Final_RDTE_SETA_RFP version 2.docx

SECTION A STANDARD FORM 33 SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD

Table of Contents

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

B.1 General

This Research and Development Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA), Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract will provide the Science and Technology Directorate of the Department of Homeland Security with SETA support during the research and development phases of planning, programming, acquisition, and implementation cycles of Homeland Security and other Government systems, as broadly described in Section C, Statement of Work. The Contractor shall provide, in accordance with issued Task Orders (TOs), all management, supervision, labor, and materials necessary to perform SETA support services on an IDIQ basis.

The dates for all referenced clauses in Section B can be found in Section I CONTRACT CLAUSES.

B.2 Minimum Dollar Guarantee and Maximum Contract Limitation

Minimum. The minimum guaranteed award amount for this IDIQ contract is $2500.00 per contractor for the entire ordering period of performance of this contract (inclusive of fee). Orders beyond the minimum will be determined by user needs. The contract minimum is expected to be satisfied during the initial fiscal year of the contract award.

Maximum. The maximum cumulative dollar ceiling value of all contracts in this multiple-award procurement is established at $236 Million.

The Government has no obligation to issue TOs to the Contractor beyond the amount specified in the minimum of this clause. Once the conditions of the minimum have been met, the Contractor will continue to have the opportunity to be issued TO(s) under the Fair Opportunity to Compete provisions in Section G, Contract Administration Data.

B.3 Contract Term

The ordering term of the contract is five (5) years. This is not a multi-year contract as defined in FAR Part 17.1, Multiyear Contracting. The performance periods will be specified in the TOs and may include option periods which extend the TO up to twenty-four (24) months beyond the expiration date of this contract.

B.4 Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ)

The contract is structured and managed in accordance with the rules for TO contracts. In particular, TO awards issued against this contract will be placed using the “fair opportunity” procedures described in Section G, Contract Administration Data.

The types of TOs issued against this IDIQ may be Cost Reimbursement, Time and Materials (T&M), Labor-Hour (L-H), and Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 16.5, Indefinite-Delivery Contracts, and as set forth in Section G, Contract Administration Data, and Section I, Contract Clauses. TO may be hybrid, which combines two or more of the types listed.

Task Orders may include options as defined in FAR Part 17, Special Contracting Methods.

The creation of Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ), Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs), and Letter Contracts are not permissible TO types under the RDT&E SETA contract B.5 Contract Pricing

B.5.1 Time-and-Materials, Labor-Hour/Firm-Fixed-Price Pricing

All TOs issued on a T&M, L-H, or FFP basis will be subject to the pricing set forth in Section J – List of Attachments, Attachment B-1, Labor Rate Tables. The labor rates in this attachment reflect fully-burdened hourly rates for each labor category and will apply to all direct labor hours. The fully-burdened labor rates include all direct labor and indirect costs applicable to that direct labor (such as fringe benefits, overhead, G&A), and profit. These fixed hourly rates are ceiling rates and will apply to the prime contractor. The contractors may elect to propose lower hourly rates on a task-by-task basis. For non-competitive task order awards in excess of $700,000, the Task Order Contracting Officer (TO CO) will require certified cost or pricing data in accordance with FAR 52.215-20, Requirements for Certified Cost or Pricing Data or Data Other Than Cost or Pricing Data. In any case, proposed rates for TOs shall not exceed the ceiling rates established in the contract. The TO CO may request certified cost or pricing data on orders less than $700,000 on an as needed basis.

The labor rate table shall include the prime contractor and each subcontractor’s established accounting practices for recording work in excess of 40 hours per week. The accounting practices for each member shall be clearly identified (e.g., prime contractor records all hours; “Subcontractor A” records 40 hours per week; “Subcontractor B records all hours, etc.). The descriptions of the methods will be incorporated into the contract and will be effective for T&M and L-H task orders.

The indirect rates applicable to direct materials, subcontracts for supplies, and other direct costs established in Attachment B-1, Labor Rate Tables, are ceiling rates and shall apply to the prime contractor only. There are no indirect ceiling rates for subcontractors. However, the contractor may elect to propose lower indirect rates on a task-by-task basis.

