OPM2613Q0098.doc

OPM2613Q0098

COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

The solicitation number is OPM2613Q0098 and is issued as a Request for Quote (RFQ). This solicitation document incorporates all mandatory commercial item provisions and clauses that are in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC)

2005-64 dated January 18, 2013.

The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code is 611430 and the small business size standard is $10.0 million. This procurement is set-aside exclusively for small businesses, allowing only a small business to submit proposals.

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) Center for Leadership Development (CLD) provides high quality leadership and management development for supervisors, managers and executives across the Federal government through both multi-agency and single-agency designed courses. OPM has established two leadership institutes, the Federal Executive Institute in Charlottesville (FEI), Virginia, and the Management Development Center’s (MDC’s) with locations in Shepherdstown, West Virginia and Aurora, Colorado. OPM also offers courses at the OPM Headquarters in Washington, D.C. and at other locations.

As a Federal business enterprise, CLD provides services that assist Federal agencies in achieving their missions by providing competency-based leadership programs to build great leaders for great government.

One course offered by CLD is the Effective Writing in the Federal Government: Leading with the Written Word (EFW). The current EFW course design utilizes a standard classroom format with in-person instruction. The EFW includes a series of modules that cover subject matter presentations and exercises that correspond with relevant OPM competencies. The EFW is not to be considered a basic writing course. It is designed to prompt and teach participants how the Federal government announces, defends, investigates, regulates, explains issues and systems, and procures products and services that run the country and impact the American people. The course also explores how Federal employees compose, review, edit, and issue critical and sensitive written materials for diverse audiences including national and international groups. For those who write for regulatory, investigative, and oversight agencies, to name a few, the need for effective writing is critical to the success of their organizations. The need to rid documents of cluttered or unclear language has been made a priority by government executives.

In support of its mission, OPM needs to acquire no more than (5) contractors to provide Instructor services for up to (10) modules titled, “General Philosophy for Improving Writing Skills; Exploring Outlines; and Written Communication via E-mail,” during the delivery of the Effective Writing in the Federal Government: Leading with the Written Word (EFW) courses.

OPM intends to award no more than (5) Firm-fixed Price purchase orders to the offeror(s) that represents the best value to the government. The offeror shall provide all labor, incidental materials, and other services necessary to render services under the resulting contract, see Statement of Objectives (SOO) detailed below. The period of performance is listed in the SOO below.

Offerors are invited to submit their quotations to OPM Contracting in response to this notice by 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST), February 21, 2013. Only e-mailed requests for additional information will be accepted at Shannon.Kennedy@opm.gov through 10:00 AM EST, February 15, 2013. Quotations submitted in response to this notice shall include the solicitation number in the subject line and be signed, dated and submitted via email to Shannon.Kennedy@opm.gov.

Technical and Pricing proposals MUST be in two separate files. If your technical and price proposals are not submitted in two separate files, your response to this solicitation will be considered non-responsive and will not be given any further consideration. Each of the parts shall be separate and complete, so that evaluation of one may be accomplished independently of and concurrently with the evaluation of the others.

All communications shall be directed to the attention of:

Name:

Shannon G. Kennedy Title:

Contracting Officer Telephone: 304-870-8065 Email: Shannon.Kennedy@opm.gov NOTE: COMMUNICATIONS WITH OFFICIALS OTHER THAN THE OPM CONTRACTING OFFICER INDICATED ABOVE, MAY COMPROMISE THE COMPETITIVENESS OF THIS ACQUISITION AND RESULT IN THE CANCELLATION OF THE SOLICITATION AND/OR EXCLUSION OF YOUR PROPOSAL FROM THIS SOLICITATION.

Vendors not registered in the System for Award Management at the time the requirement is anticipated to be awarded will not be considered. Vendors may register with SAM by accessing www.sam.gov.

STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

1. BACKGROUND:

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) Center for Leadership Development (CLD) provides high quality leadership and management development for supervisors, managers and executives across the Federal government through both multi-agency and single-agency designed courses. OPM has established two leadership institutes, the Federal Executive Institute in Charlottesville (FEI), Virginia, and the Management Development Center’s (MDC’s) with locations in Shepherdstown, West Virginia and Aurora, Colorado. OPM also offers courses at the OPM Headquarters in Washington, D.C. and at other locations.

As a Federal business enterprise, CLD provides services that assist Federal agencies in achieving their missions by providing competency-based leadership programs to build great leaders for great government.

