CombinedSynopsisSolicitation 25RA035.pdf

W9127N25RA035

Synopsis/Solicitation

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Portland District (NWP) has a professional service requirement for facilitated partnering services. This acquisition is to procure the technical and administrative services to prepare and facilitate group partnering workshops and to assist government personnel in developing expertise to plan and facilitate informal team led sessions. This is a total small business set-aside.

NWP contemplates the award of a firm fixed-price (FFP) indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) single award task order contract (SATOC) with a total contract capacity of $999,999 and a minimum guarantee of $2,500.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The ordering period will be a base period of one-year with two one-year option periods.

COMPETITION: 100% Small Business Set-Aside

NAICS: 541611 Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services; Size Standard $24,500,000.00

OFFER DUE DATE: Offers and all supporting material are due no later than 02:00 PM Pacific Standard Time (PST) on Wednesday, 17 September 2025.

Instructions to Offerors Submittals

A. How to submit Offers: Contractors must submit an electronic offer to the following email addresses no later the time and date specified in the announcement posted on SAM.gov to nicole.a.adams@usace.army.mil and jonathan.g.macadam@usace.army.mil

B. Submittals: Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instruction to Offerors – Commercial Items. The following documentation must be submitted with your offer for evaluation:

i. Volume 1 – Price Proposal (See Instructions to Offeror’s Attachment for more detail on submittal requirements and Price Factor)

1. Submit title page with the following information: solicitation number, company name and address as it appears in the System for Award Management (SAM), prompt payment terms, remittance address, Tax Identification Number (TIN), Unique Entity Identification (UEI) number, and Cage Code.

2. Acknowledgment of all Amendments

3. Price for the Seed Task Order

4. Facilitator Rates

5. Review and submit all required information from Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) clause 52.212-2

6. A completed copy of the representations and certifications at FAR 52.212-3 if not in SAM.gov

ii. Volume 2 – Past Performance (See Instructions to Offeror’s Attachment for more detail on submittal requirements and the Past Performance Factor)

1. No more than three examples of facilitation services projects performed within seven years of the issued date of this solicitation that demonstrate the breadth and depth of the offeror’s experience performing work similar in size, scope and complexity to the work described in the PWS of this solicitation.

2. A Contractor Performance Assessment Report (CPAR) or a Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) for each project submitted.

C. Basis of Award: In accordance with FAR Part 13, the Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

1. Price

2. Past Performance

The Government reserves the right to award to an offeror providing other than the lowest price offer based on the technical merits of the Offeror’s proposal. See the Performance Work Statement (PWS) Attachment for technical requirements, and FAR 52.212-2 Evaluation – Commercial Products and Commercial Services in the Instructions to Offeror’s Attachment.

D. How to submit questions: Questions should be emailed to nicole.a.adams@usace.army.mil and jonathan.g.macadam@usace.army.mil NLT ten (10) business days prior to the submittal due date.

Responses will be provided via an amendment to the announcement posted to sam.gov.

Additional Information

A. System for Award Management – By submission of a proposal, the Offeror acknowledges the requirement that prospective awardees must be registered in the SAM database prior to award, during performance, and through final payment of any contract resulting from this proposal. Lack of registration in the SAM database will make an Offeror ineligible for award. Contractors may obtain information on registration and annual confirmation requirements by calling 1-888-227-2423, or at:

http://www.sam.gov.

B. Wage Determination – During the services performed for the resulting contract, Offerors must ensure they are following the applicable Wage Determinations as found at http://www.sam.gov/content/wage-determination. The applicable Wage Determination for this solicitation is 2015-5563, Revision 26, published 07 July 2025.

C. Responses will be evaluated to ensure an award is not made to a debarred contractor. In addition, contractors with known performance issues identified in determining the contractor’s responsibility per FAR Part 9 will be brought to the attention of the Contracting Officer, and these issues may be considered in making the awards. FAR Part 9, Contractor Qualification, requires that purchases shall be made from, and shall be awarded to, responsible prospective contractors only.

Attachments:

1. Instructions to Offeror’s

2. Performance Work Statement (PWS)

3. Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ)

4. Wage Determination

5. Seed Task Order

6. Offerors Experience Form

Continuation of Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs

Additional Information/Notes

Item Supplies/Service Quantity Unit Unit Price Amount

NWP Partnering Facilitation Services

Product Service Code: R699 Pricing Arrangement: Firm Fixed Price

1 Job

Option Line Item

NWP Partnering Facilitation Services

Product Service Code: R699 Pricing Arrangement: Firm Fixed Price

1 Job

Option Line Item

NWP Partnering Facilitation Services

Product Service Code: R699 Pricing Arrangement: Firm Fixed Price

1 Job

Continuation of Inspection and Acceptance

Overall Contract Inspection/Acceptance Locations

Inspection and Acceptance Location

Both Destination Instructions: See Performance Work Statement.

DoDAAC: 960450 CountryCode: USA

ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

ACE-IT, 333 SW FIRST AVE.