In accordance with FAR 52.216-29, Time and Materials/Labor Hour Proposal Requirements, the prime contractor shall establish fixed hourly rates using separate rates for each category of labor to be performed by each subcontractor and for each category of labor to be performed by the offeror, and for each category of labor to be transferred between divisions, subsidiaries, or affiliates of the offeror under a common control. The labor rates set forth in the table reflect fully-burdened rates for performance at a Government site and for performance at a Contractor site.

(1) Government Site Rates. When performing at Government sites, the Contractor shall furnish fully-burdened labor rates. The Government will provide office space, furniture and office equipment and supplies, as described in Section H.5, Government Property, Information, and Workspace, and as specified in the individual task orders.

(2) Contractor Site Rates. When performing at a Contractor site, the fully-burdened labor rates shall include applicable indirect costs for office space and all normal supplies and services required to support the work. This includes, but is not limited to, telephones, faxes, copiers, personal computers, postage, including courier services such as Federal Express, ordinary business software, such as word processing, spreadsheets, graphics, etc., normal copying and reproduction costs.

Only Government-required labor categories are included in Attachment B-1, Labor Rate Tables. Additional labor categories may be proposed and added to meet specific TO requirements, in accordance with Section B.5.4, Rate Refreshment, and Section G.3.2(j), Task Order Unique Labor Categories.

IDIQ Program Management Support Costs. IDIQ Contract-level program management support costs include contract-level management, reporting requirements (See Section F, Deliveries or Performance) and related travel and meeting attendance costs associated with the Contractor’s program management staff. This relates to overall management of the RDT&E SETA Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts. As a result, these program management support costs shall be included within each fully burdened labor category rate, and shall not be proposed as separate labor categories.

The contract-level “program management” support costs are differentiated from individual task order “Task Order Manager” or “Project Manager” support costs, which are to specifically support project management for individual task orders. The “Task Order Manager” or “Project Manager” support labor hours are billed at hourly labor rates against individual task orders for direct support to the effort performed under those task orders. This will result in direct billings at the task order level.

B.5.2 Firm- Fixed-Price (FFP) Task Orders

For FFP type task orders, travel and materials, if applicable, may be estimated for each TO, including applicable indirect costs, subject to the indirect ceiling rates established in the contract. Partial payment of FFP type TOs may be negotiated based on the completion of milestones/deliverables.

B.5.3 Time and Material (T&M) Task Orders

For T&M or L-H type task orders, the quantity of hours ordered from each labor category will be specified as deliverable hours billable at the ceiling rates specified in Attachment B-1, Labor Rate Tables, or as negotiated, if lower rates are proposed for the TO. Materials will be estimated for each TO and may include applicable indirect costs computed in accordance with the contractor’s established accounting practices, subject to the indirect ceiling rates established in the contract. For T&M type task orders, profit on materials is not allowable. The cumulative extended total of all labor categories ordered plus materials/applicable indirect costs will define the TO ceiling price. TOs may authorize adjustments between labor category quantities of up to 10% within the established task labor ceiling price, without a formal modification. Reimbursement under the contract shall be governed by the clause FAR 52.232-7, Payments under Time and Materials and Labor-Hour Contracts.

(a) Labor. Attachment B-1, Labor Rate Tables, shall include descriptions of the Prime contractor and each subcontractor’s established accounting practices for recording and billing for labor hours under task orders. The table lists the Prime contractor and each subcontractor separately to assure that the accounting practices for each are clearly identified (e.g., Prime contractor records all hours; “Subcontractor A” records forty (40) hours per week; “Subcontractor B” records all hours, etc.). The descriptions are incorporated into the contract and orders and are effective for T&M and L-H task orders.

In the performance of T&M and L-H task orders, the hours billed shall show the labor hours performed by the prime contractor and each subcontractor separately. If the established accounting practices described in the contract are to record and bill a standard number of hours per week (e.g., forty (40) hours), the labor hours will be billed only on the basis of a standard number of hours. If the established accounting practices described in the contract are to record and bill all hours worked by employees, the labor hours billed will be based on all hours worked. If the contractor provides that its established accounting practices are to record and bill all hours worked but it is found after award that the established accounting practices at the time of award were not based on recording all hours worked by employees, the Government shall be entitled to a price adjustment on all payments for labor hours under the T&M and L-H order. The amount of the price adjustment shall be the difference between the number of hours billed based on recording all hours worked and the hours that would have been recorded using a standard number of hours (e.g., forty (40) hours).

