RFP (ATT. 0)_15A00025R00000040F.pdf

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SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

NOTE: OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24 AND 30.

1. REQUISITION NUMBER

DJA-25-APSD-PR-0035

PAGE 1 OF

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

15A00025R00000040

2. CONTRACT NUMBER 3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE

DATE

4. ORDER NUMBER 6. SOLICITATION ISSUE

DATE

06/11/2025

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

a. NAME

Sheray Millhouse Sheray.Millhouse@ATF.gov

b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (No collect calls)

(O) 2026489071 (F) 2026489654

8. OFFER DUE DATE / LOCAL

TIME

06/30/2030 05:00 ET

CODE 15A000

ATF - ACQUISITIONS MANAGEMENT DIVISION

99 NEW YORK AVE. NE, #3.S-153

WASHINGTON, DC 20226

9. ISSUED BY UNRESTRICTED OR X SET ASIDE:100.00 % FOR

X SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

(SDVOSB)

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (WOSB)

ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(EDWOSB)

8(A)

NORTH AMERICAN

INDUSTRY CLASSIFICATION

STANDARD (NAICS):

561611

SIZE STANDARD:

$25,000,000

10. THE ACQUISITION IS

SEE SCHEDULE

11. DELIVERY FOR FREE ON BOARD

(FOB) DESTINATION UNLESS

BLOCK IS MARKED

NET 30

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER THE

DEFENSE PRIORITIES AND

ALLOCATIONS SYSTEM -

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

REQUEST

FOR QUOTE

(RFQ)

INVITATION

FOR BID

(IFB)

X

REQUEST

FOR

PROPOSAL

(RFP)

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

CODE15. DELIVER TO CODE 15A00016. ADMINISTERED BY

Acquisition Management Division (AMD) 99 New York Ave NE

WASHINGTON, DC 20226

FACILITY

CODE

CODE

TELEPHONE NUMBER

17a. CONTRACTOR/

OFFEROR

A404040CODE18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

ATF - FINANCE BRANCH

99 New York Ave. NE, #4.S-288 Washington, DC 20226

(O) (202) 648-7860 Finance.Branch@ATF.gov

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN

OFFER SEE ADDENDUM

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK

BELOW IS CHECKED

19.

ITEM NUMBER

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

Field, Background-Investigative Services - Anticipating multiple-award, Basic-Ordering Agreements (BOAs) as a result

Firm Fixed Price

See Continuation Sheet(s) (Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA 26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Government Use Only)

X 27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE (FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION) FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3

AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

X ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

X 28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN 1 COPIES TO

ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH

OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE

TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED.

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REFERENCE _____________________________

OFFER DATED _________________ . YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION (BLOCK

5) INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH

HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF THE CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

Sheray A. Millhouse

31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

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19.

ITEM NUMBER

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED: _________________________________

32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE 32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE 32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

PARTIAL FINAL

33. SHIP NUMBER 34. VOUCHER NUMBER 35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

COMPLETE PARTIAL FINAL

36. PAYMENT 37. CHECK NUMBER

38. S/R ACCOUNT NUMBER 39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER 40. PAID BY

41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT 42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER 41c. DATE

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42c. DATE REC'D (YY/MM/DD) 42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021) BACK

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Table of Contents

Section Description Page Number

A Solicitation/Contract Form B Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs C Description/Specifications/Statement of Work

C1 Statement of Work C2 Points and Payments Schedule

D Packaging and Marking E Inspection and Acceptance F Deliveries and Performance G Contract Administration Data

2852.201-70 Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) (NOV 2020) G1 ATF's Points of Contact

H Special Contract Requirements 2852.222-70 Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking (DEC 2014) ATF-04 Personnel Security Requirements (APRIL 2025) ATF-04_A1 ATF-04_A1 (Addendum 1) - National Security Information (NSI) Access Security Requirements (FEB 2024) ATF-14 Electronic Invoicing (APRIL 2025) ATF-17 Notice to the Government of Delays (APRIL 2025) ATF-18 Requirements for Access to Controlled Unclassified Information (APRIL 2025) ATF-19 Authority to Obligate the Government (APRIL 2025) ATF-20 Government-Furnished Property, Equipment and Information (APRIL 2025) ATF-21 All Items To Become The Property Of The Government (APRIL 2025) ATF-22 Confidentiality of Information and Disclosure (APRIL 2025) ATF-23 Privacy or Security Safeguards (APRIL 2025) ATF-24 Computer Security (APRIL 2025) ATF-25 Observance of Legal Holidays / Federal Non-Workdays (APRIL 2005) ATF-27 Information Resellers or Data Brokers and Contractor's Employee Background Checks (APRIL 2025) ATF-41 Department Policy on Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault And Stalking (APRIL 2025) ATF-50 Limitations on Subcontracting Under Small Business Set-Asides (APRIL 2025) DOJ-05 Security of Department Information and Systems DOJ-05 (OCT 2023) DOJ-07 Prohibition On Access By Non-U.S. Citizens To DOJ IT Systems (MAR 2002)

