B08. Solicitation HT9425-24-R-0031.docx

HT942524R0031

Section SF 1449 - CONTINUATION SHEET

PWS

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

Title: U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Support Services Requiring Activity Name: U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC) - Plans, Programs, Analysis and Evaluation (PPA&E)

1.0 Scope

The U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC) is the Army's medical materiel developer, with responsibility for medical research, development, and acquisition. The USAMRDC's expertise in these critical areas helps establish and maintain the capabilities the Army needs remain ready and lethal on the battlefield. Ensuring our armed forces remain in optimal health and are equipped to protect themselves from disease and injury, particularly on the battlefield, is the job of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command. The Command is headquartered at Fort Detrick, MD, with 8 subordinate commands located throughout the world. Additional information about USAMRDC can be found at: https://mrdc.health.mil/.

PPA&E is a Headquarters Directorate that reaches across the entire Command. PPA&E is responsible for developing and presenting the Program Objective Memorandum (POM) and budget in support of our core Army and Defense Health Program (DHP) funding. These efforts include the planning and integration for Command-wide Planning, Programming, and Budgeting (PPB) activities in support of the Army POM Executive for Medical RDT&E.

PPA&E is also responsible for coordinating all aspects of the Defense Health Agency (DHA) SBIR/STTR Programs.

The SBIR Program is a highly competitive program that encourages domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) that has the potential for commercialization. Through a competitive awards-based program, SBIR enables small businesses to explore their technological potential and provides the incentive to profit from its commercialization. By including qualified small businesses in the nation’s R&D arena, high-tech innovation is stimulated, and the United States gains entrepreneurial spirit as it meets its specific research and development needs.

STTR is another program that expands funding opportunities in the federal innovation research and development arena. Central to the program is expansion of the public/private sector partnership to include the joint venture opportunities for small businesses and nonprofit research institutions. The unique feature of the STTR program is the requirement for the small business to formally collaborate with a research institution in Phase I and Phase II.

The contractors working in PPA&E under this contract assist in the planning and managing of activities and programs in the functional areas listed below. Detailed tasks associated with these functions are described in section 2.0.

· Provide program coordination for all aspects of the USAMRDC's SBIR/STTR Programs for the Director of PPA&E and SBIR Project Manager.

· Provide program coordination of SBIR/STTR topic submissions and all internal/external topic reviews.

· Provide program coordination for the receipt, evaluation, due diligence review, selection, proposal feedback, and award of SBIR/STTR proposals.

· Provide Work Breakdown Structures (WBSs) and Purchase Requisitions (PRs), to include PR modifications, for DHA SBIR/STTR Programs via General Fund Enterprise Business System (GFEBS).

· Provide SBIR/STTR financial reporting via internal and external mechanisms.

· Provide official responses to SBIR/STTR related taskers and request for information.

· Provide periodic SBIR/STTR briefings and information papers.

1.0.1. Background

Below is Figure 1 which is a partial diagram of the PPA&E organization.

1.0.2. Objectives

1.0.2.1 Provide exceptional SBIR/STTR guidance to all personnel (internal and external) regarding the USAMRDC’s SBIR/STTR Programs.

1.0.2.2 Provide program coordination during SBIR/STTR call for topics, topic submissions, proposal receipt, proposal evaluations, due diligence reviews, selections, proposal feedback, and contract award cycles.

1.0.2.3 Provide detailed SBIR/STTR financial tracking via GFEBS.

1.0.2.4 Provide timely and accurate responses to internal and external taskers and requests for information.

1.0.2.5 The contractors working in the SBIR/STTR Office will participate in regular staff meetings, topic review meetings, and other proceedings as necessary.

1.1. Current Environment

1.1.1 The work environment for PPA&E is 100% telework with the possibility of 10-15 in-person meetings throughout the year, within driving distance of Fort Detrick, MD. The PPA&E Office conducts in-person team meetings, and has a strong sense of collaboration which includes:

- Consulting with small businesses, scientists, and other Government officials that will result in many phone calls, emails, and other communication modalities.

- Travel to SBIR/STTR conferences and outreach events within the U.S. may be required on occasion.

- Contractor employees receiving a Common Access Card (CAC) that will give them access to Government protected sites and files.

- Contractor employees receiving and using their DoD issued e-mail address for PPA&E business.

- Contractor employees signing a non-disclosure statement as they will have access to acquisition sensitive information as they work with senior leaders and scientist as well as attend senior level meetings.

1.1.2 Contractors are expected to operate independently. Their services are an integral part of a cohesive team, requiring a constant flow of communications.