One course offered by CLD is the Effective Writing in the Federal Government: Leading with the Written Word (EFW). The current EFW course design utilizes a standard classroom format with in-person instruction. The EFW includes a series of modules that cover subject matter presentations and exercises that correspond with relevant OPM competencies. The EFW is not to be considered a basic writing course. It is designed to prompt and teach participants how the Federal government announces, defends, investigates, regulates, explains issues and systems, and procures products and services that run the country and impact the American people. The course also explores how Federal employees compose, review, edit, and issue critical and sensitive written materials for diverse audiences including national and international groups. For those who write for regulatory, investigative, and oversight agencies, to name a few, the need for effective writing is critical to the success of their organizations. The need to rid documents of cluttered or unclear language has been made a priority by government executives.

The EFW places emphasis on the guidelines provided in the Plain Writing Act of 2010. Participants receive direct feedback on at least two writing samples - one prepared prior to class and one or more prepared during class. The course covers a variety of topics that support the numerous written products produced within the Federal government. Attachment 1 provides vendors with an overview of the specific topics covered in this course.

2. SCOPE:

In support of its mission, OPM needs to acquire no more than (5) contractors to provide Instructor services for up to (10) modules titled, “General Philosophy for Improving Writing Skills; Exploring Outlines; and Written Communication via E-mail,” during the delivery of the Effective Writing in the Federal Government: Leading with the Written Word (EFW) courses. This module has three parts that will be delivered over the course of 2 days. The requirements for each part are provided in Section 5.1 below. The full module fosters discussion of writing principles that will enable participants to improve their written products immediately and obtain guidance for continuing improvement. Participants will also discuss thinking before writing, preparing effective outlines, understanding the requirement of various audiences. Finally, they will learn proper e-mail etiquette and standards.

The EFW course supports the development of the following OPM competencies: Oral/Written Communication, Influencing/Negotiating, Political Savvy, Strategic Thinking, Continual Learning, and Improving Leadership Capabilities. These competencies are part of the OPM Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) which are used as indicators of leadership success in the federal government. For more information on the ECQs please see http://www.leadership.opm.gov/.

The target audience is Federal government and public sector leaders. The audience typically includes executives, managers, and others at the GS-12s to GS-15s levels that would be called upon to communicate effectively within and outside the organization. Approximately 30 - 36 participants from a wide variety of Federal departments and agencies will attend each session

3. APPLICABLE CONDITIONS:

· All respondents must have an active role in the preparation, management, and delivery of the module.

· OPM shall have full discretion and rights to use and modify proposed content as it deems appropriate for use in the Federal government.

· Once a class session is completed, the contractor may not keep any participant information, in any form or database.

· Any participant contact information provided to the contractor by OPM, must be deleted or destroyed within 10 business days following the class session.

· Any participant information (e.g., assessment/instrument reports, background information, other pre-work, etc.) collected by the contractor must be deleted or destroyed within 10 business days following the class session, noted by a confirming message to the Contracting Officer post-disposal.

4.

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED MATERIAL/INFORMATION:

The Government shall provide the following:

· One fully equipped classroom and five breakout rooms, if necessary;

· General classroom supplies and equipment, such as pens, notebooks, flip charts, audio and visual equipment;

· Participant rosters and tent cards;

· Textbooks and other learning tools as deemed appropriate by the contractor and the Contracting Officer Representative (COR);

· Printing and assembly of notebooks for all enrolled participants; other printing as needed such as handouts, posters, etc;

· If needed by the contractor for pre-session work, OPM will supply a list of participant names and email addresses prior to the start of each session as determined by the COR. Note: This list is subject to change up to the start of the course.

5. SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS:

The contractor(s) shall be required to deliver up to (10) “General Philosophy for Improving Writing Skills; Exploring Outlines; and Written Communication via E-mail” modules for the EFW in FY13. This full module will be delivered over the course of 2 days. It is expected that one instructor will deliver the full module during each individual delivery of the EFW.

5.1 Module Requirements

The “General Philosophy for Improving Writing Skills” portion of the module must cover four elements: (1) procuring and maintaining accurate, up-to-date information from key stakeholders, both internal and external to the Federal government; (2) identifying the wants and expectations of the decision makers; (3) selecting the appropriate instrument, format, and style; and (4) ensuring that the written project is pertinent and substantive. This portion of the module must also offer a detailed discussion of writing conventions that will enable the participant to improve their written products both immediately and provide continuing improvement with study, reading, practice and following the guidance provided in organizing with the preparation of an outline. The duration of the “General Philosophy for Improving Writing Skills” portion of the module is 2.5 hours, and it should be delivered on Day (1) of the EFW course in the afternoon (PM) timeframe.

The “Exploring Outlines” portion of the module must address the importance of using an outline prior to drafting writing assignments. An easy concept to prepare the initial outline and available reference materials must also be discussed. Other topics to be included in this module include writers block; importance of reading to improve writing, use of reference materials; and understanding the audience. An in-class exercise may be used to reinforce the concepts discussed. The duration of the “Exploring Outlines” portion of the module is 1.5 hours, and it should be delivered on Day (1) of the EFW course in the afternoon (PM) timeframe.

The “Written Communication via E-mail” portion of the module should focus primarily on written communication via e-mail or other electronic media. It should review the impact electronic media has had on the art of writing and on society as a whole. An Instructor led discussion on what e-mail should be used to communicate in the text, when e-mail should be used as a vehicle for an attachment, and when an attachment should be in a .pdf file format should also be include as part of this module. The module must also cover when peer review should be utilized and when to/or not to reply to all when sending a response via e-mail. The duration of the “Written Communication via E-mail” portion of the module is 1.5 hours, and it should be delivered on Day (2) of the EFW course in the morning (AM) timeframe.

Pre-course Writing Assignment - The Instructor of this module is required to establish a pre-course writing assignment that allows the Instructor to evaluate each participant’s writing style and level of proficiency prior to the start of class. The assignment is to be included as part of the welcome letter notification sent out by the OPM Program Director no later than two weeks prior to the start of class. The instructions for the assignment will outlined to provide participants with information on the choice of topics to be used for the assignment, format guidelines and restrictions, required completion deadline, and submission information. The Instructor must review, evaluate, and provide constructive written comments on each written assignment. The assignment is to be returned to the participant on the first day of the course. As part of the delivery module, the Instructor must also offer the opportunity for one-on-one discussions of the written comments provided to participants on the pre-course writing assignment. An example of the pre-course writing assignment used in previous courses is attached (see Attachment #2).

Homework Assignment: Participants may be given another writing assignment to be completed by a deadline on one of several suggested topics. All assignments will be returned to participants the next day with written comments that reinforce the instructions that were provided in the initial discussion on writing conventions.

The learning objectives for this module must:

· Identify key conventions for improving writing

· Provide understanding of concepts for continued learning beyond classroom instruction

· Provide an opportunity for a new writing assignment

· Enhance knowledge of research skills and use of reference materials for writers

· Provide an overview of the history of e-mail; demonstrate the requirements of writing an effective e-mail

· Establish concept of “think before writing”

There should be at least one in-class individual or team writing assignment that reinforces the module learning objectives. Please note: Examples of DoD written products and specifications may need to be used when delivering to single agency DoD audiences. On March 19-20, 2013, this module will delivered to as many as 144 Department of Defense (DoD) participants on site at the same time, with (4) separate courses delivered simultaneously. The DoD training facility in Southbridge, MA offers a large auditorium that can accommodate all of the participants, in addition to four separate training rooms that can accommodate 36 people each. Because of the large number of participants, it may be more appropriate to offer this module as a general session with all participants present and then have work sessions broken down into (4) groups of 36 people each. As part of the technical proposal, vendor(s) should address how they would approach the delivery of this module. The agenda for this specific date may need to be modified to support the simultaneous delivery of 4 courses. The successful offeror(s) will work directly with the OPM Program Director to facilitate the delivery of these modules.

5.2 Instructor/Speaker/Presenter Responsibilities

The contractor(s) selected for this project will serve as an Instructor during the delivery of a hands-on, four-day, training seminar on effective writing in the Federal government.

Instructors must have extensive knowledge and/or direct experience in dealing with or creating the various written products produced within the Federal government as outlined in the Scope. Instructors should have experience managing and leading in the Federal government environment as evidenced by former Federal employee status or relevant academic or consulting experience in the Federal environment. A strong professional background in teaching, as evidenced with documentation in the proposal, is also required.

Instructors must:

· Introduce, facilitate, and instruct the module as described above. The Instructor shall not be the primary instructor for more than three modules during each EFW course.

· Review, evaluate, and provide feedback on pre-course and in-class writing assignments based on this specific subject matter presentation.

· Demonstrate acceptable group facilitation skills and maintain the learner-centered format of this course.

· Be familiar and have an acceptable level of proficiency with PowerPoint applications, all audio and visual equipment and other systems utilized in the classroom.

· Assure course materials are accessible to and usable by learners in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

· Have no less than a Bachelor’s degree.

6. DELIVERABLES:

The contractor(s) shall provide all management, supervision, labor, materials, supplies, and equipment (except as otherwise specified); and shall plan, schedule, coordinate, and assure the efficient performance of up to (10) EFW course modules entitled “General Philosophy for Improving Writing Skills; Exploring Outlines; and Written Communication via E-mail.” These services shall be in accordance with specifications stated in the Summary of Requirements and include, but are not limited to the following:

6.1 Participate in pre-planning meeting with OPM staff within five days of receipt of award.

6.2 Provide a final module outline to the COR no later than 15 days post award.

6.3 Provide all required participant materials no less than (4) weeks prior to course delivery.

6.4 Conduct each EFW course module according to Summary of

Requirements.

6.5 Participate in post-delivery consultation teleconference with OPM staff to provide feedback, discuss session outcomes, and content adjustments.

7. COPYRIGHTED MATERIALS

It is the responsibility the Contractor to comply with copyrighted material laws, rules and regulations for materials they use in the performance of this contract. This includes the marking of materials and obtaining permissions to use copyrighted material. If the Contractor has developed material independent of OPM requirement and is recommending use of that material in a proposed course or program, then the Contractor is granting OPM the right to use, reproduce and distribute the material for either; a) the specific course and specific date; or b) the specific course and a specific range of time. All materials will be marked accordingly. Use of the materials for a different course and/or different time period will be negotiated separately. Contractor proposing to use other materials that have third-party copyright restrictions are responsible for obtaining the proper permissions to use and reproduce that material the material. The Contractor will also be responsible for ensuring the material is properly marked prior to copies being made. If a Contractor is tasked with developing or improving course materials while under a service call, then OPM has exclusive rights to any and all of that work, including improvements and developments created by the Contractor as a result of performing services. Materials will be marked accordingly. [Note that if OPM requests the contractor to modify materials, the materials should be marked accordingly with a note to indicate “modified by Full Name, May XX, 201X, as requested by OPM.”] Contractors may not claim or otherwise use materials, courses or programs developed under this contract for their own use without express approval from OPM. For information and/or materials that are considered common property, has no original author, or was first created by an OPM staff member in the scope of their employment, the work is to be considered “in the public domain.” Contractors and OPM may not assert any proprietary rights to the document and no special markings are necessary. If use of third-party proprietary materials requires the contractor to be certified in the use of such materials, the contractor will be required to provide proof that they hold a current certification. Note that service providers also need to make sure that e-copies of course materials are available and marked accordingly for use in any OPM e-learning platform, when applicable.

8. PURCHASE OF MATERIALS

Where the contractor is required to provide program/class materials, such materials are subject to OPM’s approval. The contractor shall be conscientious in limiting the extent of these types of purchases to the absolute numbers and the lowest costs appropriate to achieving desired learning outcomes.

9. PACKAGING

Program/class materials must be packaged and packed for shipment in such a manner that will ensure acceptance by common carriers and safe delivery at destination. Containers and closures shall comply with the Interstate Commerce Commission regulations, Uniform Freight Classification Rules, National Motor Freight Classification, or regulations of other carriers as applicable to the mode of transportation. Mark deliverables as follows:

Eastern Management Development Center (EMDC)

239 Lowe Drive

Shepherdstown, WV 25443

OR

Western Management Development Center (WMDC)

3151 South Vaughn Way, Suite #300

Aurora, CO 80014

10. BRANDING

Material produced for use in OPM courses should be branded to reflect the OPM organization hosting/sponsoring the developmental opportunity. Specific logos and slogans will be provided to the contractor upon contract award. In no instance may a contracted curriculum developer or supplier include organizational advertisements or contact information, or otherwise market their organization or services to OPM participants. Such marketing and/or advertising by contracted personnel is expressly forbidden within the confines of OPM learning environments.

11. TRAVEL

Travel by air shall be negotiated at a fair and reasonable price, not to exceed coach fare.

The costs for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses incurred by contractor personnel shall be considered to be reasonable and allowable to the extent they do not exceed, on a daily basis, the per diem rates set forth in the Federal Travel Regulations (FTR).

Travel by privately owned vehicle shall be at the current GSA approved mileage rate. Traveling expenses for Faculty living within a 35 mile radius of the training site will not be reimbursed.

The contractor will be reimbursed for their actual travel expenses incurred, in accordance with the FTR. If the contractor incurs travel costs in excess of the amount negotiated and agreed upon for each task order, it is at the contractor’s own expense.

12. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The Period of Performance will be approximately (9) months (3 month base period and up to 6 one-month periods) from the date of award.

13. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Course deliveries will be located at the Eastern Management Development Center (EMDC) at 239 Lowe Drive, Shepherdstown, WV, 25443; the Western Management Development Center (WMDC) at 3151 South Vaughn Way, Suite #300, Aurora, CO, 80014; the Executive Management Training Center at 14 Mechanic Street, Southbridge, MA 01550; the Washington, DC Metropolitan area, and at Fort Bragg in Lafayette, NC. Other locations may be used for EFW deliveries during the period of performance. OPM reserves the right to change locations.

List of Delivery Dates and Locations

** Note: The module date reflects the delivery of the EFW course to as many as 144 Department of Defense (DoD) participants on site at the same time, with (4) separate courses delivered simultaneously. The DoD training facility in Southbridge, MA offers a large auditorium that can accommodate all of the participants, in addition to four separate training rooms that can accommodate 36 people each. Because of the large number of participants, it may be more appropriate to offer this module as a general session with all participants present and then have work sessions broken down into (4) groups of 36 people each. As part of the technical proposal, vendor(s) should address how they would approach the delivery of this module. The agenda for this course date may need to be modified to support the simultaneous delivery of 4 courses. The successful offeror(s) will work directly with the OPM Program Director to facilitate the delivery of these sessions.

14. AWARD TYPE

The Government intends to award up to (5) Firm Fixed Price Contracts as a result of this solicitation.

15. QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN:

A. Background: The quality assurance surveillance plan (QASP) describes how OPM shall monitor and evaluate contractor performance. This QASP describes in more detail how services will be evaluated and the consequences of performance below requirements. Contractor performance will be evaluated by OPM staff, customers, and participants attending the course or program. OPM performance scores are established each year in it performance plans. The success of OPM programs therefore is directly linked to the success of contractors providing or assisting OPM faculty and staff in the design and/or delivery of programs and services.

B. Purpose: The QASP describes the general level of performance that will be acceptable for each type of service listed in the solicitation. Specific performance objectives and conditions will vary according to the service delivery agreements negotiated with OPM customers.

C. Roles and Responsibilities of Contracting Officer and Contracting Officers Representative (COR) and OPM staff: The OPM Contracting Officer will award the contract for services to contractor(s) that best meet OPM requirements. The contract will include the specific services to be provided by the contractor, the location for delivery of service, the time and dates for the services, and the agreed to or set price to be paid.

The COR will provide on-site instruction to the contractor as needed and will monitor the delivery of courses or programs or observe the delivery of other services. Contractor flexibility in making adjustments in delivery of services is required and expected. Changes in the requirements of staff and customers may occur and may result in cancellation of an order and/or rescheduling of services. These changes will be communicated to the contractor by the COR or OPM staff managing the activity.

D. Acceptable Quality Levels and how performance will be measured:

Provide a final course outline to the COR no later than 15 days post award.

E. End of Service Debriefing and Evaluation of Services: The OPM staff will meet with contractors following the delivery of a program or service or when a debriefing can be mutually arranged to discuss the contractor’s performance. The review will cover services delivered, the reactions of program participants, faculty and staff and other comments of relevance to satisfactory performance. The purpose of the program debrief is to improve the quality of services, establish better understanding of expectations for services, modify service to better meet future requirements, and determine suitability of the contractor for future work.

F. Termination or Succession of contract: The Contracting Officer upon the recommendations of the COR may not request further services from contractors that do not meet quality performance levels based on degree of negative feedback received from observers of the service, program staff, and/or client agency.

G. Contracting Officers Representative (COR) and Evaluation Staff: The evaluation of service is most important to OPM. Input for performance evaluations will be actively sought by the COR and OPM staff that are part of the service area and have contact with the service provider. The customer or client agency will play an important part in the evaluation process. Technical knowledge, delivery of service, strong interpersonal skills and ability to effectively communicate with and get along with customers, faculty, and staff are critical aspects of quality service that are measured by the evaluation staff.

16. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS:

Attachment #1: EFW SAMPLE AGENDA

Attachment #2: SAMPLE PRE-COURSE WRITING ASSIGNMENT

(end of Statement of Objectives)

(1) OPM SPECIFIC CLAUSES

1752.200-70 On-Site Working Conditions (July 2005)

(a) OPM facilities are smoking restricted workplaces. Due to the nature of the work, facilities, and requirements, contractor staff may only smoke outside in designated smoking areas.

(b) Normal operating hours are 7:00 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Meeting task objectives within specific timeframes may require the working of extended/overtime hours. Any extended hours must be authorized in advance, and certified as worked by the task Government Project Manager(s).

(c) Government personnel observe the following days as holidays:

* If the date falls on a Saturday, the Government holiday is the preceding Friday. If the date falls on a Sunday, the Government holiday is the following Monday.

(d) In addition to the days designated as holidays, the Government observes the following days:

· Any other day designated by Federal Statute

· Any other day designated by Executive Order

· Presidential Inauguration Day

· Any other day designated by the President’s Proclamation

(e) It is understood and agreed between the Government and the Contractor that observance of such days by Government personnel shall not otherwise be a reason for an additional period of performance, or entitlement of compensation except as set forth within the contract. In the event the Contractor's personnel work during the holiday, they may be reimbursed by the Contractor, however, no form of holiday or other premium compensation will be reimbursed either as a direct or indirect cost, other than their normal compensation for the time worked. This provision does not preclude reimbursement for authorized overtime work if applicable to this contract.

(f) When the Federal, State, Local or other Governmental entity grants excused absence to its employees, assigned Contractor personnel may also be dismissed. The Contractor agrees to continue to provide sufficient personnel to perform critical tasks already in operation or scheduled, and must be guided by the instructions issued by the CO or COR.

(g) If Government personnel are unavailable due to furlough or any other reason, the Contractor must contact the CO or the COR to receive direction. It is the Government's decision as to whether the contract price/cost will be affected. Generally, the following situations apply:

(1) Contractor personnel who are able to continue contract performance (either on-site or at a site other than their normal workstation), must continue to work and the contract price shall not be reduced or increased.

(2) Contractor personnel who are not able to continue contract performance (e.g., support functions) may be asked to cease their work effort. This may result in a reduction to the contract price.

1752.204-70 Contractor Personnel Security Requirements (Jan 2008)

The U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Memorandum M-05-24, referenced in paragraph (a) of FAR 52.204-9, Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel, is available on-line at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/memoranda/fy2005/m05-24.pdf.

The Government may require security clearances for performance of this contract. The Contractor must obtain these clearances before beginning work on the contract (OPM will not allow Contractor employees without clearance in any of its facilities). The Contractor must obtain these clearances by using the eQIP system. If satisfactory security arrangements cannot be made with the Contractor, the required services must be obtained from other sources.

The level of classified access required will be indicated on DD-254 or other appropriate form incorporated into each request requiring access to classified information. Contractors are required to have background investigations for suitability if they occupy positions of trust (e.g., systems administration) even if they do NOT have access to classified information.

Necessary facility and/or staff clearances must be in place prior to start of work on the contract

Contractors are responsible for the security, integrity and appropriate authorized use of their systems interfacing with the Government and or used for the transaction of any and all Government business. The Government, through the Government's Contracting Officer, may require the use or modification of security and/or secure communications technologies related to Government systems access and use.

The Government, at its discretion, may suspend or terminate the access and/or use of any or all Government access and systems for conducting business with any/or all Contractors when a security or other electronic access, use or misuse issue gives cause for such action. The suspension or termination may last until such time as the Government determines that the situation has been corrected or no longer exists.

1752.205-70 Announcement of Contract Award (July 2006)

OPM complies with FAR 5.3, Synopses of Contract Awards, in terms of synopsizing and publicly announcing contract awards. These actions take place at the time of, and not before, the contract is awarded. Contract award, in this case, means signature of the contractual document by the Contracting Officer and forwarding of the contractual document to the contract awardee. If the contract awardee wishes to make a separate public announcement, the awardee must obtain the approval of the Contracting Officer prior to releasing the announcement, and must plan to make announcement only after the contract has been awarded.

1752.209-70 Contractor Performance Capabilities (July 2005)

The Contractor must be capable of performing all the tasks described in the Statement of Work. The Government shall not be liable for any costs or other involvement in the purchase, repair, maintenance or replacement of Contractor items used to implement or comply with requirements of the contract. Likewise, the Government shall in no way be held accountable by the Contractor for the Contractor’s inability to perform under this Contract due to Government technology implementations and or changes.

1752.209-71 Contractor’s Key Personnel (July 2005)

In order to ensure a smooth and orderly start up of work, it is essential that the key personnel specified in the Contractor's proposal be available on the effective date of the contract. If these personnel are not made available at that time, the Contractor must notify the Government Contracting Officer and show cause. If the Contractor does not show cause, the Contractor may be subject to default action.

The Contractor shall not of its own will remove or replace any personnel designated as "key" personnel without the written concurrence of the cognizant Contracting Officer. Prior to utilizing employees other than specified personnel, the Contractor shall notify the Government Contracting Officer and the COR. This notification must be no later than five (5) calendar days in advance of any proposed substitution and must include justification (including resume(s) of proposed substitution(s)) in sufficient detail to permit evaluation of the impact on contract performance.

Substitute personnel qualifications must be equal to, or greater than, those of the personnel being substituted. If the Government Contracting Officer and the COR determine that the proposed substitute personnel is unacceptable, or that the reduction of effort would be so substantial as to impair the successful performance of the work under the contract, the Contractor may be subject to default action. If deemed necessary by the Government, substitute personnel must be given a one-(1) day orientation by Contractor personnel at no additional cost to the Government and with no change in the delivery schedule.

In the event that the performance of assigned Contractor personnel or any substitute(s) is determined by the Government to be unsatisfactory at any time during the life of the Contract, the Government reserves the right to request and receive satisfactory personnel replacement within five (5) calendar days of receipt by the Contractor of written notification.

Notification will include the reason for requesting replacement personnel.

The Contractor-supplied personnel are employees of the Contractor and under the administrative control and supervision of the Contractor. The Contractor, through its personnel, shall perform the tasks prescribed herein. The Contractor must select, supervise, and exercise control and direction over its employees (including subcontractors) under this Contract. The Government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the Contractor in its performance of contractual services under this contract. The Contractor is accountable to the Government for the action of its personnel.

The Contractor is herewith notified that employee recruiting and employee retention practices shall be monitored on a regular basis.

1752.209-72 Qualifications of Contractor’s Employees (July 2005)

The Contracting Officer may require dismissal from work of those employees which he/she deems incompetent, careless, insubordinate, unsuitable or otherwise objectionable, or whose continued employment he/she deems contrary to the public interest or inconsistent with the best interest of national security. The Contractor must fill out, and cause each of its employees on the contract work to fill out, for submission to the Government, such forms as may be necessary for security or other reasons. Upon request of the Contracting Officer, the Contractor's employees must be fingerprinted. Each employee of the Contractor who works on this contract shall be a citizen of the United States of America, or an alien who has been lawfully admitted for permanent residence as evidenced by Alien Registration Receipt Card Form 1-151, or who presents other evidence from the Immigration and Naturalization Service that employment will not affect his/her immigration status.

1752.209-73 Standards of Conduct (June 2006)

Personnel assigned by the contractor to the performance of work under this order must be acceptable to the Government in terms of personal and professional conduct. Contractor personnel shall conform to standards of conduct as follows:

No contractor employees shall solicit new business while performing work under this order.

The contractor and its employees shall not discuss with unauthorized persons any information obtained in the performance of work under this order.

Should the continued assignment to work under this order of any person in the contractor’s organization be deemed by the Contracting Officer to conflict with the interests of the Government, that person shall be removed immediately from assignment, and the reason for removal shall be fully documented in writing by the Contracting Officer. Employment and staffing difficulties shall not be justification for failure to meet established schedules, and if such difficulties impair performance, the contractor may be subject to default.

1752.209-74 Organizational Conflicts of Interest (July 2005)

The Contractor warrants that, to the best of the Contractor’s knowledge and belief, there are no relevant facts or circumstances which could give rise to an organizational conflict of interest (OCI), as defined in FAR 9.5, Organizational and Consultants Conflicts of Interest, or that the Contractor has disclosed all such relevant information.

The Contractor agrees that if an actual or potential OCI is discovered after award, the Contractor shall make a full disclosure in writing to the Contracting Officer. This disclosure must include a description of actions, which the Contractor has taken or proposes to take, after consultation with the Contracting Officer, to avoid, mitigate, or neutralize the actual or potential conflict.

