Attachment_1_Statement_of_Work.pdf

Scope of Work School Social Worker

1.0 BACKGROUND

The Taos Day School (TDS) is procuring the professional services of a school based social worker. The Social Worker is an ancillary (related) service provider for special needs students that have current individual education plans (IEPs). The social worker works with both students and families to address issues that affect the student’s ability to access academic information in the classroom as well as working with students with social emotional and behavioral difficulties.

The Social Worker position is a .25 FTE position (no more than 20 hours per week), that facilitates work with families and outside agencies in order to meet the student’s unique needs. The Social Worker also coordinates workshops and small group sessions for students in need of social emotional support, as well as offering therapeutic services for students whose academic success is impeded by issues of grief.

The Social Worker must hold an advanced degree in this position.

TDS is a K-8th grade school, serving approximately 107 students. It is operated by the Bureau of Indian Education, under the direction of the Associate Deputy Director, Bureau Operated Schools, and the Albuquerque Education Resource Center (ABQ ERC).

The Taos Day School

The Taos Day School (TDS) is located in Taos, NM, which is a Pueblo Tribal community. TDS serves the specific educational needs of the Taos Pueblo community’s children. The school is dedicated to this most critical time period-Kindergarten through 8th grade-in the development of the community. Health and safety are the top priorities as we establish effective learning programs to guide and support students from childhood through adolescence. Taos Day School’s constant connection to the Pueblo community will nurture all students as they develop academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.

The TDS is home to the Mighty Eagles. The mission is to make sure all students excel above and beyond all academic expectations using both traditional and digital learning initiatives. Every one of the students has access to high quality learning resources and modalities for success in all academic settings. TDS tries to welcome students to an exciting learning environment where every day presents a new opportunity to grow. As the Taos Eagles grow, soar, and reach new academic heights, their futures become brighter.

From childhood to adolescence, TDS students discover and develop a wide range of academic interests, skills, and talents.

The TDS academic programs help preserve tribal customs and build upon the rich Taos Pueblo history.

TDS curricula include Tiwa language studies, Taos Pueblo arts, culture, and traditions. Qualified and experienced teaching staff helps students to prepare and adjust to society’s continued technological advances while embracing all aspects of their true identities and ancestry. TDS understands the unique learning and teaching strategies necessary for growth of its community. Eager children enter the doors of our learning center and exit them as leaders. As of February 2024, TDS has approximately 20 Special Education Students with an Individual Education Plan (IEP), who range from mild to moderate cases of other health impaired.

2.0 SCOPE OF WORK

This is a Labor Hours Contract. The Contractor shall:

A. Provide services under an all-inclusive hourly labor rate for the labor category of School Social Worker. The hourly rate must include all costs associated with labor, fringe benefits, overhead, general and administrative expenses, profit, materials, equipment, travel, and any other costs

Taos Day School necessary to fulfill the requirements of this contract, excluding Government-Furnished Equipment (GFE).

B. Furnish all personnel, materials, equipment, travel costs, and services required to perform the work described herein for a Social Worker.

3.0 OBJECTIVE

A. To work with special needs students that exhibit an array of social emotional, behavioral, and academic deficits that affect their participation in the school environment and the general education setting

B. To ensure the provisions of the Licensed Social Worker for identified or referred special needs students attending BIE Taos Day School are met. Service will be provided in accordance with PL- 108-446, the Individual with Disabilities Act of 2004, as specified in the students’ IEP.

4.0 TASKS, DUTIES AND ACTIVITIES OF THE SOCIAL WORKER

Social Worker shall:

A. Complete all assigned tasks and activities and for demonstrating performance through the timely submission of required deliverables, as outlined in the performance requirements.

B. Work directly with general education and special education teachers to ensure that qualifying students with disabilities are receiving necessary social work services on a regular basis as dictated by their IEPs. The Social Work will also ensure that appropriate accommodation and modifications are provided for these students in class in order for them to access the general education curriculum.

C. Work with 7-14 students with emotional and social adjustment deficits as noted through the diagnostic process and Individual Education Team decisions.

