO representatives. OAA EEO representative(s) will provide the appropriate links to the web-based platform used for each assignment which include, but are not limited to: Microsoft Teams, Zoom, AdobeConnect, etc. Additionally, service providers may be asked by OAA EEO representative to log into the main meeting link as well as a separate link that will be used for interpreting. Service providers should have the ability to connect to two links simultaneously.

1.5 General Information

1.5.1 Quality Control: The Contractor(s) shall develop and maintain an effective quality control (QC) program to ensure services are performed in accordance with this PWS.

The Contractor(s) shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. The Contractor(s)’s quality control program is the means by which the Contractor(s) assures work complies with the requirement of the contract.

As a minimum, the Contractor(s) shall develop quality control procedures that address the areas identified in the Performance Requirements Summary (Technical Exhibit A).

The Contractor(s) will submit a draft QC plan for approval to the Contracting Officer (KO) and Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). After acceptance of the quality control plan, the Contractor(s) shall receive the KO’s acceptance in writing of any proposed change to the QC system.

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

1.5.3 Recognized Holidays: The Contractor(s) may be required to perform services on the following days:

Holiday Day of Observation New Year’s Day January 1st Martin Luther King Birthday 3rd Monday in January Presidents Day 3rd Monday in February Memorial Day Last Monday in May Juneteenth June 19th Independence Day July 4th Labor Day 1st Monday in September Columbus Day 2nd Monday in October Veterans Day November 11th Thanksgiving Day 4th Thursday in November Christmas Day December 25th

1.5.4 Hours of Operation: Normal hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Easter Standard Time (EST). The Contractor shall provide in-person and remote SLI services as needed, including before or after standard operating hours, on weekends, and on Federal Holidays. Services may not be required when the Government facility is closed due to local or National emergencies, administrative closings, or similar Government-directed facility closings. The Government shall not be liable for any unrendered services. When hiring personnel, the Contractor(s) shall keep in mind that the stability and continuity of the workforce are essential.

1.5.5 Inclement Weather/Emergencies: In the case of an Office of Personnel Management (OPM) operating status announcement regarding inclement weather or emergency guidance, the requesting agency POC will contact the Contractor(s) within two (2) hours of the OPM announcement or within one hour of the assignment time (whichever is soonest) to provide updates regarding the request for service.

The contractor(s) will be reimbursed a flat rate for assignments cancelled due to National Emergencies, administrative and/or government directed closings.

1.5.6 Place of Performance: The work under this contract shall be performed at Government and Non-Government facilities primarily within the National Capital Region (NCR), defined as a 50-mile radius of The District of Columbia with limited exceptions (See section 1.7.5). BPA Contract Holders may be required to provide SLI services in multiple locations during the course of a single business day.

1.6 Security Requirements

1.6.1 Security Clearance: Security Clearances are not required.

1.6.2 The assigned Contractor(s) personnel shall be in the Need-to-Know information category protected by the Privacy Act and shall treat such information as confidential and agree not to disclose any information obtained by virtue of the interpreting process.

Contractor(s) shall comply with FAR 52.204-2 - Security Requirements.

1.6.3 The Contractor(s) shall maintain and safeguard any Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) provided under this contract as specified in Army Regulation 25-55 Department of the Army (DA) Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) program.

1.6.4 All Contractor(s) personnel are prohibited from selling, distributing, or releasing to the public any information or documents from classified or protected proceedings.

1.6.5 The Contractor(s) shall sign a Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement and submit it to the Contracting Officer and COR prior to the start of work (See Technical Exhibit B - Contractor(s) Non-Disclosure Statement). The fillable PDF copy of the Non- Disclosure Agreement (NDA) is included as Attachment 4 to the Request for Proposal

(RFP).

1.6.6 Anti-terrorism (AT) Level I Training. This provision/contract text is for Contractor(s) employees with an area of performance within an Army controlled installation, facility or area. All contractor personnel to include subcontractor(s), requiring access to government installations, facilities and controlled access areas shall complete AT Level I awareness training within 30 calendar days after contract start date or effective date of incorporation of this requirement into the contract, whichever is applicable. The Contractor(s) shall submit certificates of completion for each affected interpreter to the COR or to the KO if a COR is not assigned, within 30 calendar days after completion of training. AT level I awareness training is available at the following website:

https://jkodirect.jten.mil/Atlas2/page/login/Login.jsf

1.6.7 Contractor(s) and all associated sub-Contractor(s) personnel shall comply with adjudication standards and procedures using the National Crime Information Center Interstate Identification Index (NCIC-III) and Terrorist Screening Database (TSDB) (Army Directive 2014-05/AR 190-13), applicable installation, facility and area commander installation/facility access and local security policies and procedures (provided by government representative), or, at Outside the Continental United States (OCONUS) locations, in accordance with status of forces agreements and other theater regulations.

