IDIQ SoW Professional and Administrative Services.doc

STATEMENT OF WORK

INL- Counter-Narcotics and Special Investigations _____________________________________________________________

Professional and Administrative Services for International Partnership IDIQ

1. GENERAL

The Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) in Mexico City, Mexico, requires professional and administrative support services to work with the U.S. Foreign Assistance Program to Mexico. Required services include project management, business operations, security consulting, logistics and administrative assistance. To meet these requirements, the contractor shall provide the services and personnel as described in each statement of work at the task order level.

INL Mexico currently supports the below programs under the International Partnership.

· Anti-Money Laundering Program

· Aviation Program

· Canine Unit Program

· Combatting Human Smuggling/Trafficking in Persons Program

· Corrections Program

· Counternarcotic Program

· Culture of Lawfulness Program

· Drug Demand Reduction Program

· Law Enforcement Professionalization Program

· Rule of Law Program

· Border Security Program In support of the U.S. Foreign Assistance to Mexico, INL is tasked to:

· Assist Mexico in developing more effective and transparent security and rule of law institutions, which work together effectively and cooperate with international partners to reduce threats from transnational and domestic crime, including terrorism, and improve border security and protect human rights.

· Support Mexican state and society efforts to establish efficient, transparent, and accountable prosecutorial, correctional, and alternative justice systems institutions that respect human rights.

· Assist Mexico in improving federal, state, and local governments’ operational ability to prevent and mitigate crime and terrorism, impact transnational criminal organization (TCO) cash flow, contribute to criminal cases against TCO leaders and members, disrupt TCO trust and corruptive relationships, and safely apprehend TCO and other high target offenders.

· Improve border security, including building support to the government’s efforts to secure Mexico's southern border.

Security issues are part of the broad U.S.-Mexican relationship, but they will continue to be a prime driver of cooperation over the years covered in the bilateral letter of agreement. While consulting with the Mexican administration, INL will seek to build on current mechanisms of foreign assistance. INL Mexico will support the GOM in its efforts to strengthen effective institutions to increase the confidence of the Mexican people. INL’s security strategy will also increase bilateral, multilateral, and regional security cooperation synchronized across all U.S. government and GOM agencies to continue to combat shared threats to the two countries and the region in day-to-day justice and law enforcement cooperation as well as longer term efforts. INL will work to improve border security, including working in support of the GOM’s efforts to secure its southern border and its shared northern border.

2. OBJECTIVE

To meet the Congressional mandates of U.S. foreign assistance to Mexico, INL programs in the region include the following objectives:

· Continue to support Mexican state and federal entities with efforts to institutionalize the rule of law among law enforcement and judicial sector operators, including through police professionalization, justice sector reform, anti-corruption, and border security initiatives.

· Help Mexico achieve its transition to the new criminal justice system.

· Create a 21st century border structure, by further developing Mexico’s capacity to detect and prevent smuggling of illicit goods and trafficking in persons. Support networked technology systems and professionalization to strengthen Mexico’s control of its northern and southern borders and ports of entry.

· Bolster Mexico’s efforts to prevent crime and violence by supporting the establishment of resilient communities better able to withstand the pressures of organized crime through drug demand reduction, citizen oversight of security forces, and culture of lawfulness programs.

· Continue to build Mexico’s capacity to disrupt and dismantle organized criminal networks, including capacity building to counter illicit finance and combat the production of, and trafficking in, illegal narcotics. Support the U.S. Embassy’s overall goals from its FY18-21 Integrated Country Strategy (ICS):

- Promote U.S. public security by partnering with Mexico to fight TCOs

- Curb irregular migration and protect U.S. borders.-

3. SCOPE

To meet the Congressional requirements and timelines for implementing the various programs of the U.S. foreign assistance to Mexico, U.S. embassies throughout the region, particularly INL, must develop and execute acquisition plans with effective mechanisms for donating/providing supplies, services, and equipment, worth hundreds of millions of dollars each year. However, the Embassies and INL have limited personnel resources to meet the Congressional mandates for these initiatives. Consequently, the U.S. Government must acquire many of the required professional and administrative services from private industry.

In support of U.S. foreign assistance to Mexico, the contractor shall provide the professional, subject matter expertise and administrative services as detailed in each task order. These services will fall into one or several of the following categories:

· Subject Matter Expertise in Policing, Border Security, Gangs, Money Laundering, K9 operations, Human Rights, Policy Implementation, and other topics pertinent to the INL mission.

· Program Analysis including assessing, planning, and monitoring new an ongoing INL projects.

· Logistics Analysis to assist in the importation, donation, and end use monitoring process with the Government of Mexico.

· Administrative Assistance to include travel coordination, office administration, and record keeping.

· IT Services including running a Help Desk, troubleshooting, update and maintenance of information systems, and equipment maintenance.

· Program Management including top level technical coordination, and assessing, planning, and monitoring program progress.

Additional services, within the general scope of the contract, may be added at the task order level. In addition to the areas described above, the Government considers services covered under the following NAICS codes to be within the scope of this contract.

4. BUSSINESS OPERATION

The Contractor will provide expert advice, assistance, guidance, and counseling, in support of the goals and objectives of U.S. foreign assistance to Mexico. This includes, but is not limited to, assistance to INL in the following:

· Management and strategic planning.

· Audits and evaluations.

· Customized training programs.

· Policy and regulation development.

· Project leadership and communications with stakeholders.

· Performance oversight, monitoring and measurement, to ensure that the commodities donated by the U.S. Government (USG) are effectively utilized, and to eliminate fraud, waste or mismanagement of program resources.

· Contracting and Budget Planning.

· Logistical support.

· Program planning, development, and execution, including participation with INL law enforcement project coordinators in the continual analysis and evaluation of host nation public security institutions.

· Assessments of the organizational and operational capacities of the Mexican Directorates of Public Security, including equipment, leadership, training, outreach to civil society, mobility, communications, and operational effectiveness.

· Technical assistance to INL training project managers and other USG law enforcement officials for administration, delivery, and development of a long-term strategy for modernization of host nation public security entities.

· Reporting.

All prices under this IDIQ shall be stated in U.S. dollars, and all payments will be in U.S. dollars at the Task Order level.The contractor will follow official exchange rates for expenses other than US Dollars from the Treasury Reporting Rates of Exchange.

https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/reports-statements/treasury-reporting-rates-exchange/historical.html

5. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The principal place of performance for all task orders under this IDIQ will be the office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) in the U.S. Embassy Annex space in Paseo de la Reforma 265, in Mexico City.

It is anticipated that requirements for services required will be in Mexico City, as well as other states and provinces located throughout Mexico, and some international locations. Specific locations will be provided with each task order.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The IDIQ shall be effective on the date of the Contracting Officer's signature and shall remain in effect for one year plus four option years that may be exercised at the discretion of the Government. Task orders may be issued in each performance year of the IDIQ, extending out to five years each, plus an optional 6 month extension.

7. STANDARD SERVICES

This IDIQ establishesNot to Exceed hourly labor rates that apply to the standard recurring administrative and professional services required under each task order. The NTE hourly labor rates shall include all direct and indirect costs (including overhead, general, and administrative expenses, etc.), and profit. These services will generally be provided on a labor hour basis, but each task order will specify the contract type. For any positions requested by INL within the general scope of the IDIQ but not established upon IDIQ award, the Contractor shall propose a fixed hourly rate at the task order level as described above.

The following describes the normal workweek for Contractor and subcontractor employees:

1. A normal workweek falls within a consecutive seven-day period.

2. The negotiated NTE fully loaded hourly labor rates apply to a normal workweek of 40 hours.

3. A normal workweek of 40 hours is based on performance of eight hours per day multiplied by five days per week.

4. A normal workweek of 40 hours applies to performance outside the continental United States (OCONUS).

5. If the normal workweek for an individual task order differs from a 40-hour normal workweek, both parties will negotiate labor rates based on the normal workweek for the individual task order.

8. PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

The Contractor shall provide program management support. The Contractor shall develop and apply a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP), reviewed for approval by the Government, to assure that systematic quality assurance methods are used in administration of the performance-based requirements. The plan details how and when the Contractor will survey, observe, test, sample, evaluate, and document the Contractor's performance in accordance with the Contract.

The Contractor shall develop and implement effective quality control and continuous improvement processes to meet or exceed the performance standards established in the awarded contract. The Contractor shall develop a Quality Control Plan (QCP) to establish a management framework to verify that requirements are met and that all services are being performed to acceptable standards.

The Contractor shall develop and implement a Risk Management Plan (RMP) that minimizes negative impacts on project performance through effective risk identification and mitigation. This process is particularly critical because of the severe operating constraints in some areas of Mexico.

The Contractor shall be responsible for the safety of all employees during operations in accordance with U.S. safety laws, codes, and regulations. The Contractor shall develop and implement a safety and health plan to cover all operations. The safety and health plan shall include, but not limited to:

· Safety and Health Program

· Safety Orientation

· HAZMAT/Environmental Control Plan

9. PROGRAM MANAGER (PM)

The Contractor shall propose a Program Manager (PM) for the IDIQ. The PM shall be evaluated as Key Personnel. The PM shall be based in Mexico City, and shall have overall responsibility for contract management and issues and shall be the primary point of contact for all contractual matters.

Duties:

· Serve as overall project manager and be responsible for the implementation and management of the program for the duration of this contract.

· Is responsible to the CO and the COR for all contract performance issues.

· Advise and assist DoS and INL customers regarding technical questions.

· Provides all reporting information required.

Qualifications:

· US Citizen.

· Secret Security Clearance

· Five (5) years of project/program management experience.

· Ten (10) years of professional experience.

· Strong organization and interpersonal skills, with excellent oral and written communication skills.

· Valid Project management Professional Certification (PMP).

· The contractor shall submit a resume and other supporting documentation as required to demonstrate that the proposed Project Manager meets all the above requirements and is capable of performing under this contract.

10. IN COUNTRY OFFICE

The Contractor shall establish an in-country program management office with the appropriate number and types of staff to support each task order. Space requirements and responsibilities will be delineated at the task order level.

11. PROGRAM MANAGEMENT STAFF (PMO) IN COUNTRY

The Contractor shall propose sufficient PMO support staff positions and a support office location necessary to support all Contractor personnel. The PMO staff may be either US, Local National (LN) or Third Country National (TCN). The PMO office requirements will be delineated at the task order level.

12. QUALIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL

All personnel assigned by the Contractor for the performance of the respective services shall be regular employees of the Contractor, or have a direct contractual relationship with the Contractor (e.g. Consultants, sub-contractors). There shall be no employer-employee relationship between the U.S. Government and Contractor personnel.

All matters pertaining to the employment, supervision, compensation, promotion and discharge of such employees shall be the responsibility of the Contractor, who is in all respects the employer of such employees. The Contractor shall not employ any person who is a family member of a USG employee if the employment of that person would create a conflict of interest.

The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), with the concurrence of the CO, may require dismissal from work any employee who is identified as a potential threat to the health, safety, security, general well-being or operational mission of the facility and its population.

Contractor cannot upgrade or dismiss any filled position with actual employees unless the contractor has the candidate that will fill the vacant position.

13. SELECTION OF CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL

As INL identifies requirements for support services in a particular area (e.g., procurement, administrative, logistics), INL will develop a detailed position description. In general, each position description will include the following information as applicable:

· General duties and responsibilities.

· Minimum education requirements.

· Language Requirements.

· Computer Skills.

· Work Experience/Knowledge.

· Specialized Experience.

· Management Experience.

· Leadership Experience.

· Communication skills.

· Security requirements (clearance, background, etc.).

· Citizenship.

· Cultural awareness.

· Work permits/Visas.

Based on this information, the Contractor shall propose appropriate labor positions. The Contractor shall also propose a labor rate commensurate with the required skills and experience as specified in the position description A detail of the locality appropriate benefits and allowances for each position shall be included in the cost proposal.

In certain cases, where a subject matter expert is required, it may be determined that existing pay scales do not provide a reasonable basis for determining a comparable labor rate. In such cases, the Contractor shall provide adequate information to demonstrate that the rate proposed for the subject matter expert is consistent with typical industry rate(s) or the type of expert services required.

14. TELEWORK

Telework may be authorized by the Contracting Officer on an emergency or intermittent basis depending on work assigned and the situation. Contractor is responsible for suppling their employees with all supplies needed to perform telework activities on the Department’s “GO” computer Platform.

Telework can be done under special circumstances, as long as it is approved by the Contracting Officer, and the relocation expenses will be paid for by the contractor. Telework in Mexico, outside CDMX is not allowed.

All cost associated with Telework will be the Contractor’s responsibility.

15. OVERTIME.

For all contractor employees, overtime pay shall require approval in advance by the Program Officer, the COR, and the Contracting Officer. The COR must confirm the availability of funds prior to authorizing overtime. Overtime labor shall be charged in accordance with the pre negotiated rates established. The contractor will not receive compensation of overtime worked without prior authorization from the Contracting Officer.

For the purposes of this contract, overtime work is defined as any work exceeding eight hours in a day or 40 in a week which is officially ordered, approved by the COR, and is actually performed by an employee.

The rules governing overtime, as well as allowable pay, shall comply with Post policy and Mexican labor laws (for Locally Hired Staff).

16. KEY PERSONNEL

A partial basis for award of this contract is key personnel proposed. The Contractor shall assign to this contract those key persons whose resumes were submitted with the proposal necessary to fulfill the requirements of the contract. No substitution shall be made without prior notification to and concurrence of the Contracting Officer (CO) and COR. During the first ninety (90) days of performance, the Contractor shall make no substitutions of key personnel unless the substitution is necessitated by illness, death, or termination of employment.

In the case of substitution of Key Personnel, all proposed substitutes shall meet or exceed the qualifications of the position. The Contracting Officer shall be notified in writing of any proposed substitution at least thirty (30) days in advance of the proposed substitution. Such notification shall include: (1) an explanation of the circumstances necessitating the substitution; (2) a complete resume of the proposed substitute; and (3) any other information requested by the Contracting Officer to enable him/her to judge whether or not the Contractor is maintaining the same high quality of personnel that provided the partial basis for award.

The Program Manager (PM) shall be a Key Person on this contract. Program Manager qualifications are described in Section 9 of this SOW.

The Contractor shall submit Key Personnel resumes with their proposal. The Government shall approve the Key Personnel to be assigned to this contract.

Key personnel resumes shall be no more than three (3) pages in length and shall clearly demonstrate how the candidate meets the minimum qualifications and experience required of the position. The Contractor shall provide a signed letter of commitment from each designated Key Personnel indicating their commitment to perform on the program in the specified position for a minimum of one year from award.

17. DELIVERABLES

All days for deliverables are calendar days.

Summary List of Deliverables

17.1 Description of Deliverables

17.1.1 Implementation Plan

The Contractor shall submit, as a deliverable, an implementation plan that shall identify how the contractor will execute the specific goals, tasks, and deliverables laid out in this Statement of Work. The implementation plan is due with the proposal. There is no set template for the work plan.

17.1.2 Contingency Plan

The Contractor shall be responsible for notification of the employee-designated next of kin and notification as soon as possible to the U.S. consulate responsible for the area in which the event occurred in the following circumstances:

(1) Death of the employee.

(2) An injury to the employee requiring evacuation.

(3) The employee is missing, i.e., the employee’s location is unknown after a reasonable amount of time and search efforts are unsuccessful.

(4) The employee is captured.

17.1.2.1 Return of remains.

In the event of the death of a Contractor employee, the Contractor is responsible for the return of the remains from the point of identification to the location specified by the employee or next of kin, as applicable. The Contractor shall also be responsible for the return of all personal effects of deceased or missing Contractor personnel, if appropriate, to next of kin.

17.1.2.2 Evacuation.

If the Chief of Mission orders a mandatory evacuation of some or all personnel, the level of assistance provided to United States citizen employees of the Contractor shall be the same as the level of assistance provided to other private United States citizens. In the event of a non-mandatory evacuation order, the Contractor shall maintain personnel on location sufficient to meet contractual obligations under this contract until instructed to evacuate by the Contracting Officer, Contracting Officer’s Representative, or Chief of Mission. Medical evacuation is the sole responsibility of the Contractor. Additionally, the Contractor must provide proof of medical evacuation insurance to ensure evacuation of Contractor personnel to adequate medical facilities if and when necessary should such treatment not be provided on site by the Government. Access to the USG-sponsored health clinics in-country does not entitle a Contractor to a MEDEVAC.

17.1.2.3 Changes in emergencies.

The Contracting Officer or the Contracting Officer’s Representative may issue oral instructions to the Contractor in cases of emergencies, e.g., enemy or terrorist activity or natural disaster that causes an immediate possibility of death or serious injury to Contractor personnel. Such oral instructions shall be confirmed in writing in 48 hours or as soon as practicable after the emergency incident has subsided.

17.1.2.4Subcontracts.

The Contractor shall incorporate the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (m), in all subcontracts that require subcontractor employees to provide services at a United States diplomatic or consular mission outside the United States.

17.1.2.5 Contractor Support.

All contractor or subcontractor employees under this contract shall be in good general health and possess up to- date inoculations for both domestic and international travel in areas where service will be performed.

The Contractor will prepare plans for support of DOS operations as required by contract or as directed by the Contracting Officer. For badging and access purposes, the Contractor will provide DOS with a list of all employees (including qualified subcontractors and/or local Contractors being used in the area of operations) with all required identification and documentation information. Changes/updates will be coordinated with the DOS representative.

17.1.3 Recruitment and Staffing Plan

The Contractor shall develop and maintain a recruitment and deployment plan and timetable for filling each position. The Contractor shall include a description of the process for candidate identification, screening, and selection criteria as well as the process leading to selection and deployment of each candidate in the plan. The Contractor shall update the recruitment and deployment plan weekly and the Contractor shall make the plan available to INL no later than one business day after request unless otherwise directed by the CO.

The Staffing Plan should include how the contractor will maintain adequate levels of contractor support, to include how the contractor will replace candidates who leave or are found unacceptable by the Government. Vacated billets must be fully documented, and a candidate selected within 45 business days of employee departure to then send the documentation to RSO/DS in order to start the security clearance process. The contractor is solely responsible for requesting candidates through the Regional Security Office. INL will not request candidate vetting on the contractor’s behalf.

The Contractor shall be responsible for recruitment of qualified advisor candidates that meet or exceed the minimum qualifications and positions descriptions of the contract. The Contractor shall establish and document their recruitment system and processes.

If candidate offered by contractor does not comply with the language or qualifications required in the contract, the contractor may request a waiver. However, the salary per hour for this position shall be reduced 15% until the full requirements are filled.

17.1.4 Quality Assurance Plan

The Contractor shall institute and maintain an appropriate system of Quality Control (QC), to be set forth in a Quality Assurance Plan. The Plan shall be adequate for ensuring that all work performed under the contract is of the highest quality standards and consistent with best industry practices, to assure timely provision of services, optimum USG satisfaction, and appropriate use/protection of USG facilities and assets. The QA plan shall include checklists of duties to be carried out by the supervisory staff and senior employees. The Contractor shall also conduct periodic QA inspections to determine whether the various services are being performed according to the contract standards.

18. STAFFING LEVEL

The Contractor shall maintain, as a deliverable, a staffing level of 90% at a minimum of 95% of the time. The Contractor shall accurately report staffing levels in the weekly, monthly, and annual reports.

The government can inactivate positions requested to the contractor, in these cases, these positions will not count toward the percentage described above.

19. PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS

19.1 General

The below numbers represent an estimate of the first issued task order for estimating purposes only. Specific staffing levels will be designated at the task order level.

Detail position descriptions requirements are in Annex A.

The USG reserves the right to direct the Contractor to remove an employee immediately from the workplace, to include all USG facilities, for engaging in any of the prohibited activities noted.

19.2 Removal of Personnel at USG Request

The Contractor shall be responsible for maintaining satisfactory standards of employee competence, conduct, appearance, and integrity. The Contractor shall be responsible for taking such disciplinary action with respect to its employees as may be necessary.

Contractor personnel are not direct employees of the USG. However, in rare cases, the USG may request removal (permanent or temporary) of Contractor personnel from performance for security, safety, environmental or health reasons, upon discovery of fraudulent qualification documentation, or when Contractor personnel behave in an unprofessional behavior that would be considered unacceptable by a reasonable person.

If the Contractor is directed to remove an employee, the Contractor shall immediately replace the employee with a qualified replacement at no additional cost to the USG, to maintain continuity of services.

20. SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

The schedule for services provided is within the normal working hours of the US Embassy in Mexico (7:00 am to 18:00) from Monday to Friday.

No other schedule is authorized to contractor’s employees. Approved telework schedules are also between the hours of 7:00 am to 18:00.

The Contractor will keep track of its employee’s compliance with the established schedule through a web-based system that will allow them to check-in/check-out each day. Contractor shall generate bi-weekly time sheets for each employee to support labor invoices.

The COR can audit this system any time to verify the system is working and keeping save information. The system will have at least the software/hardware security recommended for DOS systems.

21. IN-COUNTRY PREPARATIONS

The Contractor shall have the capability of managing and supporting deployed personnel. The Contractor shall be prepared to deploy PMO personnel in advance of advisor deployment at the task order level to conduct activities including but not limited to the following:

· Confirm conditions in Mexico and establish contact with U.S. Embassy INL staff.

· Provide a contact list of email addresses and phone numbers of both CONUS and OCONUS personnel, including program support staff, advisor staff, and senior program management staff.

· Assist in finding housing and securing leases or rental agreements when advisors and support personnel are required to live on the local economy.

· Rent and furnish appropriate office space for advisor staff, as required for non local nationals.

· Secure all necessary host government permits, licenses and paperwork related to the mission

· Establish in-country Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) support arrangements for personnel.

· Establish storage or warehouse facility for equipment, emergency equipment and supplies as necessary within 30 days of advisor arrival.

22. HEALTH CARE AND EMERGENCY EVACUATION SERVICES

The Contractor shall ensure that arrangements are in place to stabilize and evacuate Contractor personnel under emergency medical or other emergency conditions (MEDEVAC). The Contractor shall provide or arrange for transportation to and from airports and medical facilities during MEDEVAC.

The Contractor shall be required to provide emergency medical evacuation services to all deployed (non-resident) personnel. The Contractor shall develop and submit to INL contingency plans for likely emergency situations (e.g. fire, terrorist attack, earthquake and etc.).

22.1 Personnel Health Requirements

All Contractor employees shall be in good general health without physical disabilities that would interfere with acceptable performance of their duties. All employees shall be free from communicable diseases.

23. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES

A determination of unfitness may be made from, but may not be limited to, incidents involving the identifiable types of misconduct or delinquency as set forth below:

· Neglect of duties shall not be condoned. The Contractor shall enforce no sleeping while on duty, unreasonable delays, or failures to carry out assigned tasks, conducting personal affairs during duty hours and refusing to render assistance or cooperate in upholding the integrity of workplace security.

· Disorderly conduct, use of abusive or offensive language, quarreling, intimidation, profanity, inappropriate actions or fighting shall not be condoned. Also prohibited is participation in disruptive activities which interfere with normal and efficient Government operations.

· The Contractor shall not allow its employees while on duty to possess, sell, consume, or be under the influence of intoxicants, drugs or substances that produce similar effects.

· Contractor employees may be subject to criminal actions as allowed by law in certain circumstances. These include, but are not limited to, the following actions:

· falsification or unlawful concealment, removal, mutilation, or destruction of any official documents or records or concealment of material facts by willful omission from official documents or records;

· unauthorized use of Government property, theft, vandalism, or immoral conduct;

· unethical or improper use of official authority or credentials;

· security violations; or,

· organizing or participating in gambling in any form.

24. NOTICE TO THE GOVERNMENT OF LABOR DISPUTES

The Contractor shall immediately inform the COR and Contracting Officer of an actual or potential labor dispute that is delaying or threatening to delay the timely performance of this contract.

25. PRE-SCREENING OF EMPLOYEE CANDIDATES

The Contractor shall conduct a pre-screening of all employee candidates prior to submission of security clearance requests to DoS. The Contractor shall complete all pre-screening within fourteen (14) calendar days of INL’s initial approval of the selected candidate(s) resume. In addition to the minimum qualifications and specific position description requirements, the Contractor shall verify that all candidates meet the following pre-screening criteria.

· Clear background, disciplinary, criminal and credit checks.

· Requisite medical screening.

· Reference checks.

26. LEAVING MISSION PRIOR TO COMPLETION OF CONTRACT

Candidate resumes and references shall include whether he/she left a prior INL mission prior to completion of his/her employment agreement. The Contractor shall include a written explanation for the break in mission, if any. The written explanation shall be included in the application packet. INL reserves the right to disapprove candidates who had not completed their period of performance for any prior INL mission, depending upon the circumstances.

27. OTHER DIRECT COSTS (ODC)

General The Contractor will be reimbursed for any allowable Other Direct Costs (ODCs) associated with the performance of services under the contract. In the Contractor’s proposal for each task order, the Contractor shall include the types and estimated amount(s) of ODC associated with the specific contract requirements. For any approved/allowable ODC, the task order will include a Not to Exceed (NTE) amount based on the estimated total amount of ODCs.

27.1 Training

There may be occasions under a task order where INL requires a contractor employee to receive specialized training. This includes training for skills or knowledge that an employee would not be expected to typically have for the position occupied. When specialized training is required, INL will reimburse the contractor for the cost of the training at the task order level. This, however, does not include general career enhancement training, such as training intended to make a contract employee suitable for a promotion or other contract position. This type of training would be at the contractor's expense. In cases where the contractor is responsible for making all arrangements for training required by INL, general and administrative expenses are permitted. However, any costs reimbursed shall not include any profit or fee.

27.2 Facilities

INL does not have adequate space available in the INL offices for all Contractor’s employees. INL expects staffing levels to fluctuate depending on value of the U.S. foreign assistance program and engagement with the Government of Mexico. Specific office space requirements will be provided at the task order level.If possible, office space in the same building as INL’s current offices should be secured. If there are not any office space available in the INL building, the Contractor shall secure office space as close as possible to the INL offices. Contractor will receive an advance notification of any changes that require to move its offices to a new place.

27.3 Living Quarters Allowance (LQA)

The USG will provide up to $2,500.00 per month LQA for US Citizens (who are not residents of Mexico) that the Contractor deploys to Mexico for each task order. The LQA will not be paid for TDY persons, regardless of their country of citizenship, or to residents of Mexico. Employees that are not full-time employees are not entitled to receive the LQA. Employees on TDY will be paid per diem in accordance with applicable per diem rates. This LQA is on a reimburse basis, support documentation shall be sent to receive this LQA (lease contract, facilities and rent payments).

27.4 Temporary Quarters Subsystem Allowance.

On initial arrival in Mexico, Contractor employees will be allowed Temporary Quarters Subsystem Allowance (TQSA) not to exceed 30 days, and then transition to the LQA.

