Attachment 1_PWS_ASC_15Dec2022.docx

ATTACHMENT 1

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS) FOR

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)

U.S. CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES (USCIS)

APPLICATION SUPPORT CENTERS (ASC)

OPERATIONS AND FACILITIES SERVICES

1. TITLE OF PROJECT

Application Support Centers (ASC) Operations and Facilities Services

1.2. INTRODUCTION

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), herein referred to as USCIS, is the Department of Homeland Security component responsible for administering a variety of immigration benefits, including permanent resident status, work permits, naturalization (citizenship), international adoptions, student visas, temporary protected status, asylum, and refugee status. Applicants make a formal request to USCIS by filing an application with an established processing fee and appropriate documentation. USCIS provides applicants with immigration and related services to support the legal and regulatory requirements of the application process through its headquarters, regional and district offices, service centers, and application support centers. USCIS services include: providing forms and other information to assist applicants in the application process; collecting applicant biometric and biographic data for background checks; taking applications; adjudicating immigration benefit cases and immigrant status adjustments; supporting naturalization testing services; and supporting oath (naturalization) ceremonies. Once an applicant is approved, the applicant is issued a document, e.g., a Permanent Resident Card, Employment Authorization Document, Re-Entry Document, Naturalization Certificate, or other document(s). All issued documents with the exception of the Naturalization Certificate have an expiration date. Applicants must re-apply at specified intervals to renew documents and continue immigration benefits.

One of USCIS’ primary responsibilities is to administer and manage Application Support Centers (ASCs) and related operations. ASCs collect applicant biometric and biographical data (e.g. digital fingerprints, photographs, and signatures).

This contract is a continuation of the Application Support Center function under the Identity & Information Management Division (IIMD) ASC program. Additional support functions are likely as USCIS continues to grow and evolve. Additional demands on the ASCs for services may be required within the scope of this contract as USCIS implements new Federal and DHS biometric initiatives and policies. Impacts, if any, on the ASC program from such changes will be assessed when criteria including eligibility requirements, determinations of customer population size , geographical location changes, ASC program role and level of involvement in initiative implementation, biometric types to be collected, and other requirements’ factors can be defined.

1.2.1. Definitions

ASC: A Contractor-operated facility at which biometric and biographic data of individuals seeking benefits are collected. An ASC may be located in Government-provided or Contractor-leased space (See Attachment A – Sample Floor Plans). Office size and contract staff varies based upon location and projected applicant traffic. ASCs are to be staffed with contract personnel, including a Site Supervisor and Biometrics Technicians (BT), with job duties ranging from facility observation, receptionist, and capturing of the Biometrics of applicants. (See Attachment B). ASCs may also be staffed with Federal employee, either onsite or remote, to provide oversight.

Standalone (SA) ASC: A Contractor leased, Contractor-operated facility within the 50 United States and U.S. territories at which biometric and biographic data of individuals seeking benefits are collected. Standalone (SA) ASCs are stand-alone facilities, not co-located with other Government offices. Office size and contract staff varies based upon location and projected applicant traffic.

Co-located ASC (COLO): A Government-provided, Contractor-operated facility located within a USCIS facility or other Government agency space at which biometric and biographic data of individuals seeking benefits are collected.

Mobile ASC Route: A USCIS outreach program that collects biometrics data from applicants in very remote U.S. areas and in other areas when requested by USCIS offices. USCIS personnel and Contractor ASC staff collect biometric and biographic data at pre-arranged locations, such as community centers, schools, and churches (See Attachment C for mobile route locations).

Identity Verification (IV): USCIS’ LiveScan systems communicate to the Office of Biometric Identity Management’s (OBIM) IDENT system and allow applicant Identity Verification (IV). When scheduled applicants arrive at an ASC, they will verify their identity by electronically scanning the four fingers of their right or left hand (slap print) and capturing their photographs. The process may also include collection of minimal biographical data.

U.S. Territories: Territories currently served by ASCs are Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the United States Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

2. BACKGROUND

USCIS is required by law to obtain biometric and biographic data from applicants seeking certain immigration benefits. Biometric and biographic data is used to conduct criminal background checks prior to USCIS making a determination whether to grant immigration benefits to applicants. The Congress of the United States prohibits USCIS from accepting biometric and biographic data for applicant benefits from any entity other than a U.S. state and local law enforcement agency, a USCIS component, or the Departments of State or Defense. To comply with this mandate, USCIS established the ASC program in 1997 to collect applicant biometrics internally within the controlled environment of an ASC or ASC mobile route. The ASC program resides within the USCIS Immigration Records and Identity Services (IRIS) Directorate.

ASCs currently exist in 130 locations throughout the United States and U.S. territories (See Attachment B for current site locations, number of workstations per location, number of facility observers and breakdown of locations by regions). Currently, forty-nine (49) locations are COLO sites and eighty-one (81) are SA sites. Mobile routes are associated with and staffed by specific ASCs. (See Attachment C for mobile route destinations).

Annually, the ASCs process a significant portion of all applicants seeking immigration benefits. ASC workload is dependent on current immigration policies and customer population size, among other factors, and has historically fluctuated upward and downward. The chart below shows historical numbers of benefits processed at the ASCs:

Code 1 – Biographic data, 10 fingerprints (slapped & rolled images), and photograph.

Code 2 – Biographic data, single right index finger press-print, photograph, and signature.

Code 3 – A combination of code 1 and Code 2 processing with biographic data, 10 fingerprints, press-print, photograph, and signature.

Code 5 – Identity Verification accounts for approximately 50% of the total annual number of applicants to be processed, thereby reducing Code 1-3 production by 50%.

*ASC began processing Code 5 at the end of FY17 in August 2017.

**FY20 is an outlier due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Biometric and biographic data is collected and transmitted electronically by the ASCs using specialized scanning systems provided by USCIS, with a very small number of biometrics captured manually using paper and ink (<1%).

The ASC program has evolved since it was established in 1997 and will continue to evolve, with significant functional and workload realignments, site additions, moves, closures, expansions, renovations, and major technology deployments. USCIS will periodically assess site locations to align production capability with workload, and to implement new initiatives during the life of this contract.

The USCIS focus for this program is to acquire timely solutions to meet immigration benefits workload, to collect quality biometrics data with minimal rejects, to maintain cost control and high customer service standards while performing in diverse environments, and to strengthen security of the United States and its borders.

3. SCOPE

USCIS is seeking Contractor labor and program management support for the Application Support Centers (ASC).

1. The Contractor shall provide a fully trained staff (U.S. citizenship is required) at designated SAs, COLOs, and mobile routes.

a. The major tasks to be accomplished are: Biometric and Biographic Capture, Identity Verification, Mobile Route Support, Scheduling, Data Entry, resubmissions of prints, electronic support of ink cards, facility observation support and Program Management Support, including Facilities Leasing and Maintenance.

2. The Contractor shall provide ad hoc reporting as required. Future undefined ASC workload may radiate from USCIS, DHS, and Federal initiatives involving biometrics collection and may include but not be limited to large surges, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), UK VISA, Canada VISA and other country VISA processing as they come on-line, processing of Government employee identity verification, new or relocated domestic ASC site locations/mobile routes, closure of specific ASC sites and new overseas ASC sites/mobile routes, homebound applicant processing, expansion of biometric modalities, identity document scanning, self-service kiosks, and Remote Services Video Program (RSVP).

3. Additionally, as USCIS seeks opportunities to gain operational efficiencies, this contract may require additional services, that are non-biometrically-related (ex. providing support for interviews, naturalization testing, etc.), be performed at the ASC and by the contractor supporting the ASC.

The Contractor shall provide staff and support to establish, operate, and maintain locations and perform tasks as specified in this contract. The Contractor shall provide all program management support to include, but not limited to, personnel management and staffing, facilities leasing and maintenance support, procurement support for furniture/office equipment/office supplies, Government property administration, quality and training programs, standard operating procedures preparation and updating, Government coordination, invoicing, reports, teaming arrangements and subcontract administration, administrative support, transportation arrangements, and special projects support.

The Contractor shall provide all current services specified in this PWS as well as any other ASC-related services as directed by DHS/USCIS policy, mission, or congressional action that may be incorporated through modification of this contract. The Contractor shall be responsive to legislation that impacts the continued initiatives, development, and implementation of the ASC program to ensure USCIS compliance with congressional mandates.

ASC program workload may fluctuate if new Federal, DHS, and/or USCIS initiatives and/or policy changes are approved and implemented during the performance of this contract.

4. CONTRACTOR TASKS

Upon completion of Government-approved minimum training as specified in Section 6, Training Program, and in accordance with current ASC Standard Operating Procedures[footnoteRef:2] (SOP), the Contractor shall provide the following tasks identified in Sections 4.1 – 4.6. [2: ASC Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) are considered living documents and therefore are subject to change during the life of the contract. While the SOPs are owned by the Government, updating and maintaining them is a shared responsibility between the Contractor and the Government.]

TASK 4.1. BIOMETRICS CAPTURE & IDENTITY VERIFICATION (IV)

The Contractor shall provide trained, qualified staff to support USCIS in the collection of biometrics and identity verification. ASC biometrics collection and identity verification workloads may increase due to large surges, changes in Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other countries’ VISA processing, processing of Government employee identity verification, expansion of biometric modalities, and other Federal, DHS, and/or USCIS initiatives. Work involves the collection of quality fingerprints, photographs, signatures, and other biometrics data, in combination using Government-furnished electronic and manual biometrics capturing equipment. Biometrics services shall be provided on a predominantly scheduled-basis (and unscheduled or “walk-in”-basis) at each established location and/or applicable mobile route(s). Unscheduled or “walk-in” applicants comprised of scheduled applicants who couldn’t be processed (i.e. temporary closure) and were asked to come back later, and applicants who are requesting to be processed outside of their scheduled date/time/location.