1.1.3 PPA&E has a significant number of deadlines to which its personnel respond. Some of these deadlines may require short turnaround times of a few hours or couple of days. The SBIR/STTR Office receives numerous taskers each year from many sources. Many of these taskers require significant research, in-depth knowledge of the SBIR/STTR Programs, and a good understanding of the Command. The goal is to provide an exceptional response, always within the time allowed.

1.2 Non-Personal Services

This award identifies services that are strictly non-personal in nature.

1.3 Severable / Non-Severable Services

This award identifies services that are severable in nature.

1.4 Inherently Governmental Functions

This requirement has been reviewed and contains no services that are inherently governmental functions.

1.5 Acquisition Functions Closely Associated with Inherently Governmental Functions This requirement has been reviewed and contains no services that are closely associated inherently governmental.

1.6 Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) Category

USAMRDC has categorized all its non-purchased care requirements into three broad categories, as defined below, for purposes of identifying, avoiding, or mitigating against OCIs in accordance with FAR Subpart 9.5. These categories are defined as follows:

-Category 1: USAMRDC Internal Support: Services which, by their very nature, give the Contractor access to potential requirements and extensive data about Category 2 and Category 3 contractors.

-Category 2: Program Management Support: Services which assist USAMRDC in planning and managing its activities and programs. This includes, for example: requirements analysis, acquisition support, budget planning and management, business process reengineering, program planning and execution support, and independent technical management support.

-Category 3: Product Support. Services or end items required to meet the mission requirements of USAMRDC’s non-purchased care activities and programs. This includes, for example: concept exploration and development; system design; system development and integration; Commercial Off-The- Shelf (COTS) procurement and integration; internal development testing; deployment; installation; operations; and maintenance.

Contractor participation in more than one of these areas may give rise to an unfair competitive advantage resulting from access to advance acquisition planning, source selection sensitive or proprietary information. Furthermore, Contractor participation in more than one area may give rise to a real or apparent loss of Contractor impartiality and objectivity where its advisory or planning assistance in one area potentially affects its present or future participation in another area.

The purpose of this categorization is to accomplish the following three objectives: (1) to inform prospective Offerors that USAMRDC presumes that award of a contract or order in the subject category will give rise to real or apparent OCIs with respect to requirements in the other two categories; (2) to assist current Contractors and prospective Offerors in developing their own business strategies regarding participation in USAMRDC requirements and in identifying and, where possible, avoiding or mitigating against OCIs; and (3) to ensure that all current Contractors and prospective Offerors are afforded the maximum practicable opportunity to compete for all USAMRDC requirements consistent with the restrictions required under FAR Subpart 9.5 and sound business practices.

For purposes of identifying, avoiding and / or mitigating against OCIs, USAMRDC will examine all its non- purchased care requirements and acquisitions regardless of the cognizant contracting activity or the type of contract vehicle used.

Each USAMRDC non-purchased care solicitation will therefore be designated as falling within one of the three above defined categories. The work called for under this contract / order has been determined by USAMRDC to fall within the following non-purchased care OCI category:

Category 1: USAMRDC Internal Support

2.0 TASKS:

PPA&E Office - The contractor shall provide the tasks described below.

2.0.1 Task 1: SBIR/STTR Operations Management. This includes the following work:

2.0.1.1 Oversee daily operations of the MRDC SBIR/STTR Programs and ensure internal/external milestones and taskers are successfully met.

2.0.1.2 Provide expert advice to small businesses and Government stakeholders on SBIR/STTR topics including but not limited to: topic submissions; proposal submissions; proposal evaluations; due diligence reviews; proposal feedback; and contract awards.

2.0.1.3 Prepare and submit DHA SBIR/STTR Quarterly and Annual Reports to the Department of Defense SBIR/STTR Program Office.

2.0.1.6 Prepare annual DHA SBIR/STTR Review and Analysis briefing slides.

2.0.1.7 Prepare DHA SBIR/STTR instructions for DoD SBIR/STTR Broad Agency Announcements.

2.0.1.8 Present SBIR/STTR briefings to internal/external personnel as requested.

2.0.1.9 Assist Government Contracting Officer Representatives (CORs) with questions regarding Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE) applications such as Wide Area WorkFlow and Joint Appointment Module (JAM).

2.0.1.10 Prepare DHA SBIR/STTR Phase II submission schedules and instructions.

2.0.1.11 Prepare responses to internal and external taskers and requests for information.

2.0.2 Task 2: SBIR/STTR Program Analysis. This task entails assisting with the responsibilities listed above as well as providing the services below.

2.0.2.1 Provide expert advice to small businesses and Government stakeholders on the DHA SBIR/STTR Programs including but not limited to: topic submissions; proposal submissions; proposal evaluations; due diligence reviews; proposal feedback; and contract awards.

2.0.2.2 Coordinate all aspects of the DHA SBIR/STTR topic process including but not limited to: call for topic memos/taskers; topic submissions, topic revisions; Topic Review Meetings; and submission of approved topics.

2.0.2.3 Coordinate all aspects of the DHA SBIR/STTR proposal evaluation process including but not limited to: establish Technical Evaluation Teams; prepare evaluation website; monitor evaluations to ensure milestones are successfully met; due diligence reviews; prepare and send select/non-select notifications; and proposal feedback.

2.0.2.4 Work closely with the U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA) to ensure required selection documentation is received in a timely manner.

2.0.2.5 Provide WBSs and PRs, to include PR modifications, for DHA SBIR/STTR Programs via GFEBS.

2.0.2.6 Update SBIR/STTR portion of the PPA&E website.

2.0.2.7 Assist in preparing responses to internal and external taskers and requests for information.

2.0.3 Task 3: SBIR/STTR Senior Transition Analysis Support. This includes the following work:

2.0.3.1 Mentor and support small business concerns and Government stakeholders engaged within the of DHA Phase I and Phase II SBIR/STTR project portfolios (and adopted/follow-on efforts) to increase Phase III and transition and commercialization by sending introductions to Phase I and II small business concerns upon award to engage them in scheduling Phase III planning and quad chart refinement meetings.

2.0.3.2 Attend kickoff meetings upon invitation to gain in-depth project knowledge, and to support CORs and small business concerns with SBIR and STTR-specific investment and acquisition pathway opportunities.

2.0.3.3 Work with small businesses, CORs, and stakeholders to iteratively manage Phase II Enhancement matched funding package requests when small business concerns with Active Phase II contracts receive qualified matching funding.

2.0.3.4 Maintain awareness of the relative market or transition pathway success of active Phase II projects, culminating in an annual Phase II midpoint review checkpoint to ensure portfolio awareness of especially promising technologies.

2.0.3.5 Compile and update all project data and information on a real-time basis, utilizing the DHA SBIR-STTR Portal, the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal, and shared project management documents. Analyze qualitative and quantitative portfolio attributes, including quad charts and stakeholder feedback, to result in leadership investment decision support.

2.0.3.6 Analyze and compile innovation highlight examples for DHA Review and Analysis meetings, DHA stakeholders, and potential external program publication.

2.0.3.7 Assist the DHA SBIR/STTR PM and supported small business concerns regarding the insertion of SBIR/STTR-derived technologies into DoD Programs of Record when required. Serve as a Phase III Point of Contact for MRDC Contracting Officers and become highly proficient in data rights markings and procedures published in the Phase III section of the Small Business Administration's SBIR/STTR Policy Directive. As a result of this advocacy, both the small business concern and transition customer should gain clarity in SBIR/STTR funding pathways, risks, rights in technical data, and science and technology program protection practices.

2.0.3.8 Provide internal team reviews of draft topic Phase III sections to promote the commercial viability of DHA SBIR/STTR topics published within the DoD SBIR/STTR Broad Agency Announcement.

2.1. Government Estimated Level of Effort

The Government estimates that the resultant contract will require an approximate level of effort, as outlined below, to accomplish the tasks identified in the PWS. The labor categories listed below are reflective of labor categories utilized in the Government’s estimate and may not be reflective of the Offeror’s labor categories. Please note that the estimate is only put in place for Offerors to ascertain the approximate or estimated level of effort for the PWS tasks. However, this is not to be construed as either mandatory or necessarily the best technical approach. It is only in place as a reference to allow Offerors to better understand the general scope of this effort from the Government’s perspective. The Government is seeking the best level of effort and labor mix that the Offeror has determined is right to successfully accomplish the mission and scope of work detailed in this solicitation. Offerors are not bound to propose these labor categories or quantities; rather, Offerors are expected to provide their best solution citing the labor mix and quantity required to accomplish the tasks. If Offerors have determined that either the following labor categories or overall level of effort provided are not consistent with their technical solution, Offerors are strongly encouraged and expected to submit a level of effort consistent with all of the Cost/Price and Non-Cost/Price aspects of their approach.

Anticipated Labor Categories

The Government estimated level of effort for one of the two SBIR/STTR Program Analysts is a part time position with an estimated 30 hour work week. (see Attachment 4 – Pricing Sheet)

2.2. Task Management

The Contractor will provide the services described in Section 2.0 at the government’s onsite location at 810 Schreider Street, Fort Detrick, Frederick, Md. The Contractor shall submit a Monthly Progress Report (MPR) as described in 2.2.1.

Government shall furnish the onsite contractor with all supplies, including a computer, all required software, telephone, and office space.

2.2.1 Monthly Progress Report (MPR)

Deliver a Monthly Progress Report no later than the 15th of each month for the preceding month that includes accomplishments, issues addressed, problems, any open issues, and any recommendations. Issues requiring immediate attention by the Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff or Director of Plans, Programs, Analysis, and Evaluation will be raised to the COR without delay instead of waiting for the monthly report. The monthly report will be delivered to the COR via email.