Department of State Standardized Regulations applies on Living Quarters Allowance and Temporary Quarters Subsystem Allowance Personnel who qualify for the LQA and TQSA are:

· US Citizens, non-Mexico residents, full time employees

The contractor shall be responsible for all employees that stay less than a year in each contracted position and leave due to personal interest. The contractor shall reimburse the USG the TQSA, the LQA and any other onboarding expenses.

27.5 Excess baggage.

Excess baggage charges will be limited to $200 when 1) deploying for duty and 2) returning to the US at the end of a tour of duty.

27.6 Rewards accounts.

Contractor shall create a rewards account for lodging and flights to be used for travels on the contract. Support of creation of these rewards accounts shall be sent to the COR as soon as the contract is awarded.

In a monthly basis Contractor shall send a report with the status of these rewards accounts.

27.7 Travel changes.

Travel itinerary change fees and charges will not be reimbursed unless there is a clear nexus to a legitimate government purpose and shall be approved in advance by the COR. A statement shall accompany the Contractor’s invoice explaining any such charges.

27.8 Travel coordination.

The Contractor shall coordinate all travel with the Program Manager (PM)/COR Only travel pre-approved by the COR will be reimbursed. Contractor personnel shall ensure that all US Embassy Mexico City mission travel requirements are met prior to traveling to work locations in Mexico that are outside of their assigned duty locations.

The contractor shall be responsible for assuring that contract personnel who are required to travel are physically able to travel to the intended destination, and to remain there without significant health risk for the required period of the contract. The contractor shall be responsible for assuring that such individuals receive the proper immunizations and take proper health measures before, during, and after travel. Physical examinations and immunizations will not be provided by the Government. Additionally, the contractor is responsible for medical, disability, life insurance, and other requirements in order to comply with host nation government labor laws and the FAR.

All travel requests shall include the information below:

• Purpose

• In-country POC

• Personnel traveling

• Location(s) and length of trip

• Validation that travel prerequisites are met prior to travel (IRDO, medical, training, etc.)

• Departure and arrival airport

• Cost estimate (cost reimbursable) and supporting CLIN All travel under the contract shall comply with FAR 31.205-46 Travel costs In cases where the contractor is responsible for making all travel arrangements, general and administrative expenses are permitted. However, any costs reimbursed shall not include any profit or fee.

27. 09 Business Licenses and Permits

The Contractor shall comply with all Mexican business licenses, permit rules and regulations to avoid delay in the performance of the contract.

27.10 Visas and Visa Renewals:

The Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring that all non-Mexican personnel have appropriate visas prior to deployment and shall be responsible for ensuring timely renewals of visas in-country. The USG will reimburse the Contractor for visas. The USG will not reimburse the Contractor for fines, late fees or extra travel required to obtain visas.

No employee can start working for the contract without the proper legal documentation to work in Mexico.

27.11 Local market procurement

The Contractor will be required to procure, on the local market, equipment or materials needed for routine operations on the contract or on an urgent basis. The Contractor may procure items necessary to operate the contract up to $3,000.00. For procurements greater than $3,000.00 and less than $15,000.00, the Contractor shall obtain COR approval in advance of the procurement. Contractor shall present three cost proposal for this kind of request. Procurements in excess of $15,000.00 require approval by the contracting officer (CO). All items procured on the local market and billed for under the contract shall become the property of the USG. The Contractor shall be responsible for payment of any local value added tax (VAT or IVA) and/or other taxes that the GOM may impose for local market purchases. The Contractor will be reimbursed for the actual costs of the items procured, including IVA or other taxes if paid. IVA will be paid in case there is not a direct beneficiary of this IVA. If IVA is under the name of a Mexican Company, as beneficiary of it, it will not be reimbursed.

The contractor shall be responsible for keeping an accurate inventory of the Property furnished (Government Furnished Property) by INL and bought through the contractor (Contractor Acquired Property) by INL through an internal automated inventory system. INL will have complete access to it. Access to this online system should not need installation by way of any plugin into the web browser or any additional software.

27.12 Motor pool services.

Motor pool services shall be provided by contractor to move its personnel and per services required under each task order.

27.13 Communications

Communication services shall be provided by contractor to their employees (telephones under a plan) as required for each task order.

28. NON-PAYMENT FOR UNAUTHORIZED WORK

No payments will be made for any unauthorized services or supplies, or for any unauthorized changes to the work specified herein. This includes any services performed by the Contractor of its own volition or at the request of an individual other than a duty appointed Contracting Officer. Only a duly appointed Contracting Officer is authorized to change the specifications, terms, and/or conditions of this contract.