D. Educate families of special education students to help them understand the social and emotional needs of those students so they may be supported at home as well as in school.

E. Receive intakes from teacher referrals, parent referrals, and Student Assistance Team information.

F. Screen referred students and evaluated their qualifications for Social Work in Schools. If the student qualifies, the Social Worker generates an evaluative report and communicates the student needs as part of the IEP team so that appropriate services, goals, and progress monitoring can be added to the student’s IEP.

G. Provide written and verbal input on students’ annual IEP meetings to determine continuity or discontinuation of Social Work Services for upcoming school years.

H. Work one to one or in small groups with special education students who have unique learning needs and require social-emotional support in order to function in a traditional school environment.

I. Work with families of special needs students in order to address issues that are impeding academic, social, and behavioral performance within the school setting.

J. Work with outside agencies to coordinate out-of-school services in order to support students and their needs within the general education and special education setting.

K. Work with Interpreting Social Work Evaluations, documents progress, works specifically with student’s behavioral and social emotional issues.

L. Work to provide workshops for staff, parents, and community in order to create a better understanding of the challenges of students with IEPs in academic and social settings. These topics may range from self-esteem issues to addressing self-harm behaviors.

M. Work to reinforce emotional regulation and continued student participation in the classroom.

N. Work to develop the Individual Education Plan for Social Work and Mental Health Participates in initial and annual IEP meetings and provides recommendations for social work goals, services, and modifications/accommodations.

O. Responsible for the Coordination of Services, Reports, Documentation, Progress Monitoring, Consults with Parents and Teachers and other Administrative Duties.

Services. Services are designed to fit the needs of students with disabilities.

4.1 KEY PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS

A resume along with all supporting documentation to validate the following requirements shall be provided at time of proposal and again, at time of award. The Social Worker must have the following degree, licensure and certifications:

a. Master's degree or Higher in Social Work from an accredited institution. Provide proof of documentation.

b. Active School Personnel Licensure through the State of New Mexico, as a Level One Pre K-12 School Social Worker. Provide proof of documentation.

c. Certified by the State of New Mexico, Board of Social Work Examiners as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). Provide proof of documentation.

a. Emergency, provisional, or conditional certificates may be accepted if issued by the NM Department of Education.

d. Must meet the certification standards for the position in the State of New Mexico.

4.2 Required and Preferred Experience

Required Experience:

a. Must have a minimum of at least one year of experience providing school-based social work services.

b. This experience must be clearly documented in the submitted résumé and will be used to verify experience and qualifications.

Preferred Experience:

a. Experience providing services in schools located on Native American reservations.

b. At least one (1) year of experience working directly with BIE-funded schools and/or Native

American students in New Mexico.

c. Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and families in culturally responsive ways.

4.3. Condition of Employment

a. Successfully complete and maintain a BIE background check clearance for the duration of the contract.

b. Be eligible for a suitability determination based on a completed background investigation.

c. A signed letter of commitment that states the identified candidate is in fact committed to working as the Social Worker at Taos Day School. The Letter of commitment must include key personnel name, signature, capabilities and understanding of the scope of work, onsite service, remain available for the duration of the contract, acknowledge hours and remote location of Taos Day School. The letter of commitment shall be provided as proof of documentation.

5.0 HOURS OF OPERATION AND ESTIMATED WORK HOURS.

The school operates on a 180-day academic calendar, typically running from August through May. The contractor shall provide services aligned with the academic calendar and school-specific schedules.

5.1 CORE WORK HOURS

a. The Social Worker is expected to be available no more than 20 hours per week, during core duty hours: 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM Mountain Standard Time.

b. Direct services to students should occur during the student instructional day, generally between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM MST, unless otherwise coordinated with school leadership.

c. Work hours may vary based on student needs, school schedules, and service delivery requirements. The contractor must receive prior approval from the COR or School Principal in writing, to work over the allotted maximum of 20 hours per week.