I Contract Clauses 52.202-1 Definitions (Jun 2020) 52.203-3 Gratuities (Apr 1984) 52.204-2 Security Requirements (Mar 2021) 52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance (Oct 2018) 52.204-18 Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance (Aug 2020) 52.204-19 Incorporation by Reference of Representations and Certifications (Dec 2014) 52.204-21 Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems (Nov 2021) 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2023) 52.222-26 Equal Opportunity (Sept 2016) 52.223-2 Reporting of Biobased Products Under Service and Construction Contracts (May 2024) 52.229-13 Taxes-Foreign Contracts in Afghanistan (Nov 2021) 52.229-14 Taxes-Foreign Contracts in Afghanistan (North Atlantic Treaty Organization Status of Forces Agreement) (Nov 2021) 52.232-1 Payments (Apr 1984) 52.232-8 Discounts For Prompt Payment (Feb 2002) 52.232-39 Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations (Jun 2013) 52.232-40 Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Mar 2023) 52.233-1 Disputes (May 2014) 52.237-3 Continuity of Services (Jan 1991)

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52.245-1 Government Property (Sep 2021) 2852.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions, Commercial Items (FAR Deviation) (NOV 2020) DOJ-01 Whistleblower Information Distribution (Oct 2021) DOJ-02 Contractor Privacy Requirements (JAN 2022) DOJ-03 Personnel Security Requirements For Contractor Employees (Nov 2021) DOJ-08 Continuing Contract Performance During a Pandemic Influenza or other National Emergency (OCT 2007) 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Jan 2025) 52.215-8 Order of Precedence - Uniform Contract Format (Oct 1997) 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services (Nov 1999)

J List of Attachments K Representations, Certifications and Other Statements of Offerors

52.204-20 Predecessor of Offeror (Aug 2020) 52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (Nov 2021) 52.204-26 Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services-Representation (Oct 2020) 52.209-12 Certification Regarding Tax Matters (Oct 2020) 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Products and Commercial Services (May 2024) 52.222-22 Previous Contracts and Compliance Reports (Feb 1999) 52.223-22 Public Disclosure of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Reduction Goals- Representation (Dec 2016) 52.225-25 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities Engaging in Certain Activities or Transactions Relating to Iran--Representation and Certifications (Jun 2020) 52.229-11 Tax on Certain Foreign Procurements--Notice and Representation (Jun 2020)

L Instructions, Conditions and Notices to Offerors 52.204-7 System for Award Management (Nov 2024) 52.204-16 Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting (Aug 2020) 52.207-6 Solicitation of Offers From Small Business Concerns and Small Business Teaming Arrangements or Joint Ventures (Multiple-Award Contracts) (Aug 2024) 52.215-1 Instructions to Offerors-Competitive Acquisition (Nov 2021) 2852.203-70 General Non-Disclosure Agreement (AUG 2016) 2852.233-70 Protests Filed Directly with the Department of Justice (NOV 2020) DOJ-06 National Security Risk Assessment (APR 2014) 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Sep 2023) 52.216-1 Type of Contract (Apr 1984)

M Evaluation Factors for Award 52.212-2 Evaluation-Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021)

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Section B - Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

CONTINUATION SHEET

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

0001 Field, Background-Investigative Services - Estimated @ 2,400 hours/points per year per awardee

PSC: R615

0 HR $________ $_________________

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

1001 Ordering Year 1

PSC: R615

0 HR $________ $_________________

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

2001 Ordering Year 2

PSC: R615

0 HR $________ $_________________

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

3001 Ordering Year 3

PSC: R615

0 HR $________ $_________________

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

4001 Ordering Year4

PSC: R615

0 HR $________ $_________________

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

5001 Ordering Year 5

PSC: R615

0 HR $________ $_________________

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Section C - Description/Specifications/Statement of Work

Clauses By Full Text

C1 Statement of Work

The Contractor shall furnish the necessary personnel, material, equipment, services and/or facilities (except as otherwise specified) to perform the below Statement of Work (SOW) and all Section J attachments, as applicable.

SOW for Field, Background-Investigative Services

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Organization. The United States (U.S.) Department of Justice (DOJ), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Office of Professional Responsibility and Security Operations (OPRSO), Personnel Security Division (PSD) requires contractor support for field, background-investigative services.

1.2 Background

1.2.1 ATF is a law-enforcement organization within the DOJ. ATF’s unique responsibilities consist of reducing violent crime, collecting revenue and protecting the public. ATF enforces federal laws and regulations relating to alcohol, tobacco, firearms, explosives and arson by working directly and in cooperation with other government agencies to:

a. Suppress and prevent crime and violence through enforcement, regulation and community outreach;

b. Ensure fair and proper revenue collection;

c. Provide fair and effective industry regulation;

d. Support and assist federal, state, local and international law enforcement;

e. Provide innovative training programs in support of criminal and regulatory enforcement functions;

f. Help reduce the criminal use of firearms; and

g. Provide for public safety by reducing the criminal misuse of explosives, combating arson, and removing safety hazards caused by improper and unsafe storage of explosive materials.

