RFI - DoS INL WTPC BPA (PR15796090).pdf

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U.S. Department of State

Bureau of International Narcotics and

Law Enforcement Affairs

INL Worldwide Third Party Contract (WTPC) BPA

Request for Information

January 13, 2026

Purpose

The Department of State is seeking information from qualified vendors regarding their capability to provide Third Party Contractor services in support of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to gather detailed input from industry on best practices, technical capabilities, and proven approaches for delivering high-quality performance and effective reporting under a potential future contract. Specifically, the Department is interested in learning about vendors’ experience with similar projects, quality assurance methodologies, performance monitoring tools, and innovative solutions that could enhance contract outcomes.

This RFI is issued solely for market research and planning purposes. It does not constitute a

Request for Proposal (RFP), and submissions in response to this RFI will not be evaluated as proposals, nor will they be considered in any future source selection process or confer any advantage in a subsequent solicitation.

Industry is strongly encouraged to review the attached draft Statement of Work (SOW) and provide comprehensive feedback using Attachment A – Offeror Questions and Clarifications.

In your response, please address your organization’s relevant experience, proposed quality assurance and performance monitoring approaches, and any recommendations for improving the

Page 2 of 73 Top of Document draft requirements. All feedback should be submitted by the stated deadline to ensure it is considered during the planning process.

Attachment Overview

Attachment Title

A Offeror Questions and Clarifications

B Pricing Sheet

C Wage Determination

D Position Description

E Relevant Experience Questionnaire

F Monthly Deliverables template

G Quarterly QAR template

H Summary of Professional Employee Benefits

I BPA call SOW sections

J Proposal Resume template

K.a. Travel Authorization template

K.b. Travel Authorization (excel) template

L.a Proposal CONUS Pricing & Method

L.b. Proposal OCONUS Pricing & Method

M Contract Email Signature Requirement

N DD-254

Table of Contents

Purpose

PART I: THE SCHEDULE

SECTION A - SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM/OVERVIEW

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

B.1 Overview

B.2 Type of Contract

B.3 Limitation of Funds

B.4 Labor rates

B.5 Service Contract Act

B.6 Overtime or Supplemental Hours

B.7 Travel

B.8 Defense Base Act (DBA) Insurance

B.9 Post Hardship Differential and Danger Pay

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B.10 Period of Performance

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1 Background

C.2 Scope

C.3 Personnel Management

C.4 Position Descriptions

C.5 Transition Periods

SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 Data Packaging Requirements

D.2 Marking of Reports

D.3 Warranty Notification

D.4 Packing List(s)

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 Inspection and Acceptance (Services)

E.2 Acceptable Levels of Performance

SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 Period of Performance

F.2 Place of Performance

SECTION G - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1 Contract Administration Data

G.1.1 Contracting Officer (CO)

G.1.2 Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)

G.1.3 Government Technical Monitor (GTM)

G.2 Technical Direction

G.3 Order of Precedence

G.4 Ordering Procedures

G.4.2 Ordering Procedures

G.5 Final Invoice

G.6 Quick Closeout Procedures

SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1 Contact Information for Sensitive and/or Operational Positions

H.2 Contractor Commitments, Warranties, and Representations

H.3 Organizational Conflict of Interest - General

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H.4 Safeguarding Information

H.5 Payment for Authorized Work

H.6 Nonpayment for Unauthorized Work

H.7 Taxes and Customs Fees

H.8 Providing Accelerated Payment to Small Business Subcontractors

H.9 Permits, Bonds and Licenses

H.10 Insurance Requirements

H.11 Government-Furnished Property

H.12 Government Furnished Property/Information

H.13 Government-Furnished Equipment and Space (On-Site)

H.14 Property Accountability

H.15 Work Schedules

H.16 Contractor Conduct

H.16.1 Removal of Individual Contractor Employees for Cause

H.16.2 Contractor Identification

H.17 Key Personnel

H.18 Technical Direction

H.19 Contractor Personnel Performing Under Worldwide Department of State

Contracts 37

H-020 Security Requirements

H.20.1 Additional Security Requirements

H.20.2 Assignment Contractor Personnel

H.20.3 Public Trust (HRPT and MRPT) Certification Processing

H.21 Preparing Security Packages

H.22 Use of the Synchronized Pre-Deployment Operational Tracker (SPOT)

H.23 Recruitment of Third Country Nationals for Performance on Department Of State

Contracts (October 17, 2012)

H.24 Contractor Vetting After Award

H.25 Contractor Security Plan Requirement (April 2016)

H.26 HTSOS Security Training for Contractors Abroad at Posts with a High Risk to

Their Safety 47

H.27 Non-displacement of Qualified Workers

H.28 Non-Disclosure of Confidential Information

H.29 Customs Clearance and Tax Exemptions

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H.30 Export License

H.31 INL Source-Nationality Restrictions

H.32 Critical Environment Risk Mitigation Plans

H.33 Special Issuance Passport

H.34 CERTIFICATION REGARDING COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE U.S.