2.2.2 Quality Control Plan

The contractor shall develop and maintain an effective Quality Control Plan (QCP) to ensure services are performed in accordance with this PWS. The contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. The QCP shall be finalized 30 calendar days after contract award. (Deliverable 5) The contractor’s QCP is the assurance that the work products comply with the requirement of the contract. At a minimum, the QCP must include a self- inspection plan, an internal staffing plan, and an outline of the procedures that the Contractor shall use to maintain quality, timeliness, responsiveness, and customer satisfaction. After acceptance of the quality control plan, the contractor shall receive the contracting officer’s acceptance in writing of any proposed change to the QC system.

2.2.3 Contingency Operations Plan

The Contractor shall prepare and submit a Contingency Operations Plan to the Government. The Contingency Operations Plan shall be due thirty (30) calendar days after the award of the contract, and shall be updated on a semi-annual basis (Deliverable 6). The Contingency Operations Plan shall document Contractor plans and procedures to maintain USAMRDC support during an emergency. The Contingency Operations Plan shall include the following:

2.2.4 Contractor Personnel Requirements

Personnel proposed to support Task 1 (Anticipated Operations Manager) (Key Personnel) demonstrates the following qualifications:

· Ability to meet internal/external milestones and taskers.

· Ability to work closely with small businesses and Government stakeholders.

· Capability to prepare Work Breakdown Structures (WBSs) and Purchase Requisitions (PRs), to include PR modifications via General Fund Enterprise Business System (GFEBS) or similar system.

· Capability to prepare and submit financial reports (Quarterly and Annual).

· Capability to monitor budgets to ensure funds are obligated in a timely manner.

· Capability to prepare and provide trainings/briefings to internal/external personnel.

· Must possess a Secret clearance.

Personnel proposed to support Task 2 (Anticipated Program Analysts) must demonstrate the following qualifications:

· Ability to meet internal/external milestones and taskers.

· Ability to work closely with small businesses and Government stakeholders.

· Capability to prepare and track topic development processes including call for topic memos/taskers; topic submissions, topic revisions; Topic Review Meetings; and submission of approved topics.

· Capability to coordinate proposal evaluation processes including establishing proposal evaluation teams; prepare evaluation website; monitor evaluations to ensure milestones are successfully met; due diligence reviews; prepare and send select/non-select notifications; and proposal feedback.

· Capability to prepare Purchase Requisitions (PRs), to include PR modifications via General Fund Enterprise Business System (GFEBS) or similar system.

· Capability to prepare and provide trainings/briefings to internal/external personnel.

Personnel proposed to support Task 3 (Anticipated Senior Transition Analyst) must demonstrate the following qualifications:

· A graduate degree in a science or technology field, technology commercialization, or a demonstrated equivalent.

· Strong familiarity with DoD Research, Development, Testing, and Evaluation activities, the dual use of defense technologies, and commercialization pathways for medical device, diagnostic, and therapeutic technologies.

· A self-starter with strong quantitative project management skills, and exceptional written and oral communication aptitude in support of commercialization efforts.

· Must possess a Secret clearance.

2.2.5 Key Personnel

The key personnel specified in this contract are considered to be essential to work performance. At least 30 days prior to diverting any of the specified individuals to other programs or contracts (or as soon as possible, if an individual must be replaced, for example, as a result of leaving the employment of the Contractor), the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer (KO) and shall submit comprehensive justification for the diversion or replacement request (including proposed substitutions for key personnel) to permit evaluation by the Government of the impact on performance under this contract. The Contractor shall not divert or otherwise replace any key personnel without the written consent of the Contracting Officer. The Government may modify the contract to add or delete key personnel at the request of the Contractor or Government.

a. The Contractor agrees to utilize the following Key Personnel on this contract:

· SBIR/STTR Operations Manager (Secret Clearance required for this position)

· SBIR/STTR Senior Transition Analyst (Secret Clearance required for this position)

b. The above Key Personnel shall be utilized as necessary to fulfill the requirements of this contract.

c. The contractor must provide thorough and detailed documentation of the experience, abilities, and background for Key Personnel under this contract in the form of resumes or equivalent statements of qualifications. Such documentation shall include but not be limited to: name, curriculum vitae, type and description of experience, etc.

d. The contractor agrees that during the contract performance period substitution for Key Personnel shall not be permitted unless such substitution is necessitated by sudden illness, death, or termination of employment. In any of these events, the contractor shall promptly notify the Contracting Officer and provide the information required by paragraph (e) below.

e. All requests for substitutions must provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitution(s), a complete resume for the proposed substitute(s), and any other information requested by the Contracting Officer needed to approve or disapprove the proposed substitution(s). All proposed substitutes shall have qualifications that are equal to or higher than the qualifications of the person to be replaced. The Contracting Officer or their authorized representative will evaluate such requests and promptly notify the contractor of his approval or disapproval thereof.

f. If any of the listed Key Personnel are subcontractor personnel, the contractor shall include the substance of this clause in any subcontract which he awards under this contract.

g. Contractor shall notify the Governments’ COR, within eight (8) hours of any change in Contractor’s personnel employment status.

