HSFE90-14-I-0005_DHS_Stategic_Language_Svcs_Request_for_Information_(RFI).pdf

DHS Strategic Language Services Acquisition Request for Information

HSFE90-14-I-0005

Procurement Sensitive 1

December 23, 2013

Procurement Sensitive 2

Request for Information (RFI) for DHS Strategic Language Services Acquisition

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), inclusive of all DHS components such as, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), US Coast Guard (USCG), and the United States Secret Service (USSS) is seeking information and contractors’ capability to provide a range of professional language services to support diverse homeland security missions and operations, including but not limited to foreign language interpretation and translation, sign language interpreting, transliteration services, Computer Access Real Time (CART) Services, Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) and other relevant technology to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and those who are blind or have low vision.

This RFI is being issued as part of the DHS Efficiency Review Initiative, which seeks to improve the performance and efficiency of government by working to reduce costs, streamline processes, eliminate duplication, and improve customer service. In addition to information about capabilities, quality standards, and pricing, DHS is interested in learning about the use of existing and emerging technologies in both the areas of foreign language services and in those services for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and those who are blind or have low vision.

THIS RFI IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. This is a market research tool being used to determine the availability and adequacy of eligible business sources in order to meet DHS language services needs across the organization. DHS is seeking contracting alternatives and sources to provide professional language services to meet these requirements. This information will be used to identify the applicable labor categories and pricing information for the solicitation. The Government is not obligated to and will not pay for any information received from industry sources as a result of this RFI.

The Government does not request any proprietary information be submitted, nor shall it be liable for any consequential damages for proprietary information. Any information submitted to the RFI (e.g. capability statement) is subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 USC 552 (a).

The applicable NAICS code is 541930, the SIC is 7389, and PSC is R608. The places of performance are the Washington DC Metro Area, the 48 Contiguous States, Alaska, Hawaii, and its US Territories. It is requested that interested firms submit a brief capabilities statement

Procurement Sensitive 3 package (no more than 20 pages in length, single spaced, single sided, 12 point font minimum) to the contracting office demonstrating eligibility to meet DHS’s requirements.

SUBMISSION OF CAPABILITY PACKAGES: This documentation should address, at a minimum, the following:

• Provide a company profile to include current number of employees, DUNS number, Cage code and a statement regarding current small business status (indicate whether Section 8(a), HUBZone or small disabled veteran owned); and service areas (cities and states)

• Describe any technological tools available through your organization as well as availability of current service support options.

• Describe relevant experience for the technical categories you are interested in and provide sample pricing structures. Attachments such as service lists, price, labor categories, labor rates, etc. may also be included and will not count towards the page limit. Note: This information is desired however is strictly voluntary. This information shall be considered confidential and therefore shall be submitted as an attachment to the 20 page capability statements.

• Clearly delineate how long it takes your organization to arrange a new translation/interpretation event on the following basis: scheduled/planned, ad hoc, and urgent/disaster services, etc.

• Provide any comments, feedback, or questions on the draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) Attachment 1. DHS encourages you to submit your cost and process improvement ideas.

• Provide responses to the questions at Attachment 2: (If not applicable, respond with “N/A”)

The capability statement packages should be sent by mail to the following address: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Attn: Alfredia Allen, W-72, 395 Patriots Plaza, 5th Floor, Washington, DC 20472-3205; or via email to Alfredia.Allen@fema.dhs.gov and Gina Wheatley at Gina.Wheatley@fema.dhs.gov. The last date to submit questions pertaining to this RFI will be 5:00 pm, Wednesday, January 15, 2014. Questions that have been received prior to this date will be submitted to the Program Office and responses will be posted the week of January 27, 2014. Submission of capability packages and comments must be received at the office and cited no later than 9:00 AM Eastern Standard Time (EDT) on February 17, 2014.

Questions or comments regarding this notice may be addressed electronically to Alfredia Allen at Alfredia.Allen@fema.dhs.gov and Gina Wheatley at Gina.Wheatley@fema.dhs.gov. No phone calls will be accepted or returned.

Note: All GSA schedule references are for definition purposes only. DHS is still developing its acquisition strategy and welcome all interested vendor responses. The Government may elect to mailto:Alfredia.Allen@fema.dhs.gov mailto:Gina.Wheatley@fema.dhs.gov mailto:Alfredia.Allen@fema.dhs.gov mailto:Gina.Wheatley@fema.dhs.gov

Procurement Sensitive 4 conduct industry exchange meetings after receipt of contractor responses to this announcement as deemed appropriate.

Contracting Office Address:

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 395 Patriots Plaza, 5th Floor Washington, DC 2072-3205

Places of Performance:

Washington DC Metro Area Nationwide (48 Contiguous States, Alaska, Hawaii, and the US Territories)

Primary Point of Contact:

Alfredia G. Allen Contract Specialist Alfredia.Allen@fema.dhs.gov

Alternate Point of Contact:

Gina M. Wheatley Contracting Officer Gina.Wheatley@fema.dhs.gov mailto:linda.stowe@navy.mil mailto:Gina.Wheatley@fema.dhs.gov