The Government schedules applicants using its Biometric Scheduling System (i.e., National Appointment Scheduling System (NASS)).

Generally the Government schedules USCIS applicants at a rate of six (6) per hour per machine for Biometric Collection (CODEs 1, 2, 3, & Identity Verification – Code 5), Canada (CA) VISA – Code 6, and UK VISA – Code 7. CA VISA applicants are scheduled via NASS in a 14 to 21 calendar day scheduling window, that is, a Canadian VISA applicant can go to the scheduler and choose an appointment time and ASC location that is 14-21 days out from the date of scheduling. CA VISA applicants have a minimum of eight (8) appointment slots per day per ASC. UK VISA applicants are scheduled viaNASS in 5 to 60 days scheduling window, that is, a UK VISA applicant can go to the scheduler and choose an appointment time and ASC location that is 5-60 days out from the date of scheduling. UK VISA applicants have a minimum of eight (8) appointment slots per day per ASC. Numbers of CA VISA applicants and UK Visa applicants may fluctuate during periods of high demand up to 16 to 24 applicants per day at several or all locations. The Government reserves the right to change the scheduling rate in future contract modification if deemed necessary.

NASS schedules a week’s worth of applicants, beginning two weeks into the future. The scheduler automatically runs every Friday evening after the close of business and generates the schedule, which is available to the Government and Contractor, in NASS, by midnight EST every Friday. The scheduling process begins with NASS accepting new scheduling requests after the scheduler runs (ex. Saturday at 12:01AM EST) through the entire next week up until the close of business on that Friday, when the scheduler will run again. These seven days (highlighted purple) are called the “pooling period.” A weekly pooling period allows the Government to schedule a known weekly population of applicants evenly across the scheduled week, thus better ensuring steady processing throughout the week. However, processing volumes will vary from week-to-week. The Monday through Wednesday after the scheduler has run, is used to print and mail the applicants’ appointment notices. Days following the mailed notices, are considered the “courtesy period”; intended to give applicants time to make the necessary arrangements in order to make their appointment dates and times. The scheduled week then follows the courtesy period.

Below, is a visual representation of the scheduling timeline:

Applicants may be manually scheduled into the “scheduled week” after NASS has produced a schedule. The Contractor shall have access to NASS and may pull scheduling manifests, by site, at any point in time, which will show the updated workload.

As described above, NASS schedules one week at a time and attempts to schedule a consistent workload across the week. In addition, if scheduling requests do not reach full capacity for a site, NASS will schedule up to twice as many applicants in the morning as in the afternoon, which is intended to provide an opportunity for staffing efficiencies. Maximum capacity of an ASC is calculated as the number of LiveScan machines X the scheduling rate per hour X the number of operational hours. The split between biometric collection and identity verification may fluctuate daily. NASS will schedule up to maximum capacity, depending on the amount of scheduling requests received each week. Unscheduled applicants are not included in the scheduling capacity and are to be processed in addition to the scheduled workload (See Attachment J - ASC SOP for applicant processing).

All appointments are scheduled on the hour, throughout the ASC hours of operation. For example: The XBD (Boston) ASC’s manifest shows 24 applicants for biometric collection and 24 for identity verification scheduled at 8AM. All 48 applicants will have appointment notices directing them to appear at the ASC at 8AM. The Contractor has one hour to process the 48 applicants before the 9AM applicants arrive. Appointments are scheduled on the hour for two main purposes: 1) to allow for flexibility in applicant arrival, as not all applicants may arrive on time and 2) to allow the Contractor flexibility in processing the applicants.

For each ASC, the Contractor shall maintain a minimum productivity rate of six (6) applicants processed per hour per Biometrics Technician (BT). For both Biometric Collection and Identity Verification, the processing time is measured beginning with the start of the transaction at the Biometric machine and ending with handing the applicant a customer survey card (see Attachment F for performance metrics). The Contractor’s productivity rates may be greater (ex. 10 applicants processed per hour per BT) than the scheduled rates (ex. 6 applicants processed per hour per BT), but not less. Not all LiveScan machines must be staffed and utilized, only the amount that the Contractor needs in order to process all of the scheduled and unscheduled (i.e. walk-in) applicants. The LiveScan machines are capable of processing applicants faster than the scheduled rate per applicant and the speed is largely dependent upon the speed of the BTs. The staffing solution (i.e. number of BTs) is to be determined and provided by the Contractor and should ensure all scheduled applicants can be processed each day, during normal business hours.