PORTLAND, OR 97204

UNITED STATES

Option Line Item

Inspection and Acceptance Location

Both Destination Instructions: See Performance Work Statement.

DoDAAC: 960450 CountryCode: USA

ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

ACE-IT, 333 SW FIRST AVE.

PORTLAND, OR 97204

UNITED STATES

Option Line Item

Inspection and Acceptance Location

Both Destination Instructions: See Performance Work Statement.

DoDAAC: 960450 CountryCode: USA

ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

ACE-IT, 333 SW FIRST AVE.

PORTLAND, OR 97204

UNITED STATES

Continuation of Deliveries or Performance

From 15 Oct 2025 to 14 Oct 2026

Party to Pay Transportation Cost: Contractor

Point Type: Destination

Line Item Delivery Schedule Quantity Address and POC

Period of Performance From 15 Oct 2025 To 14 Oct 2026

1 Job

Option Line Item

Period of Performance From 15 Oct 2026 To 14 Oct 2027

1 Job

Option Line Item

Period of Performance From 15 Oct 2027 To 14 Oct 2028

1 Job

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

for

Portland District Partnering Facilitation Single Award Task Order Contract (SATOC)

PART 1

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. General

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Portland District requires the technical and administrative services for Facilitated Partnering Sessions. Partnering is a process designed to create a positive and cooperative relationship during contract performance or at any other time when working with others. Partnering facilitates the parties’ ability to define common goals, improve communication, and create a collaborative attitude among a group of individuals who must work together.

Location of each session will be held within the Portland District boundaries which includes Oregon and Washington. Participant organizations will primarily include Government Employees, and Contractors working on Veteran Affairs, Civil Works, and Environmental projects.

1.1.Background

To accomplish USACE construction contracts most effectively, the Government requires the formation of a cohesive and collaborative partnership within the Project Team with the common goal of drawing on the strength of each organization to achieve a successful project without safety mishaps, conforming to the Contract, within budget and on schedule. Professionally facilitated partnering is an integral element of the USACE Project governance process. The Project Team generally consists of key personnel of the Contractor, key Subcontractors, the Government, designers of record and end users. Attendees in partnering sessions may include diverse groups of stakeholders in addition to the contract parties such as cost sharing public sponsors, other federal agencies (OFA), state and local governments, industry, and others as required to execute a project.

The intent is for the sessions described herein to be conducted in-person, on-site or as may be otherwise described in each individual Task Order. Should conditions at the time the services are required preclude in-person participation, the Government may require virtual events using WebEx, MS teams or other similar platforms for collaboration.

1.2.Objectives:

The Contractor must perform services as defined in this performance work statement.

1.3.Scope

The Contractor must perform technical and administrative services for efforts related to partnering facilitation for the Portland District. The Contractor must comply with the PWS to ensure efficient, effective accomplishment of all tasks outlined in this work statement. SEE

PART 5 FOR SPECIFIC TASKS.

1.4.Period of Performance

The period of performance for this effort is a one-year base period under the single award Task Order contract (SATOC), with two (2) one-year option periods.

1.5.General Information

1.5.1. Required Qualifications:

The Partnering Facilitator must have a minimum of five (5) years’ experience conducting corporate partnering sessions of groups of up to 50 people or greater within the last 10 years. As the lead for carrying out the tasks defined in Part 5, the Partnering Facilitator is responsible for efficiently and effectively leading partnering sessions. The Facilitator must have experience in facilitating the Project Team to develop a Team Charter, establish Communications Plans, and Issue Escalation/Resolution Ladders. Over the life of each Task Order the Facilitator is responsible for efficiently and effectively helping the participants develop a collaborative partnership, increase trust, improve interpersonal communication, establish effective working relationships, and resolve any outstanding issues inhibiting the team and/or project. The Contractor must maintain the same Partnering Facilitator to lead all partnering sessions in a particular Task Order unless an alternate is approved by the Contracting Officer. Provide a one-page biography and if specifically requested a resume for proposed Facilitators with Task Order proposals.

1.5.2. Quality Control

The Contractor must implement and maintain an effective Quality Control Program to ensure requirements are performed in accordance with this PWS. The Contractor’s Quality Control Program is the means by which assurance is provided to the Government that the work complies with the requirements of the Contract.

1.5.3. Quality Assurance:

The Government must evaluate the Contractor’s performance under this contract in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan. This plan is primarily focused on what the Government must do to ensure that the Contractor has performed in accordance with the performance standards. It defines how the performance standards will be applied, the frequency of surveillance, and the minimum acceptable defect rate(s). The Contractor must utilize their own internal Quality Control (QC) processes in the performance of this contract.

1.5.4. Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR):

The COR is charged with implementing this plan to ensure successful contractor performance.

The COR will maintain copies of invoices and monthly project status reports. The COR will identify and report Contractor non-conformance to the Contracting Officer when the COR is unable to resolve unacceptable performance.

The COR will be identified by separate letter per Task Order. The COR monitors all technical aspects of the contract and assists in contract administration The COR is authorized to perform the following functions: 1) assure that the Contractor performs the technical requirements of the contract; 2) perform inspections necessary in connection with contract performance; 3) maintain written and oral communications with the Contractor concerning technical aspects of the contract; 4) issue written interpretations of technical requirements, including Government drawings, designs, specifications; 5) monitor Contractor's performance and notifies both the Contracting Officer and Contractor of any deficiencies; and 5) provide site entry of Contractor personnel. A letter of designation issued to the COR, a copy of which is sent to the Contractor, states the responsibilities and limitations of the COR, especially with regard to changes in cost or price, estimates or changes in delivery dates. The COR is not authorized to change any of the terms and conditions of the resulting order.

1.5.5. Recognized Holidays:

The Contractor is not required to perform services on U.S. federal holidays.

1.5.6. Hours of Operation

Hours of operation to be stablished on a Task Order basis and coordinated/developed by the Contracting Officer’s Representative and Contractor.

1.5.7. Place of Performance:

The work to be performed under this contract will be performed at location(s) within the Portland District assigned mission Area of Responsibility (AOR). Location(s) where services are to be provided will be specified in each individual Task Order.

1.5.8. Type of Contract

The Government will award a Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Single Award Task Order Contract (SATOC)

1.5.9. Security Requirements

1.5.9.1.Physical Security

The Contractor must be responsible for safeguarding all government equipment, information and property provided for Contractor use, if needed.

1.5.9.2.ATOPSEC Requirements

1.5.9.2.1. Access and General Protection/Security Policy and Procedures.

All Contractor and all associated sub-contractors’ employees must comply with applicable installation, facility and area commander installation/facility access and local security policies and procedures (provided by government representative). The Contractor must also provide all information required for background checks to meet installation/facility access requirements to be accomplished by installation Provost Marshal Office, Director of Emergency Services or Security Office. Contractor workforce must comply with all personal identity verification requirements (FAR clause 52.204-9, Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel) as directed by DOD, HQDA and/or local policy. In addition to the changes otherwise authorized by the changes clause of this contract, should the Force Protection Condition (FPCON) at any installation or facility change, the Government may require changes in Contractor security matters or processes.

1.5.9.2.2. Physical Security and Access Control Requirements.

All contract personnel requiring physical access to a federal installation or facility must comply with the access control procedures of that location. Contract personnel requiring unescorted access to meet contract performance requirements on a DoD installation in the US must be vetted by the installation/facility Provost Marshal/Directorate of Emergency Services/Security Office using the National Crime Information Center-Interstate Identification Index (commonly referred to as “NCIC-III”) and Terrorist Screening Database (commonly referred to as “TSDB”).

Contract personnel must comply with all personal identity verification requirements specified in installation/facility policies and procedures. Contract personnel who do not meet requirements for unescorted access to USACE facilities must coordinate escorted access with the Government representative, as needed. Contract personnel who receive keys, access cards, or lock combinations that provide access to government-owned property must comply with key and lock control procedures.

1.5.9.2.3. Suspicious Activity Reporting Training

The Contractor and all associated sub-contractors must receive a brief/training on the local suspicious activity reporting program. This locally developed training will be used to inform employees of the types of behavior to watch for and instruct employees to report suspicious activity to the project manager, security representative or law enforcement entity. This training must be completed within 30 calendar days of contract award and within 30 calendar days of new employees commencing performance with the results reported to the COR NLT 5 calendar days after the completion of the training.

1.5.9.2.4. Escorting in Classified and/or Sensitive Areas

In accordance with applicable regulations, all contract personnel who do not possess the appropriate security clearance or access privileges will be escorted in areas where they may be exposed to classified information or operations, sensitive information or activities, or restricted areas.

1.5.9.2.5. Pre-screen Candidates using E-Verify Program.

The Contractor must pre-screen Candidates using the E-verify Program (http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify) website to meet the established employment eligibility requirements. The Vendor must ensure that the Candidate has two valid forms of Government issued identification prior to enrollment to ensure the correct information is entered into the E-verify system. An initial list of verified/eligible Candidates must be provided to the COR no later than 30 calendar days after the initial contract award." *When contracts are with individuals, the individuals will be required to complete a Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, with the designated Government representative. This Form will be provided to the Contracting Officer and must become part of the official contract file.

1.5.10. Key Personnel:

Government key personnel to be identified on a Task Order basis. The Contractor must provide a contract manager who must be responsible for the performance of the work. The name of this person and an alternate who must act for the Contractor when the manager is absent must be designated in writing to the contracting officer. The contract manager or alternate must have full written authority from the owner to act for the Contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The contract manager or alternate must be available as needed Monday through Friday except Federal holidays or when the government facility is closed for administrative reasons.

1.5.11. Identification of Contractor Employees:

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

1.5.12. Contractor Travel

The Contractor will be required to travel to the location(s) within the Portland District assigned mission Area of Responsibility. Location(s) where services are to be provided will be specified in each individual Task Order.

The Contractor must be responsible for making all necessary travel, car rental, lodging arrangements, and subsistence requirements. Travel is restricted to round trip coach airfare tickets, economy class car rental, mileage and per diem rates not-to-exceed Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) rates for the TDY location. Airfare for travel and per diem must be conducted

IAW FAR 31.205-46.

1.5.13. Other Direct Costs (ODC)

The Contractor’s price must include the cost of all consultant services, and any other services required to accomplish the work under each Task Order. Venue costs will be handled on a task order basis if the Government is unable to provide a location. Other direct costs may include equipment rentals, supplies and printed material.

1.5.14. Data Rights

The Government has unlimited rights to all documents/material produced under this contract. All documents and materials, to include the source codes of any software, produced under this contract must be Government owned and are the property of the Government with all rights and privileges of ownership/copyright belonging exclusively to the Government. These documents and materials may not be used or sold by the Contractor without written permission from the

Contracting Officer. All materials supplied to the Government must be the sole property of the Government and may not be used for any other purpose. This right does not abrogate any other Government rights.

1.5.15. Organizational Conflict of Interest:

Contractor and subcontractor personnel performing work under this contract may receive, have access to or participate in the development of proprietary or source selection information (e.g., cost or pricing information, budget information or analyses, specifications or work statements, etc.) or perform evaluation services which may create a current or subsequent Organizational Conflict of Interests (OCI) as defined in FAR Subpart 9.5. The Contractor must notify the Contracting Officer immediately whenever it becomes aware that such access or participation may result in any actual or potential OCI and must promptly submit a plan to the Contracting Officer to avoid or mitigate any such OCI. The Contractor’s mitigation plan will be determined to be acceptable solely at the discretion of the Contracting Officer and in the event the Contracting Officer unilaterally determines that any such OCI cannot be satisfactorily avoided or mitigated, the Contracting Officer may affect other remedies as he or she deems necessary, including prohibiting the Contractor from participation in subsequent contracted requirements which may be affected by the OCI.

1.5.16. Phase In/Phase Out Period: N/A

1.5.18. Inherently Government Functions/Personal Services

None of the functions to be performed under this requirement are inherently Governmental.

Additionally, no part of this contract must be construed to require the Contractor to provide personal services to the Government. The contractor must comply with this contract in its entirety.

The Government will neither supervise Contractor employees nor control the method by which the Contractor performs the required tasks. Under no circumstances must the Government assign tasks to, or prepare work schedules for, individual Contractor employees. It must be the responsibility of the Contractor to manage its employee(s) and to guard against any actions that are of the nature of personal services or give the perception of personal services. If the Contractor believes or has reason to believe any actions constitute or are perceived to constitute personal services, it must be the Contractor’s responsibility to notify the Contracting Officer immediately. These services must not be used to perform work of a policy/decision making or management nature, i.e., inherently Governmental functions. All decisions relative to programs supported by the Contractor must be the sole responsibility of the Government.

PART 2

DEFINITIONS & ACRONYMS

2. DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS:

2.1.Definitions:

2.1.1. Contractor.

A supplier or vendor awarded a contract to provide specific supplies or service to the government. The term used in this contract refers to the prime.

2.1.2. Contracting Officer.

A person with authority to enter into, administer, and or terminate contracts, and make related determinations and findings on behalf of the government. Note: The only individual who can legally bind the government.

2.1.3. Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).

An employee of the U.S. Government appointed by the contracting officer to administer the contract. Such appointment must be in writing and must state the scope of authority and limitations. This individual has authority to provide technical direction to the Contractor as long as that direction is within the scope of the contract, does not constitute a change, and has no funding implications. This individual does NOT have authority to change the terms and conditions of the contract.

2.1.4. Defective Service.

A service output that does not meet the standard of performance associated with the Performance Work Statement.

2.1.5. Deliverable.

Anything that can be physically delivered but may include non-manufactured things such as meeting minutes or reports.

2.1.6. Physical Security

Actions that prevent the loss or damage of Government property.

2.1.7. Quality Assurance.

The government procedures to verify that services being performed by the Contractor are performed according to acceptable standards.

2.1.8. Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP).

An organized written document specifying the surveillance methodology to be used for surveillance of Contractor performance.

2.1.9. Quality Control.

All necessary measures taken by the Contractor to assure that the quality of an end product or service must meet contract requirements.

2.1.10. Subcontractor.

One that enters into a contract with a prime contractor. The Government does not have privity of contract with the subcontractor.

2.1.11. Workday.

The number of hours per day the Contractor provides services in accordance with the contract.

2.1.12. Work Week.

Monday through Friday, unless specified otherwise.

2.2.Acronyms:

ACOR Alternate Contracting Officer's Representative AFARS Army Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement AR Army Regulation CCE Contracting Center of Excellence CFR Code of Federal Regulations CONUS Continental United States (excludes Alaska and Hawaii) COR Contracting Officer Representative COTR Contracting Officer's Technical Representative COTS Commercial Off the Shelf DA Department of the Army DD Dry Dock DD250 Department of Defense Form 250 (Receiving Report) DD254 Department of Defense Contract Security Requirement List DFARS Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement DMDC Defense Manpower Data Center DOD Department of Defense FAR Federal Acquisition Regulation HIPAA Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 KO Contracting Officer OCI Organizational Conflict of Interest OCONUS Outside Continental United States (includes Alaska and Hawaii) ODC Other Direct Costs PIPO Phase In/Phase Out POC Point of Contact PRS Performance Requirements Summary PWS Performance Work Statement QA Quality Assurance QAP Quality Assurance Program QASP Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan QC Quality Control QCP Quality Control Program TE Technical Exhibit

PART 3

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, AND SERVICES

3. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES:

3.1. Facilities:

Facilities for Contractor staff to provide the services outlined in the PWS will be identified on a Task Order basis.

3.2. Equipment

Government provided equipment will be identified on a Task Order basis. Generally, the Government will provide audio/visual and telephone equipment at the Government workspace.

3.3. Materials

Government provided materials will be identified on a Task Order basis.

PART 4

CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES

4. CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

4.1.General

The Contractor must furnish all supplies and supporting services required to perform work under this contract unless noted otherwise in Section 3 of this PWS. SEE SPECIFIC TASKS IN PART 5.

4.2.Facilities

The Contractor may be required to provide for rental of facilities in which they will conduct the services outlined in the PWS. If facility rental is required, this will be identified on a Task Order basis.

4.3.Materials

The Contractor must furnish all materials required to perform work under this contract unless specifically provided for in a Task Order. Generally, work at the Contractor’s office or offsite locations (if the location is required to be furnished by the Contractor) will be performed on Contractor equipment. SEE SPECIFIC TASKS IN PART 5. Specific details will be identified on a Task Order basis.

4.4.Equipment

The Contractor must furnish all equipment required to perform work under this contract unless specifically provided for in a Task Order. Generally, work at the Contractor’s office or offsite locations (if the location is required to be furnished by the Contractor) will be performed on Contractor equipment. SEE SPECIFIC TASKS IN PART 5. Specific details will be identified on a Task Order basis.

PART 5

SPECIFIC TASKS

5. SPECIFIC TASKS:

5.1.Basic Services.

The Contractor must perform technical and administrative services for efforts related to partnering facilitation for the Portland District. The Contractor must comply with the PWS to ensure efficient, effective accomplishment of all tasks outlined in this work statement.

5.2.Group Size of Sessions

The size of each session will be determined per Task Order. In general, The Partnering Facilitator is to expect up to 50 Project Team personnel to participate in each Partnering Session.

5.3. Initial Partnering Sessions

5.3.1. Plan Initial Partnering Sessions

The Partnering Facilitator must conduct preparatory work as specified in individual Task Orders.

Generally, this work will include project specific document reviews, online web-based questionnaires or surveys, phone interviews with participants from the partners, or other means defined in the individual Task Order to evaluate and understand the project and participant’s assumptions, goals, and expectations. A participant list with numbers of roles and organizations will be provided by the government in the individual Task Order scopes. Questionnaires or surveys must be reviewed by the Contracting Officer prior to distribution to the participants.

Based on preparatory work, the Facilitator drafts an agenda, including description of activities and topics to focus on the specifics of the project the partners and the environment. The Facilitator submits the draft Initial Partnering Session agenda to the Contracting Officer for approval prior to distributing to the attendees. The Government may take up to one (1) week to review and comment on the draft agenda. Once the initial draft agenda is approved by the government, the Facilitator has one (1) week to finalize the Initial Partnering Session Agenda and submit. The Initial Partnering Session Agenda must be finalized and approved by the COR at least one (1) week prior to the Initial Partnering Session. Example agenda topics may include:

a. Introductions

b. Discussion of partnering

c. Ice Breaker / Team building activities

d. Identify project objectives/goals by stakeholders

e. Identify common performance objectives

f. Identify potential barriers to effective teamwork

g. Develop list of potential “rocks in the road” issues or risks facing the team and the project

h. Discuss problem solving methods, behaviors, and norms

i. Discuss Joint Risk Management Plans

j. Develop Issue Escalation/Resolution Ladder

k. Develop team charter and sign

l. Assign champions from each partner to ensure follow-up sessions occur

m. Closing comments

5.3.2. Conduct Initial Partnering Session

The Partnering Facilitator must conduct each partnering session as specifically defined in each Task Order. Generally, partnering sessions will typically last approximately four (4) hours but could involve up to two (2) eight (8) hour sessions depending on the size and scope of the project. The Initial Partnering Session is expected to be a professional and trusting exchange among all participants, where active participation is highly encouraged. The fundamental purpose of this effort is to develop a collaborative partnership amongst the Project Teams through developing trust, improving interpersonal communication, and establishing effective working relationships.