2.2.6 Contractor Identification

The Contractor shall ensure that Contractor personnel identify themselves as Contractors when attending meetings, answering Government telephones, providing any type of written correspondence, or working in situations where their actions could be construed as official Government acts.

2.2.7 Attendance at Meetings

Contractor personnel may be required to attend meetings or otherwise communicate with Government and/or other contract representatives to meet the requirements of this contract. Contractor personnel shall make their Contractor status known during introductions.

2.2.8 Use of Military Rank by Contractor Personnel

Contractor personnel, while performing in a contractor capacity, are prohibited from using their retired or reserve component military rank or title in all written or verbal communications associated with the contract under which they provide services.

2.2.9 Operations During Emergency Situations

Individual contingency operation plans shall be activated immediately after determining that an emergency has occurred, shall be operational within twelve (12) hours of activation, and shall be sustainable until the emergency situation is resolved, and normal conditions are restored, or the contract is terminated, whichever comes first. In case of a life-threatening emergency, the COR will immediately make contact with the Contractor Task Managers to ascertain the status of any Contractor personnel who were located in Government controlled space affected by the emergency. When any disruption of normal, daily operations occurs, the Contractor Task Manager shall promptly open an effective means of communication with the COR and verify:

2.2.9.1 Key points of contact (Government and Contractor)

2.2.9.2 Temporary work locations (alternate office spaces, telework, virtual offices, etc.)

2.2.9.3 Means of communication available under the circumstances (e.g. email, webmail, telephone, FAX, courier, etc.)

2.2.9.4 Essential work products expected to continue production by priority.

The Contractor Task Manager, in coordination with the COR, shall make use of the resources and tools available to continue contracted functions to the maximum extent possible under emergency circumstances. Regardless of contract type, and of work location, Contractors performing work in support of authorized tasks within the scope of their contract shall charge those hours accurately in accordance with the terms of this contract. The COR is responsible depending on the length of this contract with signing at least one contractor up for ALERT messages for weather or incident alerts, that POC will be responsible for notifying the other contractors by phone, E-mail or other means.

2.2.10 Post Award Conference/Periodic Progress Meetings

The Contractor agrees to attend any post-award meetings convened by the contracting activity or contract administration office. The contracting officer, COR, and other Government personnel, as appropriate, may meet periodically with the contractor to review the contractor’s performance. At these meetings, the contracting officer will apprise the contractor of how the Government views the contractor’s performance and the contractor shall apprise the Government of problems, if any, being experienced. Appropriate action shall be taken to resolve outstanding issues.

2.2.11 Management Plan

The Contractor shall develop a Management Plan (Deliverable 7) that shall require Government approval. It shall be used to manage, track, and evaluate the Contractor’s performance. The Management Plan shall consist of control policies and procedures in accordance with standard industry practices for project administration, execution, and tracking.

The Management Plan shall include the following:

-Identification of milestones where Government information/activity is required and timeline dependencies for subsequent Contractor activities -An Integrated Master Management Plan describing the Contractor’s overall management approaches, policies and procedures including suggested project metrics, and -A detailed staffing plan.

3.0 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for this contract is a Government official who has been delegated specific technical, functional, and oversight responsibilities for this contract. The COR is designated in the COR appointment letter, issued by the Contracting Officer, and is responsible for inspection and acceptance of all services, incoming shipments, documents, and services.

3.1 Acceptance Criteria

Certification by the Government of satisfactory services provided is contingent upon the Contractor performing in accordance with the performance standards contained in the Performance Requirements Summary Matrix (Section 6.4.2) and all terms and conditions of this contract, including all modifications.

3.2 Contractor Payment Processing

The Contractor shall invoice in accordance with the contract. The Contractor shall attach back up information to receiving reports for direct labor and Other Direct Costs (ODCs).

Backup information for ODCs shall list all elements of costs, such as travel breakout backup, including itinerary, dates of travel, name of employees traveling plus per diem costs shall accompany the receiving report. All ODCs exceeding $3,000 require that the Contractor conduct appropriate competition. The Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) – Receipt and Acceptance application is the required method of submission (see paragraph 3.3 or 3.4 below).

4.0 DELIVERABLES

4.1 Delivery Address

All deliverables shall be submitted to the COR designated in the COR appointment letter.

4.2 Method of Delivery

Electronic copies shall be delivered using Microsoft (MS) Office suite of tools (for example, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Project, or MS Access format), unless otherwise specified by the COR. Electronic submission shall be made via email, unless otherwise agreed to by the COR.

4.3 Shipping

The Contractor shall use the US Postal Service standard delivery for delivery of materials, equipment, or required hardcopy documents. The COR must approve all exceptions to this requirement.

4.4 Government Acceptance Period

The COR will have ten (10) workdays to review draft deliverables and make comments. The Contractor shall have five (5) workdays to make corrections. Upon receipt of the final deliverables, the COR shall have two (2) workdays for final review prior to acceptance or providing documented reasons for non-acceptance. Should the Government fail to complete the review within the review period, the deliverable will become acceptable by default, unless prior to the expiration of the ten (10) workdays the Government notifies the Contractor in writing to the contrary. The final submission should be deemed approved if the Government has not rejected it in 30 days.

The COR will have the right to reject or require correction of any deficiencies found in the deliverables that are contrary to the information contained in the Contractor’s accepted proposal. In the event of a rejected deliverable, the Contractor will be notified in writing by the COR of the specific reasons for rejection. The Contractor will have five (5) workdays to correct the rejected deliverable and return it per delivery instructions.

4.5 Delivery Schedule Abbreviations

The following abbreviations are used in the delivery/deliverable schedule:

4.6 Deliverable/Delivery Schedule

A summary of deliverables follows. Copies are to be provided to the Government officials indicated in electronic file (E), and/or hard copy (H).

ANY work on this contract.

5.0 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

5.1 Place of Performance

The Contractor shall perform primary activity at the Government’s facility 810 Schreider Street, Fort Detrick, MD. Exceptions may be authorized by USAMRDC on a case-by-case basis in accordance with USAMRDC policy.

The Government will provide access to Government controlled facilities, equipment, and materials for daily business use of staff called for under this contract. This will include office space, desk, telephone, chair, computer, shared printer, and requisite consumable materials.

The Contractor will be provided coded badges for access to the Government facility. These badges will be controlled, tracked, and protected. At the end of the period of performance, all access badges to the Government facility shall be turned in to the COR.

5.2 Hours of Operation/Telework

Core hours (hours the contractor must be available) for this contract are from 0900-1500 hours local time Monday through Friday. The contractor can perform the additional two hours either before or after the core hours.

Abbreviated duty weeks, telework, and other non-traditional arrangements are not prohibited but must be approved in writing by the COR in advance, considering the mission and effective performance of the PWS. Only the Contractor Manager may seek approval from the COR (on behalf of contractor staff). Individual contractor staff members shall not seek approval from the COR, but shall work through the Contractor Manager.

The work environment for PPA&E is 100% telework with the possibility of 10-15 in person meetings thoughout the year within driving distance of Fort Detrick, MD. It is incumbent upon the Contractor to utilize the government’s telework policies and procedures, and provide sufficient details of the work to be accomplished to the COR to receive approval. The DoD telework policy (DoD Instruction 1035.01) is available on the DoD Issuances Web Site at http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/. At all times, the Contractor shall perform the requirements outlined in the PWS in an effective and efficient manner, to ensure continuity and timeliness in completing tasks. The Contractor manager is responsible for making sure adequate on-site staff is available to meet the requirements of the PWS. The COR may withdraw approval at anytime via written communication to the Contractor Manager. The use of telework, if approved by the COR, shall not increase costs to the Government under this contract.

5.3 Recognized Holidays

The following holidays are observed by the Government:

New Year’s Day Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday President’s Day Memorial Day Juneteenth Day Independence Day Labor Day Columbus Day Veteran’s Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day

5.4 Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

All ODCs are to be approved by the COR prior to purchase.

5.4.1 ODC’s – Travel

Local and non-local travel to Small Business Administration and Department of Defense sponsored conferences and Military Health System Research Symposium is required approximately 3-4 times a year. All local and non- local travel must be approved by the government prior to incurring any travel related expenses. The contractor will follow USAMRDC travel policies and provide adequate time to process the request, at least 4 weeks in advance of travel. Arrangements for and costs of all travel, transportation, meals, lodging, and incidentals are the responsibility of the Contractor. Travel costs shall be incurred and billed in accordance with FAR 31.205-46. Costs for these expenses will be reviewed, certified and approved by the COR. All travel and transportation shall utilize commercial sources and carriers provided the method used for the appropriate geographical area results in reasonable charges to the government. The Government will not pay for business class or first-class travel.