FEDERAL ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAW (Required under EO 14173, January 2025)

PART II: CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION I - CONTRACT CLAUSES

PART III: LIST of Documents, Exhibits, and other attachments

SECTION J – LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

SECTION K - REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF

OFFERORS OR RESPONDENTS

K.1 Service Contract Act - Correlation of Labor Categories

K.2 Organizational Conflict of Interest Certification and Disclosure

SECTION L - INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS OR

RESPONDENTS

L-10 General

L-11 Multiple Award

L-12 Proposal Validity

L-13 Solicitation Response

L-14 Communication Concerning Solicitation

L-15 Questions Regarding this RFI

L-16 Request for Information Deadline

L-17 Business Systems, Joint Venture, and Policies

L-18 Preparation Instructions

SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

M.1 Basis for Award

M.2 Number of Contracts to Be Awarded

M.3 Compliance with Solicitation Requirements, Terms, and Conditions

M.4 Proposal Evaluation

M.5 Determination of Responsibility

M.6 Non-Price Evaluation Factors

M.7 Price Evaluation Factors

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PART I: THE SCHEDULE

SECTION A - SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM/OVERVIEW

A.1 Standard Form (SF) 1449 for solicitation (Intentionally left blank) is included

A. 2 Mission of the U.S. Department of State: The U.S. Department of State leads American diplomacy, with the Secretary of State as the President’s main foreign policy advisor. Its mission is to advance U.S. national security, fight terrorism, protect U.S. interests abroad, and implement foreign policy initiatives for a freer, prosperous, and secure world.

A.2.2 Mission of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs

(INL): INL works to keep Americans safe by countering international crime, illegal drugs, and instability abroad. INL strengthens police, courts, and corrections systems in other countries to reduce crime and illegal drugs reaching the U.S.

A.2.3 INL minimizes the impact of international crime and drugs on the U.S. and partner nations through effective foreign assistance and global cooperation. Its mission includes helping partner nations build accountable criminal justice sectors and stabilizing post-conflict societies. INL supports peace and security by combating drug trafficking and transnational crimes like money laundering and gangs. It promotes just and democratic governance by strengthening justice institutions, good governance, and human rights. INL's mission is supported by policies, programs, and activities in Washington, DC, and over 90 nations with foreign assistance programs.

A.4 Scope: INL has a requirement to partner with several highly qualified contractors to provide professional and administrative support services to its worldwide operations.

A.5 Basis of Award: The Government anticipates issuing multiple Blanket Purchase

Agreements (BPAs) as a result of this solicitation.

A.6 Type of Contract: BPA as defined in FAR 8.405-3 (Blanket Purchase Agreements)

A.7 Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5) – Specific Set Aside will be determined as a result of this RFI.

A.8 NAICS: 541611 – Administrative Management and General Management Consulting

Services

A.9 Product Service Code: R408 - SUPPORT- PROFESSIONAL: PROGRAM

MANAGEMENT/SUPPORT

A.10 Source Selection Methodology: Best Value Using Tradeoff

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A.11 Place of Performance: Domestic and Overseas

A.12 Questions Due: Refer to Section L-015

A.13 Request of Information Deadline: Refer to Section L- 016

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

B.1 Overview

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs has a requirement for professional and administrative support services.

B.2 Type of Contract

(a) This is Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA), as defined in Federal Acquisition Regulation

(FAR) 8.405-3 – Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs).

(b) These services are considered commercial items. Specific services to be performed shall be identified at the BPA Call level.

(c) The contract type(s) for individual calls will be one or a combination identified in FAR

Part 16 (Types of Contracts), depending on one or more of the factors identified in FAR

16.104 (Factors in Selecting Contract Types).

(d) If a BPA Call will be performance-based, as described in FAR subpart 37.6

(Performance-based Acquisition), its requirements will be conveyed and administered at the Call level.

B.3 Limitation of Funds

(a) For purposes of FAR 52.232-22 (Limitation of Funds) and DOSAR 652.232-72

(Limitation of Funds), the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer, for each BPA

Call, in writing whenever it has reason to believe that the costs or prices the Contractor expects to incur under the Call (cumulative of all CLINs) in the next 90 days, when added to all costs and prices previously incurred (cumulative of all CLINs), will exceed

75% of the total amount so far allotted/obligated to the BPA Call (cumulative of all

CLINs)

(b) The Contractor shall also notify the Contracting Officer and the Contracting Officer

Representative (COR), for each BPA Call, in writing whenever it has reason to believe that the costs or prices the Contractor expects to incur under the Call (cumulative of all

CLINs) in the next 60 days, when added to all costs and prices previously incurred

(cumulative of all CLINs), will exceed 85% of the Call’s ceiling price.

B.4 Labor rates

(a) This section applies to BPA Calls that utilize any proposed contract type arrangement.

(b) The labor category description for each labor category is identified in C-004 Position

Descriptions.

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a. Contractors will be afforded the opportunity to map individual FSS Contract standard labor categories to the non-standard labor categories in this RFP.

(c) The NTE fully loaded hourly labor rates are in United States currency.

(d) Each NTE fully loaded hourly labor rate consists of an unloaded hourly labor rate, any labor-related direct costs (e.g., any direct fringe benefits, any direct bonuses), applicable indirect costs, and profit amount. It does not include any other costs. Any other costs that are part of the Contractor’s established compensation plan and consistent with FAR part

31 shall be allocated separately as Other Direct Costs (ODC) or as a Material at the Call level. Examples of such costs, if applicable, that shall be allocated separately as an ODC or Material, are post hardship differential pay and danger pay.