This Section summarizes the Standard Operating Procedures utilized in the ASC for biometrics capture. Additional coded biometrics types may be added, as required.

Applicants appearing at an ASC for a biometrics capture will be processed as a code 1, code 2, or code 3. Applicants appearing at an ASC for identity verification will be processed as a code 5.

However, additional code types may be added during the life of the contract. The biometrics are collected using Government-provided electronic LiveScan machines.

CODE 1 – Code 1 processing is electronically (and when required, manually) capturing an applicant’s biographic data, rolled fingerprint images of all ten fingers, and a facial photograph.

CODE 2 - Code 2 processing is electronically capturing and transmitting an applicant’s biographic data, single press-print image of the right index finger, facial photograph, and signature.

CODE 3 – Code 3 processing is a combination of Code 1 and Code 2. Code 3 processing is capturing and transmitting an applicant’s biographic data, rolled fingerprint images of all ten fingers, single press-print image of an index finger, facial photograph, and signature.

CODE 5 – Code 5 processing is electronically capturing and transmitting biographic data, a slap fingerprint image of four fingers from either the left or right hand, and facial photograph in order to verify the identity of an applicant. If the identity verification is confirmed, the applicant’s signature is captured to complete the Code 5. If the identity verification is not confirmed, the applicant’s signature and rolled fingerprint images of all ten fingers are captured to complete the processing as a Code 3.

CODE 6 - Code 6, CA VISA, processing is electronically capturing and transmitting biographic data, a slap fingerprint image of four fingers from both the left and right hand, the two thumb flats captured simultaneously, and facial photograph.

CODE 7 – Code 7, UK VISA, processing is the same as code 3 processing detailed above. The UK applicant’s age will determine whether a photo, fingerprints and/ or signature capture is required.

Reference Attachment J - ASC SOP for detailed procedures for applicant processing.

TASK 4.1.1 MOBILE ROUTE SUPPORT

The Contractor shall provide all supplies, equipment, and trained, qualified staff necessary to provide mobile route support for established mobile routes and temporary mobile routes, which may be required. A USCIS Federal employee and, if required by USCIS, the Contractor shall process any operational tasks on mobile routes that are within the scope of work of the ASCs and which are feasible for processing in a mobile environment. Currently, only biometrics data is captured on mobile routes. The Contractor shall bring the necessary supplies and equipment to perform biometrics services. USCIS determines routes; including the identification of service point addresses, hours of operation, and schedules. Typically, one USCIS official accompanies one Biometrics Technician during the mobile routes. A Biometrics Technician may be required to drive and must possess a valid state driver’s license in this situation. Overnight travel may be required. (See Attachment C for currently established “permanent” mobile routes and Attachment D for a list of standard mobile route supplies and equipment - not all-inclusive). Mobile routes may be changed unilaterally by the Government any time during the term of this contract. Additionally, “temporary” mobile route support may be required on an ad hoc basis and will be covered by SECTION B of the SF1449, applicant pricing under the corresponding District, along with authorized travel costs (all travel must be approved in advance by the Government).

This Section summarizes the procedures used by the ASCs for mobile route processing.

Mobile Route Scheduling. USCIS establishes the frequency and provides dates and times for each scheduled mobile route. Length of stay by mobile route representatives at a particular hosting facility may vary from a few hours to several days based on the number of applicants in the scheduling queue and travel time to the hosting facility destination.

Travel Authorization. Travel approval is required for each Contractor staff member assigned to the mobile route, prior to travel occurring.

Logistical Support. Mobile route representatives verify that all required supplies and equipment are available prior to departure.

Biometrics Capture/Other Services. Standard Operating Procedures for biometrics capture and other authorized services shall be followed to process applicants on mobile routes. The Contractor staff is not authorized to conduct mobile routes without approval of a USCIS Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)

Reporting. The total number of applicants processed shall be added to the applicable biometrics totals reported to the Government. Separate monthly mobile route reporting is required.

TASK 4.2 PROGRAM MANAGEMENT SUPPORT

The Contractor shall provide program management support as necessary to provide quality ASC services. This shall include, as a minimum, the following:

1. General Project Management Services

2. Facility Management

3. Procurement/Logistics Management

4. Personnel Management

5. Quality Control Program Management

6. Training Program Management

7. Special Projects Management

8. Standard Operating Procedures Preparation/Updates

9. Transition Requirement and Plan

Task 4.2.1. General Project Management The Contractor shall provide general project management services consisting of all activities associated with the overall administration of the project to ensure its successful operation including, but not limited to, the following:

Government Coordination. All activities associated with Government coordination and correspondence, e.g. meetings, presentations, and seminars.

Reports. All activities associated with the preparation, data collection, development, presentation, and distribution of reports.

Invoicing. All activities associated with invoicing, including: assembling billing data, preparing any responses to Government billing rejection letters; generation, distribution, and tracking of invoices; responding to billing inquiries; tracking which deliverables and/or units have been invoiced and which have not; and invoice reporting.

