RFI - Census Fingerprinting and Badging.pdf

Request for Information (RFI):

Census Integrated Personnel and Payroll System – Fingerprinting, Badging (non- HSPD-12), and Background Investigation Review

TITLE:

United States Census Bureau (USCB) Census Integrated Personnel and Payroll System (CIPPS) – Fingerprinting, Badging (non-HSPD-12) and Background Investigation Review

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to collect information for the USCB to formulate technical requirements and determine a potential acquisition strategy for the Fingerprinting, Badging (non HSPD-12), and Background Investigation Review solution(s) under Census Integrated Personnel and Payroll System (CIPPS). The business goal of this RFI is to:

1. Survey available commercial offerings.

2. Identify availability of any Software as a Service (SaaS), eGovernment providers, commercial vendors or commercial service providers that can provide an integrated solution for the fingerprinting and badging (non-HSPD-12) for the temporary staff supporting the 2028 Dress Rehearsal and 2030 Census.

3. Identify when implementation of a fully integrated fingerprint and badging (non HSPD-12) functionality could occur.

4. Identify best practices and contracting approaches to obtain the needed knowledge and expertise.

Through this RFI, the USCB intends to identify small, disadvantaged businesses with the necessary capabilities and core competencies in performing the fingerprinting, badging and background investigation requirements. The USCB will determine whether the requirements can be set aside utilizing any of the small business programs under FAR part 19 before considering full and open competition including large businesses.

This RFI is issued solely for planning purposes only and does not constitute as a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. Further, the USCB is not seeking proposals and will not accept unsolicited proposals at this time. Interested parties are advised that the U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI; all costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the interested party’s expense. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if any is issued. Lastly, this RFI does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever.

BACKGROUND:

The Census Bureau is the primary source of statistics about the population and economy of the Nation. These statistics assist the Congress, the executive branch of the Federal Government, state and local governments, the general public, and the private sector in the development and evaluation of social and economic activities. Our major programs are the periodic censuses, current surveys, and a wide range of reimbursable work for other agencies. The Decennial Census is a Constitutionally mandated activity; due to the temporary nature of the workforce, disruption to payroll and/or administrative functions could have a dramatic impact on achieving the mission of the Census Bureau.

The Decennial Census is a fast paced, time-critical, and people-intensive operation that must be able to respond to constant change immediately with no disruption to the employee or Decennial operations. For the Decennial Census, the temporary employees are recruited in the millions, hired/rehired in the hundreds of thousands, and terminated throughout a multiyear time- period that peaks over 6 months.

The Census Bureau currently is researching alternative and innovative solutions to improve and solidify our current manual and automated processes for our integrated approach to fingerprinting, badging (non HSPD-12), and background investigation review in a timely manner. The longer it takes to fill vacant positions, the more qualified candidates are lost to other opportunities, creating overwork and inefficiency. During the 2028 Dress Rehearsal and 2030 Decennial Census, temporary employees will be hired through Decennial Applicant Personnel and Payroll System (DAPPS.)

1. DESCRIPTION:

The Census Integrated Personnel and Payroll System (CIPPS) is an integrated suite of government and vendor systems defined in Table 1 that provides recruitment and assessment, human resources and payroll, fingerprinting and badging (non HSPD-12), and hosting on-line training need to support the hiring of millions of temporary employees for the 2030 Census.

Figure 1 details the required integration between the government and vendor systems. The solution we are looking to procure will need to integrate with the CIPPS Ecosystem.

The Fingerprinting and Badging solution are one of the systems which will be part of the integrated solution for CIPPS. The Fingerprinting and Badging function captures fingerprints and pictures and transmits them to the designated system; and creates, stores, decommissions badges (non HSPD-12), and may include printing and distribution. Additionally, this process may also support the Background Investigation Review process by ensuring that accurate biometric data is available for thorough security assessments and suitability determinations.

Table 1: Systems supporting the CIPPS Integrated Solution

Census Systems

Description

Decennial Applicant Personnel and Payroll Systems (DAPPS)

DAPPS is the "system of record" subsystem for CIPPS system of systems. It supports personnel, time and expenses, benefits and payroll administration for temporary, intermittent Census Bureau employees participating in Census Tests, and ultimately the 2030 Census. Employees in DAPPS have no fixed work schedule and are hired under a temporary appointment in the excepted service. Employees that are hired through this system are paid on a weekly basis.

Census Hiring and Employment Check

(CHEC)

Enterprise system that automates the electronic processing of personnel security data in support of background checks and employment suitability investigations for Census Bureau’s permanent employees, temporary appointees, and contractors.

Census Bureau Geocoding System

Support interface with Census Bureau’s Geocoding System to geocode each applicant’s home address. The system will assign numeric codes, including office code, Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) county code, census tract, and basic collection unit (collection of blocks) to facilitate indigenous selection of applicants for positions. Allow for manual updates of geocodes, resubmission of addresses that failed to geocode and resubmission of addresses updated by the applicant.

Identity Management System (IDMS)

Enterprise application that automates the dissemination of logical systems access information for Census Bureau employees and contractors.