1.2.2 PSD is charged with ensuring all persons privileged to be employed by or provide a service to ATF are reliable, trustworthy, of good character and conduct, and are of complete and unswerving loyalty to the U.S. PSD maintains the personnel security program and all associated, collateral functions in support of the program. PSD is responsible for conducting background investigations (BIs) on prospective ATF employees and contractors and conducting periodic reinvestigations on current employees and contractors, in accordance with (IAW) established Executive Orders and other regulatory directives, the Privacy Act of 1974, Office of Personnel Management (OPM) regulations, other-relevant regulations from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), as well as DOJ and ATF policies and procedures.

Since ATF already has an established program to conduct BIs, it has determined the most-efficient and cost-effective method is to employ the services of trained, experienced contractors. A Delegation of Authority Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between ATF and OPM authorizes PSD to utilize contractors for this work. Contracted investigators with ATF must be known as a “Special Investigator,” hereinafter referred to as contractor(s).

2.0 General Agreement Terms

2.1 This Statement of Work (SOW) outlines the services, requirements, security and other expectations of the contractor privileged to be awarded a Basic-Ordering Agreement (BOA). Per the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) subpart 16.703, ‘A BOA is a written instrument of understanding, negotiated between an agency, contracting activity, or contracting office and a contractor, that contains: (1) terms and clauses applying to future contracts (orders) between the parties during its term, (2) a description, as specific as practicable, of supplies or services to be provided, and (3) methods for pricing, issuing, and delivering future orders under the BOA.

A BOA is not a contract.’ While there’s no guarantee of a future order(s) and similarly, no minimum or maximum guarantee of

15A00025R00000040 Page 7 of 72 work, a BOA holder/firm does not become a contractor until there is an order in place. The contractor must adhere to all terms and conditions of the BOA and resulting orders, which includes this SOW.

2.2 The contractor shall assist with other, official-ATF investigations, if assigned such task(s)/assignment(s).

2.3 The contractor has no independent authority from ATF to carry a firearm while executing contractor duties under this BOA and resulting order(s).

2.4 PSD will identify the services to be conducted within the order(s) ATF will issue the contractor against this BOA.

2.5 An ATF representative, to include a PSD representative, the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) (or the Contracting Officer {CO} where there’s no COR), will conduct contractor oversight and performance monitoring. The BOA and contractor’s responsibilities thereunder are subject to changes in federal law, regulation and policy, which may include procedural changes related to the use of government equipment, security and/or investigative procedures and training requirements. The CO will send modifications to the contractor via electronic mail after review and concurrence from the COR.

2.6 The contractor must be available when subpoenaed and/or requested to testify in matters related to investigative work associated with the BOA; however, the contractor is not permitted to serve as an expert witness or consultant against ATF in any criminal, civil, legal or administrative proceeding when it relates to information the contractor obtained during the course of the investigative services.

2.7 The BOA will be effective on the date it is signed by both parties; at which time orders may be issued.

2.8 BOA Procedures. While ATF may compete any resulting orders among all BOA holders, ATF reserves the right to issue a direct order(s) to a BOA holder/contractor based on location and case/workload, so not to be prejudicial to other offerors per FAR 16.703(d)(ii), thus eliminating the need for a Justification for Other-than, Full-and-Open Competition (JOFOC) under FAR 6.302.

The method ATF used to determine prices to be paid to the contractor is described in detail within the Points-and-Payment Schedule.

This SOW describes how the contractor shall deliver/render timely services – Any specific dates will be established at the order level, if applicable. Only ATF (specifically a CS/CO and PSD) is authorized to issue orders under this SOW and resulting BOA(s), provided a warranted CO approves them. Each order becomes a binding contract upon the BOA holder’s acceptance of such (e.g., signature or any performance). Since ATF has already established a fair-and-reasonable rate of $50/point that the offeror must accept prior to being awarded a BOA or issued a resulting order, that shall not be grounds for Disputes under FAR 52.212-4(d). While fast-payment procedures do not apply to this requirement, Prompt Payment under FAR 52.232-25 & accelerated payments under FAR 52.232-40 do. Lastly, while the estimated value of each BOA will be $600K for the 60-month period of performance, ATF reserves the right to raise/lower it at the CO's discretion via a unilateral modification.

3.0 Contractor Qualifications and Requirements

Contractor shall/must:

3.1 Meet PSD’s minimum-program requirements and federal requirements as outlined in the aforementioned MOU between ATF and OPM. Typically, though not exclusively, the contractor is a retired, federal investigator who has at least three (3) years of current experience conducting personnel-security, BIs.

3.2 Have a college degree (bachelors) or four (4) years of general experience, four (4) years of specialized experience within the last five (5) years, or one (1) year of specialized, federal-background-investigative experience. General experience is progressively responsible experience that demonstrates the ability to problem solve, analyze problems to identify significant factors, gather pertinent data and recognize solutions, plan and organize work, and communicate effectively orally and in writing on a professional level.

Specialized experience, other than federal-background-investigative experience, includes other investigative experience (e.g., criminal investigations).

3.3 Possess sufficient, investigative abilities to perform the orders assigned by PSD/PSD Contractors.

3.4 Be computer literate and efficient in software programs that support email, word processing, and data entry, which are utilized to electronically receive assignments and submit electronic reports.

3.5 Carry oneself in a manner that reflects positively on ATF and present oneself in a professional manner, be neatly groomed and appropriately attired when working on behalf of PSD.

