SOW.docx

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Washington, DC 20472 www.fema.gov

September 6, 2013

Statement of Work (SOW)

U. S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region VII (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska) Video Remote Interpreting and American Sign Language Interpreter/Translation Service Needs for Region VII

1. General Description

The U. S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Region VII office, would like to solicit the services of a contractor(s) to provide Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) services as-needed on a weekly basis for a period of one year. VRI services will be needed daily for thirty (30) minutes per day, weekly for one hour each Tuesday, as well as on call as-needed for extemporaneous meetings.

FEMA Region VII would also like the contractor to provide American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter/translation support services for meetings and conferences on an as-needed basis.

2. Background

Effective 2013, the regional office employed a staff member who requires the use of an ASL interpreter and translation support services on a weekly basis. Translation services have previously been provided by ASL interpreters and CART services.

Video Remote Interpreting is an on-line sign language interpreting service in lieu of in-person ASL interpreters. VRI services will provide a more flexible approach to accommodate staff requiring ASL interpreting in the regional office and while deployed to disasters within the states of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. ASL interpreter and translation support will continue to meet needs of our employees for larger regional meetings and conferences.

3. Scope of Work

The contractor will provide Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) services in support of regional operations and disaster recovery operations. Areas requesting support are Kansas City, Missouri and counties with disaster declarations within the states of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. Counties with disaster declarations change throughout the year with the most recent listing available at http://www.fema.gov/disasters.

The contractor shall provide the VRI services weekly on Tuesdays from 1pm-2pm and daily as needed. The government may require VRI services during off-peak business hours; therefore, operations shall be available 24/7 for the use of FEMA Region VII personnel. The usage and times for requested VRI services may vary. Notice will be provided to the contractor within 24 hours.

VRI transmissions must be performed in accordance with the Advanced Encryption Standard. Technical support services must be available to troubleshoot failed calls and other related customer service issues.

The contractor shall provide all personnel and materials (including software) to provide proper Video Remote Interpreting services. Software shall be available on both a government-issued laptop and an iPad device and therefore compatible with a Windows operating system and iPad applications. Contractors may provide additional equipment necessary to provide VRI services on these devices. The government will evaluate proposals to provide equipment against the use of government property to determine the best value to the government.

The contractor will provide ASL Interpretation Services on an as-needed on call basis with notice provided by to the contractor within 48 to 72 hours. ASL interpreters shall be highly qualified sign language interpreters who have been certified on the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) for each of the respective modes.

For ASL interpreter/translation services, the contractor is required to sign in and out with FEMA security officers indicating date and time for each meeting. In addition, the contractor shall provide all personnel, materials, and equipment necessary to provide proper ASL interpreter/translation support services.

4. Period of Performance

The total period of performance for this contract will be one year upon the date of the contract award

5. Place of Performance

The majority of the work will be virtual through Video Remote Interpreting services. The user will be located at FEMA office locations in the Kansas City, Missouri as well as, but not limited to, declared counties within Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska.

6. Personnel Requirements

Security requirements shall be based on current U. S. Department of Homeland Security policy for contractors. Each employee of the contractor working on the contract shall either be a citizen of the United States of America or have lawful resident status.

Experience and Certifications – The contractor will provide personnel that meets or exceeds the following criteria:

· VRI Services

1. Must be certified at the two (2) highest levels of National Association of the Deaf (NAD), Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf) or state equivalent.

· ASL Interpreter/Translation Services

1. Must possess advanced, accurate voicing skills to mediate both culturally and linguistically from spoken English to ASL and PSE in an accurate manner. Must be familiar with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

2. Must possess at least 3 years of professional interpreting experience.

3. Must be RID Certified for both ASL and PSE.

The Contractor shall be responsible for managing and overseeing the activities of all Contractor personnel, as well as subcontractor efforts used in performance of the effort. The Contractor’s management responsibilities shall include all activities necessary to ensure the accomplishment of timely and effective support, performed in accordance with the requirements contained in the statement of work.

image1.png