draft SOW - Automotive and Welding Instructor - FCI Bennettsville.pdf

Statement of Work Automotive and Welding Instructor

FCI Bennettsville

Subject

The Federal Bureau of Prisons, Field Acquisition Office, Grand Prairie, Texas, intends to make a single award for an indefinite delivery/requirement type contract with firm-fixed unit prices to an accredited institution of higher learning, Post-Secondary Institution, Vocational Training or Industry-Based School for the provision of an Occupational Training Automotive and Welding Program Instructor for the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Bennettsville, located at 696 Muckerman Rd, Bennettsville, South Carolina 29512. The program will provide instruction in automotive and welding, as part of a sustainability-training program. Successful completion of the training program must qualify inmates for at least entry-level employment in a specified field upon release. General information regarding the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and its facilities is located at www.bop.gov.

The Vocational Training Program must fall under the contractor’s umbrella of accreditation and lead to continuing education units (CEU’s) resulting in successful completion of the Vocational Training Program. Successful completion of the training program must quality inmates for at least entry-level employment in a specified field upon release. The Vocational Training Program must lead to a college certificate, or a marketable level certification, 36 Continuing Education Units (CEU). The contractor must be an accredited entity. The organization’s accreditation will be verified using the US Department of Education Database of Accredited Post-Secondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) website (https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home). If required for employment, certification tests form outside organizations may be administered to individual inmates upon completion of a specific Occupational Education Program. The contractor shall not be a self-employed individual, or an individual employed by a Post-Secondary Institution, Vocational Training School, or Industry-based School. The contract must be between the government and the accredited Post-Secondary Educational Institution, Junior College, college, Vocational Training School, or Industry-Based School.

Background

The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) was established in 1930 to provide more progressive and humane care for Federal Inmates, to professionalize the prison service, and to ensure consistent and centralized administration. The Federal Prison System is a nationwide system of prisons and detention facilities for the incarceration of persons who have been sentenced to imprisonment for federal crimes and the detention of persons awaiting trial in Federal Court. The defined mission of the BOP is as follows:

It is the mission of the Federal Bureau of Prisons to protect society by confining offenders in the controlled environments of prisons and community-based facilities that are safe, humane, cost-efficient, and appropriately secure, and that provide work and other self-improvement opportunities to assist offenders in becoming law-abiding citizens.

As an agency under the Executive Branch of the United States Government, the BOP received an annual appropriation of funds to accomplish its mission. The public trust demands that this annual appropriation be prudently managed. Monies spent to provide education to the inmate population must reflect the agency’s best efforts to obtain cost-effective services, consistent with community standards.

In 1996, the BOP’s standardized procedures to (1) select and fund new Vocational/Occupational Training Programs, (2) select and fund existing Vocational/Occupational Training Programs, and

(3) update equipment for existing Vocational/Occupational Training Programs. The following BOP Program Statements, which are available electronically at www.bop.gov, are applicable to this contract and are incorporated by reference to the same effect as if they were given in full text.

1. Program Statement 5300.21 – Education, Training, and Leisure Time Program Standards

2. Program Statement 5353.01 – Occupational Education Programs

3. Program Statement 1237.13 – Information Security

Place of Performance

Occupational Training instruction will be performed in the Vocational Training Department at the FCI, located at:

696 Muckerman Rd Bennettsville, South Carolina 29512

Schedule of Performance - Automotive

Services will be provided Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. and 12 p.m.

and 3 p.m. (excluding Federal Holidays). Additional days/hours may be implemented and/or adjusted if necessary to meet program requirements and the needs of the institution. The contractor will be required to provide 15 students/inmates with an estimated 30 sessions of Automotive Instruction per week. The contractor will make available, four separate cycles (360 hours/cycle each) of Vocational Training in Automotive Chassis (Brakes, Steering and Suspension, and Passenger Comfort) per 12-month period, for an estimated total of 1440 sessions per year. A session is defined as one hour. Courses will be instructed utilizing 6-hours sessions of classroom. Specific dates for the classes will be determined by the Vocational Training (VT) Instructor. The services will include classroom application instruction and hands on instruction in the Automotive Shop at FCI Bennettsville.

Due to the nature of correctional settings, delays in performance may be expected. Such delays may include, but not limited to, inclement weather, electrical or mechanical problems, and other security matters. When contract employees report to the institution but are not able to perform services due to such delays, the contractor will be reimbursed for the first hour should the contractor be turned away. At times the institution may requests that the contractor remain at the institution for eventual performance when delays in performance are expected to be minimal. In this case, the contractor shall be paid for the full hours worked.

Schedule of Performance – Welding

Services will be provided Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. (excluding Federal Holidays). Additional days/hours may be implemented and/or adjusted if necessary to meet program requirements and the needs of the institution. The contractor will be required to provide 15 students/inmates with an estimated 30 sessions of Welding Instruction per week. The contractor will make available, four separate cycles (360 hours/cycle each) of Vocational Training in Welding Technology per 12-month period, for an estimated total of 1440 sessions per year. A session is defined as one hour. Courses will be instructed utilizing 6-hous sessions of classroom. Specific dates for the classes will be determined by the VT Instructor. The services will include classroom application instruction and hands on instruction in the Welding Shop at FCI Bennettsville.