(b) Subcontractor Rates.

(1) Competitive Task Orders. The TO CO will use competition to determine reasonableness of the subcontract rates. The numbered items below provide further guidance for competing TOs:

The term “RDT&E SETA Prime” is defined as an RDT&E SETA Prime contractor submitting the proposal in response to a Task Order Request Package (TORP); and the term “RDT&E SETA Contract Holder” is defined as an RDT&E SETA Prime contractor that is functioning in the role as a subcontractor under another RDT&E SETA Prime.

(i) RDT&E SETA Prime subcontracts with the RDT&E SETA Contract Holder on competed orders and proposes rates that are “at or below” the RDT&E SETA Prime’s contract ceiling rates:

If an RDT&E SETA Prime subcontracts with an RDT&E SETA Contract Holder, the RDT&E SETA Prime and the RDT&E SETA Contract Holder may propose up to the ceiling rate in their respective Attachment B-1, Labor Rate Tables, of their RDT&E SETA contract. If the rates proposed to DHS, inclusive of the RDT&E SETA Prime’s allocable indirect costs and a reasonable profit are at or below the RDT&E SETA Prime contract ceiling rates, the RDT&E SETA Prime would not have to disclose anything further in their proposal.

(ii) RDT&E SETA Prime subcontracts with the RDT&E SETA Contract Holder on competed orders and proposes rates that are “above” the RDT&E SETA Prime’s contract ceiling rates:

If an RDT&E SETA Prime subcontracts with an RDT&E SETA Contract Holder, the RDT&E SETA Prime and the RDT&E SETA Contract Holder may propose up to its ceiling rate in their respective Attachment B-1, Labor Rate Tables, of their RDT&E SETA contract. If the rates proposed to DHS, inclusive of the RDT&E SETA Prime’s allocable indirect costs and a reasonable profit are above the RDT&E SETA Prime’s ceiling rates, the RDT&E SETA Prime will have to disclose the amount of the indirect costs and the amount of the profit that were added to the RDT&E SETA Contract Holder’s proposed rate. A reasonable profit will be determined by the TO CO for the specific requirement.

(iii) RDT&E SETA Prime subcontracts with non- RDT&E SETA contractors on competed orders and proposes rates that are “at or below” the RDT&E SETA Prime’s contract ceiling rates:

If an RDT&E SETA Prime contractor subcontracts with a non- RDT&E SETA contractor and the rates proposed to DHS, inclusive of the RDT&E SETA Prime’s allocable indirect costs and a reasonable profit are at or below the RDT&E SETA Prime contract ceiling rates in Attachment B-1, Labor Rate Tables, of their RDT&E SETA contract, the RDT&E SETA Prime would not have to disclose anything further in their proposal.

(iv) RDT&E SETA Prime subcontracts with non- RDT&E SETA contractors on competed orders and proposes rates that are “above” the RDT&E SETA Prime’s contract ceiling rates:

If an RDT&E SETA Prime contractor subcontracts with a non- RDT&E SETA contractor, the RDT&E SETA Prime may then include in its proposal, (i) the fully burdened rate proposed to the RDT&E SETA Prime by the Subcontractor, (ii) allocation of the RDT&E SETA Prime’s indirect costs in accordance with established accounting practices, and (iii) a reasonable profit. If the rates proposed to DHS, inclusive of the RDT&E SETA Prime’s allocable indirect costs and a reasonable profit are above the RDT&E SETA Prime’s ceiling rates, the RDT&E SETA Prime must disclose the amount of the indirect costs, and the amount of the profit that were added to the Subcontractor’s proposed rates. A reasonable profit will be determined by the TO CO for the specific requirement.

(c) Materials. Materials are defined in the clause at FAR 52.232-7, Payments Under Time and Materials and Labor Hour Contracts.

Materials means—

· Direct materials, including supplies transferred between divisions, subsidiaries, or affiliates of the Contractor under a common control;

· Subcontracts for supplies and incidental services for which there is no labor category specified in the contract;

· Other direct costs (e.g., incidental services for which there is no labor category specified in the contract, travel, computer usage charges, etc.);and,

· Applicable indirect costs.

