REVISED_SOLICITATION_09.09.2016.pdf

DOL-OPS-16-R-00022

Section A – Solicitation/Contract Form - SF 1449

SF 1449

Section B - Supplies or Services and Prices

B.1 General

The contractor shall provide all personnel, services, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, other items and non-personal services necessary to provide expertise and perform tasks for the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) to support ongoing and future strategic communications projects/initiatives as defined in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) except as specified in Part 3, Government Furnished Property, Equipment, and Services. The contractor shall successfully perform to the standards and requirements in this solicitation.

B.2 Contract Type:

The Government anticipates award of an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract resulting from the solicitation. The Government reserves the right to place Firm Fixed Price (FFP), Time and Material (T&M), and Labor Hour Task Orders against the resultant contract.

All ODC CLINS will be reimbursed at cost, with not to exceed ceiling amounts.

B.3 Period of Performance

The term of this Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract is a one (1) twelve (12) month Base Year and four (4) twelve (12) month Option Years.

Base Period: Completed at time of award Option Period 1: Completed at time of award Option Period 2: Completed at time of award Option Period 3: Completed at time of award Option Period 4: Completed at the time of award

B.4 Contract Pricing

B.4.1Pricing

The IDIQ Contract CLINS shall consist of the labor mix (Labor Categories, Fixed Hourly rates, and Estimated Labor hours) required to complete the full scope of services required in complete the full PWS requirements. All individual Task Orders (TO) shall be issued in accordance with the IDIQ contract CLINS.

B.4.1.1Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Type Task Orders:

Firm Fixed price task orders shall include the total price for the labor mix (Labor Categories, Fixed Hourly Rates, and Labor Hours) and ODCs and/or Travel (if applicable) required to complete the full scope of the task order requirements. The contractor shall price each task separately and include a breakout of the labor mix for evaluation purposes. All ODC and Travel CLINS are not to exceed CLINs reimbursed based on actual costs. Advance approval by the

COR is required for all ODCs and Travel. The contractor is reimbursed upon acceptance of deliverables. The contractor shall submit receipts for all ODC and Travel costs.

The contractor shall not propose rates for any individual task order that cross IDIQ contract years. The hourly rates proposed for each subsequent task order shall be the hourly rates effective during the IDIQ contract period in which the services are ordered.

B.4.1.2 Time and Material (T&M)/Labor Hour (LH) Type Task Orders

Time and Material (T&M)/Labor Hour (HR) task orders shall include a breakdown of the labor mix (Labor Categories, Fixed Hourly Rates, and Total estimated Labor Hours) and ODCs and/or Travel (if applicable) required to complete the full scope of services. All individual TM/LH task orders shall include a Not to Exceed ceiling amount. Advance approval by the COR is required for all ODCs and Travel. The Government shall make payment to the contractor based on actual hours worked and actual costs of ODCs and Travel. The contractor shall submit receipts for all ODCs and travel.

The contractor shall not propose rates for any individual task order that cross IDIQ contract years. The hourly rates proposed for each subsequent task order shall be the hourly rates effective during the IDIQ contract period in which the services are ordered.

B.4.1.3 Other Direct Costs (ODCs) and Travel

(a) Other Direct Costs (ODCs). ODCs consist of materials, supplies, and equipment incidental to the services being performed under the Task Order (TO). The cost of general-purpose items required for the conduct of the Contractor’s normal business operations will not be considered an allowable ODC in the performance of TOs under this contract. Other direct costs may include, but are not limited to, travel expenses, subscriptions, purchasing publications, space or equipment rental, shipping costs, supplies and other items based on the requirements of the initiatives and projects that may be supported by this PWS and approved by the COR.

(b) Travel and Per Diem. Contractor may be required to travel the Continental United Stated (CONUS) and within the NCR during the performance of this contract to attend meetings, conferences, and training. Contractor may also be required to travel to off-site meeting and conference locations outside of the NCR and to ship conference materials to these locations in support of this PWS. TO related travel costs, to include travel, lodging and meals, are reimbursable in accordance with FAR 31.205-46 and the limitation of funds specified in this contract. No contractor travel shall be conducted to support the requirements of TOs without advance written approval from the TO Contracting Officer’s Representative.

The attached Technical Exhibit 3 referenced in Section J.4 provides past history about the typical types and quantity of activities and products that may require ODCs. However, the types and quantity of ODCs is Task Order specific so ODCs will not be limited to those ODEP has identified in Technical Exhibit 3.