(e) Any costs included in the NTE fully loaded hourly labor rates shall not be charged elsewhere under this BPA.

(f) At the Call level, the Government will specify and/or allow the Contractor to propose the labor categories required for a given Call performance. Contract-specified categories shall be used when applicable.

(g) At the Call level, the Contractor will be given an opportunity to propose fully loaded hourly labor rates that match or are lower than the respective NTE fully loaded hourly labor rates. The Contractor will be paid only at fully loaded hourly labor rates that are equal to or are less than the respective NTE fully loaded hourly labor rates.

(h) The fully loaded hourly labor rates awarded as part of an individual Call will apply only to that Call. Also, they will apply to any equitable adjustment resulting from any change to the Call requirement.

(i) The following describes the normal workweek for Contractor and subcontractor employees:

• A normal workweek falls within a consecutive seven-day period.

• The NTE fully loaded hourly labor rates apply to a normal workweek of 40 hours.

• A normal workweek of 40 hours is based on performance of eight hours per day multiplied by five days per week.

• A normal workweek of 40 hours applies to performance outside the continental

United States (OCONUS).

• If the normal workweek for an individual Call differs from a 40-hour normal workweek, both parties will determine labor rates based on the normal workweek for the individual Call. Such rates will apply only to that Call, unless additionally incorporated into the BPA. The contract shall follow all host-country labor laws to include host country holidays.

(j) The NTE fully loaded hourly labor rates apply only to the labor categories in the

Attachment D – Position Descriptions. Any additional labor categories will be specified, and their associated labor rates will be determined at the Call level. Additional labor categories and associated labor rates awarded for an individual Calls will apply only to that Call, unless additionally incorporated into the BPA.

(k) For labor-hour Calls, the Government will pay the awarded fixed fully loaded hourly labor rate and only for performed labor that meets, the labor qualifications specified in the Call.

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(l) For labor-hour Calls, labor hours for each labor category will be paid at the same awarded fixed fully loaded hourly labor rate regardless of whether the individual performing the labor works (either as an employee or consultant) for the prime contractor or a subcontractor.

(m) For labor-hour task Calls, the Government will pay the awarded fixed fully loaded hourly labor rates multiplied by the respective actual incurred hours that the Contracting Officer determines allowable, pursuant to FAR 52.232-7 (Payments under Time and-Materials and Labor-Hour Contracts).

(n) For labor-hour Calls, the Government will pay the awarded fixed fully-loaded hourly labor rate to include profit for those hours the Contractor incurs when replacing or correcting services or materials [reference FAR 52.246-6 (Inspection – Time and-

Material and Labor-Hour)].

(o) For arrangements when payment is made not based on actual costs incurred (e.g., firm-fixed-price), each awarded fully loaded hourly labor rate will be fixed for the period of performance to which it applies, regardless of whether the rate applies to a performing prime contractor or subcontractor employee who has legal status to work in the United

States of America, who is a third-country national, or who is a local national. The

Government will not consider a request for equitable adjustment or claim associated with a desired change to such rate.

(p) Domestic Contractors - The General Schedule (GS) pay scale is the standard for domestic contractors and shall include locality adjustments if applicable.

a. Should there be a “telework position” from the personnel’s home of record, the “Rest of United States” GS pay scale shall be used.

(q) OCONUS U.S. Citizen or TCN - For any overseas position with a U.S. Citizen or TCN, the “Base Schedule” Foreign Service (FS) pay scale shall be used. The FS pay scale shall not include locality adjustments.

(r) Local National - For a Local National, the local FS pay scale will be used, and shall be provided in the BPA Call.

B.5 Service Contract Act

The Contractor shall be responsible for identifying by Labor Category all direct charge employees who are exempt from the Service Contract Labor Standards (formerly known as the Service Contract Act of 1965), and those employees who are non-exempt. The offeror shall identify in Attachment B – Pricing Sheet, its correlation of the proposed labor categories with the classes of service employees included in the Department of Labor (DOL) Wage De-termination attached to this solicitation. If the offeror determines any of the proposed labor categories to be exempt from the Service Contract Act, the offeror shall state the basis for the exemption. The offeror shall also identify any non-exempt labor categories which are not included in the attached Wage Determination for which the conformance procedures contained in FAR 52.222-41 "SERVICE CONTRACT ACT OF 1965, AS AMENDED," may apply.

B.6 Overtime or Supplemental Hours

(a) The Contractor agrees to perform this contract, so far as practicable, without using overtime, particularly as a regular employment practice, except when lower overall costs to the Government will result or when it is necessary to meet urgent program needs [reference FAR

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22.103-2 (Overtime – Policy)].

(b) Overtime is defined as time worked in excess of the number of hours in a normal workweek. Referred as “Supplemental Hours” as a CLIN within the BPA call, where applicable.

(c) “Number of hours” includes productive time hours, travel time hours, and paid time off hours (e.g., sick, vacation, holiday).

(d) “Productive time hours” consist of hours that, other than travel time hours, directly benefit the contract.

(e) “Travel time hours” consist of hours spent by the employee traveling to or from authorized work locations.