Travel. All activities associated with pre-approved travel for Contractor personnel, such as planning, scheduling, and procuring airfare, lodging accommodations, and ground transportation. All invoiced travel costs must be itemized in accordance with the General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) in effect at the time of travel. Per Diem must comply with the applicable Government-approved allowances in effect at the time of travel.

Subcontracts. All activities associated with managing subcontractors, such as identification and qualification thereof, negotiation and issuance of subcontracts, obtaining Government approval for their use, review of invoices, and ensuring subcontract compliance with security clearances and other requirements of this contract.

Support. All activities associated with overall contract support staff, such as clerical, secretarial, data analysis, legal, and administrative support.

Task 4.2.2. Facilities Management The Contractor shall provide facilities leasing and maintenance support for ASC SA sites. ASCs exist in 130 locations throughout the United States and U.S. territories. Forty-nine (49) locations are COLO sites and eighty-one (81) are SAs. ASC locations may be revised, added, or deleted throughout the life of this contract by contract modification. The Contractor shall assume all existing SA leases (81 leases).

The Contractor shall provide facility management services for all Contractor-leased SA sites consisting of all activities associated with the management of SA facilities. Facility management services apply only to SA facilities. Facility management services shall include, but not be limited to: lease acquisition and build-out of space in geographic locations specified by USCIS; building code compliance; janitorial services; insurance; repair and maintenance; utilities; telephone services; furniture/fixtures/signage selection, acquisition, and installation; and safety and security. Further, the Contractor shall remove excess property and equipment at ASCs as required.

Lease Administration. Contractors shall provide lease administration functions to include managing all substantive contact with landlords and agents to ensure compliance with lease terms. The Contractor shall also ensure that lease terms and administration are in compliance with all Government facility specifications, as enumerated below. All existing leases shall be assumable, and the Government shall reimburse all approved lease and assumption costs for approved site locations. Leases must include a termination clause and must be approved by the Government.

Facility Database. The Contractor shall develop and maintain an agreed to (with the COR) MS Excel spreadsheet with all formulas in place, of the status of all facilities leased under this contract. The spreadsheet will be electronically sent to the COR each month with monthly deliverables. Upon contract completion, all facility data will be provided to the Government.

Property Disposal. The Contractor shall provide property disposal support when requested by the COR or Contracting Officer in accordance with ASC Standard Operating Procedures.

Leasehold/Facility Improvements. Facilities shall be fully furnished and operational in accordance with Government site specifications and requirements. Leasehold improvements shall be made, if necessary, to bring each facility to Government specifications and requirements. Leasehold improvements shall be approved by USCIS. Note: Specifications and requirements for build-out of temporary facilities may be greatly reduced in the event of additional facilities for a large surge requirement.

Construction Management. The Contractor is required to provide facilities that meet Government site specifications and requirements. If approved, the Contractor shall provide management services consisting of all activities associated with the build-out of new SA sites and improvements/refurbishment/alterations to existing SA facilities, including, but not limited to: obtaining building permits, providing architectural services, managing subcontractors, site visits, and ensuring compliance with appropriate city/state/Federal construction regulations.

The Contractor is authorized to incur costs up to the estimated build-out cost provided on the signed ASC Site Selection Approval (SSA) document. The Contractor is to notify the COR and PM immediately when they believe there is going to be a cost overrun on the build-out. Any cost overrun of 7% above the approved amount on the signed SSA requires additional approval from the CO.

Maintenance. The Contractor is required to provide facilities that meet Government site specifications and requirements. Repair and maintenance of facilities and facility fixtures shall be performed to keep each stand-alone (SA) site in working, professional order and appearance in accordance with Government requirements. Daily janitorial services shall be performed to keep each SA site in a clean and professional appearance.

SA ASC Facility Specifications

1. Compliant with Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

1. All facilities shall meet public building standards, based on American Building Code and/or local building codes.

1. Easily accessed by the public, e.g., strip malls and ground floor areas preferred.

1. Leased for an economic time period (usually five years) with an option to extend the lease for at least one or two additional period (usually five years each). Sites anticipated to be of a temporary nature may be leased for shorter time periods, with Government approval. Lease shall include a 120 day early termination penalty.

1. Located near major transportation routes (if possible, accessible to public transportation such as buses and subway systems).

1. Accessible to public parking.

1. Accessible mornings, evenings, and weekends.

1. Be floored in tile or other durable surface to provide for heavy traffic and the moving of large equipment.

1. Compliant with all local building codes, e.g., fire, alarm, electrical, and sprinkler system.

1. Have heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems capable of supporting Local Area Network (LAN)/Wide Area Network (WAN) equipment, servers, switches, routers computers, and electronic biometrics equipment 24 hours per day, 7 days per week (approximately 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and 40 to 60 percent humidity).

1. The Contractor shall complete data and telecommunications cabling within the facility including running a 25 pair copper cable and a six (6) strand multimode fiber from the Demarc to the computer room (Note: the Government will provide the data circuit. The Government will provide all data and network equipment which will be installed by the Government IT staff).

1. Be cleaned on all days of operation (e.g., trash removal, dusting, window cleaning, floor wash/vacuum, and bathroom maintenance).

1. Have as a minimum, two public restrooms (male and female), wheelchair accessible.

1. Have similar physical layout as follows, as applicable: (a) waiting area with chairs (b) facility observer/receptionist area; (c) biometrics area; (d) space for counter/desk/computer workstation(s); (e) staff break room; (f) restrooms; (g) computer room a minimum of 10ft x 10ft; (h) a supply room; (i) desk and chair for USCIS assistant or receptionist; (j) Site Supervisor office; and (k) ASC Federal employee office space. The computer and/or supply room, Site Supervisor’s office, and ASC Federal employee’s office shall have doors with locks (See Attachment A for sample floor plans).

SA Facility Standards.

The Government will provide the Contractor with the anticipated location, applicant volume and number of workstations a SA facility will require. Based on the requirements, the vendor will perform a market survey report to include but not limited to: lease cost, site square footage, crime statistics, public transportation, and build out cost. The Government will make the final determination on site selection. The contractor shall consider the optional task, 4.4, when selecting sites, specifically the five sites currently listed in task 4.4.

Space designed for Government employees shall meet the USCIS space standards.

SA locations and sizes may be revised, added, or deleted as determined necessary by the Government.

Security. Alarmed security services shall be provided for each SA site to include Cloud-based closed-circuit television (CCTV) in locations approved by the Government Program Manager. The security systems shall be connected to the local police and fire station. Other security features, to include door peepholes, window film, “panic” buttons, and concrete barriers, may be required at SA sites, on a site-by-site basis, if approved by the Government.

Interior Closed-Circuit Camera (CCTV).Contractor must immediately install and maintain Cloud-Based CCTV cameras for up to 130 locations. Contractor is responsible to provide enough CCTV cameras to provide full and unobstructed views of the waiting room, reception, biometric processing area and workstations, and interview station. USCIS reserves the right to add or change locations as business needs require. CCTV cameras and related equipment must comply with the requirements of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019.

Contractor must ensure CCTV video feed provides real time ability for authorized federal government employees to visually inspect the ASC facility and work activities, including procuring and maintaining licensing to allow an identified number of federal government employees to access the CCTV feed on demand. USCIS anticipates that not less than 10 federal employees will require licenses and reserves the right to add more licenses as needed.

In addition to providing on demand CCTV access, the Contractor must maintain up to 90 days of CCTV footage in a format which authorized federal government employees may access and recall on demand.

Contractor must provide internet connection to support the live-streaming of the CCTV footage to federal government employees via an appropriate footage dashboard or viewing platform at all sites.

In the interim, Contractor agrees to immediately assume usage and maintenance of the existing cameras and infrastructure, If the Contractor is unable to begin use and assume responsibility for maintaining the existing CCTV cameras and infrastructure due to equipment or software incompatibility or other use that cannot be resolved, such as inability to use proprietary technology, the Contractor will immediately replace the equipment and/or software at issue and secure appropriate licensing as needed in accordance with the above requirements to maintain uninterrupted federal employee on demand access to the CCTV and related recordings.

Task 4.2.3. Procurement/Logistics Management for Facilities and Equipment Procurement Support. The Contractor shall provide procurement management services consisting of all activities associated with the approved procurement of facilities and equipment needed for operation of the ASC sites and mobile routes, and not directly provided by the Government. The Contractor shall provide as necessary all supplies, equipment, equipment maintenance, furniture, and services, including, but not limited to: modular furniture; chairs; general office supplies; fingerprinting supplies; copiers; televisions; electronic customer queuing systems; American flags and stands; cabling; anti-fatigue mats; and indoor and outdoor signs. Procurements for facilities and equipment must be properly documented to prove price competition was obtained, or to justify why competition was not obtained. The Contractor shall combine requirements to obtain bulk discounts as feasible. All items procured by the Contractor under this contract, except Contractor-leased property, shall become the property of the Government and shall be returned to the Government upon contract completion.

The Government will provide electronic biometrics scanning equipment, computers and printers to the Contractor. The Contractor shall provide, at its own expense, refrigerators, microwaves, and other kitchen appliance and utensils necessary to stock the staff break room. The Government will not reimburse kitchen appliance and utensil costs.

Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) Logistical Support. The Contractor shall provide all activities associated with the adequate care and safekeeping of all GFE acquired under this contract, including inventory, tracking of equipment moves and replacements, and reporting. Upon contract completion, up-to-date GFE inventory data shall be provided to the Government (See Attachment E).

Task 4.2.4. Personnel Management See Section 5, Contractor Personnel, for Key Personnel desired. All personnel must meet security clearance requirements set forth in Section 17.

The Contractor shall recruit and retain staffing levels to meet the requirements of the contract for each ASC site. The Contractor shall remove any employee working on this contract immediately upon request of the Government.

The Contractor’s organization shall consist of sufficient program management personnel and on-site staffing at each ASC and other authorized locations to provide required ASC services. The Contractor shall ensure the proper authorized security level for all Key Personnel and ASC staff (see Attachment I Security Requirements).

The Contractor shall provide personnel who have sufficient experience, education, and skills to successfully complete the performance of work and manage operations at the ASC sites. Minimum are high school graduate, or equivalent, and 18 years of age. Personnel that offer bilingual capabilities will be pursued as preferred candidates to help provide a range of languages for communicating with immigrants whose first language may not be English.

The Contractor shall provide only personnel who are fully qualified, trained, competent, and cleared to perform their assigned work and who possess the minimum qualifications for each labor category. All training shall be provided at the Contractor’s expense unless approved in advance by the COR as Government approved training (See Section 6, Training Program).

Personnel must be flexible, open, and responsive to procedural changes and cooperative in implementing and testing new technology and standard operating procedures as the functional responsibilities within the ASC sites evolve.

Task 4.2.5. Quality Control Program Standards The Contractor shall develop and maintain a quality control program. The quality control program shall consist of all activities associated with quality control and assurance to maintain, as a minimum, the quality standards specified in Attachment F.

Task 4.2.6. Training Program Management The Contractor shall provide training services consisting of all activities associated with the implementation of a training program for ASC services including, but not limited to: procedural development, providing instructors, equipment, and supplies; logistical coordination of training facilities; printing and distribution of course material; and progress reporting. The Contractor shall be required to provide ASC staff who have completed the minimum training specified in Section 6, Training Program and the required Government training, as specified in Attachment H. The Government, unless otherwise approved, shall not reimburse costs for Contractor training requirements.

Task 4.2.7. Special Projects Support The Contractor shall provide program management and administrative support to the ASC program for specialized short-term projects that may arise in response to congressional mandates, USCIS directives, or other initiatives. This work includes, but is not limited to:

1. Special program management/problem analysis assignments related to ASC operations.

1. Special operational assignments related to pilot immigration programs and/or initiatives.

1. Specific, short-term benefits-related administrative projects requested by local district/sub-offices, when approved by the ASC or COR.

1. Special/ad hoc reports and data gathering in support of ASC operations and/or program performance assessments.

1. Assistance in developing procedures and plans to facilitate operational and/or organizational changes within the ASC program.

Task 4.2.8. Standard Operating Procedures Support The Contractor shall support the ASC program in providing new Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) (See Attachment J) and maintaining current versions for all tasks under this PWS. The ASC Program Manager the Contractor, as necessary, may initiate revisions to SOPs. At a minimum, SOPs and updates must be delivered in accordance with Section 14, Deliverable Schedule. New SOPs and revisions require Government review and approval prior to distribution. SOP revisions affect all ASCs unless specifically stated otherwise.

Task 4.2.9. Transition Requirement and Plan The Contractor shall provide a transition and management support plan at the end of this contract in accordance with Section 12.16, Transition and Management Support Plan.

TASK 4.3. Self Service Kiosk - Identity Verification (Possible Future Requirement)

This effort would require USCIS to employ an Identity Verification (IV) fingerprint model to biometrically verify the identity of applicable applicants via kiosks established at the Application Support Centers.

TASK 4.4 Remote Services Video Program (RSVP) (OPTIONAL TASK)

The RSVP would allow certain applicants to make video InfoPass appointments and/or participate in remote/video interviews at the Application Support Centers.

If this task is required, the Contractor shall provide support, for remote interviews, at the following ASCs:

· Alexandria

· Buena Park

· Dallas North – A POD was purchased for the remote interviews.

· Houston SE

· San Francisco

This list of locations is subject to change, and new sites may be added, during the life of this contract, via bilateral modification.

These interviews will support the Field Operations Directorate (FOD) and the Refugee Asylum and International Operations (RAIO) Directorate.

Throughput for this task is expected to be about 3-30 applicants per day, per site. The contractor shall validate an applicant’s identity when an interviewee arrives at the site.

The Contractor shall facilitate applicant interviews in a room or privacy pod after aforementioned biometrics collection, conducting the following functions:

· escort applicants to room/pod

· set up/initiate video interview on tablet

· provide support throughout the interview if IT issues develop (e.g., applicant can’t get off mute or turn on video or adjust the volume, accidentally hangs up the call, etc.),

· end the video calls

· escort applicants out of the room

· disinfect the space the applicant was in according to these protocols:

· https://connect.uscis.dhs.gov/Today/Pages/Procedures%20for%20Disinfecting%20IT%20and%20Electronic%20Equipment.aspx

· https://connect.uscis.dhs.gov/Today/Pages/COVID-19%20Facility%20Infection%20Control.aspx

· The ASC Contractor employee shall be available throughout interview(s) to speak with government staff via phone, so it is anticipated that one FTE ASC contractor, per interview site, will be dedicated to this effort.

· Host interviews in vacant office of 80 square feet or more. Where such an office does not exist, procure and install a privacy pod (if one does not exist already) similar to: https://poppinpod.poppin.com/PoppinPod-Kolo-6-108426.html?dwvar_108426_color=White&cgid=poppinpod-shop-all

· Scan supporting evidence, the applicant brings with them, at the time of the interview.

USCIS will provide the tablets and software required to conduct this task. Training on this task will be provided by USCIS and will not take more than two hours.

An interview could last between 15 minutes and 3 hours, depending on the type of interview.

The Contractor may be required to complete an “ASC Video-Facilitated Interview Tracking” questionnaire after each interview. The report includes approximately 11 questions and is available electronically. The questionnaire will allow USCIS to gain an understanding of how much time was spent supporting ASC video facilitated interviews.

TASK 4.5 Identity Document Scanning (Possible Future Requirement)

This effort would require the Contractor to electronically scan applicants’ identity documents (ex. Government-issued identification, birth certificates, etc.) in the Application Support Centers and upload the electronic documents into a USCIS electronic system.

5. CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL

The Contractor shall provide only personnel who are fully qualified, trained, competent, and cleared to perform their assigned work. Contractor personnel shall not perform work under this contract until they have satisfactorily completed the minimum training requirements specified in the Training Program, Section 6. All training shall be at the Contractor’s expense.

The Contractor shall provide the following key personnel to meet the requirements of this contract. The key personnel proposed shall clearly possess the required experience delineated below to perform under this contract. All key personnel employed by the Contractor in a skill category shall meet the minimum requirements for that particular skill category.

Contractor personnel shall conduct all services performed on the ASC Contract through the DHS/USCIS network/GFE/Workplace as a Service (WPaaS)/Government issue email accounts.

5.1. Key position Categories

Key Positions– Program Management Office (PMO): The Corporate Program Manager, Project Manager, Assistant Project Manager, Facilities Manager, Financial Manager, Quality and Operations Manager, Logistics Manager, Procurement Specialist, Human Resources Manager and (4) Regional Manager positions listed below, are considered key positions essential to the work being performed hereunder. Replacement of Key Positions shall be in accordance with Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation (HSAR) 3052.215-70 Key Personnel or Facilities.

5.1.1 Corporate Program Manager

Minimum/General Experience: At a minimum, must have ten (10) years of overall program management experience. A minimum of five (5) years of the overall program management experience must be in a supervisory position. At least five (5) years of the overall program management experience must be of relevant size or scope. Must have demonstrated experience in managing complex, high dollar projects and/or contracts ($50 million or more annually) and coordinating the planning and implementation of project activities and resources using demonstrated flexibility, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities.

Minimum Education: Master’s Degree in one of the following disciplines: program management, business or public administration, technical management, information systems, engineering, finance/accounting, or related fields. Experience may be considered equivalent if experience demonstrated increased depth and breadth of responsibility.

5.1.2. Project Manager

Minimum/General Experience: At a minimum, must have eight (8) years of overall project management experience. At least three (3) years of the overall project management experience must be in a relevant size environment. Must have demonstrated experience in managing complex, high dollar programs, projects, and/or contracts ($50 million or more annually). Must have demonstrated experience in meeting deadlines and coordinating the planning and implementation of project activities and resources using demonstrated flexibility, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities. Must have demonstrated experience in preparing complex statistical and analytical reports.

Minimum Education: Master’s Degree in one of the following disciplines: program management, business or public administration, technical management, information systems, engineering, finance/accounting, or related fields. Experience may be considered equivalent if experience demonstrated increased depth and breadth of responsibility.

5.1.3 Assistant Project Manager

Minimum/General Experience: At a minimum, must have four (4) years of overall project management experience. At least two (2) years of the overall project management experience must be in a relevant size environment. Must have demonstrated experience in meeting deadlines and coordinating the planning and implementation of project activities and resources using demonstrated flexibility, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities. Must have demonstrated experience in preparing detailed statistical and analytical reports.

Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree in one of the following disciplines: program management, business or public administration, technical management, information systems, engineering, finance/accounting, or related fields. Experience may be considered equivalent if experience demonstrated increased depth and breadth of responsibility.

5.1.4. Facilities Manager

Minimum/General Experience: At a minimum, must have eight (8) years of experience in…