Indirect costs allocated to any direct materials and other direct costs shall be proposed consistent with the payment requirements of FAR Clause 52.232-7, Payments Under Time and Materials and Labor–Hour Contracts, paragraph (b)(5), as follows:

“The Contractor may include allocable indirect costs and other direct costs to the extent they are—

(i) Comprised only of costs that are clearly excluded from the hourly rate;

(ii) Allocated in accordance with the Contractor's written or established accounting practices; and

(iii) Indirect costs are not applied to subcontracts that are paid at the hourly rates.”

Indirect costs allocated to any direct materials and other direct costs shall be proposed consistent with FAR 52.216-7, Allowable Cost and Payment clause.

The cost of general purpose items required for the conduct of the Contractor’s normal business operations are not allowable materials in the performance of task orders under this contract. See also Section G and Section H for additional limitations on materials and mandatory support documentation.

Profit is not allowed on materials under a T&M type task order.

(d) Travel (all order types). If authorized in the task order, travel will be reimbursed at actual direct costs in accordance with the limitations set forth in FAR 31.205-46, Travel Costs. No profit is allowed for travel. Subject to the ceiling rates in the table, indirect costs may be applied to travel in accordance with the Contractor’s established accounting practices consistent with FAR 31.2, Contracts with Commercial Organizations. Travel will be a separate Not-To- Exceed CLIN on orders.

B.5.4 Rate Refreshment

The labor rates and indirect rates are fixed ceiling rates for all contract year periods; however, the Contractor may submit a proposal reducing the fixed hourly rates and/or indirect rates applicable to materials at any time during the life of this contract. The Government will review these proposals and determine if the revised rates are realistic and in the best interests of the Government. If the rates are accepted, the Government will modify the contract by incorporating the new rates into Attachment B-1, Labor Rate Tables.

At any time and throughout the life of the contract, at the request of either the Contractor or the Government, the Contractor may propose additional labor categories, rates and descriptions in addition to the Government labor categories. These additional Task Order Unique labor categories, rates, and descriptions will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis (See Section G.3.2(d), Cost/Price Proposals, for process).

B.5.5 Work Outside the Contiguous United States (OCONUS)

It is anticipated that there may be minimal temporary duty (TDY) travel under this contract outside the Contiguous United States. It is anticipated that any OCONUS TDY work will not have a materially significant impact on the contract. Rates for OCONUS work will be negotiated on a TO by TO basis and may exceed the established ceiling rates. The Government reserves the right to make determinations of fair and reasonable pricing at the TO level.

B.5.6 Cost Reimbursement Task Orders

All TOs issued on a Cost Reimbursement basis will be priced in accordance with approved DCAA/DCMA (or FAR Part 31, Contract Cost Principles and Procedures) rates. Direct and indirect cost rates will be established on a TO basis. For Cost Reimbursement Task Orders, the Contractor will provide complete supporting schedules identifying all applicable direct and indirect rate estimates building up to the TO cost. Contractors should submit their most recent DCAA approved provisional indirect billing rates, if available, and actual rates for both direct and indirect rates. Contractors without audited rates shall propose indirect rates in accordance with FAR Part 31, Contract Cost Principles and Procedures. The fee will be negotiated for each TO consistent with statutory limitations.

If the TO type is to be Cost-Plus Award Fee (CPAF), the fixed portion of fee and the award portion will be clearly differentiated. Payment from the award fee pool will be based on the standards and procedures outlined in Section I.7, Determination of Award Fee, Section I.8, Performance Evaluation Plan and I.9, Distribution of Award Fee. Unawarded fees shall not be rolled over into another performance period.

(End of Section B)

SECTION C – STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1 INTRODUCTION

This Scope of Work (SOW) provides for Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) within the Science and Technology (DHS (S&T)) Directorate. Since it is sometime difficult to define the timing, frequency, or quantity of the day to day requirements and because it is not an option to forego the requirement for Contractor Surge and Travel, a multi-award task order contract with a wide suite of contract types including Firm Fixed Price (FFP), Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF), Cost Plus Incentive Fee, Time and Material/Labor Hour (T&M/L-H) and their variations (e.g., incentive fee and award fee) along with possible cost reimbursable CLINs for materials and travel is considered to be the best option for this acquisition. S&T requires SETA support during research and development phases of planning, programming, acquisition, and implementation cycles of Homeland Security and Government systems. Support shall augment and complement the Government’s technical expertise in accomplishing its mission.