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3.6 Conduct investigations within a 200-mile radius of its business/residence without prior notification. ATF will contact the contractor in advance when travel more than 200 miles (occasional) is required and the contractor needs to accept such assignments.

3.7 Use personal automobiles, information-technology (IT) equipment (e.g., scanner, printer, fax), other than ATF issued laptop, and facilities when performing the duties assigned hereunder. The contractor is expected to possess an automobile with appropriate insurance coverage as required. ATF assumes no liability for contractor misconduct or negligence while driving a personal automobile in connection with conducting ATF investigations.

4.0 Scope of Work, Assignment of Orders and Deliverables

Contractor shall/must:

4.1 Agree to abide by all standards, policies and procedures set forth in the Field Special Investigator (SI) Manual and Guides (hereafter SI Manual) and all subsequent Personnel Investigative Notices, Personnel Investigative Policies and/or other correspondence provided by PSD. Such is demonstrated by acceptance of the BOA (as noted in Section 2.8 above).

4.2 Access the SI Manual electronically via the Dashboard within ATF’s Adjudication & Investigative Management Enterprise (AIME) system using the ATF-issued laptop. The contractor shall also use the worksheets and questionnaires contained within the SI Manual as required.

4.3 Be available to accept orders, as requested, without prior notification. The contractor must give PSD a minimum of two (2) weeks, advanced-written notice when unavailable to conduct assignments/orders. The contractor must submit said Notice by updating one’s availability under “My Schedule” within the AIME Dashboard and by sending an email to PSD (SIAdministration@ATF.gov).

4.4 Conduct face-to-face and/or virtual interviews, as well as record and file reviews; take accurate notes of those interviews/ reviews and reduce those notes to writing in the form of a Report of Investigation (ROI).

4.5 Complete one (1) or more of the following investigative requirements with each assignment/order:

a. Interview Subject;

b. Verify identity and citizenship status;

c. Verify employment through records and interviews;

d. Verify claims of residence through records and interviews;

e. Verify attendance at educational facilities through records and interviews;

f. Conduct personal interviews with references;

g. Develop and interview additional sources;

h. Conduct military-record reviews;

i. Conduct law-enforcement checks;

j. Verify and review public records; and/or

k. Expand the investigation as necessary.

ATF will specify the following on each order:

a. The work to be performed by the contractor;

b. The place(s) where the contractor shall perform the work;

c. An assignment-initiation date;

d. A due date determined by the response type (e.g. routine or priority); and

e. The number of estimated points to be paid for each investigative assignment.

4.6 Complete work assignments associated with an order by the due date PSD determines. The contractor must request and get approval for an extension from PSD by emailing SIAdministration@ATF.gov if determining one cannot meet the due date of a particular assignment. Failure to obtain such an extension in advance may result in reduced or non-payment for that particular assignment. Similarly, the Government may terminate the BOA if a respective contractor repeatedly fails to submit ROIs by the required-due date.

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4.7 Upload attachments to the report via AIME and submit all documents that provide proof of issue resolution (e.g., proof of payment plan, proof of balance payoff, etc.) via said system when the assignment/order is complete.

4.8 Submit the following deliverables IAW the policies and procedures set forth in the SI Manual to the PSD upon completion of an investigative assignment:

a. Completed ROI;

b. Request for Payment; and

c. Any attachments as stated in the ROI or other documents to be included in the investigative file.

4.9 Review all ROIs and all other submissions to ensure the information provided to PSD is factually accurate, meets the assignment requirements, is formatted following PSD procedures and guidelines of the SI Manual and PSD’s New Investigator Training. Contractor shall objectively present the facts as discovered during the investigation and submit ROIs free of errors.

4.10 Make corrections, provide clarifications and conduct missing investigative assignments at no additional cost to the government when not completing investigative assignments and/or reports in compliance with PSD procedures and guidelines.

5.0 Period of Performance (PoP). The PoP for this BOA will be 60 months / five (5) years from the time of award, and each order period will be no more than 12 months.

6.0 Place of Performance. The primary place of work must remain within the geographical location of each awardee’s address unless the awardee/contractor notifies ATF of a relocation.

7.0 Contract Type. Since BOAs are not contracts, the contract type of the resulting order(s) will be firm-fixed price, to be inclusive of all travel. Although not directly reimbursed, travel must comply with FAR 31.205-46 and GSA’s Federal Travel Regulations (also Fly America Act, if applicable). ATF does not anticipate any other-direct costs (ODCs).

8.0 Credentials. IAW the MOU between OPM and ATF (delegating the authority to utilize contractors for this work), ATF will issue official-ATF credentials to each contractor tasked with performing duties associated with the federal, personnel-security program. The contractor shall never use said credentials for purposes other than conducting official investigations on behalf of ATF or for personal gain. The contractor must safeguard said credentials at all times, never have such out of one’s possession, and never photocopy or ever have anyone else photocopy it. The contractor shall report lost or stolen credentials to PSD and ATF’s Joint Support Operations Center (JSOC) immediately, as well as to the local-police department.

9.0 Personal-Identity-Verification (PIV) Card

9.1 IAW Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12), ATF will request a PIV card for and issue such to each contractor once the BOA has been awarded. The contractor shall use said PIV card as official, DOJ-identification media to comply with HSPD-12’s logical-systems access on an ATF-issued laptop.