5.2 ESTIMATED HOURS AND FLEXIBILITY

The number of hours requested is 656 hours and is estimated and may fluctuate based on:

a. Student caseloads and IEP service requirements

b. Assessment and evaluation schedules

c. Participation in IEP meetings, staff consultations, and family engagement

d. School calendar events, including holidays, breaks, and closures

e. After-school programs or activities (when applicable and pre-approved)

f. The Government does not guarantee a minimum number of hours. However, the Government reserves the right to increase the number of hours or days of service to meet the requirements of IDEA and student needs.

5.3 SCHOOL CLOSURES

a. The Social Worker is not expected to work on days the school is closed including school vacation days, federal holidays, feast days, and other closure events as outlined on the school calendar.

b. The Social Worker is not expected to work on weeks where the school is closed for 3 or more consecutive days due to school vacation days, federal holidays, feast days or other closure events as outlined on the school calendar.

c. The Social Worker is not expected to work on days where unforeseen school closure events occur, like inclement weather (e.g., snow days, monsoon days, flooding days, etc.), that may not be on the school’s official calendar.

5.4 SCHEDULING AND COORDINATION

a. Work schedules will be coordinated in advance with the Special Education Coordinator and the

Principal to account for the school calendar and school closure days.

6.0 BIE BACKGROUND CHECK INVESTIGATION

The Social Worker shall undergo a BIE federal background check and will not start services until cleared to do by the BIE Personnel Security Office (BIE PER SEC).

a. The contractor must submit the BIE Personnel Security Intake Package (PERSEC Intake) within 3-business days after award and facilitate the paperwork with the key personnel.

b. The background check process may take up to 4 to 6 weeks.

A. No services shall commence until a favorable background check is received by the BIE.

6.1 BIE BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIREMENTS

In accordance with 25 USC § 3201 et seq (P.L 101-630), the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act; 34 UCC § 20351, et seq (P.L. 101-647), the Crime Control Act of 1990 and 441

Departmental Manual, Personnel Security and Suitability Requirements, all contractor personnel whose duties involve regular contact with or control over Indian children must undergo and pass a Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) background investigation before beginning work. This is a mandatory contract deliverable and a critical safeguard to ensure the safety and well-being of students.

6.2 SUITABILITY AND RISK DESIGNATION

a. The position under this contract is designated as Moderate Risk Public Trust and require a favorable adjudicated background investigation.

b. Personnel must receive:

a. A favorable suitability determination from the BIE PER SEC and Suitability Program.

b. A favorable background investigation conducted by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA).

c. No contractor personnel including the Social Worker may report to the school site until they are cleared by the Contracting Officer (CO) and/or Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) to do so.

6.3 BIE BACKGROUND CHECK PROCESS

The Social Worker must complete and pass a BIE background investigation before performing any work under this contract. This process is a critical path deliverable and directly determines when services may begin. No personnel may report to the school site or begin work until background clearance is confirmed in writing by the Contracting Officer (CO) and/or Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

The contractor shall:

a. Prioritize the background check process as a critical delivery. The background check directly influences the start of services.

b. Actively coordinate with the COR to ensure timely and complete submission of all required documentation.

c. Ensure all assigned personnel/candidate understand that they may not begin work until background clearance is granted.

d. Monitor and track the progress of each candidate’s intake package and respond promptly to any requests for additional information.

e. Maintain communication with the COR and provide updates as needed.

Steps in the Background Check Process

1. Initiation. Upon contract award, the COR will initiate the background check process with the contractor’s designated Project Manager. The contractor is responsible for coordinating with the candidate to ensure timely and accurate completion of all required documentation. The COR will provide guidance and support throughout the process but will work through the contractor not the candidate.

