PERFORMANCE_WORK_STATEMENT_FINAL_1.pdf

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

Technical American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter Services

Bend Field Office Detail, 1375 SE Wilson Ave. Suite 100, Bend, OR 97702

1/11/2025 – 3/9/2025, 4-24 hours per week, intermittent.

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. BACKGROUND: The Bureau of Reclamation is a water management agency with 600 dams in the 17 western states. We are known best for construction of dams, power plants, and canals, including Hoover Dam on the Colorado River, Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River, and Folsom Dam on the American River. Reclamation is the largest wholesaler of water in the country and second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the United States. Reclamation is organized into five regions (California Great Basin [CGB], Missouri Basin [MB], Lower Colorado Basin [LCB], Upper Colorado Basin [UCB], and Columbia Pacific Northwest [CPN]).

1.2. LOCATION OF WORK

1.2.1. Work will be performed primarily at the Reclamation, Bend Field Office, 1375 SE

Wilson Ave. Suite 100, Bend, OR 97702.

1.2.2. Work may also be performed away from the Bend Field Office at

Reclamation facilities, or training/meeting/conference venues, within the United States.

1.2.3. Work may be performed away from the Bend Field Office near, or at, one of the many hydropower and water delivery facilities in isolated locations such as dams, canals, and powerplants. These events may be indoors and/or outdoors and may be in isolated locations with no cellphone coverage.

1.3. TERMINOLOGY: Throughout this document, the terms contractor, and Interpreter are used interchangeable.

2. SCOPE

2.1. The Bend, Oregon Field Office has a requirement for qualified American Sign

Language (ASL) Interpreter services to be performed at an advanced science and engineering technical level to support communication access for its Deaf/Hard-of- Hearing Federal Employee(s) on rotation assignment from the Reclamation Technical Service Center in Denver, Colorado, to the Bend Field Office in Bend, Oregon. It is anticipated that most, if not all, of the interpretive services required will be for small group meetings that will be provided by an existing contract for on-line interpretive services. No large meetings nor site visits to sites that lack internet access have been scheduled but could come to fruition during the employee’s field rotation assignment.

This requirement is to have an advanced science and engineering technical level qualified American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter(s) be available to provide interpretive services for large meetings and field trips that require in-person interpretive services.

2.2. ASL INTERPRETING SERVICES REQUIREMENT: In-Person ASL Interpreting

Services requires interpreter(s) present for the entire duration of the event (meetings, site visits, technical skills training, and conferences). The interpreter shall effectively facilitate communication between spoken English and American Sign Language in various Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematic disciplines (STEM) commonly found in Reclamation (see 3.0 Personnel Qualifications) as required for all ordered events.

2.3. ASL INTERPRETING ASSIGNMENTS:

2.3.1. LOCAL ASSIGNMENTS: Events at the Bend Field Office are generally staff meetings, science and engineering project group meetings, or trainings that take place indoors. These meetings and trainings may take place in conference rooms, offices, roundtable‐styled discussion rooms, and engineering/science laboratories.

These meetings and trainings may include off‐line and on‐line audio, video, and screen sharing monitors such as conference calls, webinars, PowerPoint presentations, and Microsoft Teams.

2.3.2. REMOTE/DISTANT ASSIGNMENTS: Events away from the Bend Field Office may take place near, or at, one of the many hydropower and water delivery facilities in isolated locations such as dams, canals, and powerplants. These events may be indoors and/or outdoors and may be in isolated locations with no cellphone coverage and may require personal protective equipment (PPE or hardhats, steel toe shoes, safety glasses, hearing protection, highly visible vests). Interpreters must be prepared for site conditions and weather, be able to walk moderate distances on varying terrains, and adhere to all safety and health protocols included in the service request.

3. PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS

3.1. PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS: Interpreters shall be proficient with ASL interpreting technical discussions for professional disciplines in a meeting, conference, indoor/outdoor site‐visit, or training setting with minimal interruption for interpreter clarifications. The services required are listed in Section 2 of this Performance Work Statement (PWS) and require, at a minimum, qualified technical ASL interpreters that meet the definition of a “qualified interpreter” as defined in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 28 §35.104 and described below:

3.1.1. QUALIFIED INTERPRETER: A qualified interpreter must be able to interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially, both receptively and expressively, using any necessary specialized vocabulary.

3.1.2. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE. Graduation from an accredited interpreter preparation program, national certification in ASL interpretation, and continuing education.

3.1.3. STEM PROFICIENCY: Proficiency at an advanced level of (STEM) ASL interpreting skills. Specialized Reclamation vocabulary can include:

3.1.3.1. Engineering (chemical, civil, electrical, environmental, materials, and mechanical engineering).

3.1.3.2. Physical Sciences (chemistry, biology, and environmental sciences).

3.1.3.3. Water delivery systems including water conveyance canals, pipelines, water treatment plants, and pumping plants.

3.1.3.4. Environmental Compliance and Management (invasive species, environmental compliance audits for facilities, National Environmental Policy Act, metal and concrete corrosion, hazardous materials, protective coatings, endangered species, and the Resource, Conservation, and Recovery Act).

3.1.3.5. Dams and Powerplants

3.1.3.5.1. Concrete and earth dams along with their appurtenant structures or components (such as outlet works, intake structures, conduits, gatehouses, and stilling basins), spillways (gates, chutes, and stilling basins), and seepage control drain systems.

3.1.3.5.2. Hydropower plants (turbines, generators, transformers, and power transmissions).

4. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

4.1. DURATION: It is anticipated the term of the contract for services availability will be from 1/11/2025 to 3/9/2025.

4.2. RECOGNIZED HOLIDAYS. Services will not be required on recognized Federal holidays established by Federal law (5 U.S.C. 6103). A schedule of the recognized holidays can be found at the following website: www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/.

4.3. INTERPRETING ASSIGNMENT WORK HOURS: Most events are scheduled during normal work hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, local time; however, there may be events that are scheduled outside of normal work hours.

4.3.1. Typical durations of events are one (1) to two (2) hours; however, occasionally an event requires eight (8) hours. The industry standard of a 2- hour minimum will be paid at the hourly rate.

4.3.2. Should more than one event be scheduled on the same day, the wait time between events will be paid at the hourly rate.

4.3.3. REMOTE/TRAVEL ASSIGNMENTS: Services required outside the Bend Field office (i.e. travel requirements or site visits) may require walking around Reclamation Facilities and the interpreter must be prepared for any conditions or safety (PPE) requirements on site. Government anticipates that only one ASL interpreter will be required for site visits but may have additional ASL interpreters present depending on the nature of the site and purpose of the visit.

4.3.4. Large meetings, although not anticipated to occur, may require the activation of a 2nd interpreter.

5. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED EQUIPMENT (GFE) AND INFORMATION (GFI)

AND MATERIALS (GFM)

5.1. CONTRACTOR-FURNISHED EQUIPMENT (CFE)/MATERIAL (CFM):

Reclamation will not issue Government property to the contractor. The contractor is responsible for providing all labor, equipment, materials, and supplies necessary to meet the requirements of each request.

5.1.1. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: All contractor employees performing services under this shall provide their own Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (such as clothing, steel toed shoes, environmental protection, hearing protection, safety glasses, etc.) Specific PPE requirements will be listed in the request.

5.1.2. EXCEPTIONS TO CFE: Hard hats and/or safety vests may be provided for the duration of certain events by Reclamation, only if available.

5.1.3. GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED INFORMATION: Government furnished information provided to the contractor, work products, and deliverables are designated Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and shall not be shared or leave the custody of the contractor unless it is returned to the government, except when contractor-produced and Government‐furnished information related to this contract is designated Public Information (non‐CUI).

6. REGULATIONS/POLICIES

Federal regulations, policies, and standards of performance and conduct apply. In addition, interpreters and the interpreter service provider agencies must adhere to the NAD‐RID Code of Professional Conduct (formerly known as Code of Ethics). The NAD‐RID Code of Professional Conduct can be found at: https://rid.org/programs/ethics/

7. TRAVEL

7.1. Contractor shall submit Attachment 1 to the COR for approval prior to travel:

7.1.1. Full itinerary details of planned travel

7.1.2. Itemized projected travel expenses. Expenses above per diem may be reimbursed if justification is provided and COR approval received prior to travel.

7.2. This is a labor hour task order; the contractor shall be responsible for any charges determined to be unallowable or not approved on the Attachment 2 Pre-Travel Authorization without sufficient documentation of an unanticipated need.

7.3. TRAVEL COST REIMBURSEMENT: Travel from the contractor’s residence to the Bend Field Office will be reimbursed on actual expenses incurred in accordance with FAR 31.205-46 and Federal Travel Regulations.

7.3.1. Travel expenses may include mileage, parking, airfare, baggage, TNC transportation, airport shuttles, or taxi, lodging, Meals and incidentals (M&IE). M&IE will be reimbursed in accordance with GSA diem rates for Bend, Oregon at $64.50 for the first and last day of travel, and $86 for all other travel days. Rental cars and fuel will be approved on a case-by-case need as documented by the vendor and pre-approved by the COR.

7.3.2. For air travel, time spent traveling may be reimbursed at the labor hour rate from two hours before scheduled flight departure time to two hours after scheduled flight arrival time. Time spent traveling by other modes of transportation will not be reimbursed.

https://rid.org/programs/ethics/

7.3.3. The contractor shall make a good faith effort to economize travel expenses.

7.4. Site specific training certifications may be required for safety. Specific training requirements will be listed in the request.

7.5. CONFIRMATION CODE: To ensure prompt reimbursement for invoices the contractor’s confirmation code must match the invoice and include all final travel expenses and receipts.

7.6. TRANSPORTATION: The contractor shall provide its own transportation whenever possible.

7.6.1. VIA GOV’T VEHICLE: In the event contractor employees are transported via Government vehicle, and or a rental vehicle operated by a government employee, all personnel are required to complete Attachment 2 Hold Harmless Government Vehicle Release before occupying a government vehicle.

7.6.1.1. Trips utilizing a government vehicle require the same prior travel approval as previously listed with all included itinerary details.

7.6.1.2. No contractor employees shall operate any Government vehicle (including vehicles rented by the government).

8. SECURITY

Specific security requirements will be included in the service request as follows:

8.1. CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEE NAMES: The name(s) of the interpreters must be provided within 3 days of the assignment and at least one day prior to the trip to ensure interpreter(s) are on the entrance memo for access to government facilities. Failure to do so may prevent interpreter(s) from entering facilities.

8.2. INFORMATION SECURITY: Reclamation has identified specific security-sensitivity designations for information related to Reclamation facilities. The contractor and/or its employees performing services under this agreement may be required to complete a Federal Non- Disclosure Agreement.

8.3. CONTRACTOR IDENTIFICATION: All contract personnel are required to identify themselves as contractors. Whether attending meetings, answering government telephones, or working in other situations where their contractor status is not obvious to third parties, they must make their status known to avoid creating an impression that they are government employees.

8.4. ENTRY INTO GOVERNMENT FACILITIES: Visitors to any Reclamation Facility must be prepared to present a valid government issued identification at the entrance gates and building entrances.

8.4.1. In accordance with Reclamation clause WBR 1452.237-80 Security Requirements

– Bureau of Reclamation (FEB 2017), Reclamation reserves the right to perform security checks on contractor employees, and may require contractor to meet the requirements for Personnel Identification Verification (PIV) card.

9. TRAINING

9.1. INTERPRETER TRAINING/CERTIFICATIONS: The contractor is responsible for all necessary interpretive training for its employees to maintain proper certifications required by the industry standards and/or required to successfully perform the services required.

9.2. RECLAMATION TRAINING: Reclamation-specific training may include Lock-out Tag-out, Confined Space Entry, Fall Protection, etc. Training that can only be provided by Reclamation will require the contractor employee to sign and submit Attachment 3 a Hold Harmless Training Release before the event. Specific training requirements will be listed in the request.

10. PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

10.1. PERFORMANCE ISSUES: When the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) considers the contractor's performance to be unsatisfactory, the COR will report the information to the Contracting Officer (CO). The CO may require the contractor to explain, in writing, the cause of the poor performance, any corrective actions the contractor has already taken to obtain an acceptable level of performance, and any future corrective actions the contractor will utilize to prevent unacceptable performance. Unacceptable performance may result in cancellation of the contract.

10.2. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY TABLE (PRST) The following table summarizes the tasks, the performance standard, and monitoring methods.

PWS

Section

Task Description Performance Standard

Method of Monitoring

2.2 The interpreter shall effectively facilitate

communication between spoken English and American Sign Language in various Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematic disciplines (STEM) commonly found in Reclamation as required for all ordered events.

Successful interpretation of event in entirety with no more than 2 documented customer complaints within each period of performance.

Customer Feedback

(The serviced Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing Federal Employee)

2.3 Interpreters prepared for site conditions

and weather, be able to walk moderate distances on varying terrains, and adhere to all safety and health protocols while on site

Interpreter adequately prepared with no more than 2 documented customer complaints within each period of performance.

Customer Feedback

(The serviced Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing Federal Employee)

11. ATTACHMENTS

Attachment 2 – Travel Request

Attachment 3 – Hold Harmless Government Vehicle

Release Attachment 4– Hold Harmless Training Release

Attachment 2

PRE-TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION

(A copy of this signed form must accompany invoice)

REQUEST TRAVEL TO:

DATES OF TRAVEL:

NAMES OF INTERPRETERS TRAVELING:

PURPOSE OF TRIP:

FULL ITINERARY AND DETAILS OF TRAVEL:

ITEMIZED ESTIMATED COSTS (separate all travel and lodging costs and justify costs over per diem):

APPROVALS:

Contractor

Signature Date

Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COR)

Signature Date

Attachment 3

HOLD HARMLESS RELEASE

Use of Government Vehicles, Rental Vehicle Operated By a Government Employee

At times during contract performance, contractor employees may be required to operate or ride in Government vehicles. Contractors may only operate or ride in Government vehicles when approved by the Contracting Officer and when in direct support of performance of work authorized under Contract Number .

In accordance with the Department of Interior Motor Vehicle Management Handbook, contractors shall ensure their employees possess a valid state/international license for the class of vehicle being operated and be at least 18 years old, or the higher age at which persons in that jurisdiction may hold an unrestricted driver's license prior to operating or riding in a Government vehicle.

In consideration for receiving permission to operate or ride in Government vehicles I hereby release, waive, discharge and covenant not to sue the Federal Government, their officers, agents, servants, or employees (hereinafter referred to as releases) from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions and causes of action whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained by me, or any of the property belonging to me, whether caused by the negligence of the releases, or otherwise, while operating or riding in Government vehicles.

The contractor shall provide copies of all employee liability/hold harmless agreements to the Contracting Officer upon request or as stated by the Blanket Purchase Agreement.

Provisions/Clauses: As included in Contract the following clauses should be noted:

52.245-1 Government Property (JAN 2017) 52.228-5 Insurance - Work on a Government Installation (JAN 1997) 52.228-10 Vehicular and General Public Liability Insurance (APR 1984) 52.250-1 Indemnification Under Public Law 85-804 (APR1984) DIAR 1452.228-70 Liability Insurance – Department of the Interior (JUL 1996)

I agree to the terms and conditions for the use of Government vehicles as specified above.

Authorized Company Officer Employee

Printed Name Printed Name

Attachment 4

HOLD HARMLESS RELEASE

Government-Provided Training

At times during contract performance, contractor employees may be required to operate equipment or machinery that is unique to the Government and that requires training prior to operation. Contractors may only receive training from the Government when the equipment is unique to the Government and cannot be obtained through any other source; approved by the Contracting Officer; requested by the Government technical point of contact; and when operation is in direct support of the contract identified below. Upon receiving the appropriate training, the Contractor receiving the training is required to complete and sign the following release.

In consideration for receiving training on , I hereby release, waive, discharge and covenant not to sue the Federal Government, their officers, agents, servants, or employees (hereinafter referred to as releases) from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions and causes of action whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained by me, or any of the property belonging to me, whether caused by the negligence of the releases, or otherwise, while operating the specified equipment or machinery.

Additionally, if I by accident or negligence, damage or destroy Government property, I, or my employer, shall be responsible for any expenses associated with those damages. Therefore, the appropriate levels of liability insurance shall be required during the period of performance for contract

The contractor shall provide proof of training to the Contracting Officer along with the original, signed copy of this employee liability/hold harmless agreement to the Contracting Officer upon request or as stated by the Contract.

Provisions/Clauses: As included in Contract number , the following clauses should be noted:

52.245-1 Government Property (JAN 2017) 52.228-5 Insurance - Work on a Government Installation (JAN 1997) 52.228-10 Vehicular and General Public Liability Insurance (APR 1984) 52.250-1 Indemnification Under Public Law 85-804 (APR1984) DIAR 1452.228-70 Liability Insurance – Department of the Interior (JUL 1996)

I agree to the terms and conditions for receiving training on Government equipment and machinery as specified above.

Authorized Company Officer Employee

Printed Name Printed Name

Title Title