OPM15-10-R-0008 RFP Consolidated Leads Final.pdf

Federal Background Investigation Consolidated Leads Solicitation Solicitation

OPM15-10-R-0008

United States Office of Personnel Management i

U.S. OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

OPM15-10-R-0008

CONSOLIDATED LEAD SEARCH SERVICES

INFORMATION TO BIDDERS/OFFERORS

BIDDERS/OFFERORS ARE REMINDED THAT INFORMATION FURNISHED UNDER

THIS SOLICITATION MAY BE SUBJECT TO DISCLOSURE UNDER THE FREEDOM OF

INFORMATION ACT (FOIA). THEREFORE, ALL ITEMS THAT ARE CONFIDENTIAL

TO BUSINESS, OR CONTAIN TRADE SECRETS, PROPRIETARY, OR PERSONNEL

INFORMATION MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED. MARKING OF ITEMS WILL NOT

NECESSARILY PRECLUDE DISCLOSURE WHEN THE OFFICE OF PERSONNEL

MANAGEMENT DETERMINES DISCLOSURE IS WARRANTED BY FOIA. HOWEVER,

IF SUCH ITEMS ARE NOT MARKED, ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED WITHIN THE

SUBMITTED DOCUMENTS WILL BE DEEMED TO BE RELEASABLE.

READING ROOM (Ref Section L.5(a))

Review of materials in the reading room is appointment only at:

OPM – Federal Investigation Services Federal Investigations Processing Center, 1137 Branchton Road Boyers, PA 16018

Contact April Vogel at April.Vogel@opm.gov or (724) 794-5612 at extension 5041 to set up an appointment. Appointments will be granted on a first come first served basis and will be in up to 8 hour blocks to ensure that all vendors have sufficient time to review the materials. Space will be limited so only four individuals per vendor will be allowed in the reading room at any one time; however, OPM will try to accommodate more if needed and possible.

PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE

OPM will host a pre-proposal conference in Grove City, PA on or around Wednesday, December 1, 2010 with a subsequent site visit in Boyers, PA on Thursday, December 2, 2010.

Offerors that wish to attend must contact April Vogel no fewer than three days in advance of the conference date, at April.Vogel@opm.gov or (724) 794-5612 at extension 5041 to be placed on the guest list. Space will be limited so only two individuals per vendor will be allowed to attend.

QUESTIONS (Ref. Section L.5(c))

Offerors are reminded that OPM will provide responses to written questions concerning this requirement if submitted no later than Thursday, December 30, 2010, at 3:00 p.m. local time (EST). Questions must be emailed to Clint Hartle, Contract Specialist, at Clint.Hartle@opm.gov.

NOTICE OF SOLICITATION CLOSING DATE AND TIME

All offers MUST be received by 3:00 PM EDT on Friday January 21, 2011 at the following address:

James C. Thieme Contracting Officer U.S. Office of Personnel Management Boyers Contracting Group 1137 Branchton Rd.

Boyers, PA 16018

NOTICE REGARDING LATE SUBMISSIONS, MODIFICATIONS, AND

WITHDRAWALS OF PROPOSALS

Your attention is called to Section L.2, FAR Clause 52.215-1, part (c) Submission, modification, revision, and withdrawal of proposals. In essence, the provision states that offers will not be considered if received after the date and time specified, unless the offer meets the requirements set forth in part (c)(3)(ii) of the provision ii mailto:Clint.Hartle@opm.gov

Contents

PART 1 – THE SCHEDULE

SECTION A – SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

A.1 PROPOSAL SUBMISSION CHECKLIST

SECTION B – SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COST

B.1 MINIMUM/MAXIMUM ORDER LIMITATIONS

B.2 MINIMUM/MAXIMUM VALUE

B.3 NEW REQUIREMENTS

B.4 OTHER INVESTIGATIONS AND SERVICES

B.5 TRAVEL COSTS

B.6 CONTRACT LINE ITEM NUMBER (CLIN)

SECTION C – DESCRIPTIONS / SPECIFICATIONS / SOW

C.1 SCOPE OF WORK

C.2 BACKGROUND

C.3 DELIVERABLE REPORTS AND PLANS

C.4 TRAINING

C.5 QUALITY CONTROL

C.6 QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN

C.7 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PRODUCTS

C.8 CONSOLIDATED LEADS COMPONENTS

C.9 GENERAL INFORMATION

SECTION D -- PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 PACKAGING

D.2 LABELING

D.3 SPECIAL HANDLING OF CLASSIFIED MATERIAL

SECTION E – INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 52.252-02 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE. (FEB 1998)

E.2 52.246-04 INSPECTION OF SERVICES - FIXED-PRICE. (AUG 1996)

SECTION F: DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 52.242-15 STOP-WORK ORDER. (AUG 1989)

F.2 52.242-17 GOVERNMENT DELAY OF WORK. (APR 1984)

F.3 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

F.4 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

F.5 ORDERING

F.6 ISSUING TASK ORDERS

F.7 SHIPPING DESTINATION

SECTION G – CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1 CONTRACTING OFFICER (CO)

G.2 CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE

G.3 LIMITATION OF TECHNICAL DIRECTION FROM THE COTR

G.4 CONTRACTOR'S INVOICES

G.5 PAYMENTS

G.6 CONTRACT TERMINATION

G.7 PRICING OF ADJUSTMENTS

G.8 TRAVEL AND PER DIEM

SECTION H – SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1 CONTRACT TYPE

H.2 REPORTS

H.3 SECURITY

H.4 CONTRATOR STAFFING

H.5 NEGLIGENCE OR MISCONDUCT BY CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEES OR SUBCONTRACTORS

H.6 REQUIRED INSURANCE

iii

H.7 RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOSS, PERSONAL INJURY OF CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL

H.8 ALL ITEMS TO BECOME PROPERTY OF THE GOVERNMENT

H.9 DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION

H.10 LIMITED DISTRIBUTION OF DATA AND INFORMATION

H.11 CONFIDENTIALITY OF DATA

H.12 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEES AND SUBCONTRACTORS

H.13 ATTIRE

H.14 LANDLORD/FACILITY REGULATIONS

H.15 REIMBURSEMENT TO OPM FOR PROCESSING COSTS, ADJUDICATION, AND RECORD

MAINTENANCE

H.16 1752.200-70 - ON-SITE WORKING CONDITIONS (JUL 2005)

H.17 1752.205-70 - ANNOUNCEMENT OF CONTRACT AWARD (JUL 2006)

H.18 1752.209-70 - CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE CAPABILITIES (JUL 2005)

H.19 1752.209-71 - CONTRACTOR’S KEY PERSONNEL (JUL 2005)

H.20 1752.209-72 - QUALIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTOR’S EMPLOYEES (JUL 2005)

H.21 1752.209-73 - STANDARDS OF CONDUCT (JUN 2006)

H.22 1752.209-74 - ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST (JUL 2005)

H.23 1752.209-75 - REDUCING TEXT MESSAGING WHILE DRIVING (OCT 2009)

H.24 1752.222-70 - NOTICE OF REQUIREMENT FOR CERTIFICATION OF NONSEGREGATED FACILITIES

(JUL 2005)

H.25 1752.222-71 - SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYING SPECIAL DISABLED VETERANS,

VETERANS OF THE VIETNAM ERA, AND OTHER ELIGIBLE VETERANS (JUL 2005)

H.26 1752.223-71 - ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERABLE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (JUL 2005)

H.27 1752.224-70 - PROTECTING PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION (MAY 2009)

H.28 1752.224-71 - FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT REQUESTS (SEP 2009)

H.29 1752.233-70 - OPM PROTEST PROCEDURES [APPLICABLE TO SOLICITATIONS ONLY] (MAR 2007). 60

H.30 1752.237-70 - NON-PERSONAL SERVICES (JUL 2005)

H.31 1752.239-70 - INTERNET PROTOCOL VERSION 6 (IPV6) (JUL 2005)

H.32 1752.239-71 - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS SECURITY (JUL 2005)

H.33 1752.239-72 - CONTRACTOR ACCESS TO OPM IT SYSTEMS (JAN 2008)

H.34 1752.239-73 - SECTION 508 STANDARDS (JUL 2005)

H.35 1752.242-70 - CONTRACT PERFORMANCE INFORMATION (JUL 2005)

SECTION I: CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.1 52.252-02 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

I.2 52.204-01 APPROVAL OF CONTRACT (DEC 1989)

I.3 52.209-08 UPDATES OF INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (APR 2010)

I.4 52.215-19 NOTIFICATION OF OWNERSHIP CHANGES. (OCT 1997)

I.5 52.216-18 ORDERING (OCT 1995)

I.6 52.216-22 INDEFINITE QUANTITY (OCT 1995)

I.7 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000)

I.8 52.222-42 STATEMENT OF EQUIVALENT RATES FOR FEDERAL HIRES. (MAY 1989)

PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACH

SECTION J -- LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

J.1 DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (available in the reading room prior to award)

PART IV - REPRESENTATIONSAND INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION K – REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF

OFFERORS

K.1 52.204-8 ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (FEB 2009)

K.2 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (APR 2010)

K.3 52.223-13 CERTIFICATION OF TOXIC CHEMICAL RELEASE REPORTING. (AUG 2003)

SECTION L – INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO BIDDERS

L.1 52.252-01 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

L.2 52.215-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMPETITIVE ACQUISITION, ALTERNATE I (OCT 1997) 80

L.3 52.216-01 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

L.4 52.233-02 SERVICE OF PROTEST (AUG 1996)

iv

L.5 INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING PROPOSALS

SECTION M – EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

M.1 52.252-01 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

M.2 GENERAL

M.3 TECHNICAL EVALUATION FACTORS

M.4 PRICE PROPOSAL EVALUATION

M.5 DISCOUNT LIMITATION

M.6 PRICE/COST EVALUATION (NOT POINT SCORED)

M.7 COMPETITIVE RANGE

M.8 METHOD OF AWARD

M.9 AWARD

ATTACHMENT 1 – DEFINITIONS

ATTACHMENT 2 – PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

ATTACHMENT 3 – CONTRACTOR REPORT OF SEPARATED STAFF

ATTACHMENT 4 - WAGE DETERMINATIONS………………………………………………….106

v

PART 1 – THE SCHEDULE

SECTION A – SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

A.1 PROPOSAL SUBMISSION CHECKLIST

This checklist is provided as an aid to Offerors to ensure that their proposals are complete.

Offerors must submit a copy of this checklist on the front page of their Volume 2, Price Proposal. For specific proposal format requirements see Section L.5. Please ensure that each of the following elements is included with your proposal submission.

Item Included

1. One original and five copies of the Volume 1 Technical Proposal. Ensure that the document does not exceed page length limitations or use improper font size or margins.

2. One original and one copy of the Volume 2 Price Proposal. Your Price/Cost proposal must include the following:

• Completed and signed Optional Form 308

• Applicable items from Section B of this solicitation

• Applicable Items from Section K of this solicitation

• Current Financial Statements

• Completed and Signed Standard Form 30 from any solicitation amendments issued.

• Completed copy of this checklist.

3. One CD-ROM electronic copies of the Volume 1 Technical proposal. The

CD should contain a copy of the proposal in both Adobe PDF (Version 8.0 or later) and Microsoft Word (Version 2002 or later)

4. One CD-ROM electronic copies of the Volume 2 Price proposal. The CD should contain a copy of the proposal in both Adobe PDF (Version 8.0 or later) and Microsoft Excel (Version 2002 or later). This CD may also contain a copy of the cost proposal in Microsoft Word (Version 2002 or later).

PAGE OF PAGES SOLICITATION AND OFFER -

NEGOTIATED ACQUISITION 2 106

I. SOLICITATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER 2. DATE ISSUED 3. OFFERS DUE BY 4. OFFERS VALID FOR 60 DAYS UNLESS A DIFFERENT

PERIOD IS ENTERED HERE

OPM15-10-R-0008 120 Days

5. ISSUED BY 6. ADDSESS OFFER TO (If other than Item 5)

U.S. Office of Personnel Management Boyers Contracting Group 1137 Branchton Rd.

7. FOR INFORMATION CALL (No collect calls)

A. NAME B. TELEPHONE C. E-MAIL ADDRESS

AREA CODE PHONE NUMBER

James C. Thieme, Contracting Officer 724 794-7171 James.thieme@opm.gov

8. BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Consolidated Lead Services

9. TABLE OF CONTENTS

(X) SEC. DESCRIPTION PAGE(S) (X) SEC. DESCRIPTION PAGE(S)

PART I – THE SCHEDULE PART II – CONTRACT CLAUSES

A SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM 1-2 I CONTRACT CLAUSES 63-68

B SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS 3-8 PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACH.

C DESCRIPTION/SPECS./WORK STATEMENT 9-22 J LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 69-70

D PACKAGING AND MARKING 23-24 PART IV - REPRESENTATIONSAND INSTRUCTIONS

E INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE 25-26

F DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE 27-29

K REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER

STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS 71-78

G CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA 30-34 L INSTRS., CONDS., AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS 79-93

H SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS 35-62 M EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD 94-98

II. OFFER

The undersigned agrees to furnish and deliver the items or perform services to the extent stated in this document for the consideration stated. The rights and obligations of the parties to the resultant contract shall be subject to and governed by this document and any documents attached or incorporated by reference.

10C. TELEPHONE

10A. PERSONS AUTHORIZED TO NEGOTIATE 10B. TITLE

AREA CODE NUMBER

11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR 12A. SIGNATURE OF PERSON AUTORIZED TO SIGN

12B. NAME OF SIGNER

12C. TITLE OF SIGNER

12D. DATE 12E. TELEPHONE

AREA CODE NUMBER

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION OPTIONAL FORM 308 (9-97)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.215-1(f) mailto:jcthieme@opm.gov

Consolidated Lead Search Solicitation Solicitation OPM15-10-R-0004

SECTION B – SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COST

B.1 MINIMUM/MAXIMUM ORDER LIMITATIONS

This Contract does not contain any minimum or maximum order limitations. The volume estimates provided in Section L are for planning purposes only. If OPM's actual requirements are greater than or less than its estimate, that fact will not constitute the basis for an equitable price adjustment except as this Contract may otherwise provide.

B.2 MINIMUM/MAXIMUM VALUE

For a full period of performance, this Contract has a minimum base year guaranteed value of $100,000.00. If this Contract is terminated for any reason, the minimum annual guaranteed value will be prorated by month of performance during the fiscal year. There will be a 90 day ramp up period starting at the Notice to Proceed (NTP) Date. Although the contractor is expected to meet all the performance standards commencing from the NTP, this 90 days allows for minor adjustments to be made by the contractor to better perform this contract.

B.3 NEW REQUIREMENTS

In the event that OPM has new background investigation (BI) related service requirements that are not covered by existing Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs), upon the Contracting Officer's determination that the requirement is within the scope of the contract, OPM may solicit a proposal from the Contractor to satisfy the new requirement and will modify the Contract to add the new requirement upon agreement of the parties to the Contractor's proposal. Alternatively, the parties may agree that the new work be performed under existing CLINs. In the event that the parties cannot reach such an agreement, OPM reserves the right to solicit proposals from other potential providers or add/order the new items via a change order.

B.4 OTHER INVESTIGATIONS AND SERVICES

OPM may order support service for products not listed as CLINs under this Contract upon the Contracting Officer's determination that the service is within the scope of the contract. If no CLIN exists, a CLIN rate will be determined by the Contracting Officer and the Contractor.

B.5 TRAVEL COSTS

Most work under this Contract will be performed at OPM's Federal Investigations Processing Center (FIPC) in Boyers, PA and a minor portion of work at National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis, Missouri; consequentially OPM does not anticipate the Contractor incurring any travel costs.

B.6 CONTRACT LINE ITEM NUMBER (CLIN)

The Contractor shall perform all services as specified in the Statement of Work (SOW). Unit Price will be inserted upon successful award.