1.6.8 Access and General Protection/Security Policy and Procedures. This standard language text is for Contractor(s) personnel with an area of performance within an Army controlled installation, facility or area. Contractor(s) and all associated sub-Contractor(s) https://jkodirect.jten.mil/Atlas2/page/login/Login.jsf personnel shall comply with applicable installation, facility and area commander installation/facility access and local security policies and procedures (provided by government representative). The Contractor(s) shall also provide all information required for background checks to meet installation access requirements to be accomplished by Installation Provost Marshal Office, Director of Emergency Services or Security Office. Contractor(s) workforce must comply with all personal identity verification requirements as directed by DOD, HQDA and/or local policy. Contractor(s) workforce must comply with all personal identity verification requirements (FAR clause 52.204-9 - Personal Identity Verification of Contractor(s) Personnel) as directed by DOD, HQDA and/or local policy. In addition to the changes otherwise authorized by the changes clause of this contract, should the Force Protection Condition (FPCON) at any individual facility or installation change, the Government may require changes in Contractor(s) security matters or processes.

1.6.9 iWATCH Training. This standard language is for Contractor(s) personnel with an area of performance within an Army controlled installation, facility or area. The Contractor(s) and all associated sub-Contractor(s) shall brief all employees on the local iWATCH program (training standards provided by the requiring activity ATO). This local developed training will be used to inform employees of the types of behavior to watch for and instruct personnel to report suspicious activity to the COR. The Contractor(s) shall submit certificates of completion for each affected Contractor(s) and subcontractor(s) personnel, to the COR or to the KO, if a COR is not assigned, within 30 calendar days after completion of training.

1.6.10 Operation Security (OPSEC) Training. Per AR 530-1 Operations Security, Contractor(s) personnel must complete Level I OPSEC Awareness training. New Contractor(s) personnel must be trained within 30 calendar days of their reporting for duty and annually thereafter. The Contractor(s) shall submit certificates of completion for each affected Contractor(s) personnel and subcontractor(s) personnel, to the COR or to the KO, if a COR is not assigned, within 30 calendar days after completion of training.

1.6.11 For contractors requiring Common Access Card (CAC). Before CAC issuance, the contractor employee requires, at a minimum, a favorably adjudicated National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) or an equivalent or higher investigation in accordance with Army Directive 2014‐05. The contractor employee will be issued a CAC only if duties involve one of the following:

(1) Both physical access to a DoD facility and access, via logon, to DoD networks on‐ site or remotely;

(2) remote access, via logon, to a DoD network using DoD‐approved remote access procedures; or

(3) physical access to multiple DoD facilities or multiple non‐DoD federally controlled facilities on behalf of the DoD on a recurring basis for a period of 6 months or more. At the discretion of the sponsoring activity, an initial CAC may be issued based on a favorable review of the FBI fingerprint check and a successfully scheduled NACI at the Office of Personnel Management.

1.6.12 Threat Awareness Reporting Program. Per AR 381-12 Threat Awareness and Reporting Program (TARP), all contractor personnel are required to receive live annual TARP training by a CI agent. When live training is not available, the TARP training is available on the Army Learning Management System (ALMS) Web site at https://www.lms.army.mil. This is the only authorized alternative method for TARP training.

1.7 Site Access

1.7.1 Two forms of valid photo ID are required for access to sites at which SLI services will be performed. Access to military bases may require additional identification and information. The requesting agency POC has the responsibility to provide any additional security requirements to the Contractor(s) no later than (NLT) 3 days prior to the start of the assignment.

1.7.2 All Contractor(s) performing work in the Pentagon must be on the Pentagon Access Roster prior to performing any work. The Contractor(s) must submit all identifiable information for each interpreter who will be performing work in the Pentagon to the COR NLT 30 days prior to an interpreter performing work in the Pentagon. The COR will coordinate with the EEO Security Officer to complete the security access process and confirm access with the Contractor(s). The Contractor(s) shall ensure contract interpreter information is updated and submitted to the COR every 6 months.

1.7.3 Contract interpreters routinely performing work in the Pentagon shall meet security requirements and be eligible to receive a Pentagon Contractor(s) badge.

1.7.4 The Government shall be responsible for determining Contractor(s) eligibility to access military bases or any other Government site.

1.7.5 Contractor(s) Travel: The Contractor(s) shall be required to travel within the NCR (50-mile radius of DC). In certain instances, the Contractor might be required to travel outside the NCR and the Government will provide travel costs in accordance with FAR Part 31 and the Joint Travel Regulations.

1.7.6 Post Award Conference/Periodic Progress Meetings: The Contractor(s) agrees to attend any post award conference convened by the Contracting Activity or Contract Administration Office in accordance with FAR Subpart 42.5. The KO, COR, and other Government personnel, as appropriate, may meet periodically with the Contractor(s) to review the Contractor(s)' performance. Meetings may be conducted telephonically, through Video Teleconference (VTC) or face-to-face. At these meetings the Contracting Officer will apprise the Contractor(s) of how the Government views the Contractor(s)' performance and the Contractor(s) shall apprise the Government of problems, if any, being experienced. Appropriate action shall be taken to resolve outstanding issues. These meetings shall be at no additional cost to the Government.

1.7.7 COR Meetings: The COR will maintain liaison and direct communications with the Contractor(s) and schedule meetings as needed. Meetings may be conducted telephonically, through Video Teleconference (VTC) or face-to-face. COR meetings will address any issues with the Contractor(s) that the COR has the authority to act upon:

deficiencies observed during surveillance, faulty or nonconforming work, delays or problems, and direct appropriate action to effect correction. The COR will record and report to the KO such issues. The COR will keep a memorandum for the record (MFR), minutes of meetings or discussions with the Contractor(s) or others pertaining to the contract or contract performance. Written communications with the Contractor(s) and other documents pertaining to the contract shall be signed as "Contracting Officer's Representative" and a copy will be placed in the COR's online file.

1.7.8 Contract Manager: The Contractor(s) shall provide a contract manager who shall be responsible for the performance of the work. The name of this person or designee who shall act for the Contractor(s) when the manager is absent shall be designated in writing to the KO. The contract manager or alternate shall have full authority to act for the Contractor(s) on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract.

1.7.9 Identification of Contractor(s) Employees: All contract personnel attending meetings, answering Government telephones, and working in other situations where their Contractor(s) status is not obvious to third parties are required to identify themselves as such to avoid creating an impression in the minds of members of the public that they are Government officials. They must also ensure that all documents or reports produced by Contractor(s) are suitably marked as Contractor(s) products or that Contractor(s) participation is appropriately disclosed.

1.7.10 Contractor Manpower Reporting Requirement: The Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower & Reserve Affairs) operates and maintains a secure Army data collection site where the contractor shall report ALL contractor manpower (including subcontractor manpower) required for performance of this contract. The contractor is required to completely fill in all the information in the format using the following web address: https://contractormanpower.army.pentagon.mil . The required information includes: (1) Contracting Office, Contracting Officer, Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative; (2) Contract number, including task and delivery order number; (3) Beginning and ending dates covered by reporting period; (4) Contractor name, address, phone number, e-mail address, identity of contractor employee entering data; (5) Actual direct labor hours (including sub-contractors); (6) Actual direct labor dollars paid this reporting period (including sub-contractors); (7) Total payments (including sub-contractors); (8) Predominant Federal Service Code (FSC) reflecting services provided by contractor (and separate predominant FSC for each sub-contractor if different); (9) Estimated data collection cost; (10) Organizational title associated with the Unit Identification Code (UIC) for the Army Requiring Activity (the Army Requiring Activity is responsible for providing the contractor with its UIC for the purposes of reporting this information); (11) Locations where the contractor and sub-contractors perform the work (specified by zip code in the United States and nearest city, country, when in an overseas location, using standardized nomenclature provided on website);

(12) Presence of deployment or contingency contract language; and (13) Number of contractor and sub-contractor employees deployed in theater this reporting period (by country). As part of its submission, the contractor shall provide the estimated total cost (if any) incurred to comply with this reporting requirement. Reporting period shall be the period of performance not to exceed 12 months ending September 30 of each government fiscal year and must be reported by 31 October of each calendar year.

Contractors may use a direct XML data transfer to the database server or fill in the fields on the website. The XML direct transfer is a format for transferring files from a contractor’s systems to the secure web site without the need for separate data entries for each required data element at the web site. The specific formats for the XML direct transfer may be downloaded from the web site.

1.7.11 Special Qualifications

1.7.12 The Contractor(s) shall provide interpreters that hold valid certification from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) and that have at least 2 years of paid professional experience. The Contractor(s) shall provide and maintain a consistent pool of qualified interpreters who have experience, education, training, active national certification in sign language interpreting, and skills to meet the requirements of the consumers’ communication styles. The Contractor(s) shall provide sign language interpreters who have background related to business, finance, graphic design, web development, information technology, auditing, human resources and equal employment matters to allow for clear interpretation and translation.

1.7.13 The Contractor(s) shall provide interpreters who comply with the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct and meet the following criteria:

• Sign Language Interpreters shall hold an active national certification in sign language interpreting.

• Personnel assigned to this requirement must meet all common industry certification standards and must have a minimum of two (2) years of paid professional experience as an interpreter including one (1) year of professional experience interpreting in formal corporate or government meetings, trainings and/or classroom settings. Paid professional experience is defined as providing interpreting services on a full-time or part-time basis in a professional capacity for purposes of gainful employment.

1.8 CONTRACTOR(S) QUALIFICATION

1.8.1 Minimum Level of Knowledge and Experience for Sign Language Interpreters:

• Must be certified in ASL-to-English and English-to-ASL interpreting/transliteration. Certification refers to the minimum national requirements.

• Must possess communication skill sets to work in variety of communication modes such as ASL, English interpretation, transliteration, contact sign/PSE, and oral transliteration.

• National Certifications: Interpreters providing service that possess, at a minimum, one certificate for the following and maintain their membership in good standing:

National Interpreter Certifications (NIC, NIC-Advanced, NIC-Master), RID National Interpreter Certification (CI, CTC, CSC, MCSC, SC:L), NAD National Interpreter Certifications (NAD V).

• State Screenings/Assessments: State specific Quality Assurance Screening (QAS) or licensure may be used in lieu and be equivalent to the National Certification requirements. If a State requires an interpreter to possess a license for professional work, then this requirement prevails. If an interpreter possesses a QAS, the level of a QAS must be the highest level or the second highest level.

For example, if there are 4 levels of a State QAS, then the interpreter must have either the Level 4 or the Level 3. If there are 5 levels, then the Levels must be 5 or 4. If a State QAS has 3 levels, then only the top level (Level 3) is applicable.

1.8.2 Verification: The Contractor(s) and its affiliates must follow the standards set forth by the RID and the NAD, and the issuing State Screening Programs. The Contractor(s) must provide to the Contracting Officer each individual interpreter’s current credentialed status in accordance with the awarding entities upon request.

1.8.3 Computer Assisted Real Time Captioning (CART) or Remote CART Services

The Contractor(s) shall typically be notified at least 24 hours in advance for a CART service request. The number of hours, exact locations, and actual times are contingent upon the services needed. The Contractor(s) shall provide remote and on-site services as requested.

The minimal expectations of the assigned CART provider shall demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities defined by the National Court Reporters Foundation (NCRA). The Contractor(s) shall, provide CART reporters that:

• Understand and abide by the NCRA’s Code of Professional Ethics (COPE)

• Are registered and certified as a professional reporter OR have demonstrated real-time minimum 96% accuracy.

• Have formal training in CART reporting OR have a minimum of 5 years of experience providing CART services.

The CART service provider shall furnish all relevant materials and technical equipment necessary for the provision of CART services, including redundant equipment, if necessary, in the case of technical difficulties.

All auxiliary needs, such as Internet access, shall be communicated upon assignment or as soon as the Contractor(s) becomes aware of such needs.

The EEO SLC retains the right to request different personnel if the service(s) provided are deemed ineffective or unsatisfactory.

PART 2

DEFINITIONS & ACRONYMS

2.1 Definitions: Although not inclusive of every term used within this PWS, the following provides a list of definitions used throughout this PWS and commonly used in the acquisition field.

Contracting Officer (KO) – means a person with authority to enter into, administer, and or terminate contracts, and make related determinations and findings on behalf of the Government. Note: The only individual who can legally bind the Government.

Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) – As defined in DFARS 202.101, means an individual designated and authorized in writing by the Contracting Officer to perform specific technical or administrative functions. Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 5000.72, Part II Definitions states the following when defining a COR: “Defined in subpart 202.101 of Reference (f). Any individual delegated responsibilities pursuant to subpart 1.602-2 of Reference (e), regardless of local terminology, must be certified in accordance with this instruction. For example, local terminology can be COR, contracting officer’s technical representative, technical point of contact, technical representative, alternate COR, administrative COR, assistant COR, line-item manager, task order manager, quality assurance personnel, quality assurance evaluator, or COR management.” In addition, Army Regulation 70-13, Chapter 2, paragraph 2-2g, states, in part, the following when providing support personnel to assist the COR, “…These other surveillance support personnel may serve as on-site representatives of the COR in performance of actual contract surveillance if they meet all COR requirements and have been appointed by the Contracting Officer as alternate CORs.”

Contractor – means a supplier or vendor awarded a contract to provide specific supplies or service to the Government. The term used in this contract refers to the prime.

Contractor-acquired property - means property acquired, fabricated, or otherwise provided by the Contractor for performing a contract, and to which the Government has title.

Day – means, unless otherwise specified, a calendar/business day.

Defective Service – means service output that does not meet the standard of performance associated with the Performance Work Statement.

Deliverable – means anything that can be physically delivered but may include non-manufactured things such as meeting minutes or reports.

Government-furnished property - means property furnished to the Contractor(s) the Government and subsequently furnished to the Contractor(s) for performance of a contract. Government-furnished property includes, but is not limited to, spares and property furnished for repair, maintenance, overhaul, or modification. Government-furnished property also includes Contractor-acquired property if the Contractor-acquired property is a deliverable under a cost contract when accepted by the Government for continued use under the contract.

Government property - means all property owned or leased by the Government.

Government property includes both Government-furnished property and Contractor-acquired property. Government property includes material, equipment, special tooling, special test equipment, and real property. Government property does not include intellectual property and software.

Property Administrator - means an authorized representative of the Contracting Officer appointed in accordance with agency procedures, responsible for administering the contract requirements and obligations relating to Government property in the possession of a Contractor.

High Level Objective (HLO) – means a key overarching result-based objective for a project necessary to achieve the project’s vision. HLOs are similar to Level 2 in a Work Breakdown Structure. Each HLO may contain several statements to flesh out the areas necessary to meet the objective.

Physical Security – means that part of security concerned with physical measures designed to safeguard personnel; to prevent unauthorized access to equipment, installations, material, and documents; and to safeguard against espionage, sabotage, damage, and theft.

Quality Assurance – (or Government contract quality assurance) means the various functions, including, inspection, performed by the Government to determine whether a Contractor has fulfilled the contract obligations pertaining to quality and quantity.

Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) – means the key Government-developed surveillance process document and is applied to Performance-Based Service Contracting (PBSC). The QASP is used for managing Contractor(s) performance assessment by ensuring that systematic quality assurance methods validate that Contractor(s) quality control efforts are timely, effective, and are delivering the results specified in the contract or task order. The QASP directly corresponds to the performance objectives and standards (i.e., quality, quantity, timeliness) specified in the

Performance Work Statement (PWS). It provides specific details on how the Government will survey, observe, test, sample, evaluate, and document Contractor(s) performance results to determine if the Contractor(s) has met the required standards for each objective in the PWS. The QASP, with very few if any exceptions, is an internal to Government document.

Quality Control – means all necessary measures taken by the Contractor(s) to assure that the quality of an end product or service shall meet contract requirements.

Statement – means the specific results-based activities required to satisfy HLOs. A statement contains a result, the context of the statement, and the required action(s).

Statements focus on “what” is to be accomplished; however, they are not prescriptive in describing “how” the outcome is to be achieved. Each HLO may have several statements to flesh out the areas necessary to meet the objective. Statements are similar to Level 3 in a Work Breakdown Structure.

Subcontractor(s) – means one that enters into a contract with a prime Contractor. The Government does not have privity of contract with the subcontractor.

Workday - The number of hours per day the Contractor(s) provides services in accordance with the contract.

Work Week - Monday through Friday, unless otherwise specified.

2.2 Acronyms: Although not inclusive of every term used within this PWS, the following provides a list of acronyms used throughout this PWS or commonly used in the acquisition field.

ACOR Alternate Contracting Officer's Representative ADA Americans with Disabilities ACT (ADA); 1990 AFARS Army Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement ALS American Sign Language ALT Alternate AMSCO Army Management Structure Code AOR Area of Responsibility AR Army Regulation AT Anti-terrorism ATCTS Army Training Certification Tracking System BPA Blanket Purchase Order CAC Common Access Card CAGE Commercial and Government Entity CDR Contract Discrepancy Report CFR Code of Federal Regulations COB Close of Business CONUS Continental United States (excludes Alaska and Hawaii) COR Contracting Officer’s Representative

COTS Commercial-Off-the-Shelf CUI Controlled Unclassified Information DA Department of the Army DCPDS Defense Civilian Personnel Data System DD Defense Department DD250 Department of Defense Form 250 (Receiving Report) DD254 Department of Defense Contract Security Requirement List DFARS Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement D/HH Deaf/Hard of Hearing DISS Defense Information System for Security DMDC Defense Manpower Data Center DOCPER Department of Defense Contractor Personnel Office DoD Department of Defense DoDI Department of Defense Instruction DoDM Department of Defense Manual FAR Federal Acquisition Regulation FCL Facility Clearance FECA Federal Employees Compensation Act FMSWEB Force Management System FY Fiscal Year GFP Government Furnished Property HLO High Level Objective HIPAA Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 HQDA Headquarters, Department of the Army HR Human Resources HRMD Human Resources Management Directorate IA Information Awareness IAC Installation Access Control IACO Installation Access Control Office IAW In Accordance With ID Identification IGE Independent Government Estimate IO Information Operations IT Information Technology JTR Joint Travel Regulation JPAS Joint Personnel Adjudication System KO Contracting Officer NAD National Association of the Deaf NADC National Interpreter Certifications NCR National Capital Region NIC National Interpreter Certifications NISP National Industrial Security Program NISPOM National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual NSPM National Security Presidential Memorandum OAA Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army OCI Organizational Conflict of Interest

OCONUS Outside Continental United States (includes Alaska and Hawaii) ODC Other Direct Costs OPSEC Operations Security PA Property Administrator PDF Portable Document Format PII Personally Identifiable Information POC Point of Contact PRS Performance Requirements Summary PSE Pidgin Signed English PWS Performance Work Statement QA Quality Assurance QAP Quality Assurance Program QASP Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan QC Quality Control QCP Quality Control Program RA Requiring Activity RID Registry of Interpreters for Deaf ROO Regional Ordering Officer SAM System for Award Management SCR Service Contract Report SSBI-PR Single Scope Background Investigation-Periodic Reinvestigations TE Technical Exhibit VAL Visit Authorization Letter VRI Video Remote Interpreting

PART 3

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, AND SERVICES

3.1 General: The Government shall provide the facilities, equipment, materials, and/or services listed below.

3.2 Equipment: None

3.3 Services: None

3.3.1 Utilities: All utilities in the facility will be available for the Contractor’s use in performance of duties outlined in this PWS. The Contractor(s) shall instruct personnel in utilities conservation practices. The Contractor(s) shall be responsible for operating under conditions that preclude the waste of utilities.

3.4 Facilities: N/A

PART 4

CONTRACTOR(S) FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES

4.1 General: Except for those items specifically stated to be government furnished in Part 3, the Contractor(s) shall furnish everything required to perform this PWS.

PART 5

SPECIFIC TASKS

5.1 Basic Services: The assigned interpreter shall provide accurate SLI services to the EEO in support of HQDA as defined in this PWS.

5.1.1 Language Use: Interpretation will be primarily between spoken English and the following language preferences: American Sign Language (ASL), Pidgin Signed English

(PSE).

5.1.2 Interpretation: The interpreter shall interpret the message accurately to include the content and spirit of the communication.

5.1.3 Request Process

5.1.3.1 Requesting Agency: The requesting agency POC will provide all assignment related information at the time of placing the call order. The requesting agency POC will be responsible for coordinating all assignment related information and provide appropriate facility clearance details or read ahead materials to the Contractor(s).

Assignment related information includes but is not limited to: security procedures, on-site Point of Contact (POC), arrival time, assignment beginning-ending time, topic, consumers involved, and language preferences. Assignment-related information will be provided via vendor on-line service request process, e-mail or telephonically.