Lodging and meals shall be reimbursed in accordance with regulations defined in FAR PART 31.205.46. Estimated annual travel is indicated below:

The following assumptions should be used when considering costs of travel (both CONUS and OCONUS):

- Participants may depart one day prior and return one day after conclusion of meetings and conferences, depending on the location of the meeting.

- Conferences will be approximately five days in length.

The Government will be providing a “Plugged” Not to Exceed (NTE) amount of $15,000 per period of performance for Travel ODCs as follows:

Local travel is defined as travel within the metropolitan Washington, DC area and to be reimbursed by the prevailing GSA rates (mileage, parking fees, etc.).

Travel costs that result from approved Telework arrangements will not be reimbursed. This may include requirements to be onsite for equipment maintenance, training, or meetings as described in Section 5.2.

5.4.2 Travel Outside of the U.S.

No OCONUS travel is anticipated for this Contract. All ODCs shall be reported as stated in the Monthly Progress Report Section 2.1.1.

In the event this contract would require the Contractor travel to destinations outside of the United States. The Contractor shall ensure that assigned participants allow sufficient lead-time to obtain valid passports, country clearances, and immunizations to support project activities.

5.4.3 Other ODCs

No “Other” ODCs are anticipated during the performance of this contract.

6.0 OTHER TERMS, CONDITIONS, AND PROVISIONS

6.1 Non-Disclosure Agreement – Deliverable 1

The Contractor shall ensure that the Non-Disclosure Agreement (Attachment 1 to PWS) (Deliverable 1) is signed by all staff assigned to or performing on this contract before performing any work, including all subcontractors and consultants. The Non-Disclosure Agreement shall be co-signed by a corporate official (Contractor Task Manager or higher). The Contractor shall also ensure that all staff understand and adhere to the terms of the non-disclosure statement, protecting the procurement sensitive information of the Government and the proprietary information of other Contractors. Assignment of personnel who have not executed this statement or failure to adhere to this statement may constitute default on the part of the Contractor. Requiring activity must ensure the NDA has been approved by its supporting Staff Judge Advocate (SJA).

6.1.1 Public Key Infrastructure Authentication and Encryption Contractors shall follow the DoD standards, policies, and procedures related to the use of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) certificates and biometrics for positive authentication including authentication to DoD private web servers or applications. Where interoperable PKI is required for the exchange of unclassified information, including the encryption of e-mail containing sensitive information, between DoD and its Contractors, industry partners shall obtain all necessary certificates if they are not eligible for a DoD Common Access Card (refer to http://iase.disa.mil/pki/eca/ and http://www.cac.mil/).

6.1.2 Protection of Information/Public Releases

The Contractor shall coordinate and discuss with the COR all corporate publications (e.g., news releases, abstracts from meetings, etc.) that contain references to this contract. Additionally, prior to releasing any of the above, the Contractor shall provide a copy of the release to the Contracting Officer for comments and approval to release.

6.1.3 Contractor Employees/Contractor Identification

The Contractor shall ensure that contractor personnel identify themselves as contractors when attending meetings, answering Government telephones, providing any type of written correspondence, or working in situations where their actions could be construed as official Government acts.

6.1.4 Attendance at Meetings

Contractor personnel may be required to attend meetings or otherwise communicate with Government and/or other contract representatives to meet the requirements of this contract. Contractor personnel must make their Contractor status known during introductions.

6.1.5 Use of Military Rank by Contractor Personnel

Contractor personnel, while performing in a Contractor capacity, are prohibited from using their retired or reserve component military rank or title in all written or verbal communications associated with the contract under which they provide services.

6.2 Access Requirements

6.2.1 Security Requirements

Contractor personnel performing work shall follow the USAMRDC personnel security policy.

Key Control: The Contractor shall establish and implement methods of making sure all keys/key cards issued to the Contractor by the Government are not lost or misplaced and are not used by unauthorized persons. NOTE: All references to keys include key cards. No keys issued to the Contractor by the Government shall be duplicated. The Contractor shall develop procedures covering key control that shall be included in the Quality Control Plan. Such procedures shall include turn-in of any issued keys by personnel who no longer require access to locked areas. The Contractor shall immediately report any occurrences of lost or duplicate keys/key cards to the COR.

Security Badges: Contractor staff members shall wear their Government issued, individual identification badge at all times while performing work under this contract. Contractor staff shall wear the badge on outer clothing, positioned between the neck and waist on the front part of the body and the badge shall remain visible at all times.

Safety and Accident Prevention: While performing work under Government contract, Contractor shall conform to the specific safety rules prescribed in AR 385-55 and the Army Safety Program in AR 385-10, as applicable. Contractor shall take all reasonable steps and precautions to prevent accidents and preserve the life and health of both Contractor and Government personnel.