(f) The contractor shall comply with all host-country labor laws regarding the payment of overtime.

(g) For fixed-price arrangements (i.e., BPA Calls or line items in a Call), the Government will not pay for overtime.

(h) The following applies to labor-hour arrangements and the time portion of time-and-materials arrangements (BPA Calls or line items in a Call):

• Government payment for overtime will be made at the fixed fully-loaded hourly labor rates negotiated in the Call.

• When Government payment for overtime is made at the fixed fully-loaded hourly labor rates negotiated in the Call, such payment applies only to: a) Contractor employees exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and who perform overtime in the geographical areas applicable to FLSA; and b) all Contractor employees who perform overtime outside the geographical areas applicable to

FLSA.

• Advance Government authorization for any Contractor employee’s performance of overtime is not required when Government payment is at the fixed fully-loaded hourly labor rates negotiated in the Call.

• Government payment for overtime for Contractor employees not exempt from the Fair

Labor Standards Act

B.7 Travel

(a) Travel under this contract is defined as Contractor air and ground transportation, lodging, meals and incidental expenses, and passport/visa costs.

(b) Except as otherwise provided herein, the Contractor shall be paid its allowable travel costs in accordance with FAR 31.205-46 (Travel Costs).

• Travel costs shall not be burdened with any indirect costs unless specifically allowable in accordance with the Contractor's usual accounting practices consistent with FAR Subpart 31.2. In no event shall travel costs be burdened with fee/profit.

(c) Travel costs are authorized for travel beyond a 50-miles’ radius of the Contractor employee’s local place of performance (official duty station) whenever work is required to be accomplished at a remote work site.

(d) Local travel shall be processed as follows: if the Government requires a Contractor employee to work an entire normal workday, or part of a normal workday, at a site other than the employee’s official duty station and the radius between the two locations is

Page 11 of 73 Top of Document within 50 miles, travel costs are generally allowable, but only for any difference in costs between the employee’s normal daily commuting expense and commuting expense resulting from the most economical means of transportation available to the employee after considering: any physical or medical needs of the employee, and mission requirements. Payment for time associated with such travel is unallowable.

Part of a normal workday is one in which the employee starts their normal workday at their official duty station and departs at the end of their normal workday from their official duty station. An example is an employee having to attend a meeting at a

Department of State site in the middle of the workday.

(e) No travel costs or associated labor time during travel shall be allowable for regular commuting beyond, or within, a 50-miles’ radius of the Contractor’s official duty station.

(f) Costs when using a privately owned vehicle (POV) for official travel are allowable provided that such costs do not exceed costs that would have resulted from use of other reasonable transportation methods (e.g., taxi, airplane, train). Reasonable associated costs, such as tolls and parking fees, are also generally allowable.

(g) When traveling in a POV for official travel, the Contractor shall be paid mileage costs at a rate that does not exceed the POV mileage rate established by the Internal Revenue

Service.

(h) Costs for car rentals for official travel are allowable pursuant to the following:

• Such rentals are consistent with good business practice.

• Such costs do not exceed costs that would have resulted from use of other reasonable transportation methods (e.g., taxi, airplane, train).

• Such costs do not exceed the actual cost of renting a compact automobile

(maximum of one automobile for four Contractor personnel), unless extenuating circumstances (e.g., excess baggage) require other arrangements and Contracting

Officer approval is obtained in advance and in writing.

• Reasonable associated costs, such as tolls and parking fees, are also generally allowable.

(i) The Government will pay the Contractor, under the applicable labor category CLIN(s), for each Contractor employee’s travel time to or from authorized work locations as long as the following are met:

• Payment of travel time described herein is in accordance with the Contractor’s established travel policy.

• The Government will not pay for a contractor employee’s time spent in layovers that are for the convenience of the Contractor employee or Contractor.

• The Government will not pay more than eight (8) hours per day per Contractor employee for travel time.

• The Government will not pay for a contractor employee’s travel time that is outside the employee’s regular working hours.

• The Government will not pay for a contractor employee more than the number of hours in the employee’s normal workweek. “Number of hours” includes

Page 12 of 73 Top of Document productive time hours, travel time hours, and paid time off hours (e.g., sick, vacation, holiday).

• “Productive time hours” consist of hours that, other than travel time hours, directly benefit the contract.

• The Contracting Officer must authorize exceptions in advance and in writing.

(j) The following items concern passports and visas:

• The Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring that all personnel who will be required to travel outside the United States have a current and valid U.S. passport.

• Should a SIA issued passport (i.e. Official, Diplomatic, Service) be required, that cost will be borne by INL, and worked in conjunction with the COR/CO.

• The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining any visas required for travel to foreign countries under this contract.

• The Contractor shall make no direct labor charges for obtaining/maintaining passports and/or visas.

• The Government will not reimburse the Contractor for travel expenses when travel is cancelled/modified as a result of the Contractor’s failure to obtain a visa, where the Government has determined that such failure is due to the action or inaction of the Contractor.

• The Government will not reimburse the Contractor for the use of private visa procurement services provided by a third party.

(k) Costs for travel that has been modified or cancelled are not allowable unless such modification or cancellation was caused by the Government or otherwise beyond the control of the Contractor.

(l) Pursuant to FAR 47.402, 47.403, and the Fly America Act, the Contractor shall use a

U.S.-flag air carrier service unless an exception exists. If such conditions exist under a fixed-price arrangement (i.e., BPA Call or line items in a Call), the Contractor shall submit with its Call to the COR a proposal a memorandum explaining why it does not intend to use a U.S.-flag air carrier service. Inclusion of such costs in the awarded fixed price is contingent upon Government acceptance of such explanation.

(m) Should any Contractor personnel be requested to perform in any area which has been determined by the Department of State to be a hazardous duty area, hazardous duty premium pay if and to the extent requested and allowed, will be payable at the same rate as would be given to Department of State direct-hire employees pursuant to Chapter 650 of the U.S. Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians, Foreign Areas). Hazardous duty premium pay shall not be burdened with any indirect costs (e.g., overhead, G&A) or fee/profit. Reference B-009 Post Hardship Differential and Danger Pay for additional information.

B.7.1 Travel Authorizations Request - Domestic Positions

a) TPCs may be required to travel domestically and/or internationally. Each BPA Call will clearly state if travel is anticipated. If travel is required, funding shall be provided accordingly. Some BPA Call shall provide funding upon award, while others will be

Page 13 of 73 Top of Document funded on an individual basis. All Travel shall be in accordance with the Department of

State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) and the Federal Travel Regulations (FTR).

b) When travel is anticipated, a “Travel Authorization” shall be completed. The format will be issued upon award and require the following:

a. Hourly rate & number of work hours to be preformed

i. Break out any hours over a 40-hour work week into its own

“Supplemental Hours” line.

b. Travel/ODCs

c. Shall include Per Diem IAW GSA published rates

(https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates) and/or DOS Overseas

Rates (https://aoprals.state.gov/web920/per_diem.asp)

c) The Travel Authorization shall be prepared by the Contractor and signed by the TPC, Office Director/Team Lead/Government Onsite Supervisor, and then sent to the appropriate Contract Specialist (CS) to obtain Contracting Officer and COR approval.

This shall be completed prior to any travel plans being made. INL shall not be liable for any costs if a Travel Authorization is not completed and subsequently cancelled.

d) IAW 14 FAM 567.2-6 Extended Economy Seating Travel, extended economy seating is authorized on a reimbursable basis. Business class is not authorized under this BPA, unless in limited circumstances and re- quires CO approval.

a. In rare circumstances, the contractor would be required to submit a memorandum to the CO and COR why Fly America Act wasn’t able to be taken into consideration prior to travel date.

e) Local travel may be anticipated, and will require a Travel Authorization upon confirmation with the CO.

f) If the Contractor requires their employee to pay for travel plans out of pocket, timely reimbursement is required upon following the Contractor’s reimbursement request policy.

B.7.2 Travel Authorization Request - Overseas Positions

a) TPCs may be required to travel domestically and/or internationally. Each BPA Call will clearly state if travel is anticipated. If travel is required, funding shall be provided accordingly. Some BPA Call shall provide funding upon award, while others will be funded on an ad hoc basis.

b) When travel is anticipated, a “Travel Authorization” shall be completed.

c) The format will be issued upon award and require the following:

a. Number of work hours to be preformed

i. Break out any hours over a 40-hour work week into its own

“Supplemental Hours” line.

b. Travel/ODCs

i. Shall include Per Diem IAW GSA published rates

(https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates) and/or DOS

Overseas Rates (https://aoprals.state.gov/web920/per_diem.asp).

c. Danger Pay, if applicable

d. Post Differential, if applicable

e. Medical Evacuation Insurance /DBA Insurance https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates https://aoprals.state.gov/web920/per_diem.asp https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates

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d) The Travel Authorization shall be prepared by the Contractor and signed by the TPC, Office Director/Team Lead/Government Onsite Supervisor, and then sent to the appropriate Contract Specialist (CS) to obtain Contracting Officer and COR approval.

This shall be completed prior to any travel plans being made. INL shall not be liable for any costs if a Travel Authorization is not completed and subsequently cancelled.

B.8 Defense Base Act (DBA) Insurance

(a) DBA Insurance costs shall be incorporated into its own CLIN.

(b) DBA Insurance costs are unallowable for performance in the United States.

(c) DBA Insurance costs are generally allowable for performance outside the United States, but only for covered Contractor and subcontractor employees. The following are covered

Contractor and subcontractor employees:

a. United States citizens or residents.

b. Individuals hired in the United States or its possessions, regardless of citizenship.

c. Local nationals and third country nationals where Call performance takes place in a country where there is no waiver in accordance with PIB 2017-04.

(d) In addition, DBA Insurance costs are generally allowable for performance outside the

United States, but only when such costs accord with the terms of the Contractor’s DBA

Insurance policy, law, and regulation.

(e) The Contractor’s DBA Insurance policy shall be with a carrier approved by the United

States Department of Labor to provide DBA Insurance, or the Contractor shall be a self-insured employer authorized by the United States Department of Labor to provide DBA

Insurance.

(f) Some countries have DBA waivers for more information check:

https://www.dol.gov/owcp/dlhwc/dbawaivers/dbawaivers.htm

B.9 Post Hardship Differential and Danger Pay

Post Hardship Differential Pay and Danger Pay, which are forms of incentive compensation, will be generally allowable and allocated separately at the Call level. However, Government payment of such costs is contingent on the Contractor meeting all of the following requirements:

(a) Paying Post Hardship Differential Pay and Danger Pay is part of the Contractor’s established incentive compensation plan or policy, or employer/employee agreement entered into in good faith before the services are rendered, pursuant to FAR 31.205-

6(f)(1)(i) (Bonuses and Incentive Compensation).

(b) When paying Post Hardship Differential Pay and Danger Pay is part of the Contractor’s established incentive compensation plan or policy, such plan or policy is followed consistently as to imply, in effect, an agreement to make such payment pursuant to FAR

31.205-6(f)(1)(i) (Bonuses and Incentive Compensation).

(c) The Contractor's basis for paying Post Hardship Differential Pay and Danger Pay is supported, pursuant to FAR 31.205-6(f)(1)(ii) (Bonuses and Incentive Compensation).

(d) Payment of such costs is otherwise consistent with FAR Subpart 31.2.

https://www.dol.gov/owcp/dlhwc/dbawaivers/dbawaivers.htm

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(e) Payment will be made only for areas identified as Post Hardship Differential Pay areas and/or Danger Pay areas in Section 920 of the Department of State Standardized

Regulations (DSSR).

(f) Payment will be made only for eligible employees:

• Whose country of citizenship is not in the Call place of performance; and

• Whose primary residence is in an area not identified in Section 920 of the DSSR, or an area identified in Section 920 of the DSSR with an applicable DSSR percentage that is less than the respective applicable DSSR percentage for the Call place of performance.

(g) Payment for a given workweek for an eligible employee will not exceed the dollar amount resulting from multiplying the applicable DSSR percentage by the employee’s basic compensation for the given workweek.

(h) The applicable DSSR percentage will be the DSSR percentage effective at the time of

Call proposal(s) (or upon Call award if feasible) under fixed-price arrangements (i.e., BPA Call or line items in a Call).

(i) The applicable DSSR percentage will be the DSSR percentage effective at the time of

Call performance for arrangements when payment is made based on actual costs incurred

(e.g., cost-reimbursement arrangements, materials portion of time-and-materials arrangements, and progress payments based on costs under fixed-price arrangements).

(j) An eligible employee’s basic compensation for a given workweek is the dollar amount attributable to the employee as a result of the employee’s productive hours and paid time off (e.g., sick, vacation, holiday) hours for the given workweek. It is the employee’s base salary/unloaded compensation for the given workweek. However, such compensation must:

• Benefit the Call; and/or

• Be an equitable amount that is necessary to support the overall operation of the business, although a direct relationship to any particular cost objective (e.g., Call) cannot be shown.

(k) The number of hours included in an eligible employee’s basic compensation for a given workweek cannot exceed the number of hours for the Call’s normal workweek.

(l) Basic compensation included in the fixed-price under fixed-price arrangements will consist of each eligible employee’s negotiated base salary/unloaded compensation for the

Call’s period of performance.

(m) Basic compensation will consist of actual incurred base salary/unloaded compensation for arrangements when payment is made based on actual costs incurred (e.g., cost-reimbursement arrangements, materials portion of time-and-materials arrangements, and progress payments based on costs under fixed-price arrangements).

(n) An eligible employee may receive Post Hardship Differential Pay and Danger Pay during paid time off only when the employee takes paid time off in the Call’s place of performance or in another Post Hardship Differential Pay and Danger Pay area, respectively.

Page 16 of 73 Top of Document

(o) When an eligible employee takes paid time off in another Post Hardship Differential Pay and/or Danger Pay area, payment will be based on the applicable DSSR percentage(s) for the Call’s place of performance.

(p) Payment of Post Hardship Differential Pay for an eligible employee will not commence until the eligible employee has served 30 calendar days in the Call’s place of performance. Payment will commence on the first productive or non-productive day after day 3042 and will not be retroactive to days previously served unless paragraph “q” immediately below applies. The 30 calendar days are not required to be consecutive, and

“served” consists of productive time, paid time off, and time otherwise spent in the Call’s place of performance.

(q) Once an eligible employee has served 30 calendar days in the Call’s place of performance, payment of Post Hardship Differential Pay will be retroactive to day 1 served in the Call’s place of performance if the Call’s place of performance is in an area identified in Footnote N in the Post Classification and Payment Tables in Section 920 of the DSSR. Payment of Post Hardship Differential Pay for an eligible employee will conclude when the eligible employee departs the Call’s place of performance, unless such departure is to another Post Hardship Differential Pay area during paid time off.

(r) For Post Hardship Differential Pay, when an eligible employee has not yet served 30 calendar days and returns to the Call’s place of performance after an absence from the

Call’s place of performance, the number of days served resumes on the day of return. For example, if an eligible employee served 30 calendar days in the Call’s place of performance and departed the Call’s place of performance for 14 days, the day of return

(day 44) will be considered day 31 of days served.