9.2 A PIV card issuance requires a two- (2-) step process: enrollment and activation. Certain ATF, field-office locations are equipped with a Light Activation Station (LAS) and are capable of issuing PIV cards; however, a contractor may be required to travel to a shared, USAccess Credentialing Center if the local-field office does not have an operative/working LAS. ATF will reimburse contractors for the PIV-card step-up and activation. During the activation process, the contractor must set a personal-identification number (PIN) for the PIV card. It is the contractor’s responsibility to remember the set PIN. If at any time, the PIN must be reset due to an action/inaction by the contractor, ATF will not reimburse him/her for the time or travel associated with such. A PIN can only be reset at a LAS, not electronically or over the phone.

9.3 PIV cards require a re-certification every three (3) years and a full update (new card) every five (5) years. The contractor must have the PIV card re-certified and updated when prompted by ATF/USAccess.

10.0 Background Investigation

10.1 The contractor must undergo and receive a favorably-adjudicated Tier-5 (or successor) BI to determine suitability to access ATF information, IT systems and/or unescorted access to facilities; some contractor may require a Top-Secret Clearance. The BI will be conducted by or under the auspices of the PSD and be performed under such standards as the PSD may establish. If a contractor has a current Tier-5 (or successor) BI with another agency, PSD will follow Reciprocity procedures for security; however, ATF will conduct a review to determine the contractor’s compliance with all ATF, agency-specific requirements prior to authorizing access to ATF information, IT systems, and/or unescorted access to facilities.

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Failure to: complete the required, personnel-security forms; adhere to ATF’s conduct and integrity guidelines and/or be in compliance with DOJ’s and ATF’s agency-specific qualifications may result in immediate disqualification. If no favorably-adjudicated BI received, the contractor may be disqualified from ATF work on those grounds. If disqualified, the contractor will not be granted access to ATF information, IT systems and/or unescorted access to facilities.

10.3 The contractor may be authorized access to ATF information, IT systems and/or unescorted to facilities with an approved Temporary-Eligibility (TE) determination. If a TE is needed to service under-staffed coverage locations, PSD will initiate a Request for TE, only after advising and gaining the contractor’s concurrence.

10.4 The contractor shall be subject to Continuous Evaluation, five- (5-) year reviews and/or any future or subsequent evaluation(s) as mandated by OPM and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), provided the contractor meets the BI requirements and is issued a BOA. If, at any time, there are suitability or security issues/concerns that cannot be resolved or mitigated, ATF will terminate the BOA; and the contractor will no longer be granted access to ATF information, IT systems, and/or unescorted access to any ATF facility.

10.2 Mandatory Personnel Security Reporting Requirements

IAW Department of Justice (DOJ) Policy Statement 1700.04, Department Personnel Security Reporting Requirements, and the Department Security Officer’s memorandum dated August 30, 2021, entitled Implementation of Policy Statement 1700.4, Department Personnel Security Reporting Requirements, to include Contractor Personnel, all ATF employees and non-ATF personnel (e.g., contractors, task-force officers, and volunteers/interns) are required to comply with federally-mandated, personnel-security-reporting requirements. Said requirements are designed to help safeguard national security or otherwise sensitive information, material, and/or technology.

All ATF employees and non-ATF personnel must review, agree, and acknowledge in the Bureau’s and/or Department’s approved-training system (currently the Justice Talent Management System {JTMS}) their responsibilities to report activities included in DOJ Policy Statement 1700.04.

11.0 IT and Other Equipment Requirements

11.1 ATF will request a laptop for each contractor once the BOA has been awarded and provide the contractor with an email that will include the users identification. The contractor must then follow applicable guidance/instructions to set-up the laptop. The contractor must also then use the ATF-issued laptop to receive, complete and report investigations. If travel to an ATF field office for technical issues encountered that cannot be resolved remotely, the contractor will need prior approval from PSD.

11.2 The laptop will be fully imaged IAW the requirements established by ATF, Office of Science and Technology (OST) and PSD.

The contractor must only use ATF laptops to process and maintain ATF information.

11.3 ATF will issue the following IT/Government-Furnished property (GFP).

a. Laptop;

b. Docking station; and

c. Two (2) power cords (90W and 180W).

The ATF laptop, the information it contains and its peripherals are the property of ATF; and at the conclusion of the BOA or when so directed by PSD, the contractor must return all to ATF. The contractor, even when directed by the ATF helpdesk, must contact PSD (SIAdministration@ATF.gov) for instructions regarding property returns. All property assigned to a contractor is considered accountable property for PSD and must only be returned, replaced or transferred when coordinated with PSD to ensure accurate-property accountability. The contractor shall respond to and provide all property information (i.e., serial number, ATF assigned PINs, etc.) when requested by PSD to ensure compliance for any mandatory, ATF-inventory audit.

11.4 Due to security concerns, the contractor shall only use the ATF laptop for completion, submission and receipt of ATF-field assignments and to correspond with all involved in the investigative work. The contractor is prohibited from processing ATF information on a personal computer or other non-ATF issued system.

11.5 OST regularly pushes security updates to ATF laptops. When logging into the laptop, the contractor may occasionally be prompted to restart it due to critical-security updates. The contractor must follow these prompts as security updates are necessary to ensure proper security features and functionality are maintained on the laptop. The contractor is required to log into the laptop at least once a week (best on a Friday evening after 5:00 pm Eastern Time {ET}), regardless of whether an assignment/order is placed, to ensure the laptop is consistently updated and continues to function properly.

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11.6 Due to varying connection availabilities, ATF cannot guarantee a wireless connection. Therefore, the contractor must have access to a broadband-internet connection, such as cable or a Digital Subscriber Line.

11.8 The contractor is permitted to connect personal printers, scanners and monitors to the laptop WITH assistance from the ATF helpdesk (currently 877.875.3723 & ServiceDesk-OSTCS@ATF.gov). The contractor must direct any questions or issues that arise regarding the laptop (e.g., technical issues, damaged property, stand-alone equipment set-up, etc.) to the ATF helpdesk, not PSD. There may be times when a contractor must travel to an ATF-field office to diagnose and/or resolve technical issues related to the ATF laptop. In these cases, the contractor must first notify PSD (SIAdministration@ATF.gov) and receive approval before traveling, even if directed by the ATF helpdesk. PSD may provide reimbursement for a contractor’s time and travel expenses IAW the Points and Payment Schedule, but reserves the right to deny compensation if the contractor fails to notify and receive approval from PSD prior to such traveling.

11.9 The contractor shall purchase printers, scanners, facsimile machines and/or stand-alone monitors, if needed. ATF and PSD are not responsible for the purchase, maintenance or repair of these items; and the contractor will not be reimbursed for any cost associated with them. Similarly, ATF will not reimburse local-telephone calls or cellular-airtime charges as such are considered the contractor’s business expenses.

12.0 Facilities. The contractor shall use its own, private facility(ies) for the administrative actions (e.g., reviewing case documents, scheduling appointments, etc.) associated with investigations and preparing the ROIs in connection with those investigations. ATF neither assumes any responsibility for the purchase or maintenance of a contractor’s personal facility(ies); nor will ATF reimburse a contractor for use of such facility(ies).

13.0 Mandatory Training. The contractor must complete PSD’s “New Investigator Training” in its entirety prior to being added to PSD’s active, Special Investigator Roster – The course currently consists of three (3) phases. The contractor must also complete the “Non-Disclosure for Access to Unclassified Sensitive Information” and the annual “Information Security Awareness with Acknowledgment of the Rules of Behavior” training through the Bureau’s and/or Department’s approved-training system (currently JTMS). While ATF will compensate the contractor for PSD’s “New Investigator Training” and the mandatory, “Information Security Awareness” training at the rates detailed within the Points and Payment Schedule, ATF will not compensate the contractor for the time associated with all other, mandatory-training courses as they’re requirements of the BOA’s terms. (Most training courses take less than one {1} hour to complete.) All mandatory training is provided free of charge through the Bureau’s and/or Department’s training system (currently JTMS) and are accessible through the ATF laptop.

14.0 Contractor Certification. Each contractor must sign a Contractor Certification which declares all reports and any supplemental material prepared, whether submitted in hard copy or electronic format represent actual, reported-investigative work the contractor performed and conducted in compliance with the BOA’s requirements.

15.0 System for Award Management (SAM) Registration

15.1 All firms/businesses must register via SAM and receive a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) to do business with the federal government and receive federal funds. Registration with SAM enables/allows the contractor to work as a small business within the contractors’ state/locality for this requirement.

15.2 The contractor shall make changes to the SAM information (e.g., name, address, telephone number, company name or financial information) as necessary to ensure its information remains updated/current. ATF’s financial system is directly connected to SAM;

therefore, if a registration is not current or active, ATF will be unable to assign orders to a contractor or process payments for services rendered. Thus, proper and prompt updates and an active registration are extremely important.

16.0 Protection of Sensitive Unclassified Information

16.1 All data and information associated with a BI (e.g., notes, copies of testimonies, copies of ROIs, etc.,) are the sole property of ATF. Therefore, the contractor must make every reasonable effort to protect and safeguard such against unlawful disclosure at all times. The contractor must retain all notes and other investigative materials (i.e, records, transcripts, etc.) for 90 days after ATF/PSD approves the report. The contractor must destroy, by shredding, all notes and investigative material at that time. If PSD requests case notes for quality-control purposes or otherwise, the contractor shall submit such within 90 days of an approved report.

16.2 The contractor must protect and safeguard all information obtained during the course of an investigation and only divulge on a need-to-know basis to an authorized party(ies) where required/necessary, even though such may be considered sensitive-unclassified information. The contractor must not disseminate to any parties outside of PSD without prior approval and written consent from PSD. The contractor must utilize the ATF-issued laptop to complete and submit ROI’s and to virtually communicate with PSD

15A00025R00000040 Page 12 of 72 regarding case assignments; and at no time may a contractor forward information from the ATF laptop to personal email or vice versa. Similarly, the contractor shall not transmit information from an outside source (e.g., copy machine) to personal accounts. The contractor must not transmit sensitive information via unsecured email or Internet or disclose such to an unauthorized party(ies). The contractor must conduct and complete all orders and associated tasks/assignments and not re-assign to another individual, be it another contractor, employee or sub-contractor.