2. PERSEC Intake Package. The COR will issue a Personnel Security (PERSEC) Intake Package for each individual requiring clearance. This package includes:

A. Required Forms (All Applicants Must Complete):

• Intake Coversheet

• OF-306 – Declaration of Federal Employment

• Applicant Screening Questionnaire for Indian Children (ASQ)

• Authorization for Release of Information (AFR)

• Noncriminal Justice Applicant’s Privacy Rights (FPAR)

• Fair Credit Reporting Release (FCRR)

• Places Applicant Lived (PAL)

B. Additional Forms (May Be Required Based on Residential History as outlined on PAL) The COR will review the PAL form and notify the contractor of any additional required forms. Based on the completed PAL form, additional documentation may be required, including:

• Local Law Enforcement Inquiry (LLEI)

• Navajo Nation Authorization for Release of Information (NN-LLEI) – if applicable

• State-specific background check forms (e.g., notarized releases, fingerprint authorizations)

• OPM General Release Form

• Copy of State-Issued Driver’s License

• Fingerprint Cards – SF-87 or FD-258

3. Submission Process. The Contractor shall follow the steps below to ensure timely and accurate submission of required personnel security documentation:

1. Initial Submission to COR. The Contractor must email all completed forms in PDF format to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for review. The COR will verify the completeness and accuracy of all submitted documents.

2. Mailing of Original Documents. After COR approval, the Contractor or contractor personnel must mail the original signed documents, fingerprint cards, and all supporting materials to the BIE Personnel Security Office in Albuquerque, NM using a trackable shipping method (e.g., FedEx, USPS, UPS). The COR will provide the official mailing address.

3. Tracking Number Requirement. The Contractor must provide the COR with the shipment’s tracking number, which is required for the COR to complete the electronic intake submission.

4. Electronic Intake Submission. Upon receipt of the tracking number, the COR will electronically submit the intake package to the BIE PER SEC Office to initiate the background investigation process.

5. BIE Background Investigation: Upon acceptance of the package intake by the BIE PER SEC Office, a BIE PER SEC Officer will be assigned to the contractor personnel’s case and will work directly with the contractor personnel to complete the investigation. All communication from this point forward will occur between the contractor personnel (provider) and the BIE PER SEC Officer.

There are two key steps the individual must complete promptly when notified by BIE PER

SEC:

Step 1: US Access Fingerprinting Appointment. The contractor personnel must schedule and complete a fingerprinting appointment at a nearby US Access enrollment site. Once the appointment is completed, the individual must notify the BIE PER SEC team to confirm completion.

Step 2: e-Application (e-APP) Submission. After fingerprinting is confirmed, the BIE PER SEC team will release access to the e-Application (e-APP). This is a detailed online form that may take 1–2 days to complete, so the individual should plan accordingly and complete it without delay.

Important: The overall timeline for receiving clearance is directly impacted by how quickly these two steps are completed. While the typical processing time is 4–6 weeks after both steps are submitted, the process may move faster with timely action.

6. Ongoing Communication and Oversight Once the background investigation is submitted, the COR will keep the Contractor informed of progress and any follow-up requirements, so the Contractor can work with the Contractor Personnel. Timely completion of these steps is essential to avoid delays in onboarding and service delivery.

7. Timelines

On average, the BIE background check process takes approximately 60 days from start to finish. To support timely onboarding and ensure compliance with federal security requirements, contractor personnel must adhere to the following timeline:

a. Initial Forms Submission: Contractor personnel must submit all required initial forms within three (3) business days of contract award.

b. Additional Documentation: Any additional documentation requested based on the

Position Designation Level (PAL) must be submitted within five (5) calendar days of the request.

c. Completion of Required Steps Initiated by BIE PER SEC: Contractor personnel must complete the two steps promptly once initiated by the BIE Personnel Security (PER SEC) team:

i. Step 1: Schedule and complete a US Access fingerprinting appointment

ii. Step 2: Complete and submit the e-Application (e-APP)

d. Background Check Processing Time: Once steps a–c is completed, the BIE PER SEC team typically requires 4 to 6 weeks to process the background investigation and issue a pre-employment determination.

Important Note: Delays in completing any of the above steps will extend the overall processing time. Prompt action by Contractor and contractor personnel is essential to avoid onboarding delays.

7.0 SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

The contractor shall implement and maintain robust security measures to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of all data handled under this contract. These measures must comply with all applicable federal laws, regulations, and policies.

• All personnel must be U.S. citizens.

• Incident Reporting: The Contractor shall immediately report any suspected or confirmed computer security incidents to the Indian Affairs Information Technology (IAIT) Help Desk.