B.5 Guaranteed Minimum and Maximum:

The MINIMUM GUARANTEE: The GUARANTEED MINIMUM for this IDIQ Contract is $100,000.00 on the Base Year ONLY.

The MAXIMUM GUARANTEE: Any single Task Order is $4,000,000.00.

B.5.1Minimum & Maximum Amounts, Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ)

The total amount of all orders placed against this contract shall not exceed $20,000,000.00 over a five (5) year period of performance. The guaranteed minimum amount for this IDIQ is $100,000.00. The minimum guarantee shall be satisfied by issuance of a task order concurrent with award of the contract. The guaranteed minimum applies to the base period of the contract.

Individual TOs will be awarded in accordance with Section G. The contract maximum represents the total requirement for the life of the contract (including options, if exercised).

(End of Section B)

Section C - Descriptions and Specifications

PWS PART 1: GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 Description of Services/Introduction

The Contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform strategic communications, education, outreach, policy development and dissemination services as defined in this Performance Work Statement (PWS) except for those items specified as Government furnished property and services. The Contractor shall perform to the standards in this contract.

The Government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the contract service providers performing the services herein. Such contract service providers shall be accountable solely to the Contractor who, in turn is responsible to the Government.

1.2 Background

The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is a Federal Agency within the Department of Labor (DOL) whose mission is to develop and influence policies and practices to increase the number and quality of employment opportunities for people with disabilities. ODEP does not have regulatory authority. ODEP is included in the Department’s Strategic Plan. See https://www.dol.gov/agencies/osec/stratplan, pages 43-44.

To realize its mission, ODEP promotes the adoption and implementation of policy strategies and effective practices that are supported by evidence and data that appear to show positive results in the employment of people with disabilities. To that end, ODEP conducts research to identify and develop effective policies and practices, conducts outreach to share this critical information, and provides technical assistance to all levels of government, service providers and non-governmental organizations, and employers in both the public and private sector. ODEP’s stakeholders include:

• Individuals with disabilities and their families;

• Private employers and their employees;

• Government employers and their employees;

• Federal, state, and local Government agencies;

• Educational and training institutions;

• Disability advocates; and

• Providers of services to individuals with disabilities

Strategic communications are vital to conveying ODEP’s policy strategies and outputs, effective practices, technical assistance resources, research activities and other policies and activities to its various stakeholders and the general public. ODEP utilizes numerous outreach and communications strategies to inform and engage their stakeholders in all phases of its work from research and policy development to the dissemination of information about effective policies and practices. By involving stakeholders and intermediary groups that represent or work with stakeholders (e.g. professional and business associations), ODEP ensures that the policies and practices developed and promoted are responsive to the stakeholders’ needs and effective in improving employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Recognizing that misperceptions about what people with disabilities can and cannot do creates barriers to employment, ODEP has made it a priority to work to counter these low expectations and negative perceptions of people with disabilities. Although virtually all of ODEP’s work helps foster high expectations and positive perceptions of the value of employing people with disabilities, ODEP also conducts public awareness campaigns and activities focused specifically on changing attitudes and ultimately, behaviors. The public awareness activities utilize a variety of communications strategies such as public service announcements and other video and film production, web-based services (e.g., websites, social media, email outreach, webinars), electronic newsletters, materials development and distribution, presentations and exhibits at meetings, conferences, tradeshows and other events.

All of ODEP’s policy-focused teams conduct public engagement and outreach activities around their respective policy issues, utilizing a wide variety of communication strategies to do so. ODEP’s Policy Communications and Outreach (PC&O) Division coordinates with these teams and with the DOL’s Offices of Public Affairs and of Public Engagement to ensure message consistency within ODEP and in support of the Secretary’s priorities. PC&O is responsible for providing communications support for the Assistant Secretary and other ODEP senior leadership and assists in preparing (i.e., writing and editing) briefings, other reports and materials used for planning, management and reporting. PC&O also coordinates with OPA to respond to media inquiries and assists in preparing the Assistant Secretary or others for interviews and other communications activities such as blogs, press releases and presentations. PC&O oversees speechwriting and the creation of materials for publication under the name of members of ODEP senior leadership. PC&O manages the content on ODEP’s agency website, which contains regularly updated information about all of ODEP’s efforts and serves as a portal to other ODEP-sponsored websites such as those maintained by its various technical assistance centers. PC&O also compiles and distributes a weekly electronic newsletter to its more than 50,000 subscribers and monthly electronic newsletter (Business$ense) to approximately 50,000 small businesses. PC&O has the responsibility for conducting the annual National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) campaign and provides logistical and communications support to other events and activities that arise in response to current events or leadership priorities and commitments. All of these efforts, and more, that are managed, performed or coordinated by PC&O are considered ODEP’s Strategic Communications and Outreach (SCO) activities.

PC&O also manages ODEP’s flagship public awareness campaign known as the Campaign for Disability Employment (CDE). The CDE is a public-private partnership between ODEP and a group of leading business and disability organizations whose mission is to challenge negative perceptions about disability employment by increasing knowledge and understanding of the skills and talents of people with disabilities.

Since 2002 ODEP has managed an interactive website known as Disability.gov – which has served as a portal to disability-related information and resources available across many programs and services including those administered by 22 federal partner agencies, as well as national non-profit organizations and their community-based affiliates, state and local governments and other entities.

Disability.gov has covered a spectrum of resource areas extending far beyond employment including:

benefits, civil rights, community life, education, emergency preparedness, housing, health, technology, and transportation. Given that internet search engines have greatly improved the ability of users to readily access needed resources and in order to better focus ODEP’s effort on its mission to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities, ODEP intends to sun-set the disability.gov portal. ODEP would redirect users to partner agency websites and a number of the d.gov outreach and communications activities would be continued as part of other ODEP communications initiatives, notably the CDE and SCO. Also, since d.gov has an average about 200,000 web users per month, ODEP’s transition plans would include tactics for keeping as many users as possible engaged through the various social media vehicles now available to ODEP.

Through its Employment Related Supports (ERS) Policy Office, ODEP created and manages ePolicyWorks (EPW). EPW is a collaborative effort that utilizes a suite of electronics tools to engage national policymakers in sharing information and ideas to address specific barriers to employment for people with disabilities. Through EPW, ODEP conducts national online dialogues on a host of employment and disability issues and hosts a password-protected collaborative workspace for national stakeholder organizations, grantees, and federal partners to develop employment policy.

Also through its ERS Policy Office, ODEP manages the State Exchange on Employment and Disability (SEED). Through SEED ODEP promotes the adoption of state and local policies that promote the employment of people with disabilities. ODEP develops model legislation, regulatory language, and policy strategies that states can readily access and tailor to meet their needs and goals.

ODEP engages states and disseminates policy language through cooperative working relationships with state legislative and administrative bodies established by working with membership-based intermediaries. Together ODEP and the intermediaries develop processes for maximizing the sharing of strategies and policy from the federal to state levels.

Each of these initiatives is ongoing and recurring and requires continuity from one year to the next.

The successful vendor must possess communications expertise and understand the disability employment landscape and the nuances of communicating with its varied stakeholders.

1.3 Objectives

ODEP is seeking a contractor to provide ongoing support to all of its strategic communications activities described in Section 1.2 (Background) as well as to new communications efforts that may arise to further ODEP’s mission of developing and influencing policies and practices that increase the number and quality of employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Although a number of communications activities are well established and ongoing, ODEP is also always seeking to find new and better ways of reaching its target audiences with information and fostering high expectations of people with disabilities. Thus, ODEP is seeking a contractor with the expertise to develop content for a wide variety of communications material, to advise about new or different communications tools and tactics, and to help design and implement public awareness campaigns.

1.4 Scope

The Contractor shall provide expertise and perform tasks for ODEP to support ongoing and future strategic communications projects/initiatives such as those described in the Background Section 1.2 of this PWS (i.e., SCO, CDE, EPW and SEED). ODEP will issue tasks orders to support each of these current projects/initiatives as well as new ones that arise during the course of this IDIQ provided the requirements fit within the scope of tasks described in Part 5 Specific Tasks. Each task order will delineate the particular combination of tasks to be procured from among those included in Part 5 of the PWS.

The outreach goals are task order specific; however, the overall goals of ODEP’s outreach efforts are to:

a) Convey ODEP’S policy strategies and outputs, effective practices, technical assistance resources, research activities and other policies and activities to its various stakeholders and the general public;

b) Raise awareness and foster positive attitudes about the employment of persons with disabilities; and

c) Engage stakeholders in supporting ODEP efforts and implementing policies and practices to improve the quality and quantity of employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

To accomplish the strategic communications and outreach goals the contractor shall work collaboratively with ODEP and various stakeholders. The Contractor shall also work with ODEP to identify measures of success and collect data to demonstrate the reach and impact of the strategic communications initiatives supported through this agreement.