5.1.3.2 Notice of Interpreter’s Name: The Contractor(s) shall provide the name and contact information of the assigned interpreter(s) NLT two (2) full business days after accepting the Call Order Assignment/award. Contact information shall include a phone number at which the interpreter can be directly contacted. When service is requested in less than one (1) business day, the Contractor(s) shall provide the name and phone number of the assigned interpreter(s) as soon as possible, but no less than one (1) hour prior to the start of the assignment.

5.1.3.3 In the event that assignment-related information is changed after service confirmation has been received, the requesting agency POC must inform the Contractor(s) of all changes within one (1) hour after learning of the change.

5.1.3.4 In the event that information changes regarding the assigned interpreter(s), the Contractor(s) shall inform the requesting agency POC of the changes within one (1) hour of the changes having been made.

5.1.4 Arrival Time: See paragraph 1.4.2 for procedures.

5.1.5 Escorting Procedures

5.1.5.1 The requesting agency POC or designee has the responsibility to escort contract interpreters to the assignment location. The COR will provide the Contractor(s) with identifying signage which must be visible when waiting for the escort.

5.1.5.2 The requesting agency escort will have identifying signage identical to that provided to the Contractor(s) to ensure identification by the contract interpreter.

5.1.6 Sub-Contracting: In the event that the Contractor(s) sub-contracts services, the Contractor(s) shall sub-contract with certified and qualified interpreters. Sub-contracted personnel shall meet all of the same requirements for a SLI contained in this PWS.

5.2 Assignments

5.2.1 Number of Interpreters: The Contractor(s) shall provide two (2) interpreters for each platform or televised interpreting assignment which exceeds three (3) hours to ensure effective communication for the duration of the assignment, unless otherwise determined by the COR or assigned designee. Routine office setting interpreting assignments require only one (1) interpreter unless otherwise determined by the COR or assigned designee.

5.2.2 The Contractor(s) shall provide interpreter services for meetings, briefings, trainings, discussions, performance meetings, performance reviews, on-boarding, recruitment and hiring events, interviews, seminars, conferences, inspections, work related exams, videos, and/or a variety of other work-related situations and platforms scheduled by the requesting agency within 48 hours’ notice. The Government shall notify the Contractor(s) orally or by email for the cancellation of assignments. The Government shall provide the Contractor(s) within two (2) business days’ notice for cancellations of an interpreter assignment. Any assignments cancelled by the Government after this time frame may be invoiced by the Contractor(s) for scheduled performance time.

5.2.3 Under no circumstances shall the Contractor(s) perform work outside the scope of this PWS without a properly executed modification to the contract by the Contracting Officer (KO).

5.2.4 The Contractor(s) shall attend scheduled and unscheduled meetings to furnish input concerning the operation and management of the interpretation program.

5.3 ADMINISTRATIVE DELIVERABLES

5.3.1 Invoicing: The Contractor(s) shall invoice on a monthly basis using the designated government financial management system. The invoice shall include the number of hours provided and list each assignment requested.

The invoice shall also include:

• Contract Number

• Invoice Number

• Hourly Rate(s)

• Invoice Date

• Period covered by the invoice

• A cumulative burn rate chart for the overall period of performance

• Pertinent POC information (Contractor(s)'s business address, office phone, office fax, and email address)

Invoices shall be received NLT 31 days after the completion of the assignment and contain minimal errors.

5.3.2 Subcontracting: No additional compensation will be provided for sub-contracted assignments.

5.4 Rate Definitions:

Rate Definition Standard Rate Normal hours of operation are 7:00 am – 6:00 pm Monday through Friday.

Short Notices Rate Emergency requests are considered as a short assignment when less than 2 business days’ notice has been given. At all times the expectation is that the Contractor(s) will make every effort to ensure coverage when possible.

Emergency requests will be handled based upon the availability of interpreting services. There is no penalty to the Contractor(s) if coverage cannot be secured on an Emergency Request only.

After Hours Rate After normal hours of operation (7:00 am – 6:00 pm Monday through Friday) or on weekends and Holidays (IAW PWS

1.5.3 Recognized Holidays and 1.5.4 Hour Operation).

5.5 REPORTING: The Contractor(s) shall submit a spreadsheet that tracks the numbers of hours of completed and billable services on the last business day of each month.