The DHS S&T mission/function statement is communicated in Attachment C-1.

C.2 Scope

SETA support will include program and technical management, program planning and oversight, technical evaluation, project analysis, risk mitigation, data development and management, financial and other technical support for current, potential, and proposed DHS research and development science and technology programs. DHS S&T requires this support to conduct its research projects more effectively and efficiently, and to facilitate its efforts to introduce and enhance technological products, services, systems, and capabilities to DHS operational component agencies and Federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement organizations.

This support requires not only an in-depth, demonstrated understanding of DHS S&T’s technology projects, practices, policies, and procedures, but the ability to respond promptly to changing Directorate requirements. It is critical that the Contractor selected be capable of providing personnel with sufficient background and expertise to effectively support the broad range of DHS (S&T)’s Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation initiatives as well as their underlying financial and administrative infrastructure.

S&T requires professional Scientific and Technological Expert Advisory and Assistance Services during the integrated planning, management, and execution of scientific research and technology development in support of its missions, functions, and objectives. The contractor shall have and maintain expertise on national efforts in these areas and provide the scientific and technological knowledge base that will contribute to maintain and expand the capabilities of homeland security stakeholders in areas of Explosives, Chemical and Biological defense and countermeasures, Agricultural, Cyber Security, Borders and Maritime security, Human Factors/Behavioral threat analysis, Infrastructure Protection and Disaster Management, Emergency Response, Test & Evaluation and Standards, and Applied Research.

C.3 Task order Management and General Requirements

C.3.1 Required Skills, Disciplines, and Technical Background

It is particularly important that the support to S&T be structured in a way to avoid disruption of the development of the vital technologies it sponsors. Contract staff shall onboard with the requisite education, training, skills, and experience. Staff development is the responsibility of the performing company. Only the cost for training necessary to the unique needs of S&T, such as training required for access to PRISM or FFMS will be borne by the TO contracts and will be requested by the performing contract staff and approved by the designated COR in writing.

The Contractor shall provide personnel who have the specific education, experience, skills and technical background required for tasks specified in each individual Task Order.

C.3.1.1 Program Management

Each IDIQ Contract holder shall assign one IDIQ contract level Program Manager (PM) to act as the single point of contact for task management, to include tracking all tasks order performance under each IDIQ contract awarded. The IDIQ contract level PM monitors the progress of Contractor performance on these tasks and ensures the provision of quality and timely deliverables required by the Task Orders and the ID/IQ contract Statements of Work. The PM shall serve as the single point of contact for all contract-level issues.

C.3.1.2 Contract Teaming Coordinator

Each IDIQ contract holder shall assign a Contract Teaming Coordinator. The Contract Teaming Coordinator shall serve as the single point of contact for subcontractors working with the prime and for other prospective subcontractors to the prime. The Contract Teaming Coordinator shall continuously review and maintain awareness of the market place for companies that provide the specialized technical professional services that will be required in performance of the task orders under this IDIQ contract.

C.3.1.3 Contract Reviews/Meetings

The IDIQ contract level PM shall, as needed, conduct technical interfaces and meetings between Contractor and Government personnel. These meetings shall be both working and formal sessions to review overall program efforts. The Program Manager shall provide monthly cost and performance reporting of all assigned tasks under his/her contract. The contents and formats of the reports shall be specified in the Contract Management Plan. At a minimum, these reports shall include: highlights of support provided, expenditures, projected expenditures for the next reporting period and to term, and major issues affecting cost and performance. The costs portion of the report shall be structured to enable ready discernment of cost trends, projections, and variances. The IDIQ contract level PM shall be qualified and supported by his/her company to act as the Contractor’s single point of contact for all technical and administrative matters related to this delivery order.

C.3.1.4 Specialized Technical Program Support

The Contractor shall provide specialized technical program support to key Government programs and functions. This assistance shall support a wide range of Government functions, including providing support to program officials that are responsible for policy and procedure development and oversight, financial, task and activity scheduling and tracking, human resources management, and strategic and management planning.

