Sources_Sought__Purpose-Objectives.doc

Independent Review of Task Force for Business and Stability Operations (TFBSO)

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES

Purpose: The Washington Headquarters Services (WHS) is seeking the aid from an external consulting firm to conduct an independent review and operational audit of the legislative requirements for the DoD’s Task Force for Business and Stability Operations (TFBSO). The selected firm must have had no prior support contract related to any TFBSO efforts and be independent in its ability to issue a report on all material aspects of TFBSO operations and compliance with legislative guidance.

Project Scope: The scope of this review encompasses all programmatic, financial, and contractual aspects of TFBSO operations since inception to determine whether operations were conducted in a manner compliant with the National Defense Authorization Acts (NDAA) of 2006 through 2014.

Period and Place of Performance: Primary locations are Crystal City, Arlington, VA, or the contractor’s office. The Government anticipates performance for no more than one year total. The period to be audited is based upon the legislative authority for the program as stated above; FY2006 through FY2014 unless subsequently amended by further legislation. Travel to the Area of Responsibility/Theater of Operations is not expected to be required.

Background: The Task Force for Business and Stability Operations (TFBSO) was established in June 2006 to aid in the revitalization of Iraq's economy and create jobs for the Iraqi people. The mission of the Task Force for Business and Stability Operations (TFBSO) is economic stabilization in order to reduce violence, enhance stability, and restore economic normalcy in areas where unrest and insurgency have created a synchronous downward spiral of economic hardship and violence. TFBSO was formed by the U.S. Department of Defense in 2006 and reports to the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy.

In 2010, TFBSO began operations aimed at creating economic opportunities for the people of Afghanistan. As part of this effort, TFBSO’s Indigenous Industries Team seeks to elevate Afghanistan's business profile in the global market by promoting the export of consumer goods, facilitating private sector investment, and creating economic opportunities for women in strategic sectors.

The legislative authority for the TFBSO expires on December 31, 2014 and an operational audit is necessary to verify compliance with the authorities granted in the original legislation and subsequent legislative authorities enacted which extended the activities of the program. Additionally, all program documentation, operational and financial, must be examined and the results of the examination reported in order to validate compliance with legislative and fiscal guidelines. The report resulting from this effort provides the necessary evidential material to respond to audit queries from activities (such as the United States Army) which provided funding to the TFBSO throughout its operation.

Performance Objectives and Type of Review: The preliminary objectives of this review are to conduct a performance and compliance audit of the following:

1. To determine whether the TFBSO is in compliance with the applicable NDAAs, including program monitoring, documentation, proper use of funds, inventory records, risk assessment, security plan, and the appropriate basis for fund expenditures;

2. To determine whether proper design and effective operation of the controls over financial operations are and were in place;

3. To evaluate the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the program, in terms of meeting program objectives, goals, and mission, while also identifying opportunities for improvement; and

4. To follow up on Government provided audit recommendations made by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) and to determine whether each recommendation has been fully implemented and sustained.

Operating Constraints: Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS)