Attachment_II_Statement_of_Objective.pdf

Hydroponics Program 1

Department of Justice Bureau of Prisons

Statement of Objectives For

Comprehensive Hydroponics Program

Hydroponics Program 2

Introduction and Instructions The First Step Act (FSA) of 2018 provides for the development and implementation of evidence-based recidivism reduction programs (EBRRs) and productive activities (PAs), to address individualized needs identified through the FSA Needs Assessment. By tailoring programming to specifically address incarcerated individuals' areas of need, they are better prepared for the return to the community.

The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) desires a comprehensive hydroponics program designed to address identified needs from the FSA Needs Assessment to include Anger/Hostility; Antisocial Peers; Recreation/Leisure/Fitness; and Work) additionally the intent of the Hydroponics program is to reduce levels of stress, anxiety and depression while improving an individual’s mood. For more information about the BOP’s FSA Needs Assessments and Programs, refer to BOP: First Step Act, Resources.

The BOP encourages individuals to make use of leisure time programs and activities which assist them in managing their physical, social, and emotional health and well-being, and can be tools to further support successful transition into society after incarceration. Incarcerated individuals are encouraged to adopt and incorporate healthy daily lifestyle traits. Individuals with a Recreation/Leisure/Fitness need are recommended to participate in health and wellness education programs to enhance reentry opportunities.

The BOP intends to make a single award to an entity that will be responsible for providing a comprehensive hydroponics program which can be replicated and potentially utilized in all BOP facilities.

The vendor will provide the Hydroponics program, equipment, installation and staff training at all institutions housing females and institutions managing specialized populations such as Reintegration Units and Life Skills Laboratories. At the end of the contract, the BOP will review the Hydroponics program, to determine the feasibility of implementation at additional facilities.

The vendor will provide detailed curricula and facilitators guide for the hydroponics program, framework and equipment necessary for the program, and staff training for implementation of the hydroponics program. Additionally, the vendor will provide the BOP the platform to administer certification testing to participants so they may obtain industry certifications for a functional hydroponic gardening program.

Recreation Program Manager Deltone Moore 400 First Street NW Washington DC 20405 Phone: 202-305-3804 Email: dlmoore@bop.gov https://www.bop.gov/inmates/fsa/programs.jsp https://www.bop.gov/inmates/fsa/programs.jsp mailto:dlmoore@bop.gov

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Contents

Introduction and Instructions

Recreation Program Manager

1. Purpose: Comprehensive Hydroponics Program

2. Scope

3. Period and Place of Performance

4. Background

5. Objectives

5.1. Specific Objectives

6. Deliverables

7. Hydroponics Program CLINs

9. Invoices and Payment Scheduled

10. Security and Clearance Requirements

11. Project Management and Coordination

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1. Purpose: Comprehensive Hydroponics Program BOP intends to make a single award to an entity that will be responsible for providing a comprehensive hydroponics program which can be replicated and potentially utilized in all BOP facilities.

The vendor will provide a Hydroponics program, equipment, installation and staff training at all institutions housing females and institutions managing specialized populations such as Reintegration Units and Life Skills Laboratories. At the end of the contract, the BOP will review the Hydroponics program, to determine the feasibility of implementation at additional facilities.

The vendor will provide detailed curricula and facilitators guide for the hydroponics program, framework and equipment necessary for the program, and staff training for implementation of the hydroponics program. Additionally, the vendor will provide the BOP the platform to administer certification testing to participants so they may obtain industry certifications for a functional hydroponic gardening program.

2. Scope The primary goal of this acquisition is to develop and establish a comprehensive hydroponics program for the adults in BOP custody. The vendor will identify three equipment options and train staff on the use and maintenance of it.

3. Period and Place of Performance The base Period of Performance will be twelve (12) months from date of award. Services will be provided at the vendor location and at seven BOP facilities: FCI Cumberland, FCC Terre Haute, FCI Danbury, FCI Seagoville, FCI Dublin, FCI Marianna, and FPC Bryan.

4. Background The BOP plans to implement a comprehensive hydroponics program for the adults in custody at 7 institutions.

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5. Objectives The Contractor shall provide a turn-key hydroponics program with various service level guaranties as indicated herein and maintain appropriate certification as indicated herein:

5.1. Specific Objectives

a) Vendor will provide a Hydroponics program, curriculum, and facilitator’s guide. The program will include a minimum amount of 14 modules which meets the needs of the BOP. Modules are not limited to the following but need to cover hydroponics systems and maintenance, the benefits of hydroponics, food safety, harvesting, and potential growing issues.

b) Vendor will train instructors who will be teaching the program. The vendor will offer a training (no more than 5 days) to train instructors on the installation and use of equipment and the curriculum. Training will be held at the BOP instructor’s respective facility.

c) Vendor will provide a minimum of three types of equipment options that can be tailored to the availability of space at BOP institutions. The BOP will decide of three options which will be presented to the institution for selection and use.

d) Vendor will design the program with classes to meet at minimum twice weekly, dependent on the growing season and crop. The program must allow for approximately 12-15 students per session.

5.1.1. Curriculum Objectives

A new standardized curriculum will be developed consistent with First Step Act objectives and BOP curriculum guidelines.

a) The curriculum must include a clear framework of objectives; content, including learned skills and abilities from each activity; and completed methods and assessments or evaluation criteria.

b) The standardized curriculum will include all lesson plans, assessments, and facilitator’s guides for use at BOP facilities. It will address topics that prepare students to use hydroponics systems, grow and consume plants grown in the system.

c) Provide instructors with information related to specific skills and concepts students need to know and be able to demonstrate. Minimum specific topics are addressed in 5.1.3 Training.

d) Equip instructors with strategies, resources, and activities to supplement their work for students.

e) The curriculum will be available in an electronic format in English and Spanish.

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5.1.2. Equipment Options

The vendor will provide three hydroponic equipment options for each site to accommodate the various security levels and available programming space. The institution will review the equipment options and will determine which option is most appropriate for their facility.

5.1.3. Training

The vendor will train staff on the equipment utilized and provide an overview of hydroponics. Relevant training topics include will include the following and any additional topics necessary for instructors to successfully provide the hydroponics program.

a) Provide an overview of the hydroponics program.

b) Discuss the history of hydroponics, the basics of hydroponic systems, and reasons for hydroponic farming.

c) Discuss the materials necessary to construct a hydroponics system.

d) Identify different hydroponic systems.

e) Provide an overview of different types and colors of lighting used in hydroponic farming.

f) Introduce different types of lighting systems, their uses, strengths, and weaknesses.

g) Trouble-shooting common issues with equipment.

h) Provide an overview of aerating hydroponic systems.

i) Discuss the types of plants used in hydroponics and the reasons for selecting the specific type of produce that will be grown.

j) Discuss water and nutrient mixtures and the steps to prepare water and fertilizer for fruits and vegetables.

k) Explain how to measure the pH of the water to be used in the hydroponics system and how to adjust as needed.

l) Explain the steps to plant and harvest produce. Discuss the different types of harvesting methods and cycles.

m) Provide examples of a maintenance schedule to monitor the plants as needed.

n) Provide an overview of common insect problems and solutions to these programs. Diagnose problems based on plant and/or insect appearance/growth.

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o) Discuss the different types of plant disease commonly found in hydroponic systems and the available treatments.

p) Provide an overview of food safety in hydroponic farming.

q) Review food safety principles and procedures and discuss food-borne pathogens and how they might be transmitted from grower to consumer.

r) Review all program content and ensure objectives are mastered and discuss formal and informal assessments, to determine progress.

s) Define the necessary steps to clean up a hydroponic area and how to prepare materials.

5.1.4. Minimum Vendor Hydroponics Training Instructor Qualifications

The Vendor will supply a training instructor who will train BOP staff and meets the following qualifications:

a) The instructor will be tasked to train BOP institution staff on the set up of equipment and delivery of the hydroponics program.

b) The instructor will have a minimum of two years verified experience in the following areas:

a. Instructing others on the installation of hydroponics equipment and the appropriate use.

b. Instructing others on delivering hydroponics programs, utilizing curriculum, lesson plans, and facilitator and student guides.

5.1.5. Continued support

The Contractor shall provide support BOP staff throughout the year of the contract.

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6. Deliverables Deliverables provided by the vendor will be the development of a new hydroponics program including complete curriculum, equipment and facilitator’s guides, lesson materials and assessments, and staff training on the implementation of the program.

Table 1. Deliverables

The hydroponics program shall meet all requirements set forth in this section.

Deliverable Format Description Due Date

Meeting Minutes

MS Word Record of significant meeting discussion including, but not limited to, action items and responsible parties.

Within 3 days of meeting conclusion

Bi-Weekly Progress Reports

MS Word Status report of all work completed during the previous 2 weeks. This report will be provided by email to the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) and discussed during bi-weekly project status meetings, or more frequently as needed.

This report shall also identify any problems that have arisen but have not been completely resolved and provide an explanation.