Base Performance Period: Notice to Proceed Date to 9/30/2012 CLIN Product Unit Price

Military NARA database search only resulting in a No Record and PIPS updating $

Military NARA database search with file unavailable, update to UC/NL in PIPS appropriately $

Military NARA database search, record, request, review of file (hardcopy or online), record reporting, PIPS updating to AC/IS appropriately, extension and scheduling subsequent ESI, and material destruction $

Military DPRIS database search only resulting in a No Record and PIPS updating $

Military DPRIS database search with file unavailable, update to UC/NL in PIPS appropriately $

Military DPRIS database search, record, request, review of file (hardcopy or online), record reporting, PIPS updating to AC/IS appropriately, extension and scheduling subsequent ESI, and material destruction $

BVS (EVVE) - record search and item reporting, update

AC/NR/DN $

BVS (EVVE) - record search and item reporting, update FL, enter case comment $

DCII - record search and item reporting, update to NR as appropriate $

1010 INS (SAVE) - record search and item reporting, update RR $

INS (SAVE) - record search and item reporting, update UC, ACC Comment $

INS (SAVE) - record search and item reporting, update RI, extension messaging $

1013 State Bar - record search, item reporting, update AC/IS/NR $

West Law (Periodicals) - record search, item reporting, update

AC/NI/NR $

West Law (Periodicals) - record search, item reporting, update IS, extension messaging $

Option 1 Performance Period: 10/1/2012 to 9/30/2013 and PIPS updating $

Military NARA database search with file unavailable, update to UC/NL in PIPS appropriately $

Military NARA database search, record, request, review of file (hardcopy or online), record reporting, PIPS updating to AC/IS appropriately, extension and scheduling subsequent ESI, and material destruction $

Military DPRIS database search only resulting in a No Record and PIPS updating $

Military DPRIS database search with file unavailable, update to UC/NL in PIPS appropriately $

Military DPRIS database search, record, request, review of file (hardcopy or online), record reporting, PIPS updating to AC/IS appropriately, extension and scheduling subsequent ESI, and material destruction $

BVS (EVVE) - record search and item reporting, update

AC/NR/DN $

BVS (EVVE) - record search and item reporting, update FL, enter case comment $

DCII - record search and item reporting, update to NR as appropriate $

2010 INS (SAVE) - record search and item reporting, update RR $

INS (SAVE) - record search and item reporting, update UC, ACC Comment $

INS (SAVE) - record search and item reporting, update RI, extension messaging $

2013 State Bar - record search, item reporting, update AC/IS/NR $

West Law (Periodicals) - record search, item reporting, update

AC/NI/NR $

Option 2 Performance Period: 10/1/2013 to 9/30/2014 and PIPS updating $

Military NARA database search with file unavailable, update to UC/NL in PIPS appropriately $

Military NARA database search, record, request, review of file (hardcopy or online), record reporting, PIPS updating to AC/IS appropriately, extension and scheduling subsequent ESI, and material destruction $

Military DPRIS database search only resulting in a No Record and PIPS updating $

Military DPRIS database search with file unavailable, update to UC/NL in PIPS appropriately $

Military DPRIS database search, record, request, review of file (hardcopy or online), record reporting, PIPS updating to AC/IS appropriately, extension and scheduling subsequent ESI, and material destruction $

BVS (EVVE) - record search and item reporting, update

AC/NR/DN $

BVS (EVVE) - record search and item reporting, update FL, enter case comment $

DCII - record search and item reporting, update to NR as appropriate $

3010 INS (SAVE) - record search and item reporting, update RR $

INS (SAVE) - record search and item reporting, update UC, ACC Comment $

INS (SAVE) - record search and item reporting, update RI, extension messaging $

3013 State Bar - record search, item reporting, update AC/IS/NR $

West Law (Periodicals) - record search, item reporting, update

AC/NI/NR $

Option 3 Performance Period: 10/1/2014 to 9/30/2015 and PIPS updating $

Military NARA database search with file unavailable, update to UC/NL in PIPS appropriately $

Military NARA database search, record, request, review of file (hardcopy or online), record reporting, PIPS updating to AC/IS appropriately, extension and scheduling subsequent ESI, and material destruction $

Military DPRIS database search only resulting in a No Record and PIPS updating $

Military DPRIS database search with file unavailable, update to UC/NL in PIPS appropriately $

Military DPRIS database search, record, request, review of file (hardcopy or online), record reporting, PIPS updating to AC/IS appropriately, extension and scheduling subsequent ESI, and material destruction $

BVS (EVVE) - record search and item reporting, update

AC/NR/DN $

BVS (EVVE) - record search and item reporting, update FL, enter case comment $

DCII - record search and item reporting, update to NR as appropriate $

4010 INS (SAVE) - record search and item reporting, update RR $

INS (SAVE) - record search and item reporting, update UC, ACC Comment $

INS (SAVE) - record search and item reporting, update RI, extension messaging $

4013 State Bar - record search, item reporting, update AC/IS/NR $

West Law (Periodicals) - record search, item reporting, update

AC/NI/NR $

Option 4 Performance Period: 10/1/2015 to 6/30/2016 and PIPS updating $

Military NARA database search with file unavailable, update to UC/NL in PIPS appropriately $

Military NARA database search, record, request, review of file (hardcopy or online), record reporting, PIPS updating to AC/IS appropriately, extension and scheduling subsequent ESI, and material destruction $

Military DPRIS database search only resulting in a No Record and PIPS updating $

Military DPRIS database search with file unavailable, update to UC/NL in PIPS appropriately $

Military DPRIS database search, record, request, review of file (hardcopy or online), record reporting, PIPS updating to AC/IS appropriately, extension and scheduling subsequent ESI, and material destruction $

BVS (EVVE) - record search and item reporting, update

AC/NR/DN $

BVS (EVVE) - record search and item reporting, update FL, enter case comment $

DCII - record search and item reporting, update to NR as appropriate $

5010 INS (SAVE) - record search and item reporting, update RR $

INS (SAVE) - record search and item reporting, update UC, ACC Comment $

INS (SAVE) - record search and item reporting, update RI, extension messaging $

5013 State Bar - record search, item reporting, update AC/IS/NR $

West Law (Periodicals) - record search, item reporting, update

AC/NI/NR $

SECTION C – DESCRIPTIONS / SPECIFICATIONS / SOW

C.1 SCOPE OF WORK

1.1 The Contractor will support background investigations on Federal government applicants, employees, and Contractors performing sensitive work, as well as individuals being investigated due to Federal regulatory requirements by conducting record searches as needed.

1.1.1 The Consolidated Leads Solicitation is a requirement for centralized database searches that are an essential part of each investigation that FIS conducts. The database searches are:

• NARA (Military);

• DPRIS (Military);

• NAPHIS (Bureau of Vital Statistics (BVS));

• EVVE (BVS);

• SAVE (Immigration and Naturalization (INS));

• West Law (Periodicals);

• State Bar License;

• Automatic Central Index (Defense Central Index of Investigation (DCII)).

Section C.8 provides the processes included in each of the sections. Refer to the

Operations Manual (OPS Manual), incorporated herein by reference, for detailed descriptions of these processes.

1.1.2 Work loads for each of the components listed above are directly related to the volume of cases received and processed with the Federal Investigative Services (FIS) as estimated in Section L.

1.1.3 The Contractor shall provide work related to this Contract at the Federal

Investigations Processing Center (FIPC) in Boyers, PA. There will be limited work at National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis, Missouri, and no other location unless pre-approved by OPM. The Contractor shall not remove Personally Identifiable Information (PII) or case material from FIPC or NPRC without OPM approval and such removal of information, material, and equipment must meet OPM security guidelines. FIPC and NPRC Contractor personnel will receive their daily supervision/oversight from Contractor-assigned staff.

Technical direction will be given by the COTR.

1.1.4 Rework: If the Contractor learns of allegations that Contractor personnel falsified casework, the Contractor shall notify OPM within 24 hours of discovery or no later than the close of business the following business day. OPM will determine whether the Contractor or Federal investigative staff will conduct the initial investigation into the allegations of falsification. OPM will determine the appropriate course of action and level of rework needed; the amount of required rework and whether such work will be conducted directly by OPM or by the Contractor will be at OPM’s discretion. All such case rework will be completed at the Contractor’s expense and will be subject to further audit by OPM. The Contractor will reimburse federal or other contractor’s staff for any rework completed.

1.2 The Contractor shall utilize only OPM’s Processing Systems, referred to as EPIC, or any future OPM system that is directly associated with the investigative process. The EPIC application enables data entry of the personnel security questionnaire and subsequent scheduling, tracking, reporting and closing of investigations. As OPM moves toward an electronic case file, more background investigations will be received electronically, which will reduce the need for data entry on the front end process of an investigation.

1.3 FIPC and Standard Forms: Forms are updated routinely; updates in of themselves do not constitute a change in Contract requirements. Form updates will only be considered for a change in the level of effort required by the Contractor in processing.

1.4 OPM reserves the right to perform the work outlined in this Contract when it is in the best interest of the Government.

1.5 Databases or any other systems, as directed by OPM, will be used to conduct these searches.

1.6 All services provided must be in accordance with processing instructions contained in the form of OPS Manuals. A copy of all OPS Manuals will be provided to the Contractor upon award. These manuals are available, for reference and review, by appointment at FIPC in Boyers, Pennsylvania. Additional guidance is contained in the Consolidated Leads Components in Section C.8.

1.6.1 OPS Manuals and instructions are to be maintained by the Contractor and updated as new processes are developed to identify work performed and to describe the final outcome of activities.

1.7 Plans for subcontracting any of the processes covered in this SOW must be submitted as part of the Contractor's proposal. Subcontracting or consulting agreements may not be entered into during performance of the Contract work, unless they are approved in writing by the Contracting Officer (CO) prior to implementation. Any subcontractors or consultants must comply with the same Contract requirements as the Contractor.

1.8 The Contractor shall immediately operate and accurately input data into the EPIC automated tracking system to monitor the investigations being conducted at any given time. The Contractor must account for and track piecework items once they have been received by the Contractor as approved by OPM. The Contractor will furnish periodic status reports as OPM may require. The Contractor must follow their OPM approved plan for control of all investigative materials (including Handbooks and other resources) and OPM issued equipment, which shall be updated and approved by OPM on an annual basis. All Investigator Handbooks (including copies printed from CD) shall be tracked by the Contractor using the Investigator Handbook Acknowledgement Form and are subject to audit by OPM. The Investigator Handbook Acknowledgement Form will be provided to the Contractor at award.

The Contractor shall immediately notify OPM of any piecework or OPM issued equipment that is lost. The Contractor shall take immediate action to retrieve the lost material and/or equipment, and will be financially responsible for the loss of the material and equipment, damages, and the cost of the investigation.

1.9 OPM anticipates changes in technology, therefore the processing of this work will continue to change during the life of the Contract.

C.2 BACKGROUND

2.1 The U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) Federal Investigative Service (FIS) provides background investigation (BI) and lower-level investigative products to departments and agencies of the Federal Government, both civilian and military. These investigations are completed by both Federal employees and Contractors. BIs are required to determine an individual’s eligibility for access to classified information, assignment to or retention in positions with sensitive duties, or other designated duties requiring such investigation. These investigations often involve personal and intimate details of an individual’s life and must be processed and conducted with tact and discretion. Information processed by the Contractor as part of these products is protected under the Privacy Act of 1974.

The public service requires high standards of integrity and trust to promote the interests of the public. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) established a suitability and adjudication program in the Federal competitive service to reduce the potential for abuse of the public trust, to ensure government-wide uniformity, and fairness for applicants, appointees, and employees, and to determine suitability for employment. The requirements of this program apply to applicants for employment and to individuals already employed.