PWS PART 2: DEFINITIONS & ACRONYMS

2.1 Definitions

2.1.1 Accessibility:

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. §794d), as amended by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (P.L. 105-220) August 7, 1998, applies to Federal Departments and Agencies. Section 508 requires that, when Federal Agencies procure, develop, maintain, or use Electronic and Information Technology (EIT)/Information and Communication Technology (ICT), they will ensure this technology allows both Federal employees and members of the public with disabilities to have access to and use of information and data comparable to that accessed and used by Federal employees and members of the public who are not individuals with disabilities, unless one or more exceptions apply.

EIT/ICT greatly affects how federal agencies and their employees achieve agency goals, do their daily work and serve the American people. EIT/ICT is also a major gateway to employment opportunities in both the public and private sectors, and it is key to how information is shared with employees, how employees are productive in the workplace, and how they advance in their careers.

ODEP is a Federal agency devoted to increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities and to the compliance with and implementation of Section 508, which is critical to ensuring equal access to EIT/ICT.

2.1.2 ODEP Performance Measure Definitions:

Policy: ODEP Policy is either an Output recommending/putting in place a significant policy change, or an interpretation of existing policy related to disability employment.

Effective Practices: ODEP developed strategies, models or theories that lead directly to an identified ODEP outcome and have a documented record of success or validated effectiveness by an organization with relevant capacity and experience in validation of evidenced-based practices.

Formal Agreement: Formally documented partnership between ODEP and other federal, state, or local entities that directly lead to ODEP policy or practice outcomes in support of employment for people with disabilities.

Collaborative Relationships: Include workgroups and other partnerships that do are not documented by a formal agreement.

Policy Adoption: The commitment by an entity to implement an ODEP policy strategy or effective practice.

Policy implementation: The effectuation of an ODEP policy strategy or effective practice by an entity or organization.

Outreach Event: An instance through which information is disseminated.

Technical Assistance Event: The provision of specific advice, assistance, or training that increases recipient entity capacity to adopt or implement ODEP approved policy strategies and/or effective practices. Technical Assistance is specific and is not the dissemination of generic information regarding disability employment policy (information dissemination is the wide dispersal of information to inform or educate). Technical Assistance can be provided through teleconferences, webinars, or direct in person meetings.

Communications: Information exchange or dissemination tactics including web, public service announcements, newsletters, publications, posters, social media, etc.

2.1.3. Contractual Terms

Proper Invoice. Payment Document(s) submitted by the contractor to receive payment for services provided. E-Invoicing procedures are provided in Section G.2.

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.

Contracting Officer. An employee of the U.S. Government 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.

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). An employee of the U.S. Government appointed by the CO to administer the contract. Such appointment shall be in writing and shall 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.

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

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

Estimate at Completion. The Estimate at Completion (EAC) provides the forecasted value of the project/initiative when it is completed. In other words, it is the estimated amount of money that the project will cost at the end.

Key Personnel. Contractor personnel that are evaluated in a source selection process and that may be required to be used in the performance of a contract by the Key Personnel listed in the PWS. When key personnel are used as an evaluation factor in best value procurement, an offer can be rejected if it does not have a firm commitment from the persons that are listed in the proposal.

Physical Security. Actions that prevent the loss or damage of Government property.

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

Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). An organized written document specifying the surveillance methodology to be used for surveillance of Contractor performance.

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

Quality Control Plan. A plan developed by the Contractor to assure that its work complies with the requirements of the contract.

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

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

Work Week. Monday through Friday, unless specified otherwise.

2.2 Acronyms

ACOR Alternate Contracting Officer's Representative

CART Communication Access Real-time Translation

CDE Campaign for Disability Employment

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

CO Contracting Officer

COI Conflict of Interest

CONUS Continental United States (excludes Alaska and Hawaii)

COR Contracting Officer Representative

DOL Department of Labor

EAC Estimate at Completion

EIT/ICT Electronic and Information Technology/Information and Communication Technology

EPW ePolicyWorks

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

FAR Federal Acquisition Regulation

FFP Firm Fixed Price

FPM Federal Program Manager

IDIQ Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity

NCR National Capital Region

NDEAM National Disability Employment Awareness Month

ODC Other Direct Costs

ODEP Office of Disability Employment

OPA Office of Public Affairs

PC&O Policy Communications and Outreach Division of ODEP

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

SCO Strategic Communications and Outreach

SEED State Exchange on Employment and Disability

TE Technical Exhibit

T&M Time and Materials

PWS PART 3: GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, AND SERVICES

All government property, equipment, materials provided under this contract will remain the property of the Government and will be returned to the Contracting Officer's Technical Representative upon request or at the end of the period of performance.

3.1 Facilities

The Government, only if required in a specific task order, will provide the necessary workspace for required Contractor staff to provide the support outlined in the task order to include desk space, telephones, computers, and other items necessary to maintain an office environment.