• IT Usage Restrictions: Contractor personnel must comply with all federal, Department of the Interior (DOI), Indian Affairs (IA), and court-mandated IT policies. Use of government systems, software, or equipment for non-contract purposes is strictly prohibited. Personal or Contractor-owned devices are not permitted on government networks.

A. Identification Requirements

• The Social Worker must visibly always wear their Bureau-issued Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card while on school campus. The PIV card must be worn above the waist and clearly displayed during all on-site activities, including instruction, meetings, and evaluations.

• Contractor personnel must ensure that all official communications, documentation, and signature lines clearly identify their role as a contractor. Example signature format:

Jane Doe, Special Education Teacher (Contractor)

B. Mandatory Training Requirements Prior to initiating services, the Social Worker shall complete the following mandatory training:

• IMT Awareness Training – to ensure understanding of incident management protocols.

• DOI Incident Reporting Training – to comply with Department of the Interior standards for reporting workplace incidents.

• SCAN Reporting Training – to understand and fulfill responsibilities related to the Safety, Compliance, and Notification (SCAN) system.

Training certificates must be submitted to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and school Principal and will be maintained in the contractor’s personnel file.

C. Reporting Requirements The Social Worker, as a contractor, must immediately report any suspected or confirmed incidents, including safety, security, or compliance concerns, in accordance with DOI and BIE protocols. Reports must be submitted through the appropriate channels, including the SCAN system and the DOI Incident Reporting platform.

7.1 CONFIDENTIALITY & THE PRIVACY ACT

The Social Worker will have access to sensitive and personally identifiable information (PII) protected under the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552a) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA, 20 U.S.C. § 1232g). All personnel must:

• Adhere to all applicable federal and agency-specific privacy regulations

• Maintain strict confidentiality of all materials and data accessed or produced under this contract

• Refrain from disclosing any information to unauthorized individuals or entities

All materials, including documents, data, reports, and correspondence, produced or accessed under this contract are the property of the BIE and must be treated as confidential. Disclosure of any information outside of authorized BIE personnel, the designated school, or individuals directly involved in service delivery is strictly prohibited and will be considered a material breach of contract.

8.0 DATA RIGHTS & DOCUMENT OWNERSHIP

In accordance with FAR Clause 52.227-14 Rights in Data-General, the Government retains unlimited rights to all materials first produced under this contract. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Work plans

• Reports and recommendations

• Forms, tools, and training materials

• Process guides and policies

• Any other deliverables

Contractor personnel shall not use or share any student, staff, or parent data collected under this contract for any purpose outside the scope of this agreement. All data collected and analyzed must be used solely to support the special education program and services. Upon contract completion or termination, all contractors must return BIE-owned property, documentation, records, and confidential information.

9.0 DELIVERABLES & PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

Deliverable Action / What it proves

Responsible Timeline Mode of Delivery Submit To

Personnel package (resume, qualifications, licenses, etc.)

Provide proof of minimum qualification, certification and documentation

Contractor During solicitation & at award

PDF via BIE email Principal & COR

BIE PERSEC

Intake (background check)

Complete required forms;

send PDFs to COR, then mail originals & fingerprints;

track shipment

Contractor Within 3 business days of award (forms); 4– 6 weeks processing typical

Email (PDF) to COR; mail originals w/ tracking;

complete US Access fingerprints & e‑APP

COR & BIE PER

SEC

(Albuquerque)

NASIS BIE

Service Logs

Document & Prepare Service Logs to track direct minutes, missed & make‑up minutes for each student

Social Worker

Weekly Submit or hand deliver to SPED Coordinator

Special Education Coordinator

IEP/MDT

participation

Attendance, PLAAFP input, goals, minutes, Prior Written Notice as applicable

Social Worker

Per IEP calendar, within

IDEA

60‑day window for initial/re-eval

Track Participation SEC, SRDS Principal, parents/guardians

On‑site schedule & site visit plan

Calendar of service days and schedule on-site time

Social Worker

Monthly / Quarterly

Calendar – Word Format

Special Education Coordinator & Principal