The objective of suitability adjudications is to establish a reasonable expectation that employment or continued employment of the person either would or would not protect the integrity and promote the efficiency of the service. Careful, objective analyses of all available, relevant information, both favorable and unfavorable, are completed to determine if a person’s past or present conduct impacts adversely, or a likelihood exists for an adverse impact, on the integrity and efficiency of the Federal service. When there is reasonable expectation that a person’s employment would not protect the integrity and promote the efficiency of the service, the person must be found unsuitable. In these cases, suitability adjudication actions are taken by OPM/FIS against applicants, eligibles, and appointees under title 5, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 731.

2.2 The general processes involved in the records search include, but are not limited to:

• Search the appropriate database

• Reporting all derogatory information in a report of investigation

• Updating item results in the Personnel Investigations Processing System (PIPS)

• Scheduling or messaging items to field units for appropriate follow-up

• Forwarding completed items appropriately

C.3 DELIVERABLE REPORTS AND PLANS

3.1 Reports - Unless otherwise specified, all deliverable reports will be computer generated.

3.1.1 Program Management Information – On the tenth day of each month, the Contractor shall report to the Contracting Officers Representative (COR) on program status.

This report shall include the following items:

(1) overall workload processed to include an all inclusive item listing (case number, name, item org, and item number);

(2) number of expedited items handled;

(3) average item close cycle time by item type;

(4) number of delinquent items;

(5) item deficiencies and trends found;

(6) COTR-assigned special projects;

(7) Contractor staffing numbers;

(8) staff training;

(9) current issues of mutual interest;

(10) results of any drug tests administered;

(11) timeliness and quality as outlined in Attachment 2.

If the Performance Standards are not being met, the monthly report must include the Contractor’s plan to improve performance including benchmarks and timeframes involved.

3.1.1.1 To provide OPM with some of the information requested under this and other requirements, the Contractor may extract information from EPIC.

3.1.2 Database Information - Required information will be data entered or scanned into EPIC. Data base information collected includes, but is not limited to, data provided by the requesting agency, subject-provided background information, processing accountability and timeliness information, investigative results data, agency adjudication data, and other relevant case data.

3.1.3 Quality Control - The Contractor shall submit the Quality Control Report to the

COTR or designated representative by the tenth day of each month. The report shall contain a summary of the number and type of investigations that are sampled; as well as a case and item number listing. The report shall also provide the number and type of deficiencies found. Deficiencies, for the purpose of this report refer to deficiencies by the Contractor's employees. In addition, the Contractor is required to provide quality control on all Performance Standards (Attachment 2) and deliverables with an all inclusive listing of cases numbers and item numbers, or process reviewed.

3.1.4 Pending Workload Reports - The Contractor shall furnish OPM weekly reports regarding all work in process that are not visible through CIRS and/or Dashboard Reports. The Contractor will annually propose what format the report will be provided in; and with OPM approval, the Contractor will submit this report weekly.

3.1.5 Miscellaneous Reports - Upon request by OPM, the Contractor shall furnish other routine or periodic reports regarding processing information not readily available from other sources such as EPIC.

3.1.6 Process all reports provided by OPM via Dashboard and CIRS (PIPS Reports)

3.1.7 Adhering to the requirements in C.7, the contractor is required to provide a detailed inventory of Government Furnished Property (GFP) and Contractor Acquired Property (CAP) 30 days after the close of the Government fiscal year and within 30 days of the end of the contract. All information required to be tracked in C.7 must be provided with this inventory.

3.2 Plans - All plans should be included as part of the Contractor’s proposal, and must be submitted annually for approval by the 11th month of the fiscal year.

3.2.1 Quality Control Plan (Refer to Section C.5 & M.3.1)

3.2.2 Training Plan (Refer to Section C.4 & M.3.1)

3.2.3 Plan to Control Investigative Materials (Refer to Section M.3.1)

3.2.4 Plan to Control Equipment (Refer to Section C.7)

3.2.5 Drug Use Policy (Refer to Section H.3.2.10)

3.2.6 PII protection - the Contractor must supply OPM with an annual PII protection plan which includes refresher training and is deliverable at the beginning of the fiscal year. This must be compliant with the Policy on the Protection of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) August 2010 and the OPM FIS Security Manual 2010.

3.2.7 Provide a Business Continuity Plan for each duty station and regional / home office 3 months after Contract start up. This plan must be updated annually. The changes to the plan must be submitted to OPM for approval by the 11th month of the fiscal year. This must be in alignment with the FIS Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP). The FIS COOP Plan will be provided to the Contractor upon successful award.

3.2.8 Provide a Staffing Plan detailing how the contractor will meet the staffing requirements as specified in Section H.4.

3.3 Operations (OPS) Manuals

3.3.1 Update the OPS Manuals in accordance to OPM direction/approval within 10 calendar days of COTR approval.

3.3.2 Annually, the Contractor must conduct a review of the OPS Manuals and provide recommended changes to increase overall efficiency and effectiveness of the manuals. If any process improvements are determined, OPM will review and provide direction/approval.

3.4 Contractor must provide a note taker for all Program Management Review (PMR) and the notes must be provided to OPM within 10 calendar days of the PMR.

3.5 Removal Notification/Staff Misconduct - The Contractor shall provide notification to the COTR of adverse action (i.e., removal) within one (1) workday of occurrence. However, in regard to notification of allegations of misconduct, the Contractor shall make such notification within one (1) workday of the allegation. The Contractor shall notify the COTR immediately of incidents involving gross misconduct or alleged violent behavior at FIPC, NPRC, or other OPM approved work sites. The Contractor shall also notify the COTR of the disciplinary action taken against the individual. If OPM chooses to complete an investigation, the Contractor will be liable for any costs associated with the investigation.

C.4 TRAINING

4.1 The Contractor shall develop and implement an OPM approved program for initial, periodic refresher, and update training to ensure staff proficiency. It must include initial and yearly refresher training to identify and correct problems in proficiency by its personnel working under this Contract, training for any changes in technology, policies, procedure, Investigator’s Handbook, and IT Security Awareness Training.

4.2 The OPM OPS Manuals will constitute as the basis of Contractor developed training courses. The OPS Manuals may not be altered (unless approved by OPM); however, the presentation format is left up to the Contractor. The Contractor is encouraged to supplement material as needed. All training materials must be approved by OPM.

Training materials must be submitted to the COTR for approval at least 60 days prior to class start.

4.3 OPM may audit training material during the course of announced and unannounced site visits. Therefore, the Contractor must supply OPM with a training schedule 45 days prior to the initial class outlined. The Contractor must provide OPM with a five (working) day advanced notification of any class cancellation.

4.4 An incumbent in good standing currently working on OPM Contracts may be transferred to another entity or to a new Contract into the same job function without any additional training. Additional training is left to the discretion of the Contractor when the incumbent has 18 months of consecutive OPM experience (in the respective job title with the same functions) and less than 8 months of inactivity working under an OPM Contract in a similar capacity. However, regardless of the incumbents experience level, training (refresher at a minimum) is mandatory when a break in service exists of 8 months or more or if significant handbook or policy changes have occurred with inactivity of less than 8 months. If the incumbent has a break in service of 12 months or more they will be required to attend a complete training program(s) for their respective position.

4.5 The Government shall provide annual mandatory information technology (IT) security awareness training for all Contractor employees working under this Contract. The OPM IT security staff will approve the training materials. The Contractor shall complete the mandatory training by the assigned due date provided by the CO or COTR. If any Contractor personnel fails to complete the training by the due date, they will be removed from the Contract until the training has been completed.

4.6 OPM will also provide an orientation into available PIPS management reports.

4.7 OPM will host a train the trainer session for EPIC. For information needed that cannot be retrieved from EPIC the Contractor shall develop and maintain their own data management systems and shall insure the security and integrity of the data maintained therein as approved by OPM. At any time OPM must be able to access these systems.

C.5 QUALITY CONTROL

5.1 The Contractor is responsible for the quality control process and shall institute procedures that produce the level of quality service required by this Contract. The Contractor shall develop, implement, and modify the quality control process to ensure that Performance Standards (Attachment 2) are met. OPM will periodically review the Contractor’s quality control process, and report concerns for Contractor’s resolution.

5.2 The Contractor shall provide a quality control plan that contains, at a minimum, the items listed below. The quality control plan must be updated annually. The quality control plan must be comprised of three parts and emphasize the areas of Integrity, Quality, and Timeliness.

5.2.1 Integrity – The Contractor shall demonstrate how the Contractor will ensure the integrity of the services delivered under this Contract. This should include how the Contractor will address:

• Employee falsification/gross negligence;

• Employee misconduct;

• Computer security violations;

• Facility security violations;

• PII Loss;

• Mishandling/loss of Government materials and information; and

• Mishandling/loss of data that violates and degrades the integrity of the

Government data systems.

5.2.2 Quality - The Contractor shall demonstrate how the Contractor will meet the quality standards for the respective performance standards outlined in Attachment

2. This must include a description of the inspection or quality control system to cover all services listed on the Support Services Components summary. The description must include specifics as to the areas to be inspected on both a scheduled and unscheduled basis, frequency of inspections, and the title and organizational placement of the inspectors.

5.2.2.1 The Contractor shall provide a description of the methods to be used for identifying and preventing defects in the quality of services provided and for protecting the integrity of data in Government systems.

5.2.2.2 The Contractor shall provide a description of the records to be kept to document inspections and corrective or preventative actions taken. The records of inspections must be kept and made available to the Contracting Officer or COTR, throughout the Contract performance period and for the period after Contract completion until final settlement of any claims under this Contract.

5.2.2.3 Program Management: PII violations, integrity/falsification strategy, management of special projects, subcontracting goals, accurate and complete management reports, management reports delivered on time, favorable public image, etc.

5.2.3 Timeliness - The Contractor shall demonstrate how the Contractor will meet the timeliness standards for the respective performance standards outlined in Attachment 2. This must include a description of the inspection system to cover all services listed on the Support Services Components summary. The description must include specifics as to the areas to be inspected on both a scheduled and unscheduled basis, frequency of inspections, and the title and organizational placement of the inspectors.

5.3 Failure of the contactor to follow and enforce their approved quality control plan is a basis for termination for default.

C.6 QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN

6.1 In addition to the Contractor’s quality control program, OPM will initiate a quality assurance program to monitor the services provided and will identify issues found as appropriate. OPM may inspect and test the services called for by the Contract to the extent practicable at all times and places during the term of the Contract. OPM may vary the levels of surveillance depending on the Contractor’s conformance to the Performance Standards (Attachment 2). This may include, but is not limited to, assessment of the Contractor’s performance based on customer satisfaction, statistically valid sampling, or 100% inspections. OPM will monitor the Contractor’s Integrity, Quality, and Timeliness.

The OPS Manuals provide the work requirements for processing investigative material that will be the basis of OPM’s quality assurance and surveillance. Attachment 2 contains performance standards, deviation requirements, and methods of surveillance.

OPM will focus on outcomes through the use of performance management.

6.2 Integrity - The Contractor’s integrity is the paramount requirement monitored by OPM.

The Contractor must strive to achieve a 100% integrity rating throughout the life of the Contract. Criteria for the Contractor include:

• No allegations of falsification substantiated against any of its personnel or the company.