3.2 Clearance Processing

To the extent that any work product created requires Government approval (e.g., Office of Management & Budget clearance), ODEP will compile the clearance packages based on documents and supporting materials, prepared and submitted by the Contractor for ODEP review and approval.

3.3 Printing and Production

Except for printing required for single sheets, rack cards, etc. in very small lots (i.e., 100-1000 pieces) all printed materials shall be the responsibility of ODEP.

3.4 Website Hosting and Maintenance

Website hosting, maintenance, development and DOL Chief Information Officer (CIO) Compliance will be provided through a separate contract. That contractor will continue to execute these tasks for the duration of this IDIQ. The Technical Components of each of the web systems are described in the Section J of this IDIQ.

The ePolicyWorks software platform and associated system maintenance costs will be borne by ODEP. See Section C Part 5.6 (Task 6).

3.5. Government Furnished Information/Documents/Social Media Accounts)

Information and documentation pertinent to the performance of the specified tasks will be made available to the Contractor. Extensive information regarding Department of Labor business and processes are available via the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) homepage on the DOL Intranet and will be made available to Contractor personnel.

ODEP currently uses DOL’s social media accounts for ODEP posts; however, DOL is exploring new opportunities for agencies, such as ODEP, to use agency-specific Twitter accounts for general agency messaging. Disability.Gov and the Campaign for Disability Employment use separate accounts assigned to them.

PWS PART 4: CONTRACTOR FURNISHED PERSONNEL, ITEMS AND SERVICES

The Contractor, in general, shall furnish all personnel, supplies, equipment, facilities and services required to perform work under this contract that are not listed under Part 3 of this IDIQ.

4.1 Contractor Personnel

The Contractor shall provide a sufficient number of staff who can perform the functional responsibilities and meet the totality of the qualification requirements of individual task orders as written. Although the position titles may be different than those listed below, the successful vendor must, at a minimum have key personnel available to assign to subsequent ODEP task orders who are able to fulfill all of the functional responsibilities and perform each of the tasks described in Part 5 of this PWS. (See Section H.8).

4.1.1 Management/Work Plans: The Contractor shall provide the technical and functional activities at the contract level needed to manage multiple task orders supporting various ODEP initiatives under this IDIQ PWS. DOL expects the Contractor to develop an initial management plan detailing personnel and other resources it expects to deploy to successfully complete the work described in the PWS. Work described under this PWS shall be undertaken by the Contractor after proposing a price and labor mix for completing the specific tasks detailed in the PWS for each individual Task Order.

The Management/Work Plan shall describe the technical approach, organizational resources and management controls to be employed to meet the price performance, and schedule requirements throughout Task execution. The Contractor may also be required to schedule and conduct a weekly status review addressing the progress, accomplishments, work planned, and problems encounter for each task order, at the discretion of the Government.

4.1.2 Staffing Plan: The Contractor shall, in accordance with Part 4 of the PWS and the fully executed task orders, provide sufficient personnel, both in number and qualifications to manage contract performance. The Staffing Plan must include:

1) Chart/matrix showing ALL proposed personnel (including outside consultants) by task and by hours. The staffing plan shall include names of proposed key and non-key personnel mapped to the proposed labor categories, project roles and appropriate tasks that support the strategic communications initiatives;

2) Qualifications and experience of any proposed professional non-key personnel (plus outside consultants) including any relevant education, skills and previous similar work experience specifically with respect to their proposed task responsibilities;

3) Minimum qualifications/standards for each proposed labor category that is not included among the key personnel; and

4) Reporting relationships.

The contractor should clearly specify the role and responsibilities of each proposed staff and discuss the qualifications of the individuals proposed for specific tasks. The proposal should identify the labor category for each individual, as well as a summary of the individual’s experience and qualifications, and an explanation of how the individual’s experience and qualifications relate to the tasks for which he or she will be utilized.

The contractor shall indicate the current employment status of personnel proposed for work (i.e., whether these personnel are currently employed by the contractor, a subcontractor, a consultant or future hire). If subcontractors or outside assistance are proposed, organizational control and specific responsibilities with respect to all tasks shall be clearly delineated so as to demonstrate and ensure responsiveness to the needs of the Government.

4.1.3 Key Personnel:

Although other personnel may also be assigned to perform the tasks of each task order, the personnel listed below are considered essential to the work being performed herein and are therefore identified as Key Personnel. Key Personnel need to be available when needed at the Task Order level, but every task order may not need all of the specified Key Personnel to perform the required tasks.

Prior to diverting, removing, or replacing any of the specified individuals to other programs, the Contractor shall notify the CO and the COR in writing, no less than14 business days in advance (or as soon as the Contractor is informed that an employee is leaving if given less than 14 business days’ notice) and shall submit justification (including the names and qualifications of the proposed substitute(s)) in sufficient detail to permit evaluation of the impact on the services rendered under this contract. The proposed substitute(s) shall possess qualifications equal to or superior to those of the key personnel being replaced. No substitutions shall be made by the Contractor without the written consent of the CO.

POSITION TITLE/ FUNCTIONAL

RESPONSIBILITY

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Project Director – responsible for providing overall direction of projects and ensuring successful completion of contractual work plan.

This individual will have full authority to act on behalf of the contractor and serve as the direct interface and single point of contact between the contractor and the Government regarding the performance of the work and all contractual matters including informing the CO and ODEP COR of any situations impacting contract performance including changes to key personnel. Although this individual may perform some work on each of the task orders, the Project Director is NOT expected to be the one performing day-to-day project management tasks on any individual task

5 years’ experience leading federal-level projects of a similar magnitude; 10 years’ experience in strategic communications planning and implementation, public relations and partnership development; 3 years demonstrable in-depth knowledge of and experience with disability employment issues at the national level

POSITION TITLE/ FUNCTIONAL

RESPONSIBILITY

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

order, but rather to be the one responsible for the overall direction of the contract and overseeing its various task orders.

2. Account Executive/Project Manager - a senior manager identified by the Project Director to provide regular, day-to-day direction, leadership, guidance and oversight to staff, including any subcontractors, assembled to complete the assigned Task Order on time and within budget. The Project Manager reports to the Project Director and be responsible for planning and implementing all tasks. The Project Manager will meet regularly with the ODEP COR and ODEP project management staff to insure all aspects of project implementation. The Project Manager may be assigned by the Project Director to serve as his/her alternate.

5 years’ experience managing federal-level projects ; Masters’ degree in Communications, Marketing, Business or related field and 10 years’ experience in strategic communications planning and implementation, public relations and partnership development; 5 years demonstrable in-depth knowledge of and experience with disability employment issues at the national level

3. Public Outreach Manager – responsible for providing expert advice about the development of a strategic outreach plan and managing the implementation of integrated communications strategies and tactics used to execute the plan.

The Public Outreach Manager will demonstrate a deep understanding of the nuances of communicating about disability employment policies and practices and will be responsible for engaging stakeholders including, disability advocacy groups, employers and policy makers, in efforts to improve the employment of people with disabilities.

5 years’ experience working on federal-level projects; 10 years’ experience conducting outreach including market research, audience identification and message development; 5 years’ demonstrable in-depth knowledge of and experience with disability employment policy issues at the national level.

4. Communications Coordinator will direct creative and production staff and sub-contractors (e.g., graphic artists, photographers, video producers, media specialists, focus group organizers/facilitators, etc.) in the day -to-day activities required to successfully complete the tasks.

5 years’ experience in communications; 5 years’ experience conducting and/or coordinating communications directed at target groups and or examples of successful products, materials or campaigns developed and disseminated to one or more of the target audiences; 5 years demonstrable in-depth knowledge of and experience with disability

POSITION TITLE/ FUNCTIONAL

RESPONSIBILITY

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

employment issues at the national level.

5. Communications Specialist - primarily responsible for the development of communications content that includes writing speeches, blogs, news releases, scripts, captions, fact sheets and articles, etc.

5 years’ experience writing about disability employment issues for executive level officials and for the general public; 4 years’ experience in communications; 5 years demonstrable in-depth knowledge of and experience with disability employment issues at the national level.

6. Website/Social Media Content Manager -responsible for developing and managing the delivery of information and messages through an online presence including websites and social media communications; works closely with website technical teams to maintain site standards, including accessibility, with regard to new content development. The website content manager will also work closely with the Outreach Manager and Communications Coordinator on crafting site promotions, email newsletters, and online outreach campaigns.

5 years’ experience managing website content and social media channels. Strong communication skills, excellent attention to detail and ability to work under tight deadlines are needed. Experience managing content related to disability and/or employment issues and familiarity with Section 508 accessibility standards and Website Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 (WCAG 2.0) is also highly desirable.

4.1.4 Supervision. The Contractor will provide supervision for all Contractor personnel. Contractor personnel shall not be supervised by Government employees. The Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring employees assigned under this contract comply with all applicable PWS requirements.