Enterprise Data Lake

(EDL)

Enterprise-wide, big data management platform that modernizes data storage and data analysis capabilities across all its directorates with appropriate role-based access control.

Figure 1: CIPPS Integrations*

Figure 1 details the required integration between the government and vendor systems.

* Note: Interfaces are subject to change.

2. CAPABILITIES:

The USCB requires the following vendor capabilities and experience with integrated applicant fingerprinting and badging (non HSPD-12) solutions.

Table 2: Capabilities

No.

Capabilities

Description

1 Fingerprinting Fingerprinting function is defined as the process of capturing fingerprints and photographs for temporary employees and contractors and transmitting the information to the USCB (may change to a different endpoint). The business function can be further decomposed as:

Integration with the CIPPS Ecosystem for scheduling appointments.

Integration with the CHEC and Badging system for submitting biometric data and photographs.

Provides appointment scheduling capability that is accessible 24/7.

o Provides sites, across the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Island areas (e.g., American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands)

Fingerprinting 75% of the selectees within a 25-mile; 95% of selectees fall within a 50-mile radius of our sites.

Provides Fingerprinting Reports and information that can be queried and filtered by geography and other data including fingerprint status, appointment status, photograph status, or other criteria.

2 Badging (non HSPD-12) Badging functionality is defined as the process of tracking the status of all badges to include creating, storing, and decommissioning badges for temporary employees and receiving information from the USCB and fingerprint solution. The business function can be further decomposed as:

Interface with internal systems to determine when each of the aforementioned processes must be activated.

Integrate with fingerprint solution to receive photographs.

Create and track the life cycle of badges from creation to decommission.

May include printing and distribution of badges.

Provide badge reports.

3 Enterprise Infrastructure able to scale including a Fail-over Infrastructure

Provides Enterprise-level platform that includes the following 6 environments: Development, Test, Integration Test, Stage (Pre-Deployment/Load Testing), Production (including a Training Instance) and COOP/Disaster Recovery.

4 IT infrastructure scale-up for the 2030 Decennial.

Addresses elasticity and scalability of solutions for 2030 Decennial volumes.

5 Reporting Robust reporting functionality to support the display of any aforementioned categories and fields, including data analytics.

6 Security Must be in a FedRAMP Cloud environment

7 Background Must provide staff to review applicant pre-appointment

Investigation Review background investigation security forms and documentation;

identify derogatory information requiring use of mitigation strategies and prepare written correspondence to include but not limited to letters of interrogatories and adjudicative case summaries.

3. REQUIREMENTS:

The USCB currently has the following high-level requirements for the fingerprinting and badging solution.

Table 3: Select High-Level Requirements

Requirement Description

Solution Architecture

Must provide web-based /cloud solution and ability to scale to meet defined loads from the Census Bureau.

Integration Must provide real-time integration with Census and external systems.

Environments Must provide, Development, Test, Integration Test, Stage (Pre- Deployment/Load Testing), Production (including a Training Instance) and COOP/Disaster Recovery environments.

Record Management

Must store and maintain all records/data to the end of the Decennial and then transfer to Census for archiving.

Fingerprinting Must capture fingerprints (digital and paper) and transmit to the designated system.

Badging Must capture picture, create, store, decommission badges, and may include printing and distribution.

Background Investigation Review

Must review applicant pre-appointment background investigation security forms and documentation; identify derogatory information requiring use of mitigation strategies and prepare written correspondence to include but not limited to letters of interrogatories and adjudicative case summaries.

4. RESPONSE SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:

Interested parties are requested to respond to this RFI. Responses shall be in Microsoft Word or Office compatible format using a 12-point font, Times New Roman. Responses are due no later than Friday, February 7, 2025, at 4:00 PM EST. Responses shall be limited to 500 words per page specified below and submitted via e-mail to james.n.brooks.jr@census.gov and paul.w.boesch@census.gov.

The email subject line should be: “Census Integrated Personnel and Payroll System - Fingerprint and Badging (non-HSPD-12) RFI Response – COMPANY NAME”.

Vendors are encouraged to submit questions in addition to the submitted responses to the RFI. The Census Bureau does not commit to answering these questions but may consider them when refining the solicitation. Responses to the RFI should be limited to the company's own capabilities and experiences. The Census Bureau may contact vendors for capability briefings for any further clarification from their RFI responses.

Interested vendors should provide the following information:

Business Information (Do not exceed 500 words, 12-point font, Times New Roman for this section)

Company Overview:

a. Business name, company website, and headquarters address.

b. Name of company representative, business title, and contact information.

c. Unique Entity ID.

d. Socio-economic status, business size, and size standard/applicable.

e. Certified North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes.

f. Available (GWAC) vehicle(s) (e.g. - GSA, NITAAC, etc.) and include contract numbers.

g. Brief description of your relevant core corporate capabilities that relate to the requirements stated in RFI.

