Amendment 01 RFQ N6328524T0008 - Behavioral Threat Assessment and Threat Management Training Services.pdf

N6328524T0008

Amendment Date: January 11, 2024

I. FAR 52.212-1 ADDENDUM - INSTRUCTIONS TO QUOTERS:

A. INTRODUCTION: This is a combined synopsis/solicitation (N63285-24-T-0008) for commercial services prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 12.6, Streamlined solicitation for commercial services; supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation.

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) has a requirement for Behavioral Threat Assessment and Threat

Management Training services. Required specifications are listed in Schedule of Supplies/Services within this solicitation and Performance Work Statement (PWS). A Request for Quote (RFQ) is being requested and a separate written solicitation will not be issued. The Government does not encourage vendors to submit multiple quotes presenting alternative terms and conditions for satisfying the requirements of this solicitation.

RFQ Title: Behavioral Threat Assessment and Threat Management Training

RFQ#: N63285-23-T-0008

Set Aside: Small Business

Authority: FAR 12 in conjunction with FAR 13

J&A: No

NAICS Code: 611699 - All Other Miscellaneous Schools and Instruction

Basis for Award: Best Value, Comparative Analysis

B. SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES:

C. REQUIRED DELIVERY/PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: See attached PWS (paragraph 4.0) for required period of performance and deliverables.

D. PAYMENT TERMS: NET 30 days. Invoices must be submitted via the Wide Area Work Flow (WAWF) in accordance with DFARS 252.232-7006. Invoices MUST be submitted via the WAWF to be processed for payment.

See PWS for more details on technical specifications.

E. GENERAL: As a result of this solicitation, the Government intends to make a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) purchase order for a two day instructor-led training and training material.

Each Quoter shall submit a quote that clearly and concisely describes its response to the requirements of the solicitation. Use of general or vague statements such as “standard procedures will be used” will not satisfy this requirement. Unnecessary elaboration or presentations beyond what is sufficient to present a complete and effective solution are not desired and may be construed as a lack of understanding of the requirement.

CLINs Supplies/Services Description Quantity / Unit of Issue

Unit

Price

Extended

Price

Advanced Threat Assessment/Management Training with Travel expenses for instructors.

See PWS for detailed information on required specifications.

1 Each

Optional

Advanced Threat Assessment/Management Training with Travel expenses for instructors.

1 Each

Optional

Advanced Threat Assessment/Management Training with Travel expenses for instructors.

1 Each

Optional

Advanced Threat Assessment/Management Training with Travel expenses for instructors.

1 Each

Optional

Advanced Threat Assessment/Management Training with Travel expenses for instructors.

1 Each

If a Quoter believes that the requirements in these instructions contain an error, omission, or are otherwise unsound, the Quoter shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer (KO) in writing. The Quoter is reminded that the

Government reserves the right to award this effort based on the initial quote, as received, without discussions.

Quotes must be prepared in accordance with these instructions. Failure to do so may result in the Quoter’s submission being determined unacceptable and ineligible for award. Each Quoter’s submission shall be screened by the KO upon receipt to ensure completeness and compliance with the instructions contained in the Request for

Quote (RFQ). Elimination of a Quoter is at the sole discretion of the KO.

This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition

Circular (FAC) 2023-06, Effective 04 December 2023 and Defense Federal Regulation Supplement (DFARS)

Change 12/22/2023. It is the responsibility of the contractor to be familiar with the applicable provisions and clauses, which can be accessed in full text at www.acquisition.gov.

F. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION: The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and its amendments have resulted in an increasing number of requests from outside the Government for copies of contract qualifications and quotes/proposals submitted to federal agencies. If a Quoter’s submissions contain information that he/she believes should be withheld from such requestors under FOIA on the grounds that they contain “trade secrets and commercial or financial information” (5 USC 552(b)(4)), the Quoter should mark its submissions in the following manner:

The following notice should be placed on the title page: “Some parts of this document, as identified on individual pages, are considered by the submitter to be privileged or confidential trade secrets or commercial or financial information not subject to mandatory disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. Material considered privileged or confidential on such grounds is contained on page(s) _______.”

G. SUBMISSION OF QUESTIONS AND QUOTES:

1. Questions Submission. All questions must be received by 11 January 2024 at 3:00 PM EST. All questions submitted for this solicitation must be electronically sent to the following e-mail addresses:

lecia.rosario@ncis.navy.mil and kristin.gomez@ncis.navy.mil.

Note: Due to the firewall on Government networks, please be advised that it is the Quoter’s responsibility to ensure all electronic submittals of questions are received by the KO in the timeframe given above.

2. Quote Submission. Electronic quotes are authorized for this solicitation. Quotes must be submitted no later than 16 January 2024 at 12:00 PM EST. Quotes shall be sent via email to lecia.rosario@ncis.navy.mil and kristin.gomez@ncis.navy.mil with the RFQ number listed in the subject line. In order to maximize efficiency and minimize the effort involved in the quotes evaluation process, all Quoters must comply with the following instructions for quote format and content. Quotes that do not comply with these instructions may be considered non-responsive and may render the Quote ineligible for award. Quoters that fail to furnish required representation or technical information as required by Federal Acquisition Regulation provisions 52.212-1, Instructions to Quoters or reject the terms and conditions of this solicitation shall be excluded from consideration.

3. Quote Format and Content. The Quoter shall submit all quote information in electronic format. Text and graphics portions of the electronic copies shall be in a Portable Document File (PDF) format readable by Adobe

Acrobat Reader. Data submitted in spreadsheet format shall be readable by Adobe Acrobat Reader or MS Excel

2016 or earlier.

Quoters must include a signed RFQ form SF 1449 to the Contract Specialist named above. Block 17a should be completed with company name, address, POC and email, CAGE Code, DUNS number, TIN number, and phone and fax numbers. The Schedule of Supplies and Services, Unit and Extended Price shall be filled in and totaled at the bottom. Failure to follow directions will cause the offerors quote to be unacceptable, deemed non-responsive. No other form of quotation will be accepted.

mailto:lecia.rosario@ncis.navy.mil mailto:kristin.gomez@ncis.navy.mil mailto:lecia.rosario@ncis.navy.mil mailto:kristin.gomez@ncis.navy.mil

II. FAR 52.212-2 ADDENDUM: EVALUATION – COMMERCIAL ITEMS

A. Evaluation Factors for Award.

1. GENERAL. The Government will select the best overall quote, based on a comparative evaluation process between quotes in accordance with FAR 13.106-2(b)(2). The following comparative evaluation factors will be used to evaluate quotes:

Technical Capability

Price

When using the comparative evaluation methods IAW FAR 13.106-2(b)(3), the Government is not required to identify relative weight of evaluation factors, hold discussions, or use other FAR Part 15 procedures under the comparative evaluation process. Direct comparisons are made by comparing one acceptable quotation with another in a uniform and fair manner to determine which quoter provides the government the Best Value as outlined in requirements listed in the PWS. Therefore, the award will not be made to the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable

(LPTA).

The Government intends to evaluate quotes and award a purchase order without discussions with Quoters.

Therefore, each initial quote should contain the Quoter’s best terms from a price and technical standpoint. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if the KO later determines them to be necessary. If the KO determines that the number of quotes in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the KO may limit the number of quotes. The limit in the competitive range will be to the greatest number that permits an efficient competition among the most highly rated quotes.

This acquisition will utilize comparative analysis procedures to achieve the best-value for the Government. An award will be made to the acceptable Quoter whose quote represents best-value to the Government, is deemed responsible in accordance with the FAR, and the quote conforms to the solicitation requirements. The solicitation requirements include all stated terms, conditions, representation and certification, and other information required by this solicitation.

The Government will conduct the procurement consistent with a concern for fair and equitable competition and must evaluate quotes in accordance with the terms of the solicitation. Evaluation of quotes will be based on the

Comparative Analysis process in accordance with FAR Part 13.106-2(b)(3). Comparisons between quotes are made after establishing technical acceptance of quotes according to the technical criteria as discussed below.

2. Technical Capability.

This factor will be evaluated to determine technical acceptability. The Government will evaluate the Quoter’s knowledge and understanding of the requirements by assessing how the Quoter clearly demonstrates their technical solution to meet the performance requirements. The quote shall provide a detailed technical approach that demonstrates the proposed solution will meet the solicitation requirements within the PWS. A mere statement that the quoter will meet the Government’s requirement is NOT sufficient.

The Quoter must also clearly state whether they can meet the required timeframes for all performance and technical requirements. If the vendor cannot meet the required timeframes, they will not be considered acceptable.

Lastly, the quoter must discuss previous past performance of providing a similar solution for other Government or non-Government entities, and within the past 5 years. The Government may use information such as Contractor

Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) and FAPIIS data available from Government sources to evaluate a Quoter's past performance.

The following ratings/definitions will be utilized for Technical Capability:

RATING DEFINITION

Acceptable Quote meets the requirements of the solicitation.

Unacceptable Quote does not meet the requirements of the solicitation.

3. Price.

The Government will evaluate the Quoters’ pricing, but this factor will not be given a rating. Quotes will be evaluated on completeness, accuracy, and reasonableness. Evaluation of the quoted prices for the services will be based on a comparison of quoted prices received in response to the solicitation. In addition, prices may also be based on a comparison to the Independent Government Estimate (IGE) along with any other relevant price analysis techniques defined in FAR 15.404-1(b). Note, that while FAR Part 15 does not apply to this procurement, the price analysis techniques defined in FAR 15.404-1 may be utilized as appropriate.

Comparison of the quoted pricing is considered in the overall evaluation of “best value” to the Government based upon the anticipated level of competition. The price of the base and option periods will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 52.217-5, Evaluation of Options. The Government makes no guarantee that the option periods will be exercised. It is the Government’s unilateral right to exercise any option periods providing the Notice of Intent is submitted to the contractor within the time specified in FAR 52.217-9 or 52.217-8 of the contract. Once option periods are exercised, the Contractor is required to perform the work when ordered during the scheduled period of performance of the award.

Additionally, the clause at FAR 52.217-8 authorizes the Government to require continued performance of any services within the limits and at the rates specified in the contract. For the purpose of evaluation only, the

Government will evaluate this potential option to extend services by adding six (6) months of the Quoter’s final option period price to the Quoter’s total evaluated price. Quoters are notified that the Government may choose to use the Option to Extend Services clause at the completion of any performance period. Quoter’s pricing should reflect the potential exercise of the FAR 52.217-8 clause, Option to Extend Services, keeping in mind that this solicitation is competitive and should reflect the Quoter’s most competitive prices and terms.

Reasonableness. The Government will evaluate the reasonableness of quoted prices for the base and option periods by assessing the acceptability of the Quoter’s methodology used in developing the price estimate. For the price to be reasonable in its nature and amount, it should not exceed that which would be incurred by a prudent person in the conduct of a competitive business. The price quote should avoid ambiguities of inclusion, exclusion, or content.

Reasonableness takes into account the context of a given evaluation, including current market conditions, general economic conditions, and other factors that affect the ability of a Quoter to perform the purchase order requirements. Normally, adequate price competition establishes a fair and reasonable price. Reasonableness depends upon a variety of considerations and circumstances, including:

Whether it is the type of cost generally recognized as ordinary and necessary for the conduct of the

Quoter’s business or of the contract performance;

Generally accepted sound business practices, Federal and State laws and regulations, etc.; and

Any significant deviations from the Quoter’s established practices.

Completeness and Accuracy. The Government will review the pricing for completeness and accuracy. A determination will be made as to whether the Quoter properly completed the Pricing Table. The Quoter’s quote will be checked for mathematical correctness to include the following:

1) Checking arithmetic in all computations; and

2) Ensuring all prices are summarized correctly.

4. Basis of Award. This acquisition will utilize comparative analysis procedures to achieve the best-value for the

Government. Award will be made to the acceptable Quoter whose quote represents the best-value to the

Government, is deemed responsible in accordance with the FAR, and quote conforms to the solicitation requirements. The solicitation requirements include all stated terms, conditions, representation and certification, and other information required by this solicitation.