4.1.5 Project Director. The Project Director shall be identified and submitted in writing to the Contracting Officer. This individual shall serve as the direct interface and single point of contact between the Contractor and the Government regarding contractual matters and personnel performance of the work on this contract order including overall oversight of all the various task orders.

4.1.6 Non-Government Employment. The Contractor shall not employ any person who is an employee of the United States Government if the employment of that person would create a conflict of interest. Nor shall The Contractor employ any person who is an active employee of DOL.

4.1.7 Reassignment, Removal, or Resignation of Employees. Changes in personnel performing under this contract shall be coordinated with the COR. All reassignments, replacement, and substitute employees must meet all applicable DOL security and/or task order requirements before performing any work under this contract.

4.1.8 Employee Conduct. All Contractor employees shall present a professional appearance at all times, must comply with the rules and regulations of individual work sites where work is performed, and their conduct shall not reflect discredit upon the United States and or the Department of Labor.

4.1.9 Removing Employees for Misconduct, Security Reasons, or Performance. The Contractor is required to remove any employee whose conduct or performance is such that retention would not be in the best interests of the Government. The Government may, at its sole discretion, direct the Contractor to remove any Contractor employee from U.S. Department of Labor facilities for misconduct, security reasons, or performance. Removal does not relieve the Contractor of the responsibility to continue providing the services required under any Contract awarded. The Contracting Officer will provide the Contractor with a written explanation to support any request to remove an employee.

4.2 Accessibility Testing Tools

The Contractor will be responsible for acquiring the necessary tools to perform accessibility and usability testing in multiple computing environments with a comprehensive selection of assistive technologies.

PWS PART 5: SPECIFIC TASKS

ODEP will issue tasks orders to support each of the aforementioned current projects/initiatives as well as new ones that arise during the course of this IDIQ provided the requirements fit within the scope of tasks described in this section. Task orders under this IDIQ will be issued to provide any combination of the following strategic communications services:

1. Consultative Services

2. Market Research

3. Materials Development and Production

4. Content Development/Writing and Editing

5. Product Packaging and Distribution

6. Management of On-line Media Communications

7. Education and Outreach

8. Management of Collaborative Relationships

9. Event Support

10. Customer Service

11. Project Management and Administrative Support

12. Performance Monitoring and Project Evaluation

5.1 TASK 1: Consultative Services

The contractor shall consult on and assist in identifying, developing and implementing communications strategies and tactics to disseminate information to stakeholders and/or to change attitudes and behaviors. Communications strategies may include:

• Public awareness campaigns;

• Outreach and education activities;

• Use of social media;

• Web-based marketing;

• Message development (including logos, brands, taglines, campaign themes, etc.); and

• Strategies and tactics to increase participation in ODEP-related initiatives and increase visibility of and visitors to ODEP-related websites.

All messaging, as well as the products and materials developed, must adhere to existing Departmental and ODEP branding guidelines. As defined at the Task Order level the contractor will be expected to draw on its communications expertise to recommend ways to create or evolve the look and feel of ODEP products and messages in order to improve ODEP’s reach and impact. However, such changes must all be within the established guidelines.

Other consultative services include:

• Assisting in developing and implementing disability employment-related pilots or innovative initiatives including initiatives customized for special segments of persons with disabilities such as disabled veterans, etc.;

• Recommending media sources for placement of articles, campaigns;

• Identifying and recommending intermediary organizations to assist in policy development and/or information dissemination; and

• Identifying, developing or participating in challenges, contests or competitions that further ODEP’s mission

The nature and extent of consultative services will be determined at the Task Order level.

5.2 TASK 2: Market Research

The contractor shall conduct market research activities to ensure content of materials and the means of dissemination are responsive to the needs of the audience and that communications tactics, including public awareness campaigns, target appropriate audiences with relevant messages. Market research activities include:

• Identifying target audiences and relevant characteristics through surveys or other data gathering methods;

• Conducting focus groups or other activities to determine the information needs of target audience and the best methods and messages for reaching them;

• Soliciting input from identified stakeholders/target audiences to determine their preferences for format or style of communications products and means of dissemination;

and

• Analyzing target audience data to segment the market and develop tailored messages.

• Other recognized market research activities as approved by ODEP.

The nature and extent of market research activities will be determined at the Task Order level.