The Contractor shall ensure the availability of technically qualified personnel required for performance of tasks assigned under each delivery order in the following areas: biological, chemical, explosive detection and countermeasures, radiation/nuclear; borders and maritime security; critical infrastructure protection; emergency response; human factors; behaviorial sciences; standards development and testing; threat vulnerability testing and assessment, public health support; planning and exercise development, etc. The Program Manager shall assure the technical quality and timeliness of work performed under all authorized tasks.

C.3.1.5 Security Clearance Requirements

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has determined that performance of this contract requires that the Contractor, subcontractor(s), vendor(s), etc. (herein known as Contractor), may require access to classified National Security Information, Restricted Data, and Formerly Restricted Data (herein known as classified information).

Task Orders issued under the IDIQ will have varying security requirements. Depending on the Task Order, the Contractor may be required to have personnel with various levels of access including; Suitability, SECRET, and TOP SECRET security clearance. FAR Clause 52.204-2, Security Requirements, will be included in the contract. A DD-254 will be included that authorizes access, storage, and generation of classified information up to and including TOP SECRET, Secure Compartmented Information, Restricted Data, Formerly Restricted Data, and Special Access Programs. Classified information is Government information which requires protection in accordance with Executive Order 12958, “Classified National Security Information,” Executive Order 12829 “National Industrial Security Program,” and supplementing directives.

C.3.1.6 Transition

The contractor shall identify those actions, plans, procedures, and timelines necessary to ensure a smooth transition from contract and or task order start date to full operational status by the Contractor. The contractor shall also identify those actions, plans, procedures, and timelines necessary to ensure a smooth transition- out to a follow-on contractor. The contractor shall provide transition information and briefings to the COR prior to task order expiration dates. Task orders issued under the IDIQ contact may include transitions in/out requirements.

C.3.2 Requirements

Service deliverables may take the form of information, advice, opinions, alternatives, analyses, recommendations, support to program and technical management, support to program planning and oversight, exercise development and evaluation, technical assessment & evaluation, training and/or services to augment and complement the Government’s technical expertise in accomplishing its mission.

The nature of this work will at times require the contractor to be able to respond quickly to surge requirements and/or stringent deadlines.

Task orders issued under this IDIQ contract will describe the requirements for that order. The following describes the scope and requirements that may be included in the subsequent task orders issued under this IDIQ contract.

C.3.2.1 System Engineering and Technical Assistance:

The contractor will provide Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) support for the execution of S&T R&D Programs. This work may include technology evaluations, attendance at meetings, coordination with related government organizations, program planning, meeting preparation, test planning, coordination, and execution oversight, and presentation production.

The contractor shall also provide inputs to S&T Program Managers, enabling quick responses to inquiries related to the subject programs. The contractor shall provide informal feedback to the Program Manager, as well as formal feedback at critical program junctures such as Milestone Reviews. The contractor may assist in establishing transition partner contacts, and will work cooperatively with those contacts in setting up relevant meetings and demonstrations.

The contractor shall provide input to S&T Program Managers in meeting their objectives of his/her programs and in carrying out associated technical and program management responsibilities. The contractor shall provide technical analyses to help define, assess, and monitor the technical aspects of the subject programs. In particular, the contractor shall conduct performance analyses and technical assessments of performer progress based on the task elements within the performer’s work breakdown structure in order to track program progress, technical risk, and potential program impact of failure.

As required, the contractor shall provide system level analysis, system integration expertise, and have extensive background and experience in the areas of Chemical Defense, Agricultural Defense, Biological Defense, Explosives, Human Factors/Behavioral Sciences, Borders & Maritime Security, Cyber Security, Infrastructure Protection & Disaster Management, Special Projects, First Responder and other areas of interest as they evolve.

The contractor shall interface with and assist in coordination with other programs and other related efforts to achieve the necessary interfaces and schedules, focusing on assuring that all S&T’s R&D program requirements are met in a timely manner.

The contractor shall provide the S&T’s Program Managers with technical support for the maturation of new program concepts and technologies at the direction of the Program Manager and shall participate in technical reviews of concepts under consideration and provide technical evaluation and independent assessments of the new program concepts and related technologies.