16.3 The contractors must place all documents, files, and ATF laptop in a locked container when not in use. The contractor must complete one’s own data processing and report writing and not use anyone else like a typist/transcriptionist to do so.

17.0 Payment Procedures/Reimbursement

17.1 Upon completion of an investigative assignment, the contractor shall submit an invoice/request for payment to Finance.Branch@ATF.gov with a carbon copy (Cc) to PSD (SIAdministration@ATF.gov) per clause #ATF-14. ATF agrees to reimburse the contractor for an assignment/order(s) based on the Points and Payment Schedule. Note: Reimbursement rates are subject to change at any time as determined by ATF and PSD.

17.2 In addition to investigative points successfully completed, ATF will reimburse the contractor for reasonable and ordinary expenses incurred in the performance of the assignment(s), such as tolls, parking fees, and fees for obtaining court documents, etc. as detailed in the Points and Payment Schedule.

17.3 ATF will reimburse the contractor for mileage driven, at the prevailing rate established by the General Services Administration (GSA) or as directed by ATF, when the contractor uses a personal automobile to perform assignments.

17.4 When travel beyond the contractor’s standard-coverage area is necessary and specifically authorized by ATF to complete an assignment, ATF will reimburse the contractor (e.g., a temporary-/travel-duty location/assignment {TDY}). All travel outside of the contractor’s coverage area must be pre-approved by the PSD, if warranted, to be reimbursed. ATF will provide reimbursement for travel and other approved expenses based on the government’s per-diem rates. The contractor must review GSA’s website for the current per-diem rates for the travel locality. The contractor shall make all travel arrangements; and under no circumstances, will ATF make monetary advances for anticipated or scheduled travel. Approved reimbursement expenses and rates are detailed in the Points and Payment Schedule. When a contractor is scheduled to go on TDY or is travelling, yet available for assignments, the contractor must update the “My TDY” dates of travel via AIME’s Dashboard.

17.5 If awarded a BOA, the offeror is responsible for filing its own state and federal taxes. ATF will provide a 1099-MISC tax form to qualified contractors. ATF is not required to provide said form to any contractor that is incorporated and/or does not receive a minimum of $600 during any calendar year from ATF.

18.0 Performance and Quality Control

18.1 The COR will monitor the performance of the contractor to ensure the contractor completes tasks and meets timeliness goals IAW all rules, regulations, and mandates issued by OPM, the ODNI, DOJ and ATF. Due to the continuous and evolving nature of the personnel-security sector, a contractor’s responsibilities and duties are subject to changes by federal law, regulation and policy, which may include procedural changes related to the use of government equipment, security procedures and investigative principles and priorities. Therefore, ATF may modify the BOA and SOW unilaterally and/or without prior notice. High-quality services and timely completion of tasks are imperative to PSD’s success.

18.2 ATF must review the BOA annually and continuously monitor the performance of the contractor to determine continued eligibility to receive future orders, BOA renewal or even a BOA termination.

18.3 ATF must investigate complaints of inappropriate conduct, violations of any policies, procedures and/or regulations; and if substantiated, the contractor may receive a warning notice or BOA termination. The same results are warranted if a contractor’s performance fails to meet the standards necessary for the position based on ATF’s quality-control and quality-assurance reviews.

18.4 ATF will routinely survey those persons the contractor has contacted to determine if the contractor conducted the interview and represented the Bureau in a professional manner. Repeated instances of negative feedback from those surveyed will result in a BOA termination. PSD will also conduct random, Check-Ride assessments to directly evaluate a contractor’s performance during interviews. ATF will provide formal feedback to the contactor in writing. Any noted improvements required, if not rectified, may result in a BOA termination.

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18.5 ATF will report the contractor to the DOJ Office of Inspector General for investigation if suspected of submitting fraudulent invoices or work-related materials.

19.0 Closeout. The contractor shall submit a final invoice within 45-calendar days after the end of the last-performance period.

Within 15-calendar days of receiving the final payment, the contractor shall furnish a completed and signed Release of Claims to the CO; such may be in the form of a Closeout-modification to the contract.

C2 Points and Payments Schedule

The Personnel Security Division (PSD) within the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) pays for investigations on a point basis; the value of each point is $50. PSD will provide the Special Investigator (SI)/contractor a Letter of

Instruction (LOI) detailing the particular number and type of leads to conduct as required.