5.3 TASK 3. Materials Development and Production

The contractor shall develop a variety of communications products to support ODEP’s outreach, education and information dissemination efforts including, fact sheets, rack cards, DVDs/high definition video programming, newsletter articles, posters, banners, exhibit displays, website content, photographs, profiles of successful individuals or organizations, social media messages, public service announcements and other collateral materials. Development and production activities include:

• Producing and creating products for a disability employment-related public service announcements;

• Using graphic design to create the look and feel of products and materials so they are both appealing and accessible and use appropriate fonts, colors, graphics, photography or other media elements;

• Designing and producing materials in different formats (e.g., print, online, electronic, audio, photographic, and video);

• Printing and reproducing small quantities of materials;

• Photography services including subjects, providing or arranging for photographs to be taken for use in communications and outreach materials including books, magazines, displays, brochures and other forms of media and performing photo editing and high resolution scans;

• Producing high definition videos/ including directing, shooting, arranging for talent/animation (DOL does not anticipate acquiring talent for a fee), narration, music and sound effects, video scoring and editing. (must be captioned and audio described); and

• Ensuring that all products are accessible to the broadest population as possible consistent with the Section H.18 and Section 2.1.1 of this PWS.

Creative work is an ongoing effort. The greatest concentration of creative products currently resides within the following websites. Also, the websites themselves are the products of prior and current creative work.

• www.dol.gov/odep

• www.disability.gov

• www.whatcanyoudocampaign.org

The numbers and types of materials to be developed and produced will be determined at the Task Order level.

5.4 TASK 4. Content Development/Writing and Editing

The contractor shall draft, edit and proof the text of communications materials that are being developed to ensure the information is accurate and that the language and style is appropriate to the topic and the target audience as well as to ensure that all written products are of high quality and free from errors. Materials that will be edited and proofed include all those authored by contractor as well as other ODEP-authored documents and selected materials produced by others with or for ODEP.

ODEP’s staff or other subject matter experts will continue to perform technical writing;

however, the contractor shall be expected to review, comment and edit content for multiple materials. Speeches, blogs, social media, web content, and creative communications and outreach materials will be the responsibility of the Contractor to author and edit per specific Task Orders.

http://www.whatcanyoudocampaign.org/

Content development also includes:

• Performing topical research (including, but not limited to online searches) as needed to inform the content development and design of suitable products on topics identified by ODEP or by contractor;

• Performing speechwriting, drafting talking points, developing presentations or briefing materials for use by ODEP staff or senior DOL officials related to disability employment;

• Writing articles, blogs and other social media content, press releases, Op Eds, proclamations, and newsletters for publication and/or distribution;

• Writing scripts for films or videos;

• Drafting policy outputs (e.g., guidance, legislation, rules, or regulations) and/or technical assistance materials for use by target audiences, including policy makers; with input from appropriate identified subject matter experts (SMEs), and

• Writing and editing reports on communications activities such as on-line dialogues among ODEP and its stakeholders.

The nature and extent of content development will be determined at the Task Order level.

5.5 TASK 5. Product Packaging and Distribution:

The contractor shall develop and implement Materials Packing & Distribution Plans to reach target audiences and prepare and package materials and products for distribution when specified in subsequent task orders. The majority of communications materials are made available in electronic format and posted on Websites or disseminated electronically, however some print materials continue to be needed for in person distribution at meetings, conferences or exhibits. Activities include:

• Coordinating distribution of ODEP’s hard copy products (e.g., posters, discussion guides, booklets, etc.) with ODEP’s fulfillment partner, the Federal Citizens Information Center or its successor. These printing, packaging and distribution costs are funded under a separate contract with the fulfillment partner that does most of ODEP’s high volume packaging and distribution. ODEP’s fulfillment partner distributes the materials after receiving orders placed on the http://promotions.usa.gov/odep.html site. That site presents a listing of currently available products and the totality of materials produced in the last several years. ODEP’s fulfillment partner does most of the high volume packaging and intent is for vendor to coordinate with them to help ODEP make sure they have the necessary products. Only a small volume of actual packaging will be done by vendor on as needed basis dictated by the various task orders.;

• Promoting and distributing materials, such as electronic media and public service announcements (PSAs) via all available channels (e.g., television/radio stations, social media, public events, conferences, trade shows etc.) (Note: The Contractor will not be required to purchase media time or space as all media placements should be earned media.

Historically, the greatest number has been public service announcement broadcast from television stations nationwide. Placements have been made in roadside remnant spaces, remnant local transportation system (i.e., WMATA) showcases, and at nationally-recognized automobile races.);

• Identifying and physically and/or virtually preparing and packaging certain materials and products not intended for mass distribution through the fulfillment partners, so that they can be sent to limited target audiences (e.g., PSA DVD packaging for station distribution);

and

• Identifying and utilizing partners or other collaborators to…