The contractor shall prepare briefings, reports, and funding/budget documents to support the development and approval of new concepts/technologies. In addition, the contractor shall coordinate with potential users to formulate performance and programmatic requirements for new program concepts/technologies.

C.3.2.2 Technical Reviews

The contractor shall participate in technical reviews, milestone reviews, teleconferences, and other technical exchanges, providing analysis and reporting of program activities relative to the program. The contractor shall organize and conduct technical workshops, providing subject matter expertise in the areas of Chemical Defense, Agricultural Defense, Biological Defense, Explosives, Human Factors/Behavioral Sciences, Borders & Maritime Security, Cyber Security, Infrastructure Protection & Disaster Management, Nuclear/Radiation, Physics, Special Projects, First Responder and other areas of interest as they evolve as required. All workshops/conferences hasll be approved by the Government before any effort is expended on this task.

C.3.2.3 Testing:

The contractor shall assist in the planning and coordination of and participate in tests, demonstrations and simulations as required by the program manager. The contractor shall work with performers, subject matter experts, and test ranges to review planned test requirements, test configurations, and detailed test plans. The contractor shall participate in the development of accomplishment criteria for contractor Test Readiness Reviews. The contractor shall provide interface and coordination support between the Government test range personnel and the performers.

C.3.2.4 Transition Planning and Execution

The contractor shall support the planning and execution processes for the transition of developing technology or science. The contractor shall coordinate a consolidated SOW and financial plan that incorporates test and demonstration plans so that all programmatic and transition goals are met. The contractor shall assist Program Managers in meeting with the appropriate DHS Component staffs to ensure a successful transition of prototypes to production ready configurations.

C.3.2.5 Program Administration

The contractor shall provide technical administrative functions for conducting all tasks associated with this statement of work. The contractor shall provide inputs for the preparation of briefings, compose and process reports, meeting support and perform administrative tasks in the form of correspondence, scheduling, documents, and mailings.

The contractor shall assist in maintaining and updating a program security classification guide or other policy and guidance documents as required by the program.

The contractor shall organize and maintain files of all critical program documents with rapid availability both to the contractor and the Program Manager.

C.3.2.6 Briefing, Report, and Communications Preparation:

The contractor shall provide a capability for rapid turnaround of time critical materials. The contractor shall provide the capability to prepare briefings and reports up to and including the TOP SECRET level. The contractor shall prepare drafts of briefings and other official documentation for internal and external use subject to the limitations in H.23 “Prohibition on Contractor Support of Congressional Testimony, Responses, Reports; also, agency responses to the IG, GAO, or other Federal Audit Entities” .

C.3.2.7 Program and Financial Monitoring and Control

The contractor shall provide program planning and control assistance that includes: providing schedule and resource visibility to assure that contract objectives are being achieved; tracking technical and fiscal performance, schedules, and government assigned action items; and preparing S&T R&D program control documentation such as Program Approval Documents, program briefings, and other Program related materials. The contractor personnel involved in this activity shall communicate directly with managers, principal investigators, relevant government offices, and shall be familiar with DHS and S&T documentation specifications.

The contractor shall process and track progress of S&T’s R&D Programs and external funding actions; obtain funds status (commitment, obligation, expenditures, related contract action); and monitor contractor expenditures. The contractor shall provide inputs to the Program Manager in defining and implementing a financial monitoring and control process tailored to the unique needs of this program as it evolves. The process will involve interfacing with existing internal DHS and S&T systems, U.S. government laboratories and test facilities, other services and agencies, U.S. contractors and universities as well as some international entities. The process will require managing the funding of supporting government activities, budgeting for future activities, and planning for financial management in subsequent phases.

C.3.2.8 Meeting Support:

The contractor shall be involved in supporting efforts to organize, logistically support and host program-related meetings, reviews, and video/teleconferences subject to current DHS rules and polices regarding conference planning.

C.3.2.9 Other Services

Other service performance disciplines may include but are not limited to risk mitigation, database development and management, and other financial, administrative and technical support for current, potential, and/or proposed DHS technology programs. DHS requires this support to conduct its mission projects more effectively and facilitate its efforts to introduce and enhance technological products, services, systems, and capabilities to DHS operational components agencies, Federal, state, Tribal and local law enforcement organizations.

