FBSS RFI - Draft SOW.docx

U.S. Department of State

Bureau of Medical Services

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

Forensic Behavioral Science Services (FBSS)

Issuing Office: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Medical Services (MED) RFI Number: 19AQMM26_RFI_FBSS Issue Date: June 16, 2026 Response Due Date: July 1, 2026 at 5:00PM ET NAICS Codes: 621330 | 621111 | 561611

This RFI is issued solely for market research and planning purposes. It does not constitute a solicitation, a Request for Proposal (RFP), or a promise to issue a solicitation. The Government will not pay for any information submitted in response to this RFI. Responses will not be returned. The Government is not obligated to notify respondents of the results of this market research.

1. OVERVIEW AND BACKGROUND

The mission of the Bureau of Medical Services (MED) is to safeguard and promote the health and well-being of America’s diplomatic community. MED administers the Department of State’s (Department or DOS) health care program mandated by the Foreign Service Act of 1980, develops and implements medical policies for the Department, and advises the Secretary on global healthcare issues. MED supports the most globally distributed primary and occupational health care system for civilian employees and eligible dependents in the federal government. In over 220 locations around the world, MED supports a direct hire workforce of over 75,000 employees, and an embassy community with well over 150,000 persons. As medical science advances and blends with emerging technology, MED must keep pace to provide a world-class standard of medical care in a resource-constrained environment.

MED’s Directorate for Mental Health (MED/MH) provides specialized behavioral medicine support including assessment, diagnosis and treatment for various mental, emotional, and behavioral conditions. Within MH, the Forensic Behavioral Science Service (FBSS) is charged with providing forensic psychological assessment required to adjudicate security clearances, evaluate law enforcement officer fitness for duty, assess potential targeted violence and provide operational psychology consultation and training to enhance mission success. Additionally, board certified occupational medical doctors with specialized experience in the requirements of law enforcement officers provide physical/medical fitness examinations.

The purpose of this procurement is to assist FBSS with providing behavioral science consultations (forensic psychological or psychiatric) as well as the medical examination of law enforcement officers fitness for duty through formal evaluation as well as in specialized consultation. Applicable NAICS codes include 621330, office of mental health practitioners, 621111, office of physicians, and 561611, investigative functions for risk mitigation and decision-making, national security and related activities.

2. OBJECTIVES

The Contractor shall support MED/MH/FBSS in bolstering the Department’s enterprise-wide security posture through 1.) the provision of forensic assessments and psychological evaluations of Foreign and Civil Service candidates, employees, and contractors to screen for counter-intelligence vulnerabilities, workplace violence risk, psychological conditions, and insider threat risk analysis for Security Clearance/Public Trust Certification and Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) Fitness for Duty Evaluations (which includes LEO medical exams and medication reviews) and 2.) specialized hourly consultation.

3. SCOPE

The Bureau of Medical Services (MED)’s cornerstone work is “To safeguard…the diplomatic community” and “identify and maintain a workforce that can continue to serve successfully in the expeditionary diplomacy model.” The Forensic Behavioral Science Service (FBSS) is aligned with MED’s objective of safeguarding personnel and supports insuring a ready and resilient workforce. This is accomplished by serving as a force multiplier of the MED and broader DOS mission. The FBSS evaluates personnel organizational risk and increases safety and security through direct vetting of behavioral and psychological issues. MED/MH and FBSS strives to improve the security, safety, and response capabilities of the Department’s worldwide diplomatic platform through improved planning, risk management, and instilling a culture of preparedness that enables posts to responsively adapt services to a rapidly changing threat environment.

4. SPECIFIC TASKS

Under this award, the Contractor shall support the FBSS in accomplishing its mission of providing behavioral science consultation (forensic psychological, psychiatric, or social work) through evaluation and consultation. Additionally, board certified occupational medical doctors with specialized experience in the requirements of law enforcement officers provide physical/medical fitness examinations.