29. INSPECTION BY THE GOVERNMENT

The CO, COR, or authorized representative(s) will inspect from time to time the services being performed under each task order to determine whether services are being performed in a satisfactory manner and are of acceptable quality and standards.

29. 1 Types of Inspections The USG may use a variety of inspection methods to evaluate the Contractor's performance, and more than one inspection method may be used. Examples of possible types of inspections follow:

· Planned (periodic) surveillance of services (daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, semiannually, or annually)

· Unscheduled or random inspections of services and deliverables

· Process monitoring

· Unscheduled audits If an inspection identifies performance deficiencies, the COR may require the Contractor to explain, in writing, why the performance was unacceptable, how performance will be returned to acceptable levels, and how recurrence of the problem(s) will be prevented in the future.

The Contractor shall promptly correct and provide a performance improvement plan and address any shortcomings noted during inspections. The Contractor shall also bring any conditions beyond the responsibility of the Contractor to the attention of the COR. The Contractor shall be responsible for any countermeasures or corrective actions, including costs, within the scope of each task order, unless it is determined that the factors leading to performance problems are beyond the control of the Contractor.

29.2 Performance Evaluation Meetings

The Contractor's project manager is required to meet periodically with the COR during the term of each task order. At the Contractor's, CO's, or COR's request, a meeting may he held whenever a significant contract performance discrepancy is noticed. Written minutes of all meetings shall be signed by the Contractor's project manager (or on-site supervisor) and the COR. Should the Contractor not concur with the minutes, the Contractor shall identify any areas of nonoccurrence in writing to the CO within one week of receipt of the minutes.

30. CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

30.1 Contracting Officer

All work shall be performed under the general direction of the Contracting Officer, who alone shall have the authority to bind the Government and to exercise the rights, responsibilities, authorities and functions vested by the contract. The Contracting Officer and the Procurement Executive shall have the right to designate authorized representatives to act for the Contracting Officer, such as the COR.

30.2 Contracting Officer's Representative (COR)

The COR is responsible for inspection and acceptance of services. These duties include review of Contractor invoices, including review of supporting documentation required by the contract. The COR may provide technical advice, substantive guidance, inspections, invoice approval, and other duties as necessary under the contract. The COR is designated as the authority to act for the Contracting Officer in matters concerning technical clarification. A primary duty of the COR is inspection and surveillance of the Contractor’s performance to ensure compliance with contract specifications and acceptance of the Contractor's performance under this contract. The COR will coordinate all work with the Contractor during the term of this contract. The COR is not authorized to alter the contract's terms or conditions. Any change in the terms or conditions of the contract must be authorized by the Contracting Officer in a written modification to the contract. CORs will be designated at the task order level.

31. LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Without additional expense to the USG, the Contractor shall comply with all laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations required to perform this work. In the event of a conflict among the contract and requirements of local law, the Contractor shall promptly advise the Contracting Officer of any conflict and provide a proposed resolution.

The Contractor shall comply with all local labor laws, regulations, customs and practices pertaining to labor, safety, and similar matters.

32. FIREARMS

Contractor personnel are prohibited by Mexican Law to possess or carry any firearms. The handling of firearms or other weapons is restricted solely to the classroom or training setting (i.e., firearms training at an academy shooting range).

33. LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

The primary languages of the contract will be English and Spanish. Contractor employees should generally:

· be proficient in English and Spanish

· Specific language requirements for each position are located annex A position description.

34. DOCUMENT CONTROL

All documents received or generated under the contract are the property of the U.S. Government. The precautions below shall be followed by the Contractor and its employees in the handling of documents under the contract. This includes both Government furnished documents as well as documents generated by the Contractor.

All documents and other data furnished to the Contractor and data developed in connection with the contract shall be considered privileged and shall be controlled and disseminated on a need-to-know basis. Reproduction and distribution is prohibited without express approval of the USG. Contractor personnel receiving documents shall be responsible for such documents while in their possession. Additionally, the Contractor shall return all documents, including all copies, promptly upon demand by the USG.

It is not likely that services under the contract will require Contractor personnel to take photographs within USG facilities. However, in the unlikely event of such as requirement, the following applies:

Photographs within USG facilities are strictly prohibited, except in cases where photographs are approved and authorized in advance. Advanced approval is required by the COR, as well as any other USG security personnel as may be required. The COR, in accordance with USG security policies, will establish any controls, limits, and/or other restrictions on the use of photography as deemed necessary. The Contractor shall submit a written request for authorization for such photography, citing the reason(s) and use(s) for the photographs and/or negatives. The USG shall be afforded the opportunity to review all photographs and negatives in advance of any public use and reserves the right to deny such use.