(s) Payment of Danger Pay for an eligible employee will not commence until the eligible employee has served a minimum of four (04) cumulative hours in one day at a place designated a danger pay area. When an eligible employee is in a danger pay area for four

(04) cumulative hours or more, they may receive the danger pay allowance for the full day. This is effective the eligible employee’s day of arrival in the Call’s place of performance and conclude on the day of departure from the Call’s place of performance.

B.10 Period of Performance

This BPA is comprised of a one-year base period, four, one-year option periods and a six-month option to extend services granted via FAR Clause 52.217-8.

Base Year: To be completed at time of award

Option Year 1:

Option Year 2:

Option Year 3:

Option Year 4:

Six-Month Extension (FAR 52.217-8):

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

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C.1 Background

The need for law and order, justice, and respect for human rights is crucial in a world facing growing transnational threats like terrorism, crime, porous borders, and violent conflicts. Many nations lack capable police forces and transparent criminal justice systems to counter these threats while upholding the Rule of Law. This is a major problem for those countries and the

United States, as weak law enforcement can lead to crime and extremism, while corrupt law enforcement can cause human rights violations and political instability. Addressing these challenges is vital to U.S. national security.

The Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) aims to develop efficient, fair, and effective criminal justice systems worldwide. INL provides assistance to countries and international organizations to control narcotic drugs, strengthen foreign police and criminal justice systems, counter illegal narcotics, and minimize transnational crime. INL's authorities are found in Chapter 8, Part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961

(FAA), as amended. INL also plays a role in stabilizing post-conflict societies and strengthening democracies through the development of criminal justice systems.

C.2 Scope

The Contractor shall provide highly qualified third-party contractors (TPC) on an individual

BPA Call basis for INL programs, activities, and functions in the US and globally. All TPCs must meet the labor category requirements in the Contractor's GSA/MOBIS schedule. The

Contractor shall ensure TPC personnel have the required skills and employ practices to identify, screen, place, monitor, train, and retain qualified candidates to meet service requirements.

When INL requests a proposal for a position, the Contractor shall submit resumes of individuals expected to perform under the order. Resumes must demonstrate relevant experience and include a signed statement from the individual granting permission for submission. If the individual is not currently employed by the Contractor, an agreement with specific salary quotations must be provided.

All terms and conditions of the GSA/MOBIS Federal Supply Schedule apply. Services and performance details will be defined in each order. Prices must align with the Contractor’s original proposal and established labor rates under the GSA/MOBIS Schedule Contract.

The Contractor shall provide official proposals on company letterhead for pending orders, including hourly rate, quantity of hours, total cost, and period of performance. Proposals should be based on a 40-hour workweek, a 2080-hour work year, and observe legal holidays and administrative/personal leave dates.

C.3 Personnel Management

All Contractor personnel under this BPA are responsible to operate, at a minimum, during regular business hours, presenting themselves in a professional manner at all times befitting the

Page 18 of 73 Top of Document high visibility of the Department of State. Program Managers should provide each Contractor a copy of the Statement of Work for which they were hired under.

C.3.1 General

TPC personnel are not employees of the Federal Government and are not eligible for benefits given Federal employees. The Contractor shall be responsible for communicating this to their employees and ensuring that they fully understand this, as well as the other terms and conditions outlined herein.

All TPC personnel shall conduct only business covered by this contract during periods paid for by the Government and shall not conduct any other business on Government premises.

C.3.2 Customer Service and Support

The Contractor shall maintain a customer-focused approach, ensuring high customer satisfaction within the BPA terms. The Contractor will work with various customers and shall:

(a) Meet customer requirements for timeliness, quality, and cost efficiency, including designing a quality assurance plan with performance metrics. (b) Implement quality control procedures by identifying and mitigating risks, issues, and problems. (c) Work with customers to resolve issues with services provided under this contract, ensuring minimal impact on the mission. (d) Refer issues immediately to the Contracting Officer and/or COR.

C.3.3 Demeanor

All TPC personnel must communicate effectively with callers, visitors, and staff at all levels.

The Contractor shall ensure TPC personnel are courteous, alert, and friendly. They must know how to operate standard office equipment and be skilled in Microsoft Office Suite. TPC personnel shall dress professionally and follow the Department's dress code both CONUS and

OCONUS. For more information, refer to H-015-1 Removal of Individual Contractor Employees for Cause.

C.3.4 Training

The Government will provide training only for DOS-specific equipment, systems, and processes, which must be completed promptly per policy (see 13 FAM 300). Travel-related mandatory training (e.g., HTSOS-C, FACT Training) may be required at the discretion of the on-site supervisor and Regional Security Officer (RSO) at the OCONUS location traveling to and needs

INL Contracting Officer approval (see H-026 for more info).

All other training costs to qualify TPC personnel for tasks under this contract, as well as costs for obtaining or retaining certifications or licenses, shall be borne by the Contractor.

C.3.5 Leave

All TPC personnel requests for leave, annual, sick or other, shall be approved or denied by the

Contractor. The Contractor shall notify the on-site Office Director and/or Deputy Director (as well as the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) & Contracting Officer if requested), in

Page 19 of 73 Top of Document advance of any planned absences and as soon as possible of any unplanned and unavoidable absences. The Contractor shall be responsible for assuring BPA Calls are fully staffed at all times, unless the CO waives this requirement.

C.3.6 Work Hours

(a) Domestic Positions

• DOS offices are typically open from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, with core business hours of

9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Each BPA Call will determine the actual work hours for TPC personnel. Positions are considered full-time (40 hours per week) unless specified otherwise. Some TPC personnel may work alternate eight-hour shifts as specified in the contract.

• Anything over 40 hours per week is considered "Supplemental Hours." Most positions do not anticipate this, but each BPA Call will specify. Refer to Section B-006 Overtime or

Supplemental Hours.

(b) Overseas Positions

• DOS offices are typically open from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, with core business hours of

9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Each BPA Call will determine the actual work hours for TPC personnel, as Embassy/Consulate hours may vary. Positions are considered full-time (40 hours per week) unless specified otherwise. Some TPC personnel may work alternate eight-hour shifts as specified in the contract.

C.3.7 Telework / AWS

(a) TPC personnel may be authorized telework or an alternate work schedule (AWS) at the discretion of the Office Director and/or Deputy Director. The CO and COR will have the final determination if there are questions.

(b) Per 3 FAM 3480 Weather and Safety Leave Policy, when federal offices are CLOSED due to inclement weather or emergencies, Contractors with an active telework agreement must either telework or request leave.

(c) For more information on Contractors teleworking under different OPM Operating Status, they should reach out to their onsite supervisor for guidance.

C.3.8 Details

All TPC personnel under the BPA Calls are prohibited from detailing to an office outside the one indicated in the BPA Call. If a detail is requested, the Contractor must seek CO approval before work begins. INL will consider any unauthorized detail as nonpayment (see Section H-005 for more info).

C.3.9 Program Manager

The Contractor shall appoint a Program Manager (PM) as the primary contact with INL. The PM will supervise all TPC employees, ensure deliverables are completed, resolve contract and BPA

Call issues, and attend necessary meetings. The PM will ensure TPC personnel understand their duties and comply with all policies and terms under the BPA. The PM is considered Key

Personnel and will be the point-of-contact for the CO to resolve issues and perform other

Page 20 of 73 Top of Document functions related to the contract and BPA Calls. The PM will receive a Department of State ID badge. All costs associated with the PM are at no cost to the Government.

Program Manager Duties & Responsibilities:

• Maintain a staffing level of 95% or higher at all times.

• Respond to CO communications within 8 business hours.

• Accurately report staffing levels in weekly, monthly, and annual reports.

• Achieve required security clearances 95% of the time.

• Successfully onboard personnel including submitting VARs, badging process, security briefing, and first day logistics with the CO, COR, and future on-site supervisor.

• Successful offboarding including submitting VAR cancellations, collecting (and returning) of government furnished equipment and badges.

• Submit deliverables on time 100% of the time.

• Handle contractor and subcontractor personnel issues quickly and effectively.

• Hold and maintain all appropriate business licenses and comply with respective country labor laws.

• Commence a travel request to DC within one (01) day.

• Ensure appropriate work visas for contractor and subcontractor employees.

• Be available 24/7 when a Contractor is traveling to assist with any travel issues.

Minimum Qualifications:

• US Citizenship

• Active Secret Security Clearance

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university

• Ten years of project/program management experience

• Ten years of experience managing Government contracts with professional and administrative support services

• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, with excellent oral and written communication skills

C.3.10 Deputy Program Manager

The Contractor shall appoint a Deputy Program Manager (DPM) as the secondary point of contact with INL. The DPM will assist the PM with TPC employee supervision, deliverables, resolving contract and BPA Call issues, and attending meetings. The DPM will step in with the

PM is out of the office and carry out all PM duties in the interim. The DPM will ensure TPC personnel understand their duties and comply with all policies, terms, and conditions under the

BPA. The DPM is considered Key Personnel and will be the secondary point-of-contact for the

CO to resolve issues and perform other functions related to the contract and BPA Calls. The

DPM will receive a Department of State ID badge. All costs associated with the DPM are at no cost to the Government.

Deputy Program Manager Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assist the PM in maintaining a staffing level of 95% or higher at all times.

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• Respond to CO communications within 8 business hours.

• Accurately report staffing levels in weekly, monthly, and annual reports.

• Achieve required security clearances 95% of the time.

• Successfully onboard personnel, including VARs, badging, and briefing.

• Submit deliverables on time 100% of the time.

• Handle contractor and subcontractor personnel issues quickly and effectively.

• Hold and maintain all appropriate business licenses and comply with respective country labor laws.

• Facilitate travel requests within one day.

• Ensure appropriate work visas for contractor and subcontractor employees.

Minimum Qualifications:

• US Citizenship

• Active Secret Security Clearance

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university

• Minimum five years of project/program management experience

• Minimum five years of experience managing Government contracts with professional and administrative support services

• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, with excellent oral and written communication skills

C.3.11 Location

The PM shall be located within 51 miles of SA-01 Columbia Plaza, 2401 E ST NW Washington DC. The DPM can be located anywhere in the Continental United States (CONUS) but must be able to travel to DC within one (01) day if CO requires an in-person meeting and/or Contractor personnel issues.

The PM shall have a team for BPA activities, including recruitment, logistics, financial, and accounting support, which can be based at the company's home office. The home office shall interface directly with the CO and COR to ensure effective contract and BPA management.