Product or Solution Description (Do not exceed 500 words per question, 12-point font, Times New Roman for this section, questions 1-12)

General Questions

1. Provide a detailed explanation of how the proposed FedRAMP solution addresses the necessary capabilities and requirements outlined in Tables 2 and 3. Include specifics about the life cycle for fingerprinting and badging, the processes for scheduling (including timing considerations), the procedures for capturing fingerprints and photographs, the reporting mechanisms, and the printing of non-HSPD-12 badges.

2. Provide a high-level schedule/timeframe for implementing your solution and the following high-level steps: fit gap requirement sessions, development, unit testing, integration testing, performance and scalability, security, Authority to Operate (ATO), and implementation. What are the top three (3) risks and/or impacts for this schedule?

3. Describe your company’s expertise in integrating its solution with other government systems and third-party vendor platforms.

Fingerprint Questions

4. What is the recommended approach for offering fingerprinting services at sites across the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Island areas (e.g., American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands)? Detail how the approach ensures that 75% of selectees are within a 25-mile radius and 95% are within a 50-mile radius of your sites, and outline strategies to address geographic and logistical challenges to meet these coverage requirements.

5. What are the recommended strategies, resources, and technologies you would utilize to facilitate the fingerprinting of 10,000 individuals within a 21-day period in each of the largest metropolitan areas (e.g., New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston) simultaneously? Include details on how you would ensure efficiency, scalability, and accuracy in managing such high-volume operations.

6. Does your system integrate with mobile biometric data or other technologies designed for use in remote or low-technology environments? If so, provide a high-level summary on the compatibility, functionality, and adaptability of your solution in these scenarios.

Badging Questions

7. What is the recommended approach for efficiently scaling the issuance of up to 500,000 physical field badges to enumerators nationwide, including the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Island areas such as American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Explain how the approach ensures rapid production, secure handling, and distribution of physical badges within tight timeframes, while addressing logistical challenges across diverse geographic locations.

8. Describe how your approach includes innovative features or approaches that can reduce the need for physical printing and distribution of badges, such as leveraging digital badging, secure mobile credentials, or other alternative technologies.

9. Explain how the solution leverages technology to streamline badge management processes, such as real-time updates, automated tracking, or contactless distribution methods?

Background Investigation Review Questions

10. What is the recommended approach to review pre-appointment background investigation security forms and documentation, identify derogatory information requiring mitigation strategies, and prepare written correspondence such as letters of interrogatories and adjudicative case summaries. Provide a detail approach for training staff, ensuring efficiency and accuracy in the review process, meeting specific timeframes, and any tools or methodologies used to support ongoing staff performance and compliance with requirements.

11. Recommend the approach that would prepare National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) packages for submission to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), ensuring inclusion of all required background information for a timely and successful investigation. Additionally, explain your approach to reviewing investigative documents (such as employment applications, credit and police reports, and affidavits) to identify discrepancies or inconsistencies and addressing areas requiring clarification or further investigation. Include details on how you initiate criminal background checks, evaluate name checks and fingerprint RAP sheets, and make suitability recommendations for employment with the Census Bureau.

12. What are the recommended solutions that leverage advanced and innovative technologies to streamline the Background Investigation Review process. Specifically, detail how your system applies AI technologies, such as natural language processing, machine learning algorithms, and predictive analytics, to automate the analysis of investigative documents, proactively identify potential risks, and enhance the accuracy and efficiency of security assessments? Additionally, outline features that facilitate seamless integration with existing workflows and provide actionable insights to support decision-making.

Vendor Feedback (Do not exceed 500 words per question, 12-point font, Times New Roman for this section)

The USCB is interested in receiving industry input on the following acquisition areas of interest.

13. Are there any additional capabilities addressed by your solution and or product tool that may be a benefit to the government, but not identified in the Government’s requirements? If yes, then explain.

14. Describe any other information not previously included in your organization’s response to this RFI that would be important for the USCB to consider in determining a strategy, risks for these types of requirements.

15. Is there any additional information the USCB should consider in the event this Market Research leads to a Request for Proposal (RFP)?

5. APPENDIX

Effective Dates

Below is the historical data captured during the 2020 Census and provided as a reference of the potential size and scope of the 2030 Census requirements:

Fingerprinting Size/Scope Number of fingerprint locations Total: 1,045 Number of people fingerprinted: Over 1 million Total number of people fingerprinted for peak month: March 2020 - 199,132

Badging Size/Scope Number of issued badges: 842,199 Total number of badges issued for peak month: August 2020 – 232,793

Background Investigation Review

Total decennial cases – 1,435,653 Total decennial cases needing review – 135,563 Total decennial cases for peak month March 2020 – 502,957 Total decennial cases for peak month needing review – 30,282

6. INDUSTRY MARKET RESEARCH MEETINGS

USCB representatives may elect to meet with potential vendors at their discretion. These conversations, if conducted, will be solely for market research purposes and aimed at gaining further clarification of potential capabilities to meet the requirements.

7. DISCLAIMER AND IMPORTANT NOTES:

Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine the organizations qualifications to perform the work. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. The Government may contact individual respondents for additional follow-up exchanges or to request additional information. After a review of the responses received, a pre-solicitation synopsis and solicitation may be published.

8. CONFIDENTIALITY:

No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s). All submissions become USCB property and will not be returned.