Due to the nature of correctional settings, delays in performance may be expected. Such delays may include, but not limited to, inclement weather, electrical or mechanical problems, and other security matters. When contract employees report to the institution but are not able to perform services due to such delays, the contractor will be reimbursed for the first hour should the contractor be turned away. At times the institution may requests that the contractor remain at the institution for eventual performance when delays in performance are expected to be minimal. In this case, the contractor shall be paid for the full hours worked.

Supplies and Equipment

FCI Bennettsville will provide textbooks, supplies, materials, and equipment required.

The contractor will be responsible for providing two (2) instructors, (1) – Automotive Instructor and (1) Welding Instructor. All registration fees, certificates, program certification fees, 609 Mac Refrigerant Certification Fees, American Welding Society (AWS) Testing Fees, (The contractor must be an AWS Testing Facility) and all classroom instruction services.

The contractor will make recommendations to the VT Instructor pertaining to the selection and purchase of additional supplies and equipment.

Method of Performance

The accredited Post-Secondary Institution, Vocational Training School or Industry-Based School will provide instruction for the Automotive and Welding Program in accordance with BOP Program Statement 5353.01, Occupational Education Programs, and BOP Program Statement 5300.21, Education, Training and Leisure Time Program Standards.

20-40 percent of the curriculum’s competencies must be hands-on replication of the actual work environment. Application of hands-on work must be occupational in nature. An institution live work project may be utilized to demonstrate or apply hands-on competencies. Electronic or computer-based simulation does not satisfy the hands-on or live work requirement.

The Supervisor of Education must approve live work projects.

Marketable programs shall afford inmates the opportunity to gain in demand skills in a specific occupation, industry, or trade. The accredited Post-Secondary Institution, Vocational Training School, or Industry-Based School will provide upon completion to the graduates of the Automotive Training, an Automotive Certificate preparing the graduates for careers in the entry-level Automotive Industry and upon completion to the graduates of the Welding Vocational Program, a Welding Certificate preparing the graduates for careers as Commercial/Industrial American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welders.

Scope of Performance - Automotive

Instructor(s) placed on site by the contractor are responsible for ensuring inmates/students are registered with the accredited Post-Secondary Institution, Vocational Training School and/or Industry-Based School, take daily student attendance logs, and provide the inmate/student upon completion, a transcript(s)/certification related to automotive.

The accredited Post-Secondary Institution, Vocational Training School or Industry-Based School will maintain in their data base the inmate/students, first and last name, date of birth, social security number, grades, and certificate of completion.

The contractor will maintain on file, the grades and certificate of completion.

The instructor provided by the contractor must meet the criteria of the accredited college or Vocational School to be a certified instructor, at least two valid ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Certifications, and a valid MAC 609 Automotive Refrigerant Certification. The instructor must have at least two years teaching experience in a classroom setting. The contractor shall develop and administate classroom evaluation of the inmate/students and submit grades in accordance with the established educational procedures like those in the community. The contractor may, when applicable, allow advanced students to assist students of lesser abilities.

FCI Bennettsville will provide a curriculum for the program.

The course will be designed to prepare inmates to be qualified at a minimum for entry level automotive positions. Program completion will result in marketable skills that meet the minimum qualifications according to industry standards and a certificate of completion from the contractor (accredited college), as well as 36 CEU’s. Class size will be limited to 15 inmates/students. Students will be screened and selected by the Vocational Training Instructor or designee responsible for the program.

The contractor will provide pre-approved and qualified personnel to act as an alternate instructor(s) in the event of the primary instructor's absence, or the class will be extended additional hours to complete the course curriculum.

Contractor will take attendance daily on a roll sheet provided by the institution, noting and reporting all absences. The roll sheet will be turned into the Vocational Training Instructor or designee at the conclusion of each class. Any inmate who has two consecutive unexcused absences, will be dropped from the program.

The accredited Post-Secondary Institution, Vocational Training School or Industry-Based School shall assist in the recruitment of employers to participate in the institution’s Mock Job Fair.

Scope of Performance – Welding

Instructor(s) placed on site by the contractor are responsible for ensuring inmates/students are registered with the accredited Post-Secondary Institution, Vocational Training School and/or Industry-Based School, take daily student attendance logs, and provide the inmate/student upon completion, a transcript(s)/certification related to welding.

The accredited Post-Secondary Institution, Vocational Training School or Industry-Based School will maintain in their data base the inmate/students, first and last name, date of birth, social security number, grades, and certificate of completion.

The contractor will maintain on file, the grades and certificate of completion.

The instructor is required to have extensive knowledge in the areas related to the curriculum leading to the applicable college credits in Welding Technology. The instructor must have a diploma in welding from an accredited college, and a minimum of two years teaching experience in a classroom setting. The instructor shall teach by lecture, demonstration, and project assignments. The contractor shall develop and administrate classroom evaluation of the inmate/students and submit grades in accordance with the established educational procedures like those in the community. The contractor may, when applicable, allow advanced students to assist students of lesser abilities.

FCI Bennettsville will provide a curriculum for the program.

The course will be designed to prepare inmates to be qualified at a minimum for entry level welding positions. Program completion will result in marketable skills that meet the minimum qualifications according to industry standards and a certificate of completion from the contractor (accredited college), and 36 CEU’s, as well as AWS certification (Contractor must be a certified AWS Test Facility). Class size will be limited to 15 inmates/students. Students will be screened and selected by the Vocational Training Instructor or designee responsible for the program.

The contractor will provide pre-approved and qualified personnel to act as an alternate instructor(s) in the event of the primary instructor's absence, or the class will be extended additional hours to complete the course curriculum.

Contractor will take attendance daily on a roll sheet provided by the institution, noting and reporting all absences. The roll sheet will be turned into the Vocational Training Instructor or designee at the conclusion of each class. Any inmate who has two consecutive unexcused absences, will be dropped from the program.

The accredited Post-Secondary Institution, Vocational Training School or Industry-Based School shall assist in the recruitment of employers to participate in the institution’s Mock Job Fair.

Performance Conditions

The Supervisor of Education shall determine the minimum and maximum number of enrollments, not to exceed 15 students per class. Award of this contract is contingent upon FCI Bennettsville’s approval to receive Advanced Occupational Education Funding.

Award of this contract will result in a contractual arrangement only and in not a personnel appointment; payment is based on an end product or the accomplishment of a specific result;

the service does not constitute and employer/employee relationship; and the contractor will not be subject to government supervision., except for security-related matters. However, the accredited Post-Secondary Institution, Vocational Training School or Industry-Based School performance shall be monitored.

Inmate/Classroom Management

Provisions of service under this contract will require instructors at the accredited Post- Secondary Institution, Vocational Training School, or Industry-Based School to be placed on site to have frequent and unsupervised contact with inmates. Instructors will not be responsible for the management of inmates other than to ensure those inmates involved in activities within the contractor’s scope of work shall abide by all rules in effect to ensure their safety and well-being. Instructors will report any infraction of institutional rules and regulations by inmates to the appropriate institutional staff.

Education Background and Qualifications

The instructors will be employees of an accredited Post-Secondary Institution, Vocational Training School or Industry-Based School with all qualifications required to instruct students in automotive and welding. The contract must be between FCI Bennettsville and the accredited Post-Secondary Institution, Vocational Training School or Industry-Based School that provides training for students to receive industry-recognized certification in automotive and welding. For the Automotive Program, the contractor must be able to provide 36 Continuing Education Units (CEU) per inmate/student for Automotive Chassis completions.

All students must receive the Mac 609 Automotive Refrigerant Certification Exam. The contractor must be able to provide 36 CEU’s per inmate/student for the Welding Technology completions. In addition, the contractor must be an AWS certified testing facility and provide AWS testing to inmate/students that complete the program.

The Occupational Education Program must fall under the provider’s umbrella of accreditation and lead to a college certificate of completion, and 36 CEU’s. AWS certification testing is required for students that successfully complete the welding program. Providers must be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency, as well as a certified AWS testing facility.

Four-year degree programs and programs in liberal arts/general studies are not authorized, The Automotive and Welding courses must not be a part of other college credited programs required for a college degree.

Attire

The contractor is expected to wear professional clothing while on duty. The attire worn shall also be appropriate for the correctional environment in which the contract employee will be performing.

Program Management/Institutional Security

Instructors placed on site by the contractor shall adhere to all institution regulations. New instructors will attend an orientation program for volunteers and contractors prior to the start of classes; all instructors will attend Annual Refresher Training for volunteers and contractors.

Reimbursement to the instructor for the time spent in the institution orientation or other specific security related training will be at the contract rate, prorated hourly. The instructor may, at any time, be removed from the institution at the discretion of the Warden. Instructors shall agree to all regulations prescribed by the institution for the safety, custody, and conduct of inmates. The instructor will be required to sign in and out of the institution for accountability purposes. A badge will be issued and always worn for proper identification. Investigative procedures will be applied, and appropriate forms completed before instructors are permitted inside the institution.

Payment Terms

Payment terms as specified in FAR 52.212-4(g) apply. The contractor shall provide monthly invoice to the FCI Bennettsville, Accounting Department which accurately reflects days worked, number of sessions, and the total amount due for the previous month’s services. The due date for making an invoice payment by the designated payment office shall be the 30th day after the designated billing office has received a proper invoice, or the government has accepted the services performed by the contractor. The contractor can, however, offer discount payment terms for prompt payments as specified in block 13 of the SF-1449 Form of this solicitation.

Half sessions will not be authorized for payment.