The Government reserves the right to award without discussions. Quoters should not expect requests for clarification or additional information from the Government. Award will be based on the initial evaluation of quotes received in response to the solicitation. Therefore, each initial quote should contain the Quoter’s best terms from a price and technical standpoint. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if determined necessary by the Contracting Officer. The Government may reject any or all quotes if such action is in the public interest; and may waive informalities and minor irregularities in quotes received.

5. Notification of Award. A written notice of award or acceptance of a quote will be furnished to the successful

Quoter within the time for acceptance specified in the quote. In addition, the award shall result in a binding purchase order without further action by either party. Before the quote’s specified expiration time, the Government may accept the quote, whether or not there are discussions after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

FOR

BEHAVIORAL THREAT ASSESSMENT AND THREAT MANAGEMENT

TRAINING

1.0 SCOPE.

The scope of work is to obtain support services to conduct behavioral threat assessment and threat management training. This training addresses the multiple types of evolving threats and offers a measured process based on scientific research for intervention tactics and threat mitigation involving a reported person of concern.

2.0 BACKGROUND.

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) is the federal law enforcement agency charged with conducting investigations of felony-level offenses affecting the Navy and Marine Corps. NCIS is comprised of approximately 2,000 personnel in over 40 countries around the globe. The organization is roughly 90% civilian, and its cadre of federal agents, about half its total personnel, is 98% civilian. Criminal investigations are at the foundation of virtually all the organization does, but the NCIS mission is broad, “Prevent Terrorism, Protect Secrets, and Reduce Crime.” A portion of the NCIS mission encompasses conducting proactive efforts aimed at threat mitigation, intervention and prevention involving the Department of Navy personnel, facilities, and assets.

3.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.

NCIS requires instructional services to conduct specialized Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management

(BTAM) training. The vendor is to provide and develop training capabilities for recognizing, collecting, and analyzing behavioral information. In addition, training shall include identifying threat enhancing and mitigating characteristics and determine the potential national security threats and/or violence threats. The class will included approximately 24 NCIS personnel to include Special Agents (SAs), investigators, and analysts.

The training shall highlight the threat assessment process and present a unique combination of domains such as:

(1) analysis of threatening communications,

(2) targeted violence warning signs/behaviors,

(3) historical active shooter/mass murder cases,

(4) various violent extremist beliefs,

(5) ideologically driven terrorist acts,

(6) public figure and prior sexual intimate stalking,

(7) current threat research,

(8) legal issues related to threat assessment cases,

(9) and factual evidence related to mental illness and violence risk.

Additionally, the training shall introduce general best business practices for approaching threatening situations and describe contemporary threat intervention and management strategies.

This instruction shall cover cutting-edge concepts related to Threat Assessment and Management (TAM), utilizing scientific based methodology with particular investigative and operational applications. This training will sensitize students to the types of behavioral information requiring collection to assess the level of concern a person may pose as a violence or national security threat. Training shall also provide students with research findings from actual case studies of past violent attacks. These case studies shall amplify behavioral information about those individuals who were responsible and the significance of the observable indicators that were displayed by the attacker prior to the incidents.

The objectives of the training shall include the following:

(1) Students will become familiar with a wide variety of behavioral concepts in TAM, to include learning about the differences between a threat assessment and violence risk assessment. As well as different types of targeted violence, warning behaviors, mental health considerations, stalking and systematic approaches for handling workplace violence, and other threat scenarios.

(2) Students will increase their awareness and knowledge of historical/current threat research as well as threat enhancing and mitigating factors. Resulting in improved ability to better understand and consistently evaluate the potential threat so that the most appropriate management strategies can be applied to mitigate violence and national security risks.

(3) Students will be given a multitude of case examples that demonstrate these behavioral concepts and can provide a measured framework for handling threatening investigations and mitigating potential threats.

4.0 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE.

A period of 90 days prior to the training date is anticipated to allow sufficient time to prepare training materials and personnel coordination for the 2-day presentation. The Contractor shall provide at least seven hours of instruction each day, but the instructional day will not run over the normal eight hour block of instruction. The scheduled training in 2024 will be held the week of 29 April – 3 May. Training in the out years are anticipated on being around the same time, fluctuating right or left to avoid weekends.