The below, standard-investigative points take into consideration the following factors:

1. Preparation time;

2. Conducting the review/interview;

3. Organizing and developing your notes in preparation for write up; and

4. Writing up the Report of Investigation (ROI).

Standard-Investigative Points

Investigative Lead Number of Points

Enhanced-Subject Interview/Individual Interview 6

Record Check/File Review 1

Educational Record 1

Source Interview 1

Personal-Identity-Verification (PIV) Check 1

Subject Re-Contact TBD[1] by PSD

Special-Reimbursement Rates

Priority Cases

The LOI will identify a “Response Type” of either routine or priority. If the case is identified as a Priority, the SI must submit the case on time and error free to qualify for additional points. Priority points are awarded based on the total number of investigative points earned during the investigation and/or administrative points. ATF will compensate cases designated as a priority based on the following scale:

Total Investigative Points Number of Priority Points .5 to 2 1

2.5 to 5 2

5.5 to 8 3

8.5 to 11 4

11.5 to 14 5

14.5 to 17 6

17.5 to 20 7

20.5 to 23 8

23.5 to 26 9

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26.5 to 29 10

29.5 to 32 11

32.5 to 35 12

35.5 to 38 13

38.5 to 41 14

41.5 to 44 15

44.5 to 47 16

47.5 to 50 17

Administrative Points

Administrative points are additional points paid for time lost and other delays caused by uncontrollable circumstances as determined by PSD for all assignments. Administrative points are awarded based on the total-investigative points earned during the investigation, not including priority points. To receive administrative points, the contractor/SI must submit the ROI by the due date. ATF will compensate routine cases based on the following scale.

Total Investigative Points Number of Administrative Points 0.5-2.5 0.5

3-5.5 2

6-10.5 2.5

11-15.5 3.5

16-20.5 4

21-25.5 4.5

26-30.5 5

31-35.5 5.5

36-40.5 6

41-45.5 6.5

46+ 7

Mileage

ATF will reimburse the SI’s driven mileage per the standard-government rate for mileage as applicable and as established by the General Services Administration (GSA) and/or PSD’s discretion. Part of this process is automated upon data entry

• PSD’s Rate – Effective January 2024 - $0.67/mile (for POVs)

• GSA’s Rate – Effective January 2025 - $0.70/mile (for POVs)

Training

• New Investigator Training Rate: 7 points

• Other mandatory training courses and/or annual-refresher training: PSD will determine the SI’s reimbursement eligibility.

Training is a requirement of the Basic Ordering Agreement’s terms, and the time associated with these courses may not be reimbursed.

PIV Card

• Initial, PIV-card Setup Rate: 1 point, plus mileage

• ATF will reimburse the SI for the initial, PIV-card setup. If the mileage to the PIV card enrollment/activation center is more than 200 miles round trip, the SI must contact PSD prior to travel.

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• Personal-identification number (PIN) Reset Rate for the PIV card: No Compensation

• If at any time, the SI must have the PIV-card’s PIN reset because of its own action/inaction, ATF will not reimburse for the time or travel associated with that activity.

• PIV-card Re-Certifications/Updates Rate: Mileage TBD by PSD. SI’s must contact PSD for approval.

ATF Laptop/Technology Issues

• Initial Pickup and Setup Rate: 1 point, plus mileage

• SI shall send an email to SIAdministration@ATF.gov with mileage and time spent and an LOI/Payment Authorization will be created and saved to the SI’s approved folder.

• If unforeseen technical issues occur during the initial setup, SI must document any issues and time associated with resolution of the issue. PSD will review the documentation and may provide additional compensation.

Technical Issues

• Rate: 1 point for the first three (3) hours, 1 point for each additional hour, plus mileage

• In the event an SI must travel to an ATF field office to diagnose and/or resolve a technical issue(s) related to the ATF laptop, the SI must first notify PSD and receive approval before traveling. PSD reserves the right to deny compensation if the SI fails to notify PSD prior to traveling to the field office.

• Negligence/Improper Use Rate: No Compensation.

• If damage or technical issues are incurred due to the SI’s improper use or negligence, ATF will not compensate the SI for time or travel related to issue resolution. Additionally, the SI may be held personally liable for replacement of equipment if the property is lost, stolen or damaged due to negligence.

Travel-Duty Status (TDY)

When travel beyond the SI’s standard-coverage area (more than 200 miles of the SI’s place-of-business address) is necessary and specifically authorized by PSD to complete an assignment, ATF will provide reimbursement based on actual expenses as allowable under the BOA. All travel outside of the SI’s standard-coverage area must be submitted in advance for PSD’s pre-approval to qualify for compensation. The SI must keep all receipts and submit them along with the Request for Payment to receive compensation.

ATF will reimburse the SI for the following according to the Government’s per-diem rates:

• Expenses for travel (Airfares must be coach or business class, whichever is less.);

• Expenses for lodging accommodations;

• Mileage expenses to and from transportation carrier (e.g., airport, train station, etc.);

• Meals and incidentals: 75% for first and last day of travel and 100% for full day(s) on travel;

• Rental car and fuel charges;

• Taxi fares;

• Half (½) point per hour while in air/train travel to and from destination; and

• Miscellaneous expenses and fees: baggage fees, lodging taxes, internet connection, etc.

The SI may request to use a POV to travel to the destination, yet must receive PSD’s prior approval, if warranted.

ATF will not reimburse for the following:

• Time spent waiting at transportation carrier (e.g., airport, train station, etc.), including layovers; and

• Travel time to and from transportation carrier (e.g., airport, train station, etc.).

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If unforeseen circumstances or unexpected expenses that are not documented above occur, the SI must keep all receipts and document the information in the Request for Payment. PSD will review the documentation and determine if reimbursement is applicable.

The SI must review GSA’s website for the current, per-diem rates for the travel locality because ATF will reimburse according to said rates.