• No computer security violations by any of its personnel.

• No facility security violations or improper handling of OPM material or equipment by any of its personnel.

• No violation of any PII policy.

In the event of an integrity violation, the Contractor shall be responsible for completing all rework (see C.1.1.4) to address the specific integrity issues as directed by OPM. OPM reserves the right to investigate integrity violations and to conduct all rework utilizing federal staff. In cases where the federal staff conducts investigative rework, or otherwise utilizes resources as a result of an integrity or misconduct concern, all costs associated with the investigation and rework will be charged back to the Contractor. Repeated integrity violations will be the basis for termination for default.

6.3 Quality - OPM will monitor compliance with Contract requirements through a review of work performed. Any reports OPM relies on for purposes of evaluating the Contractor’s performance under this Contract may be shared with the Contractor as they are produced.

OPM may modify existing or develop new reports as necessary to operate and enhance OPM’s oversight of Contractor performance. Quality standards are listed in Attachment 2.

6.4 Timeliness - Contractor will not be held accountable for any delays caused by the fieldwork Contractor or any other delay outside of their control. The Contractor shall report such delays within three (3) days of such occurrence or Contractor learning of such occurrence, whichever comes first. OPM will monitor timeliness standards in accordance with Attachment 2.

6.5 Incentives

6.5.1 Incentives will be applied under this Contract, based on the Contractor's performance. The three main areas of performance that will be used to determine the appropriate incentives are quality, timeliness, and program management.

These incentives will be determined annually. The Contractor will have a ramp up period (grace period) of up to 90 days from the award of the Contract that will not be considered when determining the incentives for the Contractor's first year of performance.

6.5.2 The Incentive Award Board (IAB) may award up to 2% of the CLIN price of the total cases assigned to the contractor (No Hourly CLINS or T.O.s) or up to $100,000, whichever is less for that fiscal year. The IAB, consisting of the Contracting Officer, Management Services Deputy Associate Director or their designee, and Capacity Development and Oversight Program Manager or their designee will meet annually to review all pertinent information regarding the Contractor’s performance. Performance will be evaluated utilizing the three categories outlined below. The Contractor will have an opportunity to submit information for consideration in the determination of the incentive. Any information to be considered must be received by OPM by October 31. Based on the overall assessment of the Contractor’s performance, the IAB will determine the amount of the incentive to be awarded to the Contractor. The Contractor will be notified of the IAB’s decision by January 15th of each year. The IAB’s decision is final and not subject to the disputes clause.

6.5.3 The contractor will submit a report to OPM outlining the amount the contractor deems an appropriate award amount. The report submitted by the contractor shall contain details supporting their rationale for such an award. The decision of the

IAB is final and not open for appeal. Failure to meet contract specifications in two categories may disqualify the contractor for any award.

6.5.4 The categories for the incentive award:

• Quality for all contract requirements, (Weighted 35%)

• Timeliness for all contract requirements, (Weighted 35%)

• Program management (i.e. PII violations, integrity/falsification strategy, management of special projects, subcontracting goals met, accurate and complete management reports, management reports delivered on time, favorable public image, etc.). (Weighted 30%)

C.7 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PRODUCTS

7.1 Government Property – Life of the Contract

7.1.1 The Government shall be responsible for the costs associated for the repair and non-routine maintenance requiring vendor specialized assistance. The Contractor shall be responsible for the routine maintenance of Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) including, but not limited to, the daily cleaning of the copiers, scanners, microfilm machines, and other GFE in accordance with the manufacture’s specifications. The Contractor shall maintain a daily checklist of the maintenance performed on each piece of equipment. The Contractor shall maintain a record of its maintenance, which shall be furnished to OPM upon request. If equipment malfunction or breakdown is a result of the Contractor’s neglect to adequately maintain the designated equipment, the Contractor shall be responsible for the repair and the costs to replace the equipment.

7.1.2 The Contractor shall maintain a detailed inventory accounting system for Property purchased by OPM for direct shipment from vendors to Contractors as government-furnished property (GFP), hereafter referred to as GFP and for Contractor Acquired Property (CAP). The inventory accounting system must specify, as a minimum: product description (make, model), Government tag number, date of receipt, name of recipient, location of receipt, current location, purchase cost (if CAP), and Contract/order number under which the equipment is being used. The Contractor shall either: a) attach an updated inventory report to each monthly progress and status report, or b) certify that the inventory has been updated and is available for Government review. In either case the Contractor’s inventory listings must be available for Government review within one business day of Contracting Officer, or designee’s request.

7.1.2.1 The Contractor shall initial inventory and sign the Personal Custody

Property Record Hand Receipt for acceptance of the GFP. OPM has the discretion to conduct inventories at anytime.

7.1.3 Any GFE/GFP required to be moved must be requested through the COTR in writing. OPM has the authority to approve or deny the request.

7.1.4 OPM shall provide to the Contractor, for exclusive use for work performed under this Contract, certain property (including PIV cards), equipment, services, and fixed assets, including but not limited to:

• Telephone service, OPM standard forms, office furniture, printers, typewriters, scanners, photo copiers, desktop personal computers and operating software (for PIPS only), and modems.

• Preprinted forms.

• Relevant agency regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Electronic data linkage to data bases determined by OPM to be necessary to complete work under this Contract.

7.1.5 OPM shall not pay for the Contractor’s proprietary mail and the Contractor may not use OPM equipment to process their proprietary mail.

7.1.6 The Contractor must follow the OPM PII Reporting Procedures for any case, portion of a case, or OPM issued equipment, that is lost, stolen, or damaged.