5.0 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE.

Training shall be presented at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) located in Charleston, SC. The Contractor shall be responsible for arranging off-site billeting and sustenance for its employees. All transportation, billeting, per diem, and incidental expenses must be calculated and included within the contractor’s price.

6.0 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS/DELIVERABLES.

The Contractor shall provide qualified subject matter expertise for TAM training courses presented as a 2-day presentation, combining lecture and a table top exercise, covering BTAM concepts. The Contractor shall deliver a PowerPoint presentation and any supplemental training materials to NCIS 30 days prior to the training date in electronic format only, for review/approval by the Advanced Training Program Supervisor

(ATPS).

7.0 PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS.

The Contractor shall have 10 or more years of experience in conducting training related to BTAM. The

Contractor shall have 10 years of experience in working criminal investigations or teaching forensic/criminal justice related professionals the various concepts in TAM. Worldwide experience consulting on criminal and civil cases, and have held a position as a federal criminal investigator or a professor within a forensic psychology/psychiatry department for 10 or more years. The Contractor shall have previous experience presenting training at federal law enforcement and/or federal government training venues. The Contractor shall have over 10 years of work history of providing a combination of training, consulting, and classroom instruction related to the topic of TAM.

The Contractor shall have experience in leading research, publishing first-authored scientific peer-reviewed articles, authoring and editing books, and providing peer reviews for academic journals in connection to multiple aspects in the TAM arena. Relative to threat assessment, the Contractor shall have knowledge of general law enforcement investigations and extensive knowledge of clinical matters. Clinical matters such as personality disorder, psychopathy, psychosis, criminality, and serious mental illness as illustrated by academic position, publications, consultation, and previous training provided. The Contractor shall have a Juris Doctor

(JD) degree or a PhD in clinical psychology along with certification from the American Board of Professional

Psychology (ABPP) in Forensic Psychology at least 10 years ago. The Contractor shall have specific knowledge and/or practical experience involving measures, tests or instruments used in the TAM field. The

Contractor shall have membership in specialized threat organizations, including the Association of Threat

Assessment Professionals (ATAP), the Canadian Association of Threat Assessment (CATAP) and/or the

Association of European Threat Assessment Professionals (AETAP). The Contractor shall have a TS/SCI clearance.

8.0 FACILITIES ACCESS AND SECURITY REQUIREMENTS.

The Contractor shall provide documentation of employment eligibility, individual identification as required to facilitate installation access at FLETC Charleston, SC. All personnel must be U.S. Citizens. NCIS will assist the contractor in obtaining installation access. The Contractor must supply personnel information (full names) to the Threat Management Training (TMT) Program Manager (SA Sarah Griffin) at least 15 business days prior to arrival. Her contact phone numbers are 571-305-9784 and 904-591-5093. Her email address is sarah.griffin@ncis.navy.mil. NCIS’ secondary contact is the Division Chief for the Threat Assessment Unit

(SA Carl Tamura). His contact phone number is 571-305-9696 and his email address is carl.tamura@ncis.navy.mil.

Upon award of the contract, and no later than 14 calendar days prior to the start of training, NCIS will contact the Contractor regarding the upcoming training. The Contractor shall report to the NCIS TMT Program

Manager no later than 7:45am on April 30 and/or May 01, 2024. The Contractor shall allow approximately 45-minutes to enter through security and gain access to FLETC Charleston.

9.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE AND ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA.

The Government will inspect and accept all work performed at the place of performance.

NCIS will validate and approve all goods and services reflected on invoices submitted by the Contractor.

Measurable standards are as follows:

(1) Did the contractor provide the lesson plan/training outline, applicable power point presentations and handouts on time?

(2) Did the instructor arrive on time?

mailto:sarah.griffin@ncis.navy.mil mailto:carl.tamura@ncis.navy.mil

(3) Did the instructor meet the qualifications set forth in this contract?

(4) Did the class instructor execute the lesson plan/training outline as approved by the ATPS in a clear, concise, and professional manner?

(End of Summary of Changes)