The Contracting Officer may terminate this contract for convenience, in whole or in part, if it deems such termination necessary to avoid an OCI. If the Contractor was aware of a potential OCI prior to award or discovered an actual or potential conflict after award and did not disclose or misrepresented relevant information to the Contacting Office, the Government may terminate the contract for default, debar the Contractor from Government contracting, or pursue such other remedies as may be permitted by law or this contract.

The Contractor must include this clause in all subcontracts and in lower tier subcontracts unless a waiver is requested from, and granted by, the Contracting Officer.

In the event that a requirement changes in such a way as to create a potential conflict of interest for the Contractor, the Contractor must:

Notify the Contracting Officer of a potential conflict, and;

Recommend to the Government an alternate approach which would avoid the potential conflict, or

(3) Present for approval a conflict of interest mitigation plan that will:

(i) Describe in detail the changed requirement that creates the potential conflict of interest; and

(ii) Outline in detail the actions to be taken by the Contractor or the Government in the performance of the task to mitigate the conflict, division of subcontractor effort, and limited access to information, or other acceptable means.

(4) The Contractor must not commence work on a changed requirement related to a potential conflict of interest until specifically notified by the Contracting Officer to proceed.

(5) If the Contracting Officer determines that it is in the best interest of the Government to proceed with work, notwithstanding a conflict of interest, a request for waiver must be submitted in accordance with FAR 9.503.

1752.209-75 Reducing Text Messaging While Driving (Oct 2009)

(a) In accordance with Section 4 of the Executive Order, “Federal Leadership on

Reducing Text Messaging While Driving,” dated October 1, 2009, you are hereby encouraged to:

Adopt and enforce policies that ban text messaging while driving company-owned or -rented vehicles or Government-owned, -leased or –rented vehicles, or while driving privately-owned vehicles when on official Government business or when performing any work for or on behalf of the Government; and

Consider new company rules and programs, and reevaluating existing programs to prohibit text messaging while driving, and conducting education, awareness, and other outreach for company employees about the safety risks associated with texting while driving. These initiatives should encourage voluntary compliance with the company’s text messaging policy while off duty.

For purposes of complying with the Executive Order:

"Texting" or "Text Messaging" means reading from or entering data into any handheld or other electronic device, including for the purpose of SMS texting, e-mailing, instant messaging, obtaining navigational information, or engaging in any other form of electronic data retrieval or electronic data communication.

"Driving" means operating a motor vehicle on an active roadway with the motor running, including while temporarily stationary because of traffic, a traffic light or stop sign, or otherwise. It does not include operating a motor vehicle with or without the motor running when one has pulled over to the side of, or off, an active roadway and has halted in a location where one can safely remain stationary.

1752.222-70 Notice of Requirement for Certification of Nonsegregated Facilities (July 2005)

By signing this offer or contract, the contractor will be deemed to have signed and agreed to the provisions of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Clause 52.222-21, Certification of Nonsegregated Facilities, incorporated by reference in this solicitation/contract. The certification provides that the bidder or offeror does not maintain or provide for its employees, facilities which are segregated on a basis of race, color, religion, or national origin, whether such facilities are segregated by directive or on a de facto basis. The certification also provides that the bidder/offeror does not and will not permit its employees to perform their services at any location under its control where segregated facilities are maintained. FAR Clause 52.222-21 must be included in all subcontracts as well.

1752.222-71 Special Requirements for Employing Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans (July 2005)

If this contract contains FAR Clause 52.222-35 (Equal Opportunity for Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans), your company must comply with the requirements of this clause, including the listing of employment opportunities with the local office of the state employment service system.

If this contract contains FAR clauses 52.222-37 (Employment Reports on Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans) or 52.222-38 (Compliance with Veterans’ Employment Reporting Requirements), you are reminded that your company must comply with the special reporting requirements described in those clauses. Your company must submit information on several aspects of its employment and hiring of special disabled and Vietnam era veterans or other veterans who served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized. You must submit this information no later than September 30 of each year, in the “Federal Contractor Veterans’ Employment Report” or VETS-100 Report. The U.S. Department of Labor has established a web site for submitting this report. The address is: http://www.vets100.cudenver.edu.

1752.223-71 Environmentally Preferable Products and Services (Feb 2013)

Executive Order 13423, Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management, requires in agency acquisitions of goods and services (i) use of sustainable environmental practices, including acquisition of biobased, environmentally preferable, energy-efficient, water-efficient, and recycled-content products,…