5.6 GUARANTEED MINIMUM PAYMENT

5.6.1 Cancelled, Delayed or Postponed Assignments: The requesting agency POC will inform the Contractor(s) of cancelled, delayed, or postponed assignments. As needed, the Government POC will issue a cancellation notice two (2) business days prior to the start time of the scheduled assignment(s). The government will not be liable for any payments, fees, etc., after an event had been officially cancelled.

5.6.2 In the event an interpreter arrives late for an assignment, the Contractor(s) shall deduct from the invoice the amount equal to the hourly rate stated in the contract for the period of non-performance. Arrival times are detailed on paragraph 5.1.4.

Missed assignments shall not be tolerated and the U.S. Government will be relieved of responsibility of payment with respect to any such assignment. The Contractor shall notify the COR with a written explanation of any missed assignment by a sign language interpreter supplied under this BPA. The Contractor may provide an initial notice to the COR by phone but must follow up on that initial notice with a written explanation via email within 24 hours.

5.6.3 No service fee, other than stated herein, is payable under this contract.

PART 6

APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS

6.1 Publications applicable to this PWS are listed below. All publications listed are available via http://www.apd.army.mil/

• Section 501 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments Act of 1973, as amended

• Army Regulation 600-7, Unlawful Discrimination on The Basis of Disability In Programs and Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance from or Conducted by The Department of The Army, 10 Mar 2020

• Army Regulation 690-12, Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action, 12 Dec 2019 http://www.apd.army.mil/

TECHNICAL EXHIBIT A: Performance Requirements Summary (PRS)

Overview. This PRS identifies the services required by the PWS over which the Government will exercise surveillance.

Performance Evaluation. Performance of a service will be evaluated to determine whether or not it meets the performance threshold. The contractor shall provide the Government a written response as to why the performance threshold was not met, how performance will be returned to acceptable levels, and how recurrence of the cause will be prevented in the future. When documentation does not meet performance thresholds, revising and resubmitting the documentation at no cost to the Government is the preferred method for correcting unacceptable performance.

Performance Objectives, Indicators, Thresholds, and Surveillance Methods.

The services required by the contractor are summarized into performance objectives and indicators, along with the minimum standards that relate directly to mission essential items. The performance threshold briefly describes the minimum acceptable levels of service required for each requirement. These thresholds are critical to mission success

Note: Meeting or exceeding the expected standards of performance may result in an above average rating in the contractor's past performance evaluation at the end of the contract performance period. Negative performance will be reflected in the contractor's past performance evaluation.

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY (PRS)

This Performance Requirements Summary includes performance standards. The Government will use these standards to determine Contractor(s) performance and shall compare Contractor(s) performance to the Acceptable Quality Level (AQL).

Performance

Objective

Standard Performance Threshold

Method of Surveillance

Remedy

PRS #1

Language Use: Match the language needs of the employees.

PWS

Paragraph 5.1.1

Provide interpreting services in compliance with Federal law, Army Regulation and Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Code of Professional Conduct

Service will be performed at or above certification level: no more than 2 complaints per 25 hours of service or 2 complaints against the same contract interpreter

Periodic

Customer Complaints

Replacement of interpreter and/or fine equal to period of non-performance

PRS#2

Interpretation : Provide an equivalent interpretation of information.

PWS

Paragraph 5.1.2

The interpreter shall interpret the message accurately and within the spirit of the conversation

Service will be performed at or above certification level: no more than 2 complaints per 25 hours of service or 2 complaints against the same contract interpreter

Periodic

Customer Complaints

Replacement of interpreter and /or fine equal to period of non-performance

PRS #3

Timeliness:

Services will be provided on time as per arranged schedule and

IAW PWS

PWS

Paragraph 5.1.4

Provide interpreting services in compliance with Federal law, Army Regulation and Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Code of Professional Conduct

100% on time all the time.

Periodic

Customer Complaints

Contractor will not be paid for unrendered services.

PRS #4

Notice of Interpreter’s Name:

Provide interpreter’s name in accordance with PWS

PWS

Paragraph 5.1.3.2

Provide interpreting services in compliance with Federal law, Army Regulation and Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Code of Professional Conduct

100% 100% of the time

Fine equal to hourly rate stated in contract for the period of non-performance

The evaluation ratings are as follows:

• Exceptional:…