4.1 Award Management

The Contractor shall provide comprehensive and effective management and administration for all efforts performed under this award. This includes all aspects in the management of Contractor personnel, as well the provision of timely and high-quality services, products, and contractual deliverables.

The Contractor shall ensure its work efforts and deliverables are well-considered, logical, consistent, and fulfill the performance requirements. The Contractor shall apply a consistent, coordinated, and process-driven approach to provide high-quality services and deliverables on-schedule and within the price set forth by the award. The Contractor shall effectively manage and administer all efforts performed under this award through rigorous planning, execution, monitoring, and improvement processes.

The Contractor shall provide qualified and effective resource management to ensure cleared (when indicated); technically proficient personnel are assigned to provide excellent support throughout the life of the award. The Contractor shall appropriately allocate personnel to tasks, activities, and projects using a sensible and logical approach to ensure all requirements are met.

To fulfill the objectives of this award, the Contractor is required to maintain a dynamic mechanism that tracks each behavioral science referral as assigned by the Government, as described in Section 8.1.2.1. Each referral shall be assigned a unique ID, which shall be aligned to the appropriate Sub-CLIN.

8.1.2 Reports – Performance Tracking

Throughout the period of performance, the Contractor shall provide status updates via the following methods.

4.1.2.1 Monthly Status Report (MSR)

The Monthly Status Report (MSR) shall capture award management activities, including personnel status, resource allocation (including burn rate), subcontracting reports, and invoice status. The Government will provide the Contractor with a MSR template.

4.2 Evaluations

Within the FBSS, subject matter experts who are forensic psychologists (PhD or PsyD) possess advanced and highly technical training and conduct personnel evaluations and consultations in terms of risk posed to DOS mission accomplishment based on behavioral and psychological issues. The FBSS has a high ops-tempo. This requires the ability to drive for results and to translate professional opinions clearly and compellingly.

4.2.1 Security Clearance Psychological Evaluations

· As per federal national security adjudicative guidelines, reviews case information with a mental health nexus that raises security concerns as regards to access to classified information and/or assignment to duties that have been designated national security sensitive and/or access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI). The information indicates potentially disqualifying material regarding behavior, mental or emotional disorders (psychological conditions) or addictions.

· Conducts a complete record review and obtains collateral information and direct examination as needed.

· Provides a professional opinion that will assist the adjudicative team; determines whether the individual has a condition that affects judgment, reliability, and trustworthiness particularly in the context of the ability to follow rules and properly safeguard classified or national security information, or to perform sensitive duties.

· Provides a case summary (4 to 12 pages) that reviews disqualifying and mitigating elements and clearly describes the basis for the opinion.

· The cases summary product must be thorough and timely(within 10 business days of receipt of the entire case file).

· No individual evaluation shall exceed 12 hours. Evaluations requiring more than 12 nonconsecutive hours must obtain prior COR approval and include a documented justification for exceeding the maximum allowable hours

4.2.2 Law Enforcement Officer Fitness for Duty Psychological Evaluations

· Based on Diplomatic Security’s Special Agent (SA)/Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) job requirements, industry standard and federal guidelines, conducts an employer driven psychological evaluation when the ability to safely or effectively perform their (LEO) job functions can reasonably be ascribed to a medical-psychological impairment or condition.

· The psychological Fitness for Duty Evaluations (FFDE) comports with all standards for such evaluations as developed through the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Police Psychological Services Section (IACP/PPSS).

· The psychologist conducting the evaluation is responsible for arranging and conducting collateral interviews and obtaining additional medical records and provides FBSS with copies of any such additionally obtained records.

· Upon completion, provides a thorough written report (which includes referral information, examinee’s understanding of the referral, procedures, history of instant events, past mental health history, medical history, occupationally relevant developmental and psychosocial histories, mental status examination, psychological test results, opinion, recommendations) and renders an opinion as to duty status.