C.3.3 Program Management Support Services

S&T requires Project Management, Program Management and Programmatic Services to support its various organizations in the conduct of Research and Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) necessary to counter threats to the homeland, both by evolutionary improvements to current capabilities and the development of revolutionary new capabilities. These include but are not limited to the following where area specific technical knowledge and experience are required: strategic & tactical planning/alignment, tactical planning, program assessments, resource requirements definition, scheduling, cost estimating, program tracking & guidance, internal & external oversight & reporting, program/project planning, communications planning, quality management support, risk assessment and mitigation management support, program review, oversight & reporting, acquisition logistics support, enterprise architecture, transition/change management, inventory management, contingency planning, technology research & technical feasibility, management controls & sustainment, studies & analyses, resolution of program issues, configuration and change control, specifications and standards development, project team facilitation and participation, collaboration and coordination with other Federal, state and local, Tribal or private sector activities and other technical support services. Additionally, experts will be required in Chemical Defense, Agricultural Defense, Biological Defense, Explosives, Human Factors/Behavioral Sciences, Borders & Maritime Security, Cyber Security, Infrastructure Protection & Disaster Management, Nuclear/Radiation, Physics, Special Projects, First Responder and other areas of interest as they evolve.

The Contractor shall provide professional Technical, Programmatic and Engineering services to support its various organizations, missions, functions, and objectives. As a minimum, the Contractor shall perform:

Technical and engineering support services to Government supported programs and systems. These include providing specific engineering, systems analysis, testing and evaluation processes and operational technical assistance. Also, the requirement includes, but is not limited to, providing programmatic analyses, determining system performance specifications, identifying and resolving interface problems, developing requirements, developing work statements, determining parameters, resolving technical controversies.

Engineering and Integration (E&I) services. These services include integration support of new technologies with legacy systems and programs, support for advanced technology demonstrations operational test and evaluation, and advanced concept technology demonstrations, support of initiatives through which a suite of programs will support a capability, systems transition support to operational uses, and support for planning and building prototype equipment with advanced technology capabilities for demonstration.

Evaluation for test activities and programs. The support tasks include: developing test procedures, the review and monitoring of test/demonstration design and development, test/demonstration coordination and execution, and test/demonstration assessment, evaluation and reporting. This requirement includes, but is not limited to, the war-gaming of various technologies to assess their potential for effective and efficient transition to production and use.

Technical program management support on matters and issues consistent with Government sponsored development projects, which includes, but is not limited to, the following: assisting in the program/project planning, program staff coordination, program/project/financial reviews, technology assessments, earned value management system (EVMS) analyses, data analyses, conference and seminar activities, and program-specific financial issues. Includes assistance and support with preparing and drafting analyses, presentations, testimonies (subject to the limitations in H.23 “Prohibition on Contractor Support of Congressional Testimony”), Responses, Reports; also, agency responses to the IG, GAO, or other Federal Audit Entities, speeches, and reports relative to project and program management goals, objectives, and results.

Planning, executing and evaluating investment strategies and organizational resource allocations. This includes, but is not limited to, conducting engineering and programmatic assessments of the Government’s investment portfolio and operations, providing evaluations and assessments of program balance and return on investments, and reviewing and assessing operational procedures.

Maintenance and development of the overall program plans and supporting project plans utilizing MS Project. Formulate concepts and develop strategic, tactical, and operational plans for key program activities. Provide services to identify, recommend, coordinate and prepare applicable assessments, plans, strategies and opportunities for the transition of technology programs for further development and transition.

Previewing, identification and assessment of emerging requirements, technologies, capabilities, concepts, tactics of interest, and possible teaming relationships in areas related to the Government’s objectives for selected programs.

Assist with the development of evaluation criteria and metrics for program evaluations. Calculate program performance metrics. Support program review activities to include program progress, status, and risk analysis. Support program assessments (using earned value management (EVM) techniques when required), identify quality assurance measures, recommend quality improvement processes, and support quality improvement initiatives.

Conduct mission risk analysis and assessments to provide recommendations on risk mitigation.

Participate and support the Government in preliminary and critical design reviews, program and financial reviews, Governmental and industry…