5.3.3. Initial Session Report and Deliverables

Provide the session report and deliverables, electronically, to the COR within one (1) week of completing the Initial Partnering Session unless otherwise directed in the Task Order. Each document submitted to the Government should be formatted with partner’s logos (if available) in the top of each corner of the page along with the project name, date, and location of the Session.

5.3.4. Session Report

Provide the Initial Partnering Session Report in two iterations, Draft and Final and as detailed in the individual Task Order scope. The report must contain findings, conclusions, outcomes, and recommendations from the Session. The Government and Contractor are allowed up to two (2) weeks to review and comment. The Partnering Facilitator must finalize the Report and submit it to the COR within one (1) week of completion of the comment and review period.

5.3.5. Initial Partnering Session Deliverables:

Develop a communication plan for peers of each team to establish lines of communication between key members of Project Team leadership. Include: Team Name, Name of Member, Job Title, Organization, Phone Number and Email Address.

Develop an Issue Escalation/resolution Ladder to identify decision-makers and process to elevate items that are at impasse or are above the authority of the individuals at a particular level.

Develop a 1-page Team Charter, to be signed by all Session participants, outlining key shared goals of the project and serving as a visual reminder of their mutual commitment to the partnering relationship.

Conduct an end of session survey prior to the conclusion of the event for participants to give the Facilitator feedback on how their experience went. This survey data must be compiled into a single report stating what can be improved for future sessions. Along with the tabulated survey report, the Contractor must provide the surveys that were completed by the participants in a PDF format and submit to the COR. The survey must include the following: Project name, Date, Facilitator, and Location. The survey should contain eight (8) to ten (10) relevant questions asking the participants to provide a rating of excellent, good, average, fair or poor.

5.4. Partnering Follow-Up Sessions or Regroups

The Partnering Facilitator must facilitate Follow-Up Partnering Sessions of the number and at the intervals specified in each Task Order. Generally, these sessions will last four (4) hours or less. Attendees may be the same team from an initial session or a smaller subgroup. The same Facilitator used in the Initial Partnering session must lead the Follow-Up sessions unless an alternative is approved by the Contractor Officer.

5.4.1. Plan Follow-Up Partnering Sessions

The Partnering Facilitator must conduct preparatory work as specified in individual Task Orders.

Prior to partnering Session, the health of the Project Team relationships must be assessed by the Facilitator through online surveys, interviews, observations, or other means as approved by the Contracting Officer. It must be up to the Partnering Facilitator to evaluate and understand current team dynamics and identify threats and significant risks to the partnership. The Partnering Facilitator must seek to understand current team dynamics and risks that are inhibitors to a high-performing team. Preparatory work must include review of the Initial Partnering Session Final Report, any other relevant documents furnished by the government, and results of assessments discussed above.

Based on preparatory work and meetings with the Project Team, draft an agenda, including description of activities and topics for the Partnering Sessions. Submit the Session agenda to the COR for review and approval. The Government may take up to one (1) week to review and comment on the proposed agenda. The Partnering Facilitator has one (1) week to finalize the follow-up Partnering Sessions Agenda(s) and submit it to the COR. Each follow-up Partnering Session agenda must be finalized and approved by the COR at least 1 week prior to the Session.

5.4.2. Conduct Follow-Up Partnering Sessions

Task Orders for Follow-Up sessions may include all participants at once or may have them broken up into smaller focused groups that meet over the course of more than one day. The Follow-Up Partnering Sessions are to be a professional and trusting exchange among all members of the Project Team, where active participation is highly encouraged. The overarching objective of the Follow-Up Partnering Sessions is to increase trust, improve interpersonal communication, and establish effective working relationships among all participants, and resolve any outstanding issues inhibiting the team and/or project.

5.4.3. Session Reports

Provide follow-up Partnering Session Reports, electronically, in two iterations, Draft and Final and as detailed in the individual Task Orders. The report must contain findings, conclusions, outcomes, and recommendations from each of the Follow-Up Partnering Sessions. Typically, the

Draft Report must be submitted within one (1) week following each Follow-Up Partnering Session. The session participants are allowed up to two (2) weeks to review and comment.

Typically, the Facilitator must finalize the Final Report and submit it to the COR within one (1) week of the completion of the review and comment period.

5.5. Special Partnering Sessions – Issue Resolution Focused

The Partnering Facilitator must plan and facilitate Special Partnering Sessions or Issue Resolution Sessions of the number and at the intervals specified in each Task Order. Generally, these sessions will last eight (8) hours or less. Issue Resolution Focused sessions may involve areas of significant disagreement and potential disputes. Attendees will typically be a smaller subgroup (approximately 10-15 participants) with representatives from two or more partner organizations. The same Facilitator used in any Initial or Follow-Up session with the Project Team must lead any related follow-up sessions unless an alternate is approved by the Contractor Officer.

5.5.1. Plan Issue Resolution Sessions

The Partnering Facilitator must conduct preparatory work as specified in individual Task Orders.

Prior to the Session the Facilitator must understand the specifics of the issues to be addressed through document reviews and an assessment of the health of Project Team relationships. Online surveys, small group or individual interviews, or other means as approved by the Contracting Officer may also be needed. The Partnering Facilitator must evaluate and understand current team dynamics, possible root causes, and identify risks to the overall project arising from the issues to be addressed.

The Facilitator must draft an agenda, including description of activities and topics for the Session and submit the agenda to the COR for review and approval. The Government may take up to one

(1) week to review and comment on the proposed agenda. The Partnering Facilitator has one (1) week to finalize the Follow-Up Partnering Sessions Agenda(s) and submit it to the COR. Each Follow-Up Partnering Session agenda must be finalized and approved by the COR at least 1 week prior to the Session.

5.5.2. Conduct Issue Resolution Sessions

Sessions are to be a professional and trusting exchange among all members of the Project Team, where active participation is highly encouraged, and a win-win outcome is achieved or if not, the participants make progress towards one. The fundamental purpose of this effort is to refocus the Project Team on shared goals and overall objectives of the project.

5.5.3. Session Reports

Provide Session Reports, electronically, in two iterations, Draft and Final as defined in the individual Task Order. Reports must contain findings, conclusions, outcomes, and recommendations. Typically, The Draft Report must be submitted within one (1) week following the Session. The Government and Contractor are allowed up to two (2) weeks to review and comment. Typically, The Facilitator must finalize the Report and submit it to the COR within one (1) week of the conclusion of the review and comment period.

5.6. Effective Partnering Training for USACE Team Members

Provide facilitation training to assist USACE team members in developing and improving the capability to conduct future informal or team led partnering. These internal training sessions will typically last eight (8) to sixteen (16) hours, be conducted in person at a location to be provided by the government as specified in each individual Task Order. Anticipate up to 10 attendees per session. The curriculum must include pre-event actions (surveys/questionaries, interviews, agenda preparation), conducting/facilitation of the partnering meeting (organization, roles, tools and techniques), and post event actions with recommendations and draft formats for documentation, reporting, distribution and follow-up to help ensure successful outcomes.

Session topics must include activities intended to develop the participant’s knowledge and skills necessary to plan, facilitate and document a meeting focused on achieving one or more of the following goals:

Formation of a cohesive partnership with the common goal of drawing on the strength of each organization to achieve a successful project that conforms to the Contract, is performed without safety mishaps, and completed within budget and on schedule.

Individual development in the areas of effective communication, collaboration techniques, conflict resolution best practices and common pitfalls, trust and relationship building through day-to-day interactions.

Establishing and sustaining of lines of communication between the leadership teams of the partner organizations.

Development of a 1-page Team Charter, outlining key goals of the project.

Development of an issue escalation/resolution ladder agreed upon by the partners, which identifies key decision makers and anticipated timelines.

Conducting Follow-Up Sessions is to develop trust, improve interpersonal communication, establish effective working relationships among all participants, and/or resolve outstanding issues inhibiting the team and/or project.

5.6.1. Plan Partnering Training Sessions

The Partnering Facilitator Trainer must conduct preparatory work as specified in individual Task Orders. Training session materials with clearly articulated outcomes consistent with the goals listed above and as specified in the individual Task Order. Draft an agenda including description and duration of proposed activities and topics. Submit the proposed session materials and agenda to the COR for review and approval. The Government may take up to two (2) weeks to review and comment on the proposed agenda and materials. The Contractor has one (1) week to finalize the course materials and submit it to the COR. Each Session’s agenda must be finalized and approved by the COR prior to distributing to the participants.

5.6.2. Conduct Partnering Training Sessions

The session may include a combination of strategies, as detailed in either the Task Order scope or in the Facilitator Trainer’s proposal and approved by the COR. Strategies may include but are not limited to lectures, facilitated discussions, group exercises, case studies, interactive knowledge checks/responses, and/or participant presentations. The fundamental purpose of this effort is an interactive exchange to help members of USACE gain or improve individual understanding and capability with respect to partnering.

5.6.3. Session Reports

Provide session Reports, electronically, in two iterations, Draft and Final as detailed in the individual Task Orders. Reports must document each session conducted; reporting attendees, time, date, and overview of what was accomplished. Sessions may be required to be recorded in individual Task Orders and provided in Mp4 or similar, compatible format as approved by the COR for distribution to additional USACE teammates. Typically, the Draft Report must be submitted within one (1) week following the Session. The Government is allowed up to two (2) weeks to review and comment. Typically, the Facilitator must finalize the Report and submit it to the COR within one (1) week of the review and comment period.

PART 6

APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS

6. APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS (CURRENT EDITIONS)

6.1. Copies of below references are available online for information only and do not constitute a contract requirement except as may be specifically identified in the PWS.