· The report of evaluation product must be thorough and timely (within 15 business days of receipt of the entire case file).

· No individual evaluation shall exceed 15 hours. Evaluations requiring more than 15 nonconsecutive hours must obtain prior COR approval and include a documented justification for exceeding the maximum allowable hours

4.3 Subject Matter Expert - Consultation

The Government (MED/MH/FBSS) shall define the type and level of expertise required at the time-of-service call. In the case of subject matter expert hourly consultation, the Contractors will provide specific details as to how each hour was spent (e.g., file review, briefing, direct examination, discussion with the FBSS Chief, etc.). Consultation includes the following 1.) tailored subject matter expertise in the context and form of briefings, curriculum design, white paper, literature reviews and other labor that requires the application of forensic psychological/psychiatric knowledge in service of the FBSS mission; 2.) Expert witness testimony to special appeals panel or in a court of law in any federal, state, or local jurisdiction, or at other Government enquiries; 3.) In-depth neuropsychological assessment of skills and abilities linked to brain function and yielding information about structural and functional brain integrity and measuring such areas as attention, problem solving, memory, language, intelligence testing, visual-spatial skills, academic skills, and social-emotional functioning. May provide a timely comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation with delivery negotiated at the time-of-service call); 4.) In-depth addiction assessment of the evidence and findings to suggest or confirm the presence, management, and impact of previous or ongoing addictive behavior in the context of performance in an official capacity; 5.) evaluations and consultation of problematic sexual behaviors in children and youth. Requires in depth specialization in children who have experienced medical neglect, emotional abuse, sexual abuse and chronic neglect; 6.) Expertise in responding to crises, critical incidents and emergencies; demonstrates proficiency in trauma informed practice. Competency in supporting preparation and response, before, during and after disasters.

4.4 Physical Examinations and Medication Review )

Law Enforcement Office (LEO) Physical Examinations are conducted by occupational health physicians in accordance with ACOEM Law Enforcement Standards who have experience with FFDE examinations for Federal Law Enforcement officers (LEO). These occupational health physicians are tied to a broad-based medical practice who can also deliver prompt specialty physical examinations based on findings from the initial law enforcement standard physical examination.

4.4.1 Types of Physical Examinations and Medication Reviews )

· Law Enforcement Officer (FFDE) Physical Examination

· Specialty Law Enforcement Officer Physical Exam

· Law Enforcement Officer Medication Review

4.4.1.1 Law Enforcement Officer (FFDE) Physical Examinations, and Specialty Law Enforcement Officer Physical Exam

· Conducts Law Enforcement officers (LEO) FFDE Physical Examinations in accordance with ACOEM Law Enforcement Standards:

· Conduct thorough medical examinations based on the below identified medical examination requirements to assess whether there is a medical condition (non-psychiatric in nature) that impairs the individual’s capacity to fulfill his/her essential job functions. In all federal law enforcement FFDEs, the medical examination must be conducted prior to any psychiatric or psychological examination(s) consistent with 5 CFR.

· The LEO FFDE physical medical examination includes but is not limited to a comprehensive medical history and routine physical examination, EKG, visual acuity, color visual acuity, audiogram, drug screen interpreted by a certified physician medical review officer (MRO) and the following laboratory studies: CBC and differential, urinalysis, Chem-20, TFTs, Liver functions, Sedimentation Rate, PPD and/or Chest X-Ray.