Security and Fire Prevention Statement. While performing work under Government contract, Contractor shall comply with the Army Physical Security Program, AR 190-13, and the Army Fire Protection and Fire Prevention Program, AR 420-90. Contractor management and staff shall review these regulations within 30 days following contract award. These AR's are available for viewing/downloading at the following URL: http://www.usapa.army.mil

The Facility Security Officer (FSO) will initiate all contractors for their T3/T3R investigations whom require a SECRET clearance and access to classified information. Those positions are identified above.

In-processing with the MRDC G2 requires an appointment and will be coordinated with the Contractor by the PCO. The Contractor shall allow at least two weeks for scheduling of security appointments.

In order to facilitate the MRDC G2 Security appointment, the Contractor shall notify the COR when a new contract employee has been identified. Email notifications must be properly encrypted. The notification shall include the contractor’s full name (first, middle, and last), social security number, date of birth, and date of availability. The Contractor shall provide verification of citizenship, in the form of an original birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or current passport during the MRDC Security Appointment.

Personnel requiring a Secret clearance may begin work (with limitations) with an interim Secret clearance. This will require a favorable final adjudication to continue performance.

All Contractors not requiring a clearance will follow MRDC G2 policy for HSPD12 credentialing and provide vetting required documentation. Contractors meeting the Investigation requirements will be reciprocated and may on-board after official notification from the MRDC G2. Contractors not meeting the investigation requirement will be processed for an interim local suitability. The MRDC G2 will initiate investigations for Contractors and provide interim suitability adjudication. Required documentation will be the SF85, Security documents and fingerprint results. Contractors receiving a favorable interim local suitability review, may commence with on-boarding. Contractors that do not meet the interim local suitability, will be pending final investigation by OPM and adjudication by the DoD CAF for HSPD12 credentialing.

The Contractor shall have a Secret Facility Security Clearance (FCL) for performance under this award. The Contractor shall be able to work with classified material, support classified meetings and safeguard classified information in accordance with Industrial Security Regulations. Contractor shall comply with FAR 52.204-2, Security Requirements. This clause involves access to information classified “Confidential,” “Secret,” or “Top Secret” and requires contractors to comply with— (1) The Security Agreement (DD Form 441), including the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (DoD 5220.22-M); (2) any revisions to DOD 5220.22-M, notice of which has been furnished to the contractor.

A draft DD254 is provided as Attachment 5 and will be finalized after award.

6.2.2 Privacy Act

Performance of this PWS may require Contractor to access information that is subject to the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974.

6.2.3 Access and General Protection Policy and Procedures

Contractor and all associated sub-contractors employees shall provide all information required for background checks to meet installation access requirements to be accomplished by installation Provost Marshal Office, Director of Emergency Services or Security Office. Contractor workforce must comply with all personal identity verification requirements (FAR clause 52.204-9, Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel) as directed by DOD, HQDA and/or local policy. In addition to the changes otherwise authorized by the changes clause of this contract, should the Force Protection Condition (FPCON) at any individual facility or installation change, the Government may require changes in contractor security matters or processes.

6.2.4 For Contractors Requiring Common Access Card (CAC)

Before CAC issuance, the contractor employee requires, at a minimum, a favorably adjudicated National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI), now known as a Tier 1(T1) investigation, or an equivalent or higher investigation in accordance with Army Directive 2014-05. The contractor employee will be issued a CAC only if duties involve one of the following: (1) Both physical access to a DoD facility and access, via logon, to DoD networks on-site or remotely; (2) Remote access, via logon, to a DoD network using DoD-approved remote access procedures; or (3) Physical access to multiple DoD facilities or multiple non-DoD federally controlled facilities on behalf of the DoD on a recurring basis for a period of 6 months or more. At the discretion of the sponsoring activity, an initial CAC may be issued based on a favorable review of the FBI fingerprint check and a successfully scheduled NACI (T1 investigation) at the Office of Personnel Management.

6.3 Data Rights

The Government shall retain rights to all data produced in the course of developing, deploying, training, using, and supporting USAMRDC or other federal agencies that utilize this contract. See applicable clauses.

6.4 Quality Assurance

The Government will review monthly performance and progress reports, and will attend regular task performance review meetings with the Contractor to survey quality of products and services.

6.4.1 Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP)

The Government intends to utilize a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) to monitor the quality of the Contractor’s performance. The oversight provided for in the contract and in the QASP will help to ensure that service levels reach and maintain the required levels throughout the contract term. Further, the QASP provides the COR with a proactive way to avoid unacceptable or deficient performance, and provides verifiable input for the required Past Performance Information Assessments. The QASP will be finalized immediately following award, and a copy provided to the Contractor after award. The QASP is a living document and may be updated by the Government as necessary.

General quality measures as set forth below shall be applied to each work product received from the contractor under this statement of work:

- Accuracy – Work…