Unified Facilities Guide Specifications (UFGS) 01 30 00 Administrative Requirements www.wbdg.org

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Command partnering Philosophy (October 2021) https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16021coll9/id/2554

ECB 2017-14 - Importance of Partnering www.wbdg.org

EP 34-1-1, STANDARDIZATION CONSTUCTION PROJECT PARTNERING PLAYBOOK

(April 2022) https://www.publications.usace.army.mil/Portals/76/EP%2034-1- 1_Partnering%20Playbook_10Sept2024.pdf

PART 7

ATTACHMENT/TECHNICAL EXHIBIT LISTING

7. ATTACHMENT/TECHNICAL EXHIBIT LIST:

7.1.Attachment 1/Technical Exhibit 1 – Performance Requirements Summary

TECHNICAL EXHIBIT 1

Performance Requirements Summary

The Contractor service requirements are summarized into performance objectives that relate directly to mission essential items. The performance threshold briefly describes the minimum acceptable levels of service required for each requirement. These thresholds are critical to mission success.

Performance Indicator Standard

Performance Threshold

Method of Surveillance

PRS # 1.

Technical Accuracy and Competency.

The Contractor must provide expertise in generation of reports and work products.

PWS Part 5

All products must be technically sound, sufficiently detailed, and accurate.

Reports and work products should not require significant rework.

no more than 1 error per work product

Government Representative Surveillance

PRS # 2 Customer Satisfaction.

The Contractor must facilitate timely resolution of any customer issues.

PWS Part 5

All customer issues must be addressed in a timely and efficient manner that provides the appropriate level of responsiveness and support IAW with organization business practices.

No complaints from customer on the resolution of issues that may include accuracy or timeliness.

no more than 1 complaint per work product

Government Representative Surveillance

PRS # 3

Documentation. The Contractor must provide accurate and timely documentation to the government.

PWS Part 5

All documentation must be provided in the form of trip reports, meeting minutes, reports, white papers, technical reports, memos, information papers and evaluation reports, as required.

All documentation will be accurate and delivered in the prescribed timeframe as agreed upon by the government.

no more than 1 error per work product

Government Representative Surveillance

7.2 Attachment 2 – Submittals under Base Contract

Submittal Items for the Base Contract, listed below, are to be provided to the Government no more than 30 calendar days following award of the Base Contract. The following will be updated annually, at minimum, however the Contractor may submit changes to the following at any time.

Item 1: Quality Control Program (For Information Only)

Item 2: E-verify for personnel under Base Contract only (For Information Only)

Item 3: Contract Manager (For Information Only)

Item 4: Alternate Contract Manager (Government Approval)

Item 5: Letter(s) of Authority (For Information Only)

7.3 Attachment 3 – Anticipated Submittal Items Per Task Order

Each Task Order will provide the scope and schedule for the desired Partnering Sessions.

Timeline for submittal items specified in each Task Order will be per this Base Contract, as stated above, unless further clarified in each Task Order. It is anticipated that Task Orders may include Submittal Items including, but not limited to:

Pre-Initial Partnering Session Deliverables (Questionnaires/Surveys) Draft Initial Partnering Session Agenda Final Initial Partnering Session Agenda Draft Initial Partnering Session Report Final Initial Partnering Session Report Post Initial Partnering Session Deliverables (Communication Plan, Issue

Escalation/Resolution Ladder, Team Charter, End of Session Survey) Pre-Partnering Follow-Up Session Deliverables (‘health of Project Team'

Questionnaires/Surveys) Draft Partnering Follow-up Session Agenda Final Partnering Follow-up Session Agenda Draft Partnering Follow-up Session Report Final Partnering Follow-up Session Report Post Partnering Follow-up Session Deliverables (Communication Plan, Issue

Escalation/Resolution Ladder, Team Charter, End of Session Survey) Pre-Issue Resolution Focused Session Deliverables (‘health of Project Team'

Questionnaires/Surveys) Draft Issue Resolution Focused Session Agenda Final Issue Resolution Focused Session Agenda Draft Issue Resolution Focused Session Report Final Issue Resolution Focused Session Report Post Issue Resolution Focused Session Deliverables (Communication Plan, Issue

Escalation/Resolution Ladder, Team Charter, End of Session Survey)

Pre-Partnering Development Deliverables (pre-event surveys, questionnaires, etc) Draft Partnering Training Agenda Final Partnering Training Agenda Draft Partnering Training Report Final Partnering Training Report

Contract Clauses

FAR Clauses Incorporated by Reference

Number Title Effective Date

Alternate/ Deviation

Variation Effective Date

52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Products and Commercial Services. Nov 2023 52.204-18 Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance. Aug 2020

52.204-23 Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab Covered Entities.

Dec 2023

52.204-25 Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

Nov 2021

52.204-27 Prohibition on a ByteDance Covered Application. Jun 2023 52.219-6 Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside. Nov 2020 52.222-41 Service Contract Labor Standards.