· No FFDE physical examination shall exceed 4 hours. Exams requiring more than 4 nonconsecutive or consecutive hours must obtain COR approval and include a documented justification for exceeding the maximum allowable hours

· Specialty LEO Physical Exams, which would be any exam not previously mentioned or covered by the Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) FFDE detailed physical exam in 8.4.1.1 above (or CLIN X003A), would be considered a specialty exam. Such exams are supplemented with other studies or consultations by their chosen consultants depending upon the issues (e.g., cardiology, neurology, etc.), to include a Specialty Physical Exam Stress Test as indicated. No specialty physical exam shall exceed 3 hours. Exams requiring more than 3 nonconsecutive or consecutive hours must obtain COR approval and include a documented justification for exceeding the maximum allowable hours

For both the Law Enforcement Officer (FFDE) Physical Examinations and the Specialty LEO Physical Exams, reports are required within ten (10) business days of the physical examination indicating whether there is an existing physical condition that impacts the ability to fulfill LEO role responsibilities. Explains clearly and in detail the nexus to job impact as pertains to unique LEO functions. No LEO FFDE physical examination report shall exceed 4 nonconsecutive hours to complete.

· If a specialty referral is required (e.g., neurological, cardiac, orthopedic, etc.), the report shall be submitted within four (4) weeks of specialty referral.

· Advises FBSS promptly if a referral to a specialty physical examination is required in order to seek approval.

· Provides available parking at the site of the physical examination.

· Demonstrates responsive communication with FBSS to include prompt scheduling of appointments, delays in processing, or any concerns or issues. Works flexibly with the FBSS to expedite examinations as needed.

4.4.1.2 LEO Medication Review

· The FFDE LEO medical provider as described in SOW Section 10, shall review a LEO’s newly prescribed medications and provide an informed opinion as to the impact of the prescribed medication on the LEO’s ability to engage in all the essential job functions of this role to include the use of special protective equipment. The “US State Department Medication Review Form” will be returned to the FBSS within 15 business days of receipt of referral.

· The FFDE LEO medical provider communicates effectively and pro-actively to forestall any delays given the gravity of the referral question.

· No individual case shall exceed 3 hours. Cases requiring more than 3 nonconsecutive hours must obtain prior COR approval and include a documented justification for exceeding the maximum allowable hours

Section 4.5.Medical Expert - Mental Health Services -Psychologist

Section 4.5.1 Medical Expert (Psychologist) - Consular Affairs

· Doctoral level psychologist primarily provides dedicated tailored forensic and operational psychological support to DOS Consular Affairs (CA). This includes security clearance psychological evaluations as well as expert consultation, advisement and training to CA customers and related stakeholders. Has staff like access to systems and premises; maintains a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmental Information (TS/SCI) clearance and interfaces with the national security community of practice across the USG.

· No individual evaluation or consultation shall exceed 12 hours. Cases requiring more than 12 nonconsecutive hours must obtain prior COR approval and include a documented justification for exceeding the maximum allowable hours.

· In addition to supporting CA, provides support to FBSS matters including evaluation, threat assessment, expert consultation and training.

Section 4.5.2 - Medical Expert (Psychologist) - Behavioral Science/Forensic Psychology

· Licensed Clinical Psychologist (Forensic) provides dedicated tailored forensic and operational psychological support to the State Department, as a doctoral level psychologist. This includes security clearance psychological evaluations, psychological FFDEs, threat assessment, as well as expert consultation, advisement and training to customers and related stakeholders. Has staff like access to systems and premises; maintains a TS/SCI clearance and interfaces with the national security community of practice across the USG.

· No individual evaluation shall exceed 12 hours. Cases requiring more than 12 nonconsecutive hours must obtain prior COR approval and include a documented justification for exceeding the maximum allowable hours

Section 4.6 - Part-time Program Manager (Master's Level Nurse)

4.6.1 – Part-time Program Manager (Master's Level Nurse)

· Direct and manage the workflow of cases referred to FBSS serving as the primary liaison for case progression and tracking.

· Manage Data and Reporting by overseeing number of cases and reporting of case information for the FBSS, ensuring compliance with confidentiality requirements.

· Liaison with stakeholders and clients from a variety of bureaus within the Department of State.

· Provide consultation from a medical perspective for clinical and forensic reviews of cases received by the FBSS.