Bi-weekly, within 4 business days after the end of the week

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7. Hydroponics Program CLINs

8. Table 1: CLINs

CLIN DESCRIPTION MONTHLY UNIT

PRICE

QUANTITY CEILING

0001 Curriculum Development 7

0002 Curriculum Printing (140 copies-20 copies for each site)

0003 Curriculum Shipping to 7 sites 7

0004 System Cost to 7 sites (including shipping cost)

005 Vendor Travel to 7 sites 7

006 Training at 7 sites 7

Total 7

9. Invoices and Payment Scheduled The contractor shall provide an itemized invoice for services rendered monthly as verified by the COR. Payments will be made for work completed in the during month of the contract.

The itemized invoice will include: the specific deliverable accomplished; the hours associated with the tasks as associated with the project team member; and a description of the work performed with sufficient detail for the COR to review.

The contractor will submit invoices via e-mail to the Bureau of Prisons Central Office Business Office at BOP-ADM-CO-businessoffice-s@bop.gov and the COR.

Final payment during the base year will be made to the contractor after services have been rendered.

10. Security and Clearance Requirements All required contractor personnel shall have personnel security clearances commensurate with the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD 12) for the highest level of information processed by the system(s) they use. The provisions of Department of Justice Order DOJ 1700.01, “Contractor Security Requirements”, Federal Bureau of Prisons Information Security Program Statement 1237.16 and the Federal Bureau of Prisons Human Resource Management Manual 3000.03 shall be followed to determine appropriate security clearance levels.

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Contractor security clearances, including the submission of security clearance forms, etc., shall be coordinated with the Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) prior to contract employee arrival at the BOP institution. As determined by the TPOC and/or Human Resource Security Specialist, clearances may require one or all of the following:

• National Crime Information Center (NCIC) check

• DOJ-99 (name check)

• FD-258 (fingerprint check)

• Law Enforcement Agency checks

• Vouchering of Employers over past five years

• Resume/Personal Qualifications

• OPM-329-A (Authority for Release of Information)

• NACI check (if applicable)

• Urinalysis Test (for detection of marijuana and other drug usage)

Note: If it is determined that a urinalysis test is required, it will be administered at the closest BOP site. If a test is positive for drug usage, the assigned individual(s) shall be excluded from performance of work for this requirement, and subject to the same security requirements, the contractor shall provide acceptable replacement staff.

The contractor shall employ effective safeguards and security controls to ensure that information associated with the work is protected from loss, damage, computer viruses, or other destructive incidents. The safeguards employed should ensure that materials and services are secured in a manner that prevents tampering, sabotage, or other means of deliberate alteration.

This provision applies to all BOP information resources while under the control of the contractor.

As referenced in the BOP Policy Statement 1237.13, Information Security Programs, the contractor, while controlling BOP information assets, shall implement necessary safeguards, including administrative, physical, and personnel controls as outlined in said policy.

DOJ 2640.2F: The Department of Justice does not permit the use of Non-U.S. citizens in the performance of this contract or commitment for any position involves access to or development of any DOJ IT systems. By signing the contract document or beginning performance, the contractor agrees to this restriction.

11. Project Management and Coordination The BOP will appoint a COR for this project. The COR is responsible for: receiving all deliverables; inspecting and accepting the services provided for this requirement in accordance with the terms and conditions of this contract; providing direction to the contractor which clarifies the contract effort; fills in details or otherwise serves to accomplish the contractual scope of

Hydroponics Program 11 work; evaluates performance; and certifies all invoices/vouchers for acceptance of the services furnished for payment prior to forwarding the original invoice to the payment office and a copy to the contracting officer.

The COR does not have the authority to alter the contractor's obligations under the contract action, direct changes that fall within the change clause, and/or modify any of the expressed terms, conditions, specifications, or costs of this agreement. If, because of technical discussions, it is desirable to alter/change the contractual obligations or requirements, the Contracting Officer shall issue such changes in writing under signature.

The contractor shall provide a Project Manager. The Project Manager shall lead the overall execution of the activities in this SOW, including providing oversight of any tasks required by the SOW. The Project Manager shall serve as the primary liaison between the Government and the contractor. Additionally, the Project Manager shall ensure that:

• All contractor staff understands and works to meet the SOW requirements.

• Tasks are staffed by appropriate, highly qualified personnel.

• All project management issues are communicated and coordinated with the COR.

Project status shall be reported using at least bi-weekly project status reports and bi-weekly project status meetings. Document format should be Microsoft Office 2007 (or later) unless otherwise indicated. In addition, the contractor shall:

• Arrange for the attendance, either in person or by conference call, of appropriate contractor personnel to address project issues

• Record minutes including, but not limited to, action items and responsible parties

• Provide meeting minutes within three (3) working days of the conclusion of the meeting

The COR with oversight of this project will be:

NAME: Deltone L. Moore

ADDRESS: 400 1st NW

PHONE NUMBER: 202-305-3804

EMAIL: dlmoore@bop.gov