D-SAACP_PWS_FINAL_30_-DAY_Revision.docx

Department of Defense (DoD) Sexual Assault Advocate Certification Program

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

DoD Sexual Assault Advocate Certification Program (D-SAACP)

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 required the Department of Defense (DoD) to establish a training and certification program for Sexual Assault Response Coordinators (SARCs) and Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Victim Advocates (VAs). Additionally, in December of 2009, the Under Secretary of Defense (USD) for Personnel and Readiness (P&R) directed the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO) to proceed with implementing oversight recommendations, to include Recommendation 6a from the Defense Task Force on Sexual Assault in the Military Services (DTF-SAMS) Report, which calls on the Department to establish a certification program for VAs.

1.2 To meet this requirement, and to standardize response to sexual assault victims and professionalize victim advocacy roles, the Department has established the Department of Defense Sexual Assault Advocate Certification Program (D-SAACP). This program consists of three prongs: (1) a competency framework, (2) a national credential, and (3) assisting with the evaluation and oversight of training of DoD personnel who provide advocacy services to sexual assault victims in the military.

2.0 BACKGROUND

2.1 SAPRO serves as the single point of accountability and oversight for sexual assault policy, provides guidance to the DoD components, and facilitates the resolution of issues common to all military Services and joint commands.

2.2 The National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA) is the oldest and largest national organization of its kind in the world. NOVA consists of victim assistance practitioners and programs, criminal justice agencies and professionals, mental health professionals, researchers, survivors, and others committed to the recognition and implementation of victims’ rights and services. Established in 1975, NOVA’s mission is to champion dignity and compassion for those harmed by crime and crisis. NOVA was central and catalytic to the launch of the National Advocate Credentialing Program (NACP) in 2003 and is the secretariat for this allied professional credential today, managing and securing the data. NOVA coordinates a network of best-practice subject-matter expertise on crime victimization and trauma mitigation training. This coordination includes identifying certification standards and requirements. NOVA also facilitates the processing, review and approval of national advocate credentialing applications for NACP.

3.1 SAPRO requires the contractor to process (i.e. receive, review, analyze, track, process approvals through D-SAACP Review Committee and issue credentials) credentialing application packages, to include renewals and revocations, for DoD personnel performing direct services to victims of sexual assault as detailed within this PWS.

3.1.1 Credential Renewals – A minimum of 32 units of continuing education are required every two years to maintain and renew a credential. The continuing education must be completed by the applicant once the credentialing application or renewal application has been approved and prior to the last quarter before the two-year expiration. As the renewal application is submitted the quarter prior to expiration, it is necessary for the continuing education to be completed prior to submission of the renewal application.

3.1.2 Credential Status – DoD has the authority to change (i.e., revoke, transfer and/or suspend) a DoD personnel’s credentials and will notify the contractor of the revocation. Military Services will request revocations through SAPRO and SAPRO will notify the contractor.

4.3.1 Level One: For DoD personnel, to include part-time and additional-duty SARCs and SAPR VAs. This is required in order to fulfill the role of a SARC or SAPR VA and to deploy as a SARC or SAPR VA. An exception to this requirement is authorized for extenuating circumstances that may arise for deployments. The senior commander with a minimum rank of O-6 in the SARC’s chain of command may authorize this rare exception and will notify SAPRO of the exception within 14 days. D-SAACP Application requirements include:

4.3.1.1 Completed D-SAACP application including a signed Code of Professional Ethics all new applications.

4.3.1.2 Two letters of recommendation that attest to professional skills and ability to perform the duties of a SARC or SAPR VA. Supervisor and Commander letters of recommendation also confirm that a background check was completed and the applicant is not currently under investigation for any criminal offense and they are not a convicted sex offender.

4.3.1.2.1 For SARCs: (1) First supervisor in the chain of command must be from an E-7, CW02, 0-3, or GS-9 or higher[footnoteRef:1]and (2) Senior Commander must be 0-6 or GS-15 or higher. An exception to this requirement will be authorized in cases when the first person in the chain of command and the senior commander are the same person; [1: ]

4.3.1.2.2 For SAPR VAs: (1) SARC and (2) Commander or first supervisor in the chain of command, must be from an E-7, CW02, 0-3, GS-9 or higher.

4.3.1.3 Certificate of completion for 40 hours of NACP pre-approved training.

4.3.2 Level Two: For full-time SARCs and SAPR VAs or part-time with commensurate and equivalent full-time experience. Level One accommodates applicants who do not meet the experience requirement. Application requirements include:

4.3.1.1 Completed D-SAACP application including a Verification of Sexual Assault Experience signed by a supervisor who can verify the information and a signed Code of Professional Ethics must be attached for all new and renewal applications.

4.3.1.2 Two letters of recommendation that attest to professional skills and ability. Supervisor and Commander letters of recommendation also confirm that a background check was completed and the applicant is not currently under investigation for any criminal offense and they are not a convicted sex offender.

4.3.1.2.1 For SARCs: (1) First supervisor in the chain of command must be from an E-7, CW02, 0-3 or GS-9 or higher, and (2) Senior Commander, must be 0-6 or GS-15 or higher. An exception to this requirement will be authorized in cases when the first supervisor in the chain of command and the senior commander are the same person.

4.3.1.2.2 For SAPR VAs: (1) SARC and (2) Commander or first supervisor in the chain of command, must be from an E-7, CW02, 0-3, or GS-9 or higher.

4.3.1.3 Certificate of completion for 40 hours of NACP pre-approved training.

4.3.1.4 Proof of 3900 hours (two years full-time equivalent) of specialized experience and observation of three or more occasions on which the applicant provided sexual assault victim advocacy services.

4.3.2 Level Three: Optional for full-time SARCs and SAPR VAs or part-time with commensurate and equivalent full-time experience. Application requirements include:

4.3.2.1 Completed D-SAACP application including a Verification of Sexual Assault Victim Advocacy Experience signed by a supervisor who can verify the information and a signed Code of Professional Ethics must be attached for all new and renewal applications.

4.3.2.2 Two letters of recommendation that attest to professional skills, ability and years of experience in the field. Supervisor and Commander letters of recommendation also confirm that a background check was completed and the applicant is not currently under investigation for any criminal offense and they are not a convicted sex offender.

4.3.2.2.1 For SARCs: (1) First supervisor in the chain of command, must be from an E-7, CW02, 0-3 or GS-9 or higher, and (2) Senior Commander, must be from an 0-6 or GS-15 or higher.

4.3.2.2.2 For SAPR VAs: (1) SARC and (2) Commander or first supervisor in the chain of command, must be from an E-7, CW02, 0-3, or GS-9 or higher.

4.3.2.3 Certificate of completion for 40 hours of NACP pre-approved training.

4.3.2.4 Proof of 7800 hours (four years full time equivalent) of specialized experience and observation of three or more occasions on which the applicant provided sexual assault victim advocacy services.

4.3.3 Level Four: Optional for full-time SARCs and SAPR VAs or part-time with commensurate and equivalent full-time experience. Application requirements include:

4.3.3.1 Completed D-SAACP application including a Verification of Sexual Assault Victim Advocacy Experience signed by a supervisor who can verify the information and a signed Code of Professional Ethics must be attached from all new and renewal applications. Application requirements include:

4.3.3.2 Two letters of recommendation that attest to professional skills, ability and years of experience in the field. Supervisor and Commander letters of recommendation also confirm that a background check was completed and the applicant is not currently under investigation for any criminal offense and they are not a convicted sex offender.

4.3.3.2.1 For SARCs: (1) First supervisor in the chain of command and (2) Senior Commander. An exception to this requirement will be authorized in cases when the first supervisor in the chain of command and the senior commander are the same person.

4.3.3.2.2 For SAPR VAs: (1) SARC and (2) Commander or first supervisor in the chain of command, must be from an E-7, CW02, 0-3, or GS-9 or higher.

4.3.3.2.3 Certificate of completion for 40 hours of NACP pre-approved training.

4.3.3.2.4 Proof of 15,600 hours (eight years full time equivalent) of specialized experience and observation of three or more occasions on which the applicant provided sexual assault victim advocacy services.

4.4 Execute the application process to include, receiving, reviewing, analyzing, tracking, processing approvals through D-SAACP Review Committee, and issuing credentials to DoD applicants.

4.4.1 Approved Certification Packet includes an official wallet-sized card, official D-SAACP certificate, an official confirmation letter from the D-SAACP Committee and an official letter from the Director of SAPRO.

4.4.2 SAPRO will provide letterhead and content and digital signature from the Director.

4.4.3 When Certification Packets are returned in the US mail, NOVA will attempt to resend one time at advocate’s request. All remaining returned packets will be forwarded to SAPRO on a quarterly basis. Advocates whose packets were not returned or received may use the NOVA approval notification email to confirm certification approval in lieu of the official certificate.

4.5 Maintain a mechanism to track D-SAACP application packages throughout the application lifecycle.

4.5.1 The mechanism must continue to support the contractor to capture, track, and report, at a minimum, the following information:

· Status of each credentialing request by applicants name

· Type of credentialing applied for

· Current status of an application

· Proof of completion of pre-approved training and all other training requirements

· Precise command location, as defined on the D-SAACP Application Form, of new and renewal applicants

· Requests for revoking credentials

· Number of new applicants

· Military Service affiliation of applicant

· Number of and specific applications pending approval

· Number of and specific applications in abeyance

· Number of and specific applicants approved

· Number of and specific applicants who have changed Levels

· Number of and specific applicants who renewed their applications

· Number of and specific applicants who have been denied

· Number of and specific applicants whose applications have been closed

· Number of and specific applicants whose credentials have been revoked

· Number of and specific applicants by precise command location

· Number of and specific applicants whose credentials will expire within 60 days

4.5.2 The mechanism must comply with all DoD and Federal Information Assurance and Privacy rules and regulations, as required (i.e. DoD 5400.11, Department of Defense Privacy Program and DoD 5400.11-R, Department of Defense Privacy Program).

4.5.3 The mechanism must support the contractor to provide information in reports to SAPRO, as requested.

4.6 As needed, review and provide feedback on proposed continuing education course material.

4.7 Provide subject-matter expertise to the military Services in the form of curriculum review, input on training; perform briefings and/or webinars, approved by the Government, not to exceed 5 times.

4.8 Provide SARC Teleconferences, as needed related to completing DD Form 2950 and 2950-1 and the processes for submission.

4.9 Conduct In-Progress Reviews (IPR) throughout the period of performance to inform SAPRO and obtain guidance on any modifications that may be required due to the contractor and client’s interpretation of the requirements captured within this PWS.

4.10 Provide the necessary support, information and/or documentation to SAPRO to ensure compliance with all DoD and Federal rules and regulations, and to communicate the program.

The contractor shall deliver a status report, template to be provided by SAPRO, that documents status, issues or concerns, recommendations, risks and development successes, and future tasks. The contractor shall also include, at a minimum but not limited to, the following information:

· Status of each credentialing request by applicants name

· Type of credentialing applied for

· Current status of an application

· Proof of submission of documentation of NACP pre-approved training and all other training requirements

· Precise command location, as defined on the D-SAACP Application Form, of new and renewing applicants

· Requests for revoking credentials

· Number of new applicants

· Military Service affiliation of applicant

· Number of and specific applications pending approval

· Number of and specific applications in abeyance

· Number of and specific applicants approved

· Number of and specific applicants who have changed Levels

· Number of and specific applicants who renewed their applications

· Number of and specific applicants who have been denied

· Number of and specific applications closed

· Number of and specific applicants whose credentials have been revoked

· Number of and specific applicants by precise command location

· Number of and specific applicants whose credentials will expire within 60 days

· Number of curriculum reviews (monthly)

· Number of Services’ training reviewed (as necessary)

· Briefings and webinars performed (monthly)

5.2 AD HOC REPORTS

The contractor shall deliver Ad Hoc Reports capturing information specified by SAPRO, template to be provided by SAPRO. The contractor shall ensure that all data that they have access to can be aggregated or provided in various formats in order to accommodate ad hoc requests.

6.0 MANPOWER REPORTING

The contractor shall report ALL contractor labor hours (including subcontractor labor hours) required for performance of services provided under this contract for the SAPRO via a secure data collection site. The contractor is required to completely fill in all required data fields using the following web address: http://www.ecmra.mil/. Reporting inputs will be for the labor executed during the period of performance during each Government fiscal year (FY), which runs October 1 through September 30. While inputs may be reported any time during the FY, all data shall be reported no later than October 31 of each calendar year. Contractors may direct questions to the help desk at help desk at: http://www.ecmra.mil

7.0 DELIVERY SCHEDULE

A summary of deliverables follows. Deliverables are to be provided in electronic file, and/or hard copy, as required.

8.0 CONTRACTOR TRAVEL

Travel may be required for the contractor to perform oversight of trainings and briefings and for D-SAACP review committees meetings. If travel is required, all travel shall be in accordance with FAR 31.205-46 and applicable travel regulations (Joint, Federal or Standardized). Contractor payment claims shall include applicable documentation to support actual costs incurred (e.g., airfare and hotel/lodging receipts) as well as any receipts valued at or above $75.00. Failure to provide appropriate documentation may result in loss of reimbursement of travel expenses.