5. Required Personnel Qualifications/Experience

Provision of qualified experience resources is critical to the development and deployment of quality solutions. For CLIN X004 and CLIN X005 positions listed below, the contractors must be able to pass a credential verification through the Department’s Bureau of Medical Services Quality Management Team. The Government has identified the following minimum requirements for the Contractor staff supporting this award as follows:

CLIN X001: Security Evaluations

Sub-CLIN – X001A and X001B

· Doctoral degree in clinical psychology (a PhD or PsyD in Clinical Psychology from an APA-accredited program;

· APA-accredited clinical internship (successfully completed) and at least 7 years of relevant experience within the fields of either national security psychology, intelligence community; Department of Defense; forensic psychology or law enforcement agencies;

· A current, valid, unencumbered license to practice psychology in any state or territory in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or US Territory;

· Strong assessment and interpersonal skills and experience working with clients from diverse backgrounds.

CLIN X002: SME Consultations

Sub-CLIN – Subject Matter Expert Consultations

· Subject Matter Experts may be Psychologists, Psychiatrists or Social Workers as defined here:

· Psychologists:

· Doctoral degree in clinical psychology (a PhD or PsyD in Clinical Psychology from an APA-accredited program;

· APA-accredited clinical internship successfully completed) and at least 7 years of relevant experience within the fields of either national security psychology, intelligence community; Department of Defense; forensic psychology or law enforcement agencies.

· A current, valid, unencumbered license to practice psychology in any state or territory in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or US Territory;

· Strong assessment and interpersonal skills and experience working with clients from diverse backgrounds;

· Board Certification preferred.

· Psychiatrists:

· Board certification in forensic psychiatry which includes successful completion of one year of ACGME-accredited fellowship training in forensic psychiatry; and

· Experience working with the following populations: intelligence community/national security settings; Department of Defense (military or civilian); forensic practice; or law enforcement agencies

· Social Workers:

· A master's in social work (MSW) from a graduate program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

· Must possess the highest level of independent clinical licensure for professional Social Work practice level (LICSW, CSW, LCSW, etc.) in any U.S. state.

· Requires 10+ years of diversified experience to include working with children, adolescents, and adults as well as experience within the fields of either national security psychology, intelligence community; Department of Defense; forensic psychology or law enforcement agencies.

CLIN X003 – Physical Exams

Sub-CLINs X003A – X003C

· Board certified in Occupational Medicine Physician. Experienced in treating and evaluating law enforcement officers and applicable occupational standards.

CLIN X004 – Medical Expert (Psychologist) Behavioral Science

Psychologist

· Doctoral degree in clinical psychology (a PhD or PsyD in Clinical Psychology from an APA-accredited program;

· APA-accredited clinical internship successfully completed) and at least 7 years of relevant experience within the fields of either national security psychology, intelligence community; Department of Defense; forensic psychology or law enforcement agencies.

· A current, valid, unencumbered license to practice psychology in any state or territory in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or US Territory;

· Strong assessment and interpersonal skills and experience working with clients from diverse backgrounds.

CLIN X005 - Program Manager (Nurse Consultant)

· Requires ten years of experience in a managerial nurse role

· Requires a master's in nursing and active license in nursing

· Experience working with the following populations: Department of State, Department of Defense (miliary or civilian)

6. SECURITY

Personnel shall hold the appropriate security clearances as provided below.

CLIN X004 – Medical Expert (Psychologist) Behavioral Science

TS/SCI

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The anticipated Period of Performance for this requirement is a one-year base plus four one-year options.

Disclaimer and Important Notes:

This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed. The information provided will be used to assess tradeoffs and alternatives available for the potential requirement and may lead to the development of a solicitation. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted.

Confidentiality:

No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary information in any resultant solicitation(s).

Questions may be submitted electronically up to the date and time for responses to HofhineAK@state.gov.

Submissions:

Submissions to this RFI are due by Wednesday, July 1, 2026, no later than 5:00 PM ET electronically to the address below:

Alicia Hofhine